Work Text:
Left.
Right.
Left.
Right.
Move your feet.
Keep your elbow tight.
Jungkook follows the familiar movements, his arm twisting as he jabs, effectively throwing his opponent out of balance.
Namjoon plops down on the ground with a huff, throwing a frown at the bunny hybrid. Jungkook would grin back victoriously if it wasn’t for the mouth guard. He does just that when he takes it out, deeming the match finished when Namjoon splays out on the ground lazily, stretching his limbs.
“I’m pretty sure this would get you disqualified in a real match, hyung,” Jungkook teases, settling down next to the panda hybrid.
“Well, this isn’t one and you tired me out,” Namjoon gruffs, rubbing his jaw. “I’ll kick your ass if it bruises.”
Jungkook laughs. “You were the one who wanted to fight for real, ” he teases, giggling when he prompts a light kick on his shin.
“Stupid muscle bunny,” the other grumbles, groaning as he pushes himself up, reaching the towel. “I’m gonna hit the showers. ‘You coming?”
“Nah,” Jungkook shakes his head. “I need to finish my workout first,” he says, grinning when the towel gets thrown his way. What can he say? As a bunny hybrid he’s always been more energetic than his fellow hybrid friends. It’s natural, it means he’s healthy, but it also means he needs to find alternative ways to burn off the additional bouts of energy. Working out just happens to be his favorite one.
So, after a big gulp of water, Jungkook aims for the bench press enthusiastically. He freezes when a strange feeling hits him, all of his instincts going haywire. His black ears flatten as he glances around, just in time to catch a tall guy stare at him with disgust for a brief moment. The guy looks away by the time he blinks, leaving the bunny dumbfounded. Jungkook shakes his head, pushing the strange feeling away. He’s just being paranoid. Silly prey instincts. He hates how he gets unsettled whenever a predator hybrid looks at him weird. He is better than this.
Still, Jungkook must admit - at least to himself - that he does go through his routine a bit quicker than usual. He even skips the shower in favor of getting home quicker, aching for the safety of his nest.
The streets are fairly empty given the late hour, which usually gives him solace, but right now, it only unnerves him more. Jungkook feels jumpy and twitchy as he hurries through the empty street, no matter how many times he repeats to himself that he’a just paranoid.
Then he hears the footsteps, following behind him. Jungkook fastens his pace, his heart hammering in his chest. The footsteps behind fasten along with his, its echoes blaring in the otherwise silent street.
Jungkook is undeniably terrified. Every instinct in him tells him to run and hide, but he’s too proud to do that. He can protect himself, despite every cell in his body telling him otherwise.
Jungkook stops, whirling around with a defiant glare.
Nothing.
The street is completely empty.
Jungkook lets out a shuddering breath, raking his hand over his face. What’s wrong with him? He’s usually never this skittish—-
It happens in a blink of an eye. The dark wolf comes out of the bush, its eyes glowing red. The bunny stumbles back with a gasp, terrified. His eyes follow the predator as it circles him, getting closer and closer.
Jungkook knows his only option here is to run. He doesn’t have an ounce of a fighting chance against those sharp teeth and claws, yet he can’t find it in himself to run; no, he’s frozen to the ground,
Jungkook is going to die here. This monster will tear him into pieces and he isn't even trying to fight for his life. He’s just standing there, too terrified to even breathe . how foolish it was of him to think some boxing lessons will protect him, that if he hits a punching bag enough he’ll somehow overcome his own instincts—-
Before the bunny knew it, another dark shadow appeared from behind. Jungkook’s eyes widened with a blend of awe and dread as he registered the other predator’s presence: a majestic snow leopard, twice the wolf’s size. Jungkook’s eyes filled with tears, his breath hitching from the suffocating fear settling in his lungs. It really is the end. There’s no way he can fight off this monster, never mind both of them.
However, much to his surprise, when the feline stepped between him and the wolf, the threatening growls were aimed at the other predator, not him. The wolf froze for a moment, clearly confused, before its instincts took over and it growled back, arching his back to appear bigger. It didn’t faze the leopard. The majestic creature roared and showed his clawed paw, hitting the air with a threatening hiss. The wolf flinched back, its eyes flickering to the bunny hybrid for a split second before he retreated slowly amidst growls, disappearing into the bushes. Jungkook exhales in relief, but it doesn’t last long - the leopard turns to him, its pale blue eyes shining under the light coming from the streetlamp above them. The bunny hybrid holds his breath, too afraid to move. The feline’s gaze doesn't seem threatening and his instincts don’t scream danger either, but his human side is still shaken up. Then, something peculiar happens. The snow leopard meows at him, tilting its head with round, innocent eyes. Jungkook lets out a shuddering breath, chuckling in disbelief as the feline approaches him with slow steps. He isn’t sure what possesses him as he hesitantly reaches out his hand, fingers trembling. The leopard pushes its head against his palm, a deep rumble similar to a purr filling the air. Jungkook scratches its ear like he would do to a simple house cat, the leopard giving his hand an appreciative lick before stepping away. The pale blue eyes look at him again, smart and human-like, before the feline disappears in the darkness.
Jungkook stares after him, shell shocked.
He didn’t even thank the leopard, he realized too late.
❄️🐰❄️
“This is insane!” Namjoon growls, “I’m calling the police,” he reaches for his phone.
“No, hyung, please ,” Jungkook grabs the hand holding the device, his expression pleading, “you and I both know there’s no use. I don’t want to go through all that trouble for nothing.”
Namjoon’s taut shoulders slouch, the fight leaving his gaze. He looks at his friend with sympathy instead, a feeling born out of camaraderie. As a fellow prey hybrid, he doesn’t need an introduction to the broken justice system. Predator on prey aggression is rarely punished, despite it being illegal. Of course, it wasn’t always like that. Prey hybrids were viewed as the lesser species by the law for centuries and some people still believe that.
The world is changing and the people in it struggle to catch up – or straight up refuse . Some would think the new generations would bring a new perspective - and some of them do - but predators of all age view prey hybrids’ equal rights as an infringement of their own ones.
And they are more than eager to make it everyone’s problem.
It wasn’t the first time Jungkook was preyed on. Actually, he doesn’t know a single prey hybrid who didn’t have a violent - or at least threatening - encounter with a predator before – what a depressing statistic. Jungkook is a positive person in general but even he struggles to see the bright side of their situation sometimes. Today is one of those days. He is still upset and shaken up, his stomach clenching in fear just from thinking about what would’ve happened if the snow leopard hadn’t intervened —
Oh, the leopard.
Jungkook hasn’t been able to get those ocean blue eyes out of his mind ever since.
It’s strange, really, how such a large and terrifying animal manages to become a calming presence in an otherwise dire situation. Jungkook can’t help but wonder what his human form is like.
“Do you know about any snow leopards at the university?” he asks, although he doesn’t expect a positive answer. Preys and predators don’t interact much at the school premises, unless it’s absolutely required. Most professors are sensitive enough not to force it though. They try to encourage them to work together, but without much success.
Namjoon stops his pacing finally, sitting down on the bed with a sigh. “No. Honestly, I thought they were extinct,” he says, so deep in thought he fails to register the disappointment on his friend’s face. “You’re lucky it was too busy posturing to that wolf to attack you.”
“I don’t think it wanted to attack me,” Jungkook mumbles, fiddling with the string of his sweatpants. “I think it was — protecting me ,” he says, the panda hybrid looking at him as if he grew another head.
“You mean, it was protecting its dinner ,” Namjoon snorts.
“ Hyu-ung, ” the bunny hybrid whines, his cheeks heating up for no apparent reason. “It didn’t want to eat me, I know what I saw. It even let me pet its head.”
“You petted a freaking —” Namjoon pinches the bridge of his nose with a sigh. “You know what? Never mind. You’re helpless.”
Jungkook only rolls his eyes at his friend’s dramatics with a fond smile. Namjoon is soft-hearted and incredibly easy to befriend, but he is also - reasonably - cautious with predator hybrids. Jungkook can’t blame him. They all had bad experiences with them. The bunny hybrid, on the other hand, is curious and a bit reckless by nature. He is the baby of his family and perhaps a tad bit sheltered — it’s only natural when you’re the youngest of five. Nevertheless, the two of them balance each other out very well. While Jungkook manages to pull Namjoon out of his shell and try out new things - boxing, for instance - the panda hybrid pulls his friend back into safety when he wanders too close to the edge.
