Archive of Our Own ^beta

Jungkook couldn’t find the sock he put on before bed. He knew he had the tendency to kick his blanket while sleeping, but losing his sock in the process? Well, he guessed it wasn’t really impossible. So he grabbed a new one. Just one of them because he was too lazy to take off the one he already had and walked out of his room.

He purposely dragged his feet to the kitchen so that the socks made every step smoother and Jungkook loved that feeling. A faint smell of toast and butter greeted him once he stood in front of the kitchen island. More hint of life when he noticed sounds of water hitting the flowers inside the apartment. His day started off on a good note.

The cereal box felt lighter than he remembered the day before. He peeked through it and realized it would be the last portion before he ran out. “Hyung!” he called out. When he got no response, Jungkook waddled to where he thought his hyung was.

“Hyung, we need to buy more cereals.”

“Morning, Kook-ah,” Jin greeted, hand still busy cutting some dead leaves from his dear plants. “You forgot to water these babies yesterday.”

Jungkook cringed, hoping Jin wouldn't turn around to give him the look and add more weight to his guilt. “Guilty.” He said, waiting for a few beats to continue for good measure. “Sorry, hyung, I really forgot to do it before I left for work. I went to sleep right after I came back too.”

“It’s alright, Kook.” Jin said, finally turning his attention to Jungkook instead of the plants. “You’re working hard.”

“You worked harder, though. I’m just… accompanying all sorts of people painting. Making sure kids are not trying to eat the paints too.” He chuckled, hitting the cereal box awkwardly a few times because suddenly he felt shy under Jin’s attention. “Did everything go well for you yesterday?”

“Oh, yeah.” The smile that was forming on Jin’s face was enough confirmation that Jungkook didn't have to worry about anything. “We’ll be producing the new catalog in about a month.”

“God, I’m so proud of you, hyung!” Jungkook almost threw the cereal box in his hand but remembered he’s standing around Jin's precious plants. So he gently put the box down and went to give his hyung the tightest hug he could offer. “Mr. businessman is on a roll this year!”

“Quit calling me that, Kook.” Jin groaned as he tried to peel Jungkook off of him. “Sounds weird.”

Jungkook finally let Jin go, but not after he put a good pout for fun. “We both know you have a daddy kink.” Jin's scandalous expression forced a laugh out of Jungkook. “What about oppa ?” Jungkook said, making his voice a few pitches higher when he said oppa just to tease Jin.

“God, stop… How do you have the energy to do that right after waking up?” Jin protested, voice muffled due to his face being hidden under his palms. Jungkook, though, took it as a win. His hyung could hide his face, but the tip of his ears never lie.

“It’s oppa. Confirmed.”

“Go make your cereal already and go to work.” Jin said after he took a big sigh. “And wipe that dumb grin off your face.” Jungkook only grinned wider when the tip of Jin’s ears got even redder. “I’m going to disown you, Jeon Jungkook.”

“Hey! Don’t turn your back on me, hyung. I’d starve without your cooking.”

“You literally can cook, you’d survive the apocalypse.”

Jungkook understands Jin well. He knew all his buttons and the right amount of times to push them for his neutral chaotic agenda. But Jin also knew him well. Maybe too well for his own good. Jungkook couldn’t possibly lie or hide his burdens from Jin. His hyung would always find a way to make him communicate about it. Or on days Jungkook refused to talk about it, he would find his comfort food ready for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Upon coming back to the kitchen, Jungkook grabbed the bowl he usually used for cereal. He believed cereal needed to go first or else he would put too much milk and make everything overflow. He knew Jin would argue with how he could measure it not to make it overflow. But really, who measures their cereal, right?

He opened the refrigerator, hand moving by muscle memory to grab the milk. Something fell and hit his socked foot when he closed the door. It was a photo of him and Jin on the day of Jin’s clothing brand opening. He had blue hair and Jin had his hair slicked back. Jungkook remembered he didn’t shut up about how good his hyung looked that day. Amused everytime Jin blushed and had to pinch his waist when he kept mentioning how expensive Jin looked. To be completely honest, he was a little bit tipsy that day.

After a trip back down the memory lane, Jungkook stuck the photo back using the duck magnet they bought on a sketchy street during their trip last summer. It was also the photo they took during Jungkook’s university graduation. He remembered vividly how Jin got slightly annoyed that the sound system for his graduation was better than the one for his own graduation.

“Does making cereal take you that long, Kook?”