However, as careful as Namjoon is, he always entertains his shenanigans. Not because he approves, he simply knows Jungkook is too stubborn to be swayed when he sets his mind on something.
“You won’t rest until you find that leopard, will you?”
Jungkook grins.
“Hyung, you know me so well.”
“Unfortunately,” Namjoon sighs dramatically. “Alright, tell me the plan.”
❄️🐰❄️
“This is insane, even by your standards.”
“It will be fine!” Jungkook says with blind optimism as trots to the cafeteria table occupied by two predator hybrids, dragging his visibly terrified friend along. “We’re at the university. What are they gonna do? Eat us?”
“Who knows? It’s lunch time.”
Jungkook snorts, pulling his friend along unrelentingly. He halts for a bit when the predator hybrids at the table notice him approaching, but quickly discards any doubt and continues trudging towards them.
“Hyung, you are bigger than any of them, in any form,” he points out, partly to reassure his friend, partly himself.
“Yeah, but they have scary sharp teeth,” Namjoon whines, stumbling in his own feet to the point he throws the rabbit hybrid off balance too, the pair almost landing on the predators’ table, literally.
“May I help you?” one of them asks, eyeing them with a mild disinterest in his gaze as he sips on his coffee. Jungkook recognizes him as Min Yoongi, the prodigy of the music department. If Jungkook isn’t mistaken, he’s doing his PhD, and is already offered several positions by entertainment companies. Yoongi should be the least scary of the people around the table - given that he’s a regular cat hybrid with a small frame and mismatched black and white ears nested in his fluffy dark hair - but somehow he has the most intimidating aura of the bunch.
Still, he is part of a circle of feline hybrids, therefore, Jungkook’s best chance to find his leopard.
“Cat got your tongue, little bunny?” the man sitting next to Yoongi purrs with a playful smile, eyeing both of them lazily before his eyes settle on Namjoon. “And what are you, cutie?” he asks, curious.
“Uh,” Namjoon’s eyes widen, his cheeks flushing pink. “I, uhm, I—” he looks at his friend panickedly.
“We’re here to ask you a question, if you don’t mind,” Jungkook interjects, giving the panda hybrid’s arm a reassuring squeeze.
“And what if we do?” the caramel-haired stranger taunts - perhaps, a lion hybrid? Jungkook can’t tell. Felines are so confusing -, tilting his head with a smile. Yoongi observes their interaction with an unreadable expression, his gaze laser-focused on — Namjoon too, for some reason.
“I’ll tell you what kind of hybrid I am in exchange,” Namjoon says bravely, earning an impressed glance from the bunny. “Since you’re so interested.”
“Hm, indeed, I am,” the caramel-haired man says, exchanging a look with the cat hybrid. Jungkook registers some little purrs and trills, the two clearly communicating in their own secret feline language. “Alright, ask away,” the man says, pretty green eyes settling back on Namjoon.
“Uh,” Jungkook clears his throat, attempting to lure the felines’ gazes to himself. It works so well, it makes the hair on his nape stand up. “So, do you know any snow leopards at the university by any chance?”
“A snow leopard? Aren’t they extinct?” Yoongi says, his brows disappearing under his dark bangs. He shares another look with the man sitting next to him - possibly his romantic partner, judging by the possessive hand on his thigh - receiving a small shrug. “Not really.”
“Oh,” the bunny hybrid deflates.
“We know a couple regular leopards though,” the caramel-haired hybrid offers.
“No, thank you,” Jungkook shakes his head, “it’s, uh, one specific snow leopard I’m looking for,” he says, rubbing his arm awkwardly.
“I see,” the man hums with a curious glint in his eyes, propping up his chin with the back of his hand. “Well, don’t give up hope, little bunny. Felines are shy and solitary by nature. We like to keep to ourselves, except—” he glances at Yoongi with a fond smile, “in special cases,” he says. “Except lions. Arrogant pricks. Don’t let the Disney propaganda fool you.”
“I thought you were a lion,” Jungkook blurts out, hissing when his friend pokes him in the ribs warningly.
The caramel-haired man sucks in a harsh breath, clutching his chest dramatically. “Way to hurt my feelings, bunny boy,” he says, with an overtly pained expression, both prey hybrids freezing to the ground. “Anyway,” he sighs, leaning against Yoongi as the latter scratches the base of his feline ear soothingly. “I’m a tiger, thank you very much.”
“I’m, uh, sorry?” Jungkook says - or more like, asks - unsure how to react.
“You are forgiven,” the tiger hybrid says, “but only because your friend is so cute,” he adds cheekily. If he keeps this up, Namjoon is going to combust— “I completed my end of the deal. It’s your turn, sweetheart,” Oh boy.
“I–I’m a panda hybrid,” Namjoon stutters, blushing up to the tip of his ears.
“Mhm,” the tiger hybrid’s eyes glaze over his body lazily, “and your name?”
“Namjoon,” the panda hybrid gulps. “Kim Namjoon.”
“It’s lovely to meet you, Namjoon-ssi. I’m Taehyung, and this is Yoongi,” the brunet introduces themselves, the other cat hybrid acknowledging it with a grunt. Taehyung turns to the bunny hybrid next, eyeing him curiously. “And what’s your name, little bun?”
“First of all, I’m not little,” Jungkook puffs his chest with a serious frown. “And second, my name is Jeon Jungkook. I’m a biology major.”
“Biology, huh? That’s pretty cool,” Yoongi interjects, leaning back on his chair.
“Uh, y-yeah,” Jungkook blinks, his face tinted with a rosy hue. He wouldn’t have imagined someone from the music department - a major that’s universally considered cool - would say something like that. “Thanks, Yoongi-ssi.”
Taehyung listens to their conversation with a little smirk, his pretty manicured fingers tapping on his cheek absent-mindedly.
“So, Jungkook-ssi,” he says, “care to tell us why you’re looking for that one specific snow leopard all of the sudden?”
Jungkook frowns, crossing his arms over his chest . “Not really.” He hears Namjoon suck in a harsh breath next to him, but the bunny hybrid stands his ground, stubborn.
Taehyung lets out a full belly laugh, leaning against his boyfriend’s side. “Spicy. I like you,” he says, green eyes glinting with delight. “Alright, Jungkook-ssi. I didn’t mean to pry,” he says, “although, I must admit, I’m quite invested now.”
The bunny blinks, tilting his head questioningly.
“We will help you find your snow leopard,” Taehyung says. Wide eyed, Jungkook glances at Yoongi for reassurance, but he only shrugs. “We can ask around; perhaps the other leopards know something that we don’t.”
“R-really? Uh, thank you,” Jungkook makes a small bow.
“Don’t thank me,” Taehyung waves him off. “I’m doing this for my own entertainment,” his eyes flicker to Namjoon with a cheshire smile developing on his glossed lips, “and I might have my own personal agenda.”
Jungkook follows the line of his gaze, biting his lower lip to hold back a laugh when he sees his stunned - and very red - friend’s face.
“Great! “We’ll see you around then,” Jungkook grabs the panda hybrid by the arm and drags him away.
“That was — intense,” Namjoon mumbles once they turn the corner, pressing his palm on his chest as he takes a big breath. “I thought they might eat us.”
“Mhm,” Jungkook says, grinning. “I’m pretty sure that is their intention with you, just not the way you initially thought,” he wiggles his eyebrows suggestively, giggling as the other pushes him away with an embarrassed groan.
❄️🐰❄️
“A snow leopard? I thought they were extinct.”
“Yeah. Are you sure it wasn’t just a regular leopard? It must’ve been pretty dark at that hour.”
“No. I know what I saw, hyung,” Jungkook says, stepping out of the way of another student sprinting through the university corridor and almost crashing into him. “It had white fur and distinct, blue eyes.”
“Alright,” Hobi nods. “We believe you, Jungkookie. We were just asking.”
“The fact that he actually defended you is much more unbelievable,” Jin adds.
“Maybe there are some exceptions, even among predator hybrids,” Namjoon murmurs next to them. They all give him looks, ranging from bewilderment to amusement. “What?” the panda hybrids says, his cheeks pink, “I’m just saying,” he shrugs, avoiding his friends eyes.
“Don’t mind him,” Jungkook explains to their friends with a laugh. “He just has this big fat crush on a tiger hybrid — and perhaps his hot cat hybrid boyfriend too?” he adds, snickering as Namjoon attempts to deny the accusations, stuttering through it adorably. “It’s alright, hyung. There is no shame in it,” he teases lovingly.
“Oh, are they hot?” Jin asks, locking arms with the panda hybrid. “Tell me the deets, Joonie. My love life is boring.”
“Yah!” Hobi - his boyfriend - interjects, scandalized.
“By boring I mean healthy and stable, babe,” Jin blows him a kiss.
“That does not make it better at all,” Hobi grumbles. One might take the bickering as a warning sign, but Jungkook just rolls his eyes. Hoseok, a squirrel hybrid, and his hamster hybrid boyfriend have been going strong since high school. Bickering is their love language at this point. It’s either that or making out violently. There is no in between.
“Hobah, why haven't we considered a throuple?” Jin continues teasing.
“Because you demand my full attention, that’s why.”
Jin gasps at his boyfriend’s reply, pretending to be offended, but the snarky banter dies on his lips as soon as said boyfriend distracts him with a quick kiss.
“This is my stop. See you at lunch, guys,” Hobi nods to the dance studio. Jungkook’s eyes naturally look through the glass door, his breath hitching when he spots the most beautiful creature he’s ever seen. The man dances with the grace of a swan, every movement visible despite the oversized clothes covering his limbs. His strikingly blonde - borderline white - hair is tied into a small ponytail, with some fallen out strands covering his eyes —-
“Come on, Kook. We’ll be late for class,” Namjoon pulls on his sleeve gently. Jungkook tears his gaze away from the beautiful stranger, blinking away the memory of the pretty features. He shakes his hand when he elicits a questioning look from his friend, nudging him to continue their walk. The bunny hybrid glances back above his shoulder one last time, just in time to see the bright smile on the stranger’s face as he greets Hoseok.
Jungkook keeps thinking about the stranger all day. There is something so captivating about him, something so familiar — yet, the bunny can’t put a finger on it. Could it possibly be –– ?
“Hyung,” he says during lunch, trying to sound as casual as possible. “Who is that blonde guy at your dance class? I’ve never seen him around.”
“You mean Jiminie?” Hobi mumbles, his cheeks full of pasta. “He's new. He specializes in contemporary dance. Pretty cool guy, although he seems a bit shy,” he says, stuffing more food into his mouth, “especially for a predator hybrid.”
Jungkook perks up. “A predator hybrid?” he repeats, struggling to hide his excitement now.
“Yeah, a cat,” Hobi replies, clearly too invested in his meal to notice the bunny hybrid’s particular interest in the topic. “Some fancy breed probably. He is very pale and that’s his real hair color, believe it or not. I’ve never seen a cat hybrid like him.”
“Oh,” the bunny whispers, dejected. A cat hybrid –– well, it was too good to be true. Suddenly, he doesn’t feel so hungry anymore.
“Well, hello there,” Taehyung’s baritone pulls him out of his thoughts. The tiger hybrid pulls a chair from the table next to them and places it next to Namjoon, sitting close to the stunned panda. Yoongi follows the example and sits on Namjoon’s other side - whose cheeks are growing redder by the second - ignoring the horrified looks on the other preys’ faces. “I’ve come with news, bunny boy,” he says, his determined expression softening into a curious smile when he registers all the attention on him, “oh, where are my manners? Hello, Namjoonie’s friends,” he waves with his fingers sweetly — wait, since when are they on nickname level with Namjoon? Jungkook shoots his friend a questioning look that only makes the panda hybrid turn an even darker shade. “So, as I said before, I have news,” the tiger focuses back on his initial agenda, “we asked around, and no one knows about any snow leopard attending school. In fact, we couldn’t find a single person who knew about any hybrid of that sort at all. Even the leopards were clueless.”
“Oh,” Jungkook’s face falls, his good mood evaporating into thin air.
“But fear not, my medium-sized rabbit friend, there is still hope!” Taehyung points with his index finger for dramatics. “Rumor says,” he leans closer, “back when the humans ruled the world, they used to hunt snow leopards - hybrids or not - for their fur to the brink of extinction. The few that survived went into hiding and they’ve been keeping to themselves ever since. So, it could be that your snowflake is in hiding.”
Jungkook sighs, defeatedly, his shoulders slumping. He feels a warm hand giving his arm a reassuring squeeze.
“I’m sorry, Kook,” Namjoon says with a sympathetic smile. “You tried your best.”
The bunny hybrid furrows his brows. Did he, though? Did he really try his best?
“No,” he says firmly, springing up from his seat. “This isn’t over,” he adds, trudging out of the cafeteria with determination.
“Jungkook! Wait!” He hears his friends call for him, but the bunny is too impatient to wait up. This is the perfect time to set his plan into motion; there is no time to waste.
❄️🐰❄️
“Once again, this is insane .”
Jungkook only rolls his eyes at his best friend’s fretting, pushing his library card into the gap between the door and the doorframe of the university broadcast studio.
“I don’t know. I think it’s kinda romantic,” Taehyung says dreamily, leaning against his boyfriend’s side. Yoongi only smiles at him endearingly, rubbing his arm.
“Breaking and entering?” Namjoon looks at him in disbelief, eliciting a cheeky grin and a shrug.
In the meantime, Jungkook attempts to bend his credit card and slip it under the latch. He fails miserably.
“Damn it,” he curses, throwing his card onto the ground frustratedly. Why does it look so easy in the movies? What a cruel way to crush someone’s hopes and dreams.
“Let me,” Yoongi steps closer, the bunny blinking at him surprisedly. He reaches for the door, the nail on his index finger turning into a long claw. The cat hybrid slips his claw into the lock, twisting it around a couple times with a focused expression before the door unlocks with a small click. “What?” he gruffs once he registers the stunned looks on the others’ faces. “I’m a man of many talents.”
“Indeed, you are,” Taehyung purrs, pulling his boyfriend into his arms to press a passionate kiss onto his lips. “That was so sexy of you, babe,” he murmurs before he presses their mouths together again. Stunned, Jungkook shakes his head in disbelief, then reaches for the doorknob. No time to waste, remember?
“Alright, enough face sucking, guys,” the bunny hears Namjoon grumble faintly as he inspects the equipment inside the room.
“No need to be jealous. If you want to join, just say so, darling,” the tiger hybrid replies, eliciting a scandalous huff from the panda. Jungkook only chuckles distractedly, his fingers brushing through the audio console. It can’t be that hard, right? The grumpy old lady who yells every announcement into it doesn’t look like a tech wizard. The bunny hybrid gasps excitedly when he spots the big red On/Off button next to the headphones, pressing it immediately. The equipment turns on with a soft whirring sound, the On-air light flickering faintly on the side table.
Jungkook grabs the microphone, flinching when his rapid movement echoes throughout the speakers in the form of a loud distortion. His friends outside the door yell in displeasure, pressing their palms onto their ears with a pained expression. Jungkook mouths an honest ‘ sorry’ , then focuses back on the mic with a big, shaky breath.
It’s now or never.
He has to do it before the doubt overpowers his naive determination and he chickens out.
“Uh, h-hello,” Jungkook speaks into the microphone, his voice echoing through the halls followed by some distortion. “I’m Jeon Jungkook, a third-year biology student and a bunny hybrid. I was attacked by a wolf last week, and a kind stranger with blue eyes saved me. If you recognize yourself, please contact me. I promise I won’t reveal your identity if you don’t want me to, I just —” he pauses, choosing his words carefully, “I just want to thank you, whoever you are. That’s all, thank you for listening,” he says, lowering the mic for a moment before he remembers to add something. “And I’m sorry, Miss Choi. I promise I’ll make this up to you somehow!”
Jungkook turns the equipment off with a soft sigh, a blend of nerves and hope wreaking havoc in his heart. It’s already a reach to assume the snow leopard is someone from the university, never mind that they want anything to do with Jungkook –– yet, the bunny can’t help but remember those kind eyes, the warmth radiating from them despite the icy color. Call Jungkook naive for going off that little information, but something deep in his gut tells him that person can’t be bad –– and for some reason, that same feeling tells him he must get to know them.
Let’s hope the snow leopard feels the same way.