Jungkook jumped, completely forgetting what he was doing if Jin didn’t come and bring him back to reality. He finally opened the milk and poured the right amount of milk for his cereal, humming happily as he grabbed a spoon. “Do you think we should plan a vacation?”

“For Summer?” Jin said as he approached Jungkook. “Maybe we should plan it for when the weather’s a little bit nicer. Like… Fall?”

“I wanna go surfing though,” Jungkook could handle heat better than Jin. He would do all those spontaneous activities while Jin sat under some sort of shade. Could be a tree, a random little shop, or a shadow of a building at the right moment and angle. 

“We can have a picnic and rent a bike. I know a park near my clothing store that rents them.” Jin nudged him. Jungkook knew it was his cue to sit rather than standing while eating. Jin grabbed his mug and poured himself some water.

“Ooh I remember how much I used that mug back in your old apartment.” Jungkook said with a mouthful of cereal. He rolled his eyes after seeing Jin squinting his eyes towards him. “You taught me how to make mug brownies and that saved my boring dorm life.”

Jin smiled at what Jungkook said. Probably remembering some fond memories he had back in his old apartment. The chair creaked against the floor and Jin had to adjust his sitting position a few times to accommodate his long legs. “Great times.” He drank the last bit of water in his mug. “I remember how you had the weirdest attachment to my sofa. Like… I never get a good rest there but you would be—” Jin made an exaggerated pose of Jungkook sleeping, perfect with a tongue out.

Jungkook gave Jin a light neck-chop. “Stop, I look beautiful when I sleep,”

“Mmhm, believe what you want to believe, Kook-ah.” Jin plopped his head on Jungkook’s shoulder. He tried to adjust the position five times until it was comfortable for him. Jungkook’s shoulders of course are not as wide as Jin’s shoulders.

Jin smelled like soil and the vitamin he gave his plants earlier. Jungkook thought it was a wild fact that there are vitamins for plants. “Do you have to go to the store today, hyung?”

Jin shook his head. His hair tickled Jungkook’s neck. “You have work though,”

“Yeah, but I’d be back before the sun sets.” Jungkook said, finishing his last spoon of cereal. He playfully shoved Jin’s head from his shoulder and hurriedly got up and walked to the sink before Jin could tickle him for revenge. He giggled to himself when Jin groaned in annoyance. “Don’t miss me too much, roommate.”

“So I’m just your roommate?”

“Okay, friend.”

Jin scoffed. “Only a friend? After what we’ve been through?” He said in fake annoyance.

“God,” Jungkook sighed, patting down his wet hands on his washed-out sweatpants. “What do you want me to call you then?”

Jin hummed, crooked fingers drumming on the table. “I don’t know… maybe lord and savior?”

He saw the grin slowly forming on Jin’s face, followed by his squeaky laugh Jungkook could recognize anywhere. “That’s stupid.” Jungkook simply said as he walked back to where Jin was, splashing the remaining water on his hands on Jin’s face. “Bye, I need to shower,”

“I hate you, Jungkook.”

“That’s not what you said las—”

“FUCK YOU!” Jin screamed but Jungkook had already closed the door to his room, muffling Jin’s continuous rant echoing through the apartment.

***

Jungkook loves his work. He loves art, he loves interacting with people around his comfort area where he knows where things are and how to use it. Not to mention the little kids with sometimes bizarre imaginations coming to try the painting workshop. Though most of the time they turned it into messy-paint-playing time when they usually got scolded at doing it at home. But today, a good amount of adults came in too. Friends who wanted to take some aesthetic pictures for their Instagram, some familiar faces who regularly went there to relieve some stress, and couples trying new activities for their dates.

“Wow, that’s wonderful!” Jungkook said as he passed through a really well mannered kid. He was painting in silence from the start and had every paint and brushes placed neatly beside him.

“Thank you,” He ducked shyly, almost looking like he was trying to hide his painting from Jungkook. So Jungkook decided not to push any more compliments further before moving to check on another kid.

“Hey, are you having fun?”

“Yup!” She nodded excitedly. “I am painting my secret!”

“Ooh, can I see the secret?” Jungkook played along. Yes, it’s his job, but also because he knew what any kid wanted him to do in that kind of situation.

“Yes, but don’t tell my mom, please,” With that permission, Jungkook looked at the kid’s painting and offered her some sort of shocked reaction. A little acting was not hard for Jungkook. “Do you think mom could tell?”