❄️🐰❄️
Jungkook’s announcement makes the entire university - and the dorms - buzz with excitement. People murmur between themselves as he walks across them, or they straight up stop him on his way to class, asking about any developments.
Still, it looks like he couldn’t get one particular person’s attention – the one that matters the most.
Or worse: he did get their attention, they simply don’t want to do anything with him.
Jungkook tried his best to ignore the worst case scenario as long as he could, but his failure is glaringly obvious now.
However, if Jungkook is one thing, he's stubborn. He will keep looking, until there is even a slight chance that the snow leopard simply didn’t hear his announcement. In fact, he is ready to break into the broadcasting room and risk another official warning from the dean if that’s what it takes.
His friends, however, don’t share the sentiment.
“Kookie, we love you and support you,” Hobi says carefully, “but is it really worth getting kicked out of the university?”
“It’s fine, hyung. They only kick you out after three warnings though,” the bunny replies, frowning as he chugs down his iced coffee.
“And you already have one!” Namjoon interjects frustratedly.
“Which is less than three,” Jungkook shrugs. Namjoon facepalms so hard his hand leaves a red mark on his forehead.
“Hyung, say something!” Namjoon pleads to Jin, who’s been silently observing their conversation.
“Okay, fine,” Jin says, turning to the bunny with a serious expression. “Jungkook-ah, you can’t get yourself expelled. You need to find a way to continue your search without admitting to your crimes on live broadcast.”
“I shouldn’t have expected Jin to be the voice of reason,” Namjoon facepalms again – his poor head.
“Don’t blame him, he’s too pretty to not be delusional,” Hobi replies.
“Aw, you think I’m pretty?” Jin flutters his eyelashes at his boyfriend, ignoring the covert insult altogether. Delusional, indeed.
“Alright, hyungs,” Jungkook finishes his coffee and stands up, “I have to get to the library before it closes. See you tomorrow,” he says with a small wave. Namjoon looks like he wants to argue, but he decides against it when Hoseok tugs on his sleeve gently, the two sharing a meaningful look.
“Yeah, see you at the dorm, Jungkookie,” the panda hybrid waves back with a soft smile. “Don’t do anything stupid!”
“Not without us, at least!” Jin adds, the bunny hybrid rolling his eyes fondly at his friend’s antics as he leaves the cafeteria.
His friends’ words keep echoing in Jungkook’s head as he browses through the library, picking up the books he needs.
Is it truly just his stubbornness? Jungkook has always been headstrong, but it’s more than that, isn’t it? There is this strange pull, something he can’t exactly explain without risking to sound insane, but it’s there , tugging on his heart like a band.
Perhaps, it’s just a crush, Jungkook concludes as he leaves the library with a stack of books in his arms. He stops for a moment, shivering in the cold winter air as he braces himself for the walk home. Yeah, a crush would explain why he can’t stop thinking about the leopard. Jungkook has always been a crush-y person, but he has never been brave enough to actively seek out the subject of his desire. Take that dancer from Hobi’s class: he still crosses Jungkook’s mind from time to time, but he’d never dare to actually approach him ––
Jungkook takes a wrong step and the ground – or more likely, the ice – slips from under his feet. The bunny yelps, letting go of his books in favor of protecting his head from the fall when suddenly, a pair of hands stop his fall.
“You need to be more careful, little bunny,” the soft, melodic voice says.
Jungkook frowns, turning his head to the man. “I’m not––” the words get stuck in his throat once he recognizes the pretty blonde dancer – Jimin, his name is Jimin. How come he never noticed how strikingly blue his eyes are? They radiate a warmth and softness that are so familiar —
Oh.
Jungkook would recognize those ocean eyes anywhere.
“It’s you,” he whispers, the blue orbs widening in surprise.
“Excuse me?” Jimin blinks — Jungkook just noticed that even his eyelashes are blonde. So pretty.
“You saved my life,” the bunny blurts out excitedly, holding himself back from pulling Jimin into a hug. “I've been looking for you for weeks.”
“I—“ Jimin — his snow leopard — looks around panickedly, probably to check if anyone heard them. “Damnit,” the man curses under his breath, souring the bunny’s mood a bit. Is it really that terrible to meet him? “Look, there’s really no reason to thank me, okay? I–––”
“Just give me five minutes, okay?” Jungkook pleads, even pulling out the big guns: the puppy eyes. “Five minutes. Please. ”
Jimin's gaze softens, something fond taking the place of the initial panic.
“Okay,” he gives in. “Five minutes.”
❄️🐰❄️
Five minutes turned into an hour.
Then two.
Is it too early to say Jungkook is in love?
Jimin is the sweetest, kindest person he’s ever had the pleasure to meet. Jungkook learns he just transferred from a Busan based university - which explains why the bunny hybrid has never seen him before - and that he’s on a dance scholarship. He also finds out that Jimin is incredibly shy and soft spoken, his cheeks turning pink whenever Jungkook attempts to hold eye contact for too long –– it’s so devastatingly pretty the bunny can’t help but keep doing it selfishly.
“You can ask, you know,” Jimin says after a while, their conversation paused for a split second as the waiter takes away their second round of hot chocolate.
“Ask what?” Jungkook replies, resting his head on his palm as he looks at the snow leopard dreamily. He has a vague memory of having a bunch of questions, but it all seems meaningless now.
Jimin’s pretty plush lips curve into a soft smile, fiddling with his half empty glass of water. “Why didn't I reveal myself after your announcement?”
Oh.
Right.
Jungkook almost forgot about the entire ordeal.
“You don’t have to explain yourself, Jimin-ssi,” he replies, “it’s alright if you just didn’t –––” he shrugs, “you know, want to.”
“It’s a bit more complicated than that,” Jimin says softly. “My parents taught me and my little brother to keep our heads down since ––” he winces, “our unfortunate family history. I don’t think it’s necessary, given how the times have changed, but I prefer to not draw attention to myself. I just want to have a regular student experience, I – I don’t want to become a spectacle.”
Jungkook nods with a sympathetic smile, his gaze flickering down to their hands on the table, their pinkies just a breath away from touching – Jimin’s is so adorably tiny, it’s truly devastating – the band pulling Jungkook closer. Still, he resists.
Perhaps sometime in the future.
“Don’t worry, Jimin-ssi. I’ll keep your secret,” Jungkook promises, holding out his little finger.
Perhaps now.
Jimin smiles, locking their pinkies together.
“Thank you, Jungkook-ssi.”
The bunny hybrid’s heart misses a beat as he hears his name from those pretty lips, a giddy smile developing on his own.
“I insist on thanking you somehow though,” Jungkook adds, giggling at the groan he elicits.
“It’s really not necessary. I just did what anyone else would’ve done,” Jimin says with a pretty pink hue adorning his cheeks as he lets go of the bunny’s hand. “Besides, you already paid for the hot chocolate, we’re even.”
“What?” Jungkook gasps, feigning offense. “You can’t possibly think my life is only worth a few cups of hot chocolate, Jimin-ssi?” he says, the other’s eyes widening, immediately starting to apologize, his soft-looking white feline ears downturned. “I’m just kidding,” the bunny hybrid laughs, endeared. “Still, I owe you dinner at least. I insist, Jimin-ssi. It’s the least I can do,” he adds. If he has his own personal agenda, it’s no one’s business.
Jimin contemplates for a long moment, picking on the napkin in front of him. “Fine,” he gives in with a small nod, blinking up at Jungkook from underneath his pretty light eyelashes. “One dinner, okay? Nothing else. I’m older than you, I can’t have you break the bank because of me.”
“Don’t worry, Jimin-ssi, one dinner won’t ruin me financially,” Jungkook giggles, tilting his head as he admires the snow leopard hybrid.
“Alright, I believe you,” Jimin chuckles along. Jungkook notices the snow tiger’s feline ears twitch whenever he laughs — he is so endeared he fears he might burst.
They reluctantly get going once the waitress asks them for the second time if they want to order something else, clearly not happy about them occupying the table without buying anything.
As they step outside, Jungkook pulls his jacket tighter on his body, the cold winter air unforgiving at this time of the year. Jimin though, doesn’t seem bothered. He doesn’t even button his coat — well, it’s his natural habitat after all, right?
“Looks like it will snow soon,” the snow leopard hybrid inspects the gray clouds with a faint smile on his lips, clearly excited by the idea.
Jungkook isn’t a big fan of winter, but he has a feeling Jimin might just make it his new favorite season. The bunny hybrid gasps as an exciting idea comes into his mind, bouncing on his feet a little as he tells it to the other. “We could check out the Christmas lights In Myeongdong! I bet you’d love them, Jimin-ssi,” he suggests, “they look so pretty when it snows.”
“Didn’t we just agree on one dinner?” Jimin asks in a teasing tone, making the bunny flush. “Ugh, you’re too cute. I guess we can take a walk after eating,” he chuckles, reaching over to ruffle Jungkook’s dark curls, his long bunny ears twitching slightly when those chubby fingers brush over them. Wait, did he say cute? “You can call me hyung, by the way,” Jimin adds.
“Okay, hyung,” Jungkook nods softly, his face still warm. “Uh, can I get your number?” he pulls his phone out of his pocket clumsily, pushing it into the snow leopard’s face. Jimin smiles, gently taking his hand and turning the screen to him –– oh, shit, he didn’t unlock it. Jungkook lets the device register his face, his bunny ears flat on top of his head.. Jimin takes the device and types his number in, then slips it into the embarrassed bunny’s pocket.
“See you soon, Jungkook-ah,” he says, walking backwards with a tender smile, “and be careful with the ice,” he adds, then turns around to continue his walk.
Jungkook stares after him, his chest strangely warm despite the cold weather.
❄️🐰❄️
“Wait, wait, hang on. You’re just giving up on your snow leopard? You? ” Namjoon stares at him in disbelief, his eyebrows arching so high his glasses slip down on the bridge of his nose.
“Mhm,” Jungkook replies distractedly, busy trying to choose between two - equally as black - shirts. “You gotta admit defeat sometimes.”
“Jungkook-ah, the last time you lost at a board game, you were salty about it for two months .”
“People change, hyung!” the bunny says, deciding on the first shirt – it suits the black of his cargo pants better anyway.
“No, they don’t,” Namjoon grumbles. Jungkook only chuckles at his reaction, feeling too giddy to argue. He’s been waiting for this totally platonic date with Jimin for days, nothing could ruin his mood. “Something is fishy,” –– except his nosy friends.
“Hyung, just let it go,” Jungkook turns to his friend. “You’re reading too much into it. I’m just trying to be an adult for once,” he lies through his teeth, trying to keep a straight face. The thing is, he is a terrible liar. Namjoon is not convinced at all. “Anyway, I have to go. See ya’,” he checks his wristwatch then grabs his jacket and beanie, hurrying out of the dorm room before the panda could say anything. Jungkook leans against the wall after his successful escape. That was close. He needs to work on his poker face.
Jungkook shakes off the nerves, slipping into his jacket on his way to the exit. It doesn’t matter right now. He’ll deal with his nosy friends later. Now, he wants to focus on Jimin.
He spots the snow leopard right around the corner – arriving early, just like Jungkook – in a cute black beret covering his fluffy blonde hair and an oversized beige jacket paired with some light wash jeans. Clueless about his presence, the snow leopard is building what seems to be a tiny snowman on the backrest of a bench –– Jungkook is devastated. Jimin is too cute to be real.
“Cool snowman,” he says to get the snow leopard’s attention, the latter jumping in surprise.
“Oh, Jungkook-ah, hi,” Jimin waves sheepishly, his hand all pink from playing in the snow — his cheeks though, Jungkook has a hunch they aren’t rosy from the weather. “Sorry, I got distracted.”
Cute, cute, cute.
“It’s okay, Jimin-hyung,” Jungkook grins. “We can play in the snow if you’d like.”
Jimin flushes even more, letting out an embarrassed little chuckle. “Don’t be silly— Ow!”
Jungkook lets out a full belly laugh, pointing at the snow leopard amusedly as the latter brushes the remnants of the snowball off his head.
“You’ll regret this!” Jimin growls – which Jungkook finds more endearing than anything – as he reaches down to grab a handful of snow and throws it at the bunny. Jungkook avoids it with ease, giggling as the other makes another snowball. The bunny manages to throw another handful of snow in the meantime, surprising Jimin so much he falls onto his butt. Jungkook bursts into another fit of giggles, the cute pout on the leopard’s face only making him laugh harder. He does offer a supporting hand to help him up though – only to be pulled down into the snow. Jungkook squeaks when he lands against Jimin’s chest, their foreheads almost knocking together –– oh, Jimin has freckles. So pretty . The more details Jungkook catches, the prettier he becomes – how is that even possible?
It takes Jungkook a moment to register just how close they are, but when he does, his face burns . Jimin is there to help with that though: the leopard sneakily grabs a handful of snow and pushes it into his face.
“Gotcha,” Jimin grins victoriously, giggling as the bunny makes a face.
“That was not fair!” the bunny whines, wiping his face with the back of his hand, “I was distracted!”
“By what, mhm?” Jimin raises his eyebrows challengingly. Jungkook flushes again, eliciting a sweet laugh. “Come on, let’s get up. I don’t want you to catch a cold,” the leopard pats his waist gently.
Yes, Jungkook. Stand up, you simp.
“It’s not me who’s lying in the snow, hyung,” Jungkook mumbles as he gets on his feet, a bit embarrassed it took him so long.
“That’s where I’m in my element, remember?” Jimin says as he follows his example, dusting off his pants. “You don’t have to worry about me, little bun,” he adds with a soft smile, making Jungkook’s heart flutter.
Suddenly, he doesn’t mind being called that. It sounds nice on Jimin’s lips.
❄️🐰❄️
Jungkook is smitten.
Jimin is talking about contemporary dance with that special light in his eyes that people only have when they talk about something they truly love, and Jungkook is completely hooked. He is listening with a stupid smile on his face and probably looks like an idiot, but he can’t be bothered to care.
How could he, when Jimin is talking about babies ?
Well, teaching dance to kids, but still. Apparently, Jimin loves children just as much - if not more - as dancing, so it’s only natural for him to want to combine the two.
“And what about you?”
“Huh?” Jungkook snaps out of his trance, blinking surprisedly.
“What are your plans after graduation?” Jimin asks with a gleeful little glint in his eyes, clearly noticing Jungkook’s love struck puppy behavior.
“Oh, right,” Jungkook smiles sheepishly. “I, uh, want to become a marine biologist.”
“Really? How come?” Jimin asks, genuinely interested.
“I was obsessed with sharks as a kid. I thought they were the coolest animals on earth. I still do,” Jungkook explains in between two bites, his chest growing warm along with his face as his words elicit a soft chuckle.
“That’s cute,” Jimin says with a fond look in his pretty blue eyes. Jungkook grins, feeling a bit silly, but it’s worth it when it makes the leopard hybrid laugh again. He is so devastatingly beautiful when he laughs with his crescent eyes and crooked little front tooth.
“On a serious note,” Jungkook continues, “the oceans cover over seventy percent of the Earth, yet the vast majority of it remains undiscovered. Imagine all the wonderful animals and other living organisms yet to be discovered! I want to be part of that,” he explains enthusiastically.
Jimin hums, taking a sip of his drink through the straw. “Most people would find the unknown terrifying,” he notes with an expectant look in his gaze –– the bunny isn’t sure they are still talking about the ocean.
“Well, maybe I’m not like most people,” Jungkook shrugs, fiddling with his chopsticks. “My curiosity tends to outweigh my fear.”
Jimin’s lips curl into a tender smile, studying the bunny’s features for a long moment. Then, he grabs his chopsticks and finishes up his noodles instead of answering.
“So, tell me about your friends,” the snow leopard switches the topic smoothly, “I’ve seen you hanging around with Hobi.” Jungkook perks up immediately at the mention of his favorite people, jumping into painting a vivid picture of every single one of his friends. He is eager to make Jimin like them as much as humanly possible, though he knows his words won’t ever live up to how amazing those people truly are. He wants nothing more than to introduce them to Jimin, but he knows they would immediately put two and two together and he can’t risk that. He has made a promise to Jimin and he will keep it, even if it pains him to keep secrets from his friends.
It’s easier said than done.
One lunch turns into two, then study sessions. The upcoming exam season is a great excuse to spend more time together, although Jungkook fears he spends more time admiring Jimin’s pretty eyelashes casting a shadow on his pale skin than he does focusing on the textbooks.