“Hmmm,” Jungkook's brain worked hard to form an answer as he analyzed different colors and sizes of just… blobs on the canvas. “I don’t think so. You did a great job hiding it!” His answer seemed to satisfy the little girl so he left, walking back to his usual spot. Even though he needs to supervise everything, his boss also told him not to distract the customer too much. So Jungkook let them have their own fun before some of them asked him for help or looked like they needed his help. 

The place is quite famous in the area so most days, they were already full from people booking a spot in the workshop a few days before. But some days, like today, the place is not full and people are free to walk in and paint. So Jungkook didn’t worry when he heard his co-worker talking with a customer who sounded like they came here unplanned. He quickly finished putting new stocks of paints at the back and went back outside in case someone needed assistance.

Jungkook knows how attractive people look. Because of course, he’s spent years with Jin. He should know what attractive looks like. But the new stranger, someone who's voice he just heard before looked so out of place yet so in his element at the same time. He sat on the chair that looked too small for his long legs and the A5 canvas looked like it was smaller compared to his long fingers. For some reason the attractive stranger’s outfit looked a bit too ‘clean’ for him to wake up and decide to come and paint here. The black apron still looked good on him though, and Jungkook shouldn’t judge someone else just by their choice of clothing.

“Jungkook?” Taehyung poked his cheek with a brush, trying to get his attention. “Why are you spacing out?”

“I was in my head, sorry.” Jungkook gave Taehyung a smile, hoping it would convince his co-worker. “What do you need?”

“I was kidding,” Taehyung smacked his back playfully. “I knew you were looking at that long legs hottie.”

“Ugh, of course you are.” Jungkook gave Taehyung a playful smack on his back. “You have eyes and ears everywhere.”

“Ah, sorry Jungkook-ah, you were at the back so I helped him.” Yoongi remarked casually as he approached them as if he knew exactly what they were talking about.

“You’re both weird,” Jungkook said pointedly, as he does often, but Yoongi and Taehyung seemed proud of getting on Jungkook’s nerves. “Also, keep your voice down or he might hear you.”

“What? Hear that our little Kookie found him attractive? He would be happy, right, hyung?” Taehyung deliberately spoke a bit louder than before. Jungkook knew the stranger couldn’t possibly hear it but what if he has some sort of super hearing besides those super long legs?

“I swear to god I’ll ask Mrs. Choi to switch my shift just so I can be free from you.”

Taehyung scoffed, hands skillfully arranging the new paints before he turned back to Jungkook. “Yeah, as if you’d want to work with Sharon. Do you want her to accuse you of flirting with his boyfriend again?”

A shiver ran through Jungkook’s back. That was a bizarre and most upsetting experience he ever had. “I was talking to him like I was talking to any customer. I also didn’t even know she had a boyfriend. The girl was insecure and was projecting it onto me.”

“Alright, alright, back to work kids.” Yoongi came back with new stocks and ushered them both to help him. Of course, not before Jungkook took a second glance at the attractive stranger.

***

Jungkook heard a familiar song blaring through the apartment as he unlocked the door. Jin was singing along until he heard Jungkook walking in. His head popped out of the kitchen. His favorite purple apron neatly tied around him.

“Welcome home, Jungkookie.” Jin sounded like he was having a good time cooking dinner. “Was the music too loud?”

“Nope. Only once I opened the door.” Jungkook confirmed as he dropped his bag to the sofa. He noticed leftover mug-brownies Jin probably made after Jungkook mentioned it earlier in the morning. He smiled and sneakily took a spoonful of it.

“You can finish it.” Jin said from the kitchen. Both the sound of the music and the knife hitting the cutting board almost drowned his voice.

“Seriously, do people have eyes behind their back? You, Taehyung, and Yoongi… I feel like I’m being watched 24/7.”

Finally Jin lowered the music down. “I know you very well, Kook.”

“No shit,” Jungkook responded with a mouthful of the mug brownies. He walked to the kitchen with the mug. It would be efficient to finish it on the way then putting it in the sink once he’s in the kitchen. “What are you cooking?”

“Steak because I’m feeling fancy tonight,” Jin grinned, showing Jungkook the already seasoned meat. It did look like an expensive cut of meat. “Also, please wash your hands.”

“I will, hyung.” The water from the sink felt fresh hitting Jungkook's skin. The walk from his workplace wasn’t that far but it sure made him sweat a bit. “Ugh, I still got paint on my nails. Maybe I should take a shower before eating.”

“Whatever makes you comfortable.” Jin hummed in satisfaction at the sound of the sizzling meat. “Damn these are some thick meat. I could slap them all day.”

“Please don’t talk dirty to the food, hyung. I’d visualize it and lose my appetite.”