He does feel Jimin’s gaze on him too sometimes, which makes focusing even more difficult. And don’t even get Jungkook started on how touchy Jimin became! He was so reserved at first, but now –– Jungkook is suffering.
It started with an accidental bump of their feet under the table that quickly turned into them playing footsie and giggling like children. Gentle touches on his shoulder or arm followed every time Jimin wanted to catch his attention – totally redundant, considering how every nerve in the bunny’s body was focused on the leopard. Still, he wouldn’t complain. Even if everytime Jimin’s touch lingers, he feels like he’ll combust.
Jungkook is a fool in love and it definitely shows, no matter how much he tries to hide it.
On that note, his hyungs are growing more and more suspicious - especially Namjoon - and Jungkook isn’t helping his case by spending so much time away without having a proper explanation of his whereabouts. And whenever he isn’t with Jimin, he is constantly on his phone, smiling giddily at the cute texts the snow leopard sends him. Jungkook is down bad, he even pretends to laugh at the month old memes Jimin sends him. To be fair, the snow leopard could recite him the phone book and Jungkook would still smile like an idiot.
Anyway, the point is, Jungkook feels terrible about lying to his friends, but a promise is a promise.
“Cute pants,” Namjoon mumbles as he watches the bunny hybrid get ready for another not date with Jimin. Jungkook only hums distractedly in response, busy putting his earrings in one by one. “Wait, why are you wearing your cute pants? Are you going on a date?”
Damnit.
“Can’t I just wear cute pants?” he says defensively.
Namjoon’s frown deepens.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he puts his book down. “You only wear tight pants to show off your ass. So, who is it? And don’t you dare to lie to my face again and say you’re going to the library.”
Jungkook opens his mouth, but no words come out. He ran out of excuses, his mind going blank.
“Uh,” he starts, face burning as the panda hybrid looks at him expectantly. “I j-just, uhm,” he takes a step backwards, his heart pounding in his chest, “I have to go,” he squeaks, then sprints for the door.
Once he’s outside, he leans against the old brick wall of the dormitory, taking a deep breath. Fuck. How did this become such a mess? Well, he is a shit liar, for starters.
Jungkook checks the time on his phone, letting out a groan as he sprints again to reach the bus station in time. He’ll make it up to his friend later. For now, the best he can do is not to be late for his study session with Jimin.
❄️🐰❄️
Wearing his tightest pants to sit on a chair for hours probably wasn’t his smartest idea. But then again, Jungkook isn’t known for his wise life choices. Jimin did look a bit flustered when he shrugged off his winter jacket and revealed his outfit at least.
Still, it’s quite difficult to focus on biochemistry with the material of his pants stuck between his buttocks. If skinny jeans come back to fashion, he’ll start wearing skirts.
“Should we take a break?” Jimin asks, eyeing him concernedly when Jungkook glances up from his notes. “You look distracted.”
Indeed, Jungkook is really fucking distracted. He struggles with concentration in general, but these stupid pants are so freaking annoying, he can’t think of anything else – not even Jimin, which is a first.
Stupid, stupid cute pants. All they brought Jungkook was misery.
“Uhm, actually,” Jungkook starts, scratching his neck awkwardly, “I don’t think I can study today, hyung. I can’t really seem to focus.”
“Oh,” Jimin nods, closing his book. “That’s fine. Do you want to take a walk instead? We could grab some hot chocolate to go,” he nods to the café registry.
“No, Jimin-hyung, I don’t want to distract you from studying,” the bunny hybrid shakes his head lightly.
“Jungkookie, we both know these so-called ‘study sessions’ are not about studying,” Jimin says with a teasing smile as he stands up. “Come on,” he offers his hand.
Jungkook blushes, taking the leopard hybrid’s hand with a shy smile.
Jimin doesn’t let go of it.
He keeps holding his hand as they stroll through the busy streets of Gangnam, lacing their fingers together nonchalantly as he talks about his friends from back home.
“Your Taemin-hyung sounds pretty cool,” Jungkook says. He is only a tiny bit jealous, he swears.
“Yeah, he is,” Jimin says, stepping to the side to get out of the way of a little girl on her tricycle. He smiles after the child, his gaze fond. “I miss him a lot,” he says, shifting his focus back to the bunny hybrid. “I’m not the best at making friends.”
Jungkook hums thoughtfully. “I think you’d really like my hyungs,” he says hesitantly, “I mean, you already know Hobi-hyung.”
“Yeah,” the leopard hybrid nods shyly, “he is nice.”
“I’d love to introduce you to them, hyung,” the bunny hybrid says earnestly, “I’m just terrible at lying and I don’t want to put you into an uncomfortable situation.”
Jimin’s gaze softens, his warm hand squeezing the bunny’s reassuringly. “I’m sorry I put you into this situation.”
“It’s worth it,” Jungkook shrugs, downcasting his gaze to hide flush on his cheeks when the leopard chuckles fondly.
“Cute,” he hears Jimin say. It only makes him blush even more. He is pretty sure he is pink to the tip of his bunny ears.
Suddenly, Jimin halts his steps. Jungkook looks up, observing the leopard hybrid’s face in confusion. Jimin’s gaze is fixed on the sky, his nose twitching as if he’s scenting the air. His brows furrow, a deep line of concern appearing between them.
“There is a storm coming, a big one,” Jimin says, pulling him back to where they came from. “We need to get someplace safe.”
Jungkook blinks, the leopard’s words catching him off guard. “Uh, we can go back to the café––”
“No, we could be stuck there all night,” Jimin shakes his head, leading the bunny by the hand with determination, “my place is just around the corner.”
Oh.
Oh.
Jungkook almost stumbles in his own feet as the realization hits him, his face on fire. Still, he follows along diligently, scolding himself mentally for letting his mind wander to dangerous places. It’s for safety reasons, after all. He isn’t sure why a storm would justify such measures – given how they’ve never breached each other’s personal spaces as such – but he isn’t going to complain. Jungkook must admit, he is curious about Jimin’s space. He’d love to see what knick knacks the leopard has scattered around, what books he owns – everything . Jungkook wants to know Jimin in and out, intimately , even. Is he being too much? He’s probably being too much.
Jimin’s posture relaxes when they enter the apartment complex. He slumps against the wall in relief once he presses the elevator button, his gaze flicking to the bunny and filling with worry.
“I didn’t even ask if you’re comfortable coming here,” he says, “I’m sorry, Jungkook-ah, I’m just––” he pauses with a sigh, hesitating to reach out to the other. For a moment, Jungkook thinks he’s going to touch his face – caress it , perhaps – but the leopard’s hand lands on his shoulder instead. “I’m very protective of you,” Jimin admits quietly, his palm slipping down the bunny’s arm. Jungkook feels warm, Jimin’s touch burning even through the thick winter layers he is wearing. “Please don’t hesitate to tell me if I’m being too much.”
Jungkook shakes his head, words failing him in the light of the tender confession. “You aren’t, hyung,” he mumbles after a long moment, “I –– I like it,” he admits, blushing as he sees those plump lips stretch into a soft smile.
The elevator dings, cutting the tender moment short.
“Come,” Jimin laces their fingers together again, pulling him into the hall. Excitement bubbles up in Jungkook’s belly, his heart beating with excitement. Who would’ve thought he’d end up here? Not him, surely. Willingly stepping into a predator hybrid’s territory would have sounded like an insane idea just a month ago.
Stepping into the apartment, Jungkook takes in the view. The studio apartment is small, but full of personality and warmth from the small desk crowded with materials to the jam-packed closet. There is a big window above the bed, already decorated with fairy lights and small trinkets lining on the ledge; Jungkook makes a mental note to take a peek at the pictures, hoping to catch a glimpse of Jimin’s friends and perhaps put a face to all the sweet stories. But what truly catches his attention is the bed itself: it’s covered in several soft blankets and pillows, all carefully positioned ––– it’s a nest, Jungkook realizes.
“I know it’s not very predator hybrid of me, but it soothes me,” Jimin explains bashfully, a pretty pink hue adorning his full cheeks. Indeed, nesting is deemed as ‘prey behavior’ and most predator hybrids see it as something beneath them. It’s silly if you ask Jungkook. Nesting is the most effective way to self soothe, but apparently, predator hybrids are too cool for that.
“It’s a pretty nest, hyung,” Jungkook says, relishing the way Jimin blushes, ducking his head to hide it.