“What? They are thick and juicy. I’m just trying to appreciate them.” Jin side eyed Jungkook before bringing his attention back to the meat. The corner of his mouth tugged up, pushing his cheeks, making him look a bit chubby. Jungkook has a few pictures of Jin’s cheeks on his phone and he was quite proud of it.

“Alright, I’ll come back after showering.”

“You’re warm.” Jungkook’s breath fanned on Jin’s neck as he hugged his hyung from the back. Hair damp, the flowery scent of the shampoo Jin bought him lingered softly in the air. “I swear your torso is made to be comfortable.”

“You’re just clingy.” Jungkook didn’t have to look at Jin to know that he just rolled his eyes. The tone of his voice conveyed it all. “You’re going to make my clothes wet.” Despite the protest, Jin let Jungkook cling onto him for a few more minutes until he peeled himself away, tempted by the smell of the steak.

“You should make a cafe on top of your clothing store, hyung.”

“For pastry? Drinks? I don’t think heavy meals are a good idea. The clothes would smell like meat.” Jungkook’s hand brushed with Jin’s as he gave him cutlery to eat. He had always known Jin had soft hands despite all the cooking he did. All his expensive lotion and hand cream of course worked wonders.

Without much thought, Jungkook grabbed Jin’s hand and was about to grab more cutlery for himself. “What?”

“Your hand smells good.” Jungkook sniffed on it without shame. He had lost all of his shyness because why would he not act like himself around Jin? This place and Jin is literally his comfort place. “Do you usually put hand cream after cooking?”

“Not always,” Jin said before clearing his throat. Right after Jungkook let go of his hands. “I just felt like putting some on.”

“Ah, I see…” One droplet of water dropped to the table as Jungkook nodded. He quickly wiped it with his sweater sleeves. “Why are you not looking at me? You don’t have to be embarrassed about it. You know I’m kinda sensitive to smells and yours is good.”

“I know, I’m just… looking for my favorite chopsticks.” Jin said, crouching down, looking at the bottom drawer.

Jungkook sighed, “It’s literally there… Near the salt.”

“Oops, must’ve slipped my mind,” Jin got up, revealing his flushed face and Jungkook had gotten used to the sight. Although Jin is known to be really confident and secure about himself, he got really shy when too much attention was put on him. He would blush and the tip of his ears would turn red. “You can start eating, Kook.”

“Okay, thanks for the food.” Jungkook whistled happily before he ate the perfect sized cut he just made. “Okay, wow.” Jungkook moaned. “This is really good.” He continued after finishing the first bite.

“Thank you, I’m glad it tastes good.”

“I know I say the same thing everytime, but your cooking always tastes so good.” Even after learning some flirting skills from Jin, Jungkook still found it hard to express his feelings. Though when it comes to good food, he would never hesitate to express his satisfaction.

“So, how was work?”

“It was good,” Jungkook chewed another piece of meat. “Also this really attractive guy came in to paint today.” He continued.

“Oh?” That seemed to pique Jin’s interest. “Did you talk to him?”

“No, I was at the back. But Yoongi hyung did.”

Jin stopped cutting his meat to study Jungkook’s face and continued when Jungkook raised his eyebrow in question. “You didn’t ask for his number?”

“That would be… unprofessional.” Jungkook snickered. “He got some long legs and damn, I think he’s a model or something. He’s just… so perfect.”

“Interesting,” Jin's eyes still closely glued to him, as if Jin was expecting him to slip an expression he was waiting for. “You haven’t been interested in someone for quite some time.”

Jungkook paused, trying to actually remember when was the last time he went on a date. But everything came back blurry in his head. “Oh god, yeah. I don’t even remember where I went the last time I took someone on a date.” With a tissue Jungkook already had in his hands, he wiped the sauce that found its way to his chin. “Or someone took me on a date? I don’t know, I can't remember.”

“Yeah… you’ve been busy with work and... Just…”

“Hanging out with you?” Jungkook laughed, almost spilling the drink hovering in front of his mouth. “I guess I never felt lonely with you around.”

Jin didn’t respond. He simply squeezed Jungkook’s palm as a thank you and continued eating. If he were an open book, Jin is a diary with a lock. But the one with a shitty lock that someone would buy for their elementary school years diary. Sometimes Jungkook could see right through him, but some days, through some conversations, Jin would suddenly lock everything. His expression and mannerism became unreadable. He just locked himself and Jungkook doesn’t know what triggered it.

“I hope he comes back.” Jin's attention diverted back to him for a moment when he heard Jungkook’s fork hit the plate. “I want to know his name at least.”