“Thank you,” the leopard hybrid says, “would you like some tea?” he changes the topic.
“Actually, could you give me a pair of sweatpants first?” Jungkook asks sheepishly. “These jeans are killing me.”
“Sure,” Jimin chuckles, ruffling his hair sweetly
The snowflakes started drifting lazily from the sky by the time the kettle was brought to a boil, covering the ground in a blanket of white powder. Just as Jimin has predicted, it turned into an angry swirling mass obscuring anything but a few meters in front of the window, the wind howling like a tortured animal. Jungkook watches it through the window in horror with a warm cup of tea in his hands, relieved he is in a safe and warm place instead of being exposed to the elements.
“Don’t worry, it will pass by the morning,” Jimin says to him, placing a reassuring hand on the small of his back.
“How did you know?” Jungkook asks, the leopard hybrid tilting his head in confusion. “About the storm, I mean.”
“Oh,” Jimin nods, taking a sip from his steaming beverage. His hand slips away from Jungkook’s waist, the bunny missing the warmth of it immediately. “Most snow leopards can tell. I can’t really explain why,” he says. “My mom says we’re more in touch with our animal side.”
Jungkook reacts with a hum, contemplating for a minute. “It makes sense,” he nods, “many animals can detect severe weather changes from the sudden fall in atmospheric pressure.” The bunny looks at the other when he receives no answer, pouting confusedly at the fond smile on Jimin’s features. “What?”
“That was so nerdy, Jungkook-ah.”
The bunny hybrid pouts even more.
“In a cute way!” Jimin laughs, leaning against Jungkook’s side. The closeness makes the bunny short-circuit, forgetting what he was whining about altogether. Lord, he is so easy, it’s embarrassing.
“Wait, did you say by the morning ?” the realization hits Jungkook, looking at the leopard hybrid worriedly.
“Yeah, I think so,” Jimin nods with an apologetic smile. “You should stay the night,” he says, his confidence wavering when he sees the bunny hybrid’s stunned expression. “I mean, if you’re okay with that,” he adds hesitantly.
“Yeah,” Jungkook agrees shyly. “I like spending time with you, hyung.”
Jimin smiles, all soft around the edges.
“I like spending time with you too,” he replies, giving his hand a little squeeze. “Should we give studying another try now that you’re comfortable?” he adds teasingly, the bunny agreeing with a little blush.
The pair does end up trying, but it eventually morphs into a discussion about the comic books Jungkook spots on Jimin’s bedside table. Following some encouragement, Jimin ends up showing the bunny hybrid the entire comic collection he hides under the bed, blushing profusely when Jungkook teases him about it. Needless to say, no studying happens after that. They get lost in reading the comics together and talking about their favorite ones until it’s late at night and their eyelids grow heavy.
It’s strange just how comfortable Jungkook feels getting ready for bed. He usually isn’t comfortable sleeping over at anyone’s – he likes his own space, sue him – but Jimin somehow makes it so easy.
Everything is easy with him, as if it was meant to be.
“Are you sure you’re okay with me sleeping in your nest?” Jungkook asks once he’s out of the shower in a fresh pair of pajamas Jimin has lent him.
“Yeah, of course,” Jimin nods, although he looks like there is something else he wants to add. Jungkook looks at him questioningly, tilting his head. “Uhm,” Jimin rubs his arm, awkward. “I usually sleep in my animal form. It helps me sleep better.”
“Oh,” Jungkook’s eyes widen. “I don’t mind,” he says with an encouraging smile. “Actually,” he purses his lips, contemplating, “it’s been a while since I’ve shifted,” he adds, relishing the relieved expression on Jimin’s beautiful face. “I think we will fit much more comfortably on the bed this way,” the bunny wrinkles his nose, eliciting a sweet little chuckle.
Once they shift, Jungkook hops onto the bed, sniffling around the nest with content. It all smells like Jimin, a scent he couldn’t really name in his human form as it is very subtle, but now he thinks it might be a blend of pine and something woodsy. The bed creaks under Jimin’s weight as he climbs up, stretching out on the bed with a satisfied little huff. Jungkook hops closer to him, closer to the source of the comforting scent, burying his nose into the soft fur on the leopard’s neck. Jimin bares his neck for him, his chest rumbling with a deep purr. Possessed by a sudden animalistic idea, Jungkook rubs his chin against the leopard’s fur, hoping to stick some of his own flowery scent onto him. He’s only pleased when he starts to smell their combined scents, finally laying down now that he’s marked his –––
It takes Jungkook a moment to realize what he has done in his bunny form. Things are a bit blurrier this way, but somehow simpler too. If you want something, you should do it – things aren’t that easy in the complicated world of humans.
If he was capable of it in his animal form, Jungkook would probably blush. Scenting each other is incredibly personal, at least for bunnies. Felines show affection with grooming instead, so he isn’t sure Jimin understands the implication of his action. Either way, the leopard seems very pleased, purring happily in his sleep. He even places his paw on top of the bunny, covering him like a weighted blanket.
Jungkook has the best sleep of his life.
❄️🐰❄️
The bunny hybrid wakes up well rested, stretching his legs with a little yawn as he blinks his eyes open. He looks to the side, his nose twitching in confusion when he finds the leopard’s side empty. Then, his sensitive ears pick up the rustling from the other side of the studio apartment, finally spotting Jimin in the kitchen area, now in his human form.
Jungkook contemplates shifting for a moment, but decides he is too sleepy for it. He hops off the bed, huffing in displeasure, when his paws slip on the floor. God, he hates linoleum. He skips to the kitchen carefully, his nose twitching when Jimin doesn’t notice him. If he could pout in his animal form, he would. He thumps with his hind legs instead, trying to gain the leopard hybrid’s attention.
“Oh, hello there,” Jimin smiles as he spots him.
Jungkook thumps again.
“Someone is grumpy in the morning,” Jimin laughs fondly, leaning down to scratch the bunny’s head. Jungkook leans into the touch without a second thought, not bothered by bashfulness and other human problems in his bunny form. “I’m sorry if I woke you up, little bun,” Jimin continues softly, the prey hybrid’s eyes fluttering closed from the affectionate touches, his feet instinctively starting to kick when Jimin reaches a particularly ticklish spot on his neck. “I was just trying to make some coffee at least, since I don’t have anything you can eat for breakfast,” he explains. “I’m sorry, next time I’ll buy some prey hybrid friendly groceries.”
Right. Feline hybrids are all carnivores. They need to eat meat to stay healthy, unlike prey hybrids like Jungkook, who live off a vegan diet happily.
Wait, next time? Jungkook’s sleepy brain finally registers the implication of Jimin’s words, his happy chirrups eliciting a chuckle.
“I didn’t think it was possible for you to become cuter, but here you are, always surprising me,” Jimin says, lips stretching into a sweet smile as the bunny bumps his nose against his head, asking for more pets. “Oh, wait,” Jimin gasps, a lightbulb moment. “I think I have some bananas left. My stomach can’t handle much outside my traditional diet, but I do indulge in fruits sometimes; in moderation, of course.” Jungkook- although a bit upset that the ear scratches stopped again- perks up at the mention of fruit, his stomach growling. He chirrups again, hopping excitedly.
Jimin giggles at his enthusiasm fondly, then pads to the other side of the kitchen to grab something from the counter Jungkook can’t see from this height. The leopard hybrid comes back with a deliciously ripe looking banana and places it on the table. Then, he grabs a kitchen towel and lies it down next to the banana.
“May I?” he reaches for the bunny, who hops into his hands without a second thought. Jimin lifts him to the table with care and places him on the towel. Jungkook is grateful for the leopard’s thoughtfulness, he doesn’t want to deal with the slippery countertop when he should be focusing on breakfast. Jimin peels the banana with precision, holding it out for Jungkook. The bunny hybrid chomps on it happily until he finishes half of the fruit, flopping down on the towel with his belly full. Jimin watches him with a soft smile, finishing off the leftovers. Jungkook tilts his head, blinking at him questioningly. “It must’ve been a while since you shifted, hasn’t it?” Jimin says knowingly.
Well, yes. The dorms aren’t really a place one would want to shift. The preys and the predator hybrids are on different floors, but Jungkook still wouldn’t feel comfortable. Being in his animal form makes him feel vulnerable, something he only allows himself around certain people –– certain people he has certain feelings for.
Everything is so much simpler in his animal form. Even feelings. Perhaps, he truly should shift more.
Jungkook nudges Jimin’s hand, giving it a small lick. He wishes he could reach Jimin’s head and groom him properly to express his feelings –– he usually doesn’t mind the lack of human speech when he shifts, but he finds himself growing frustrated with it now.
“It’s pretty nice, isn’t it?” Jimin continues, letting the bunny lick his hands carefully. “Maybe you can shift more now that––” he pauses, hesitating for a moment, “that, uhm, that you can come here anytime if you want to. B-because you can,” the leopard hybrid starts to ramble, his cheeks growing red. It’s the first time Jungkook saw him stumble over his words like this and he can’t help but find it adorable. He gives Jimin’s palm another little lick before he pushes his head into it, demanding pets. Jimin chuckles, visibly relieved that the bunny stopped his awkward stuttering. “I like spending time with you – that’s what I wanted to say,” Jimin says after some comfortable silence. “And I hope we can spend even more together in the future,” he adds, eyes glowing with something warm, something beautiful.
Jungkook really wishes he could talk right now.
Or just be tall enough to kiss Jimin silly.
Perhaps, he should shift.
“Alright, I’ll go wash up,” Jimin pulls him out of his thoughts, booping the bunny’s nose and making it twitch adorably. “I put out some clothes for you in case you feel like shifting. There is no rush,” the leopard hybrid adds with a smile before he disappears in the bathroom.
❄️🐰❄️
All of Jungkook’s determination disappears along with his bunny fur. Once he shifts, his natural timidness comes back with full force, making it difficult to even look into Jimin’s eyes without blushing. Still, he notices the leopard smiling at his bashfulness from the corner of his eyes. It only makes him blush even more.
God, he is hopeless.
Jimin insists on walking him home. They don’t talk much – Jungkook is too flustered to hold a conversation – but he holds the bunny’s hand all the way to the dorms and that’s enough.
“So, this is me,” Jungkook says awkwardly once they reach his dorm room, willing himself to look at the other. Jimin smiles at him, his gaze soft. He is still holding Jungkook’s hand, thumb brushing over the back of his hand. “Thank you for walking me back, hyung.”
“It’s no problem. I’d take any excuse to spend more time with you, ” Jimin says and all Jungkook can focus on now are his lips, his head empty. Damnit. Jungkook tears his gaze away with an audible gulp. Why can’t he just behave like a normal human being? It’s not like he doesn’t know that the attraction is mutual. Jimin likes him, he knows it, yet –– the feeling is so intense, so overwhelming, it paralyzes him. “Jungkookie,” Jimin’s soft tone puts an end to the train of his thoughts, “am I doing too much?”
“Huh?” the bunny hybrid blinks, finally lifting his head to look at the other. Jimin’s eyes are full of worry, his mouth pressed into a thin line. He studies Jungkook for a long moment before he speaks again.
“I feel like I’m overwhelming you. I’m truly sorry about it, I’m just ––” Jimin pauses with a soft sigh, playing with the bunny hybrid’s fingers absentmindedly, “I’ve never felt something like this –– so in tune with someone, like I’ve known you forever,” he continues, lifting his gaze bashfully. “Do you feel it too?”
Stunned, Jungkook nods, his heart drumming wildly in his chest.
“You aren’t too much. In fact, I can’t get enough of you,” he steps closer hesitantly, “ and I do feel it, hyung. I really do.”
Jimin’s face brightens, so devastatingly beautiful. He lets go of Jungkook’s hand, but only to caress his face instead, leaning closer and closer until ––
Then the door rips open.
“I knew it!” Namjoon yells, the pair jumping apart in horror. “I knew you were hiding someone hot from me, you sneaky little brat!” he wags his finger at Jungkook vehemently, his face growing red –– or was it red already? Jungkook takes in his friend’s disheveled look, the messy hair, the red, puffy lips, then his eyes flick to the view behind him.
Of course.
The audacity.
“I was planning to tell you after you admitted that you’re in throuple,” he notes blankly, nodding at two familiar felines lazing on his otherwise extremely tiny dorm bed. How on earth it fits the three of them is a mystery to Jungkook.
Now, that shuts Namjoon up immediately, his face growing a burgundy shade now.
“Hi, Jungkookie,” Taehyung waves at him with his fingers with a smug grin, thriving on the chaos, clearly. “Hi, hot boyfriend who––” he drawls out the last vowel, squinting at Jimin suspiciously, “I assume might be of kin?”
“Oh,” Namjoon blinks, eyes going back and forth between his boyfriend- one of them, at least- “ Oh .”
Jungkook sees the moment it clicks in the panda hybrid’s head. He looks at Jimin, his concern only doubling when he spots the signs of shock on the leopard hybrid’s features.
“I’ll, uh,” Namjoon glances behind his back, sharing a look with Taehyung, “sorry,” he turns back with a small smile. “How rude of me. I’m Namjoon, Jungkookie’s roommate,” he offers his hand to Jimin.
The snow leopard shakes it with a hesitant smile, overwhelmed. “Jimin. Nice to meet you, Namjoon-ssi.”
“So, uh, you guys want to come in or–––” Namjoon mumbles, scratching his neck awkwardly.
“No!” Jungkook cuts him off, his face burning. Taehyung’s snort in the background doesn’t help either. “We’ll go and grab a coffee, right, hyung?” he looks at Jimin pleadingly, who nods vehemently, clearly just as uncomfortable with the premise as he is. Taehyung is full out cackling now. “Have fun!” Jungkook says as he drags a stunned Jimin away, “and put a sock on the doorknob next time!”
“I’m sorry about that,” the bunny hybrid says once they round the corner. aiming for the exit.
“Are they –– you know,” Jimin asks with a vague hand gesture, his cheeks pink.
“Yeah, I fear so,” Jungkook replies with a grimace, both of them giggling at the ridiculousness of the situation. “One would think Joonie would have his hands full with two boyfriends, yet he still finds time to be nosy.”
Jimin quiets down at those words, his eyes downcast as they cross the street. “He knows, doesn’t he?” he asks quietly. “He knows I’m the leopard you were looking for.”
Jungkook halts his steps, turning to face Jimin with his full body. “He probably does,” he admits, taking both of the leopard hybrid’s small hands into his own. “I’m so sorry, hyung. I’ll talk to him and make sure he won’t say a word to anyone.”
“It’s okay,” Jimin lifts his gaze, lips curling into a soft smile. “From what you’ve told me, he seems like a good person.”
“He is,” Jungkook smiles back, relieved. “He won’t say a word, I promise.”
“I trust you,” the leopard hybrid says, making the bunny’s heart miss a beat, “besides, I don’t want you to lie to your friends if we’re, uhm,” he steps closer, blushing.
“We’re what, hyung?” Jungkook asks on a soft tone, his chest growing warm.
“If we get closer,” Jimin adds bashfully.
“Yeah?” Jungkook says cheekily, “how close?”
“As close as you let me,” Jimin replies, gasping when the bunny hybrid pulls him into his arms. “Oh, okay, that’s pretty close,” he jokes, eliciting a giggle.
“So, where were we?” Jungkook flutters his lashes sweetly, holding his breath as Jimin leans in. It feels like the word stopped spinning on its axis. The universe holds its breath with him, letting out the air in relief when Jimin’s mouth melts against his. Everything makes sense and nothing does at the same time. Jungkook’s mind feels hazy, his heart wanting to jump out from between his ribcage, the frantic bump bump bump s telling him that he is exactly where he’s supposed to be.
Could it be?
Jimin lets out a shaky sigh against his lips, seemingly just as overwhelmed as he is. He cups Jungkook’s face gently, letting their foreheads touch as he tries to gather himself.
“Is boyfriend close enough?” Jungkook says breathily, eliciting a beautiful smile.
“That’s a good start,” Jimin replies, pecking his lips once again. “I believe we’ll get even closer with time,” he adds with a meaningful look –– oh, he feels it too.
It’s fate.
It has to be.
As crazy as it sounds for a prey and a predator hybrid’s meeting to be orchestrated by the universe, Jungkook believes it wholeheartedly. They might’ve been a whole world apart from each other, but that doesn’t mean they should be, Jungkook knows that much.
And it’s enough.