“Sure,” The last tomato disappeared behind Jin’s glistening lips. His hyung smiled, but it looked less genuine. Just a little bit. Jungkook decided to blame the tomato. “I hope you get to talk to him when he comes back.”

***

The day that the attractive stranger came back for the workshop, Jungkook wasn’t even expecting it. To be completely honest, he already made peace with the fact that he probably is a one time customer and that’s fine. Yet there he was, standing at the doorway, looking around the place like it was his first time.

“Welcome!” Jungkook greeted, making sure his voice didn’t quiver out of nervousness.

He got the stranger’s attention. Instead of formal clothes, he was dressed in a casual shirt with baggy khaki pants. Completely different vibes but same level of attractiveness, Jungkook thought to himself.

“Hi, I already booked for… painting?” For some reason he sounded unsure.

“Painting? Good choice.” Jungkook smiled as he opened the list of people who booked for a painting spot. “Can I get your name?”

“Kim Namjoon.”

Jungkook skimmed through the list then his eyes caught the stranger’s name, Kim Namjoon, apparently. “You’re here early, Namjoon-ssi.”

“Is that a bad thing?” Namjoon chuckled, knowing he just made Jungkook nervous.

“No, of course not.” Jungkook wiped his sweaty palms with his apron. For some reason he felt nervous just by standing in front of Namjoon. “It’s just… you’re the first one to come here today.”

“Oh, really? I hope I’m not ruining the chill vibe for you?”

Great, he’s good looking and sweet? Jungkook wanted to thank the universe for letting his path cross with Namjoon.

“No, of course not. Since you’re the first one here, you can choose your spot.”

“Nice,” Namjoon looked around, hands in his pocket. Jungkook was glad he felt relaxed. Hopefully he didn’t notice Jungkook’s nervous stare, waiting for him to decide. “What’s your favorite spot?” He asked, finally.

"Me?” Surprised, Jungkook pointed to himself.

“You know, since you’ve known the place longer than I do. I thought I’d ask for an insider opinion.”

First, Jungkook noticed the silver bracelet adorning Namjoon’s wrist as he scratched on his cheeks. That made Jungkook's attention shift to his dimples. The stranger— Namjoon, has dimples and how come Jungkook didn’t notice it right away?

“Jungkook-ssi?”

Jungkook snapped back, almost asking how Namjoon knew his name until he remembered he wore a nametag for work. He really forgot how to behave around attractive people who’s not Jin.

“Sorry, I got distracted by something.” Even if Namjoon noticed his nervous chuckle, he was kind enough not to address it. “Since you’re here early and the weather is good, I think the best place should be near the window.”

“But I was asking about your favorite place.” Eight words from Namjoon was enough to make Jungkook forget all the things he knew about the place. But Jungkook is a professional. He faced all kinds of customers so he needed to get his act together even in front of Namjoon.

“Right, sorry. I love the spot right there,” Jungkook pointed at a more secluded area. Unlike usual workshops which set the spot in a circle or square around the room, face to face, the place he worked for wanted something more casual. It is almost set like a cafe but for painting, giving more private options for those who preferred to paint by themselves without other people meddling in. “Near the AC and kind of more private than the other spots.”

Namjoon hummed. “Great spot,” He threw Jungkook another smile. He was glad Namjoon approved his favorite spot. “Can I paint there?”

“Of course, I’ll bring everything to you. Just wait there.”

“Thank you, Jungkook-ssi.”

***

“Hyung oh my god,” was the first thing Jungkook said when he got home. Jin looked up at him with his glasses sitting neatly on his nose bridge. He had his iPad in his arms, probably checking on some work stuff. “He came back!”

“Who?” Jin looked genuinely confused. He fixed his glasses at the same time he fixed his sitting posture.

“The attractive guy I told you about like almost a month ago?”

“Ahh, I remember.”  Taking off glasses shouldn’t be that cool but Jin made it look like he was on a TV commercial. Jungkook shouldn’t be surprised at this point but he still was. “So, do you know his name now? Did you talk to him?”

“I’m glad you asked,” Jungkook tiptoed in glee. Just because he could. “Wait,” He threw his bag to Jin’s lap and ran to the kitchen to wash his hands. Even without Jin asking him to. His grin was still there even when he came back to sit on the sofa in front of Jin.

“I was surprised that I functioned at all while talking to him.” Jungkook started. “He came in with casual clothes this time and I thought you’re the only one that could make a simple outfit look expensive— but him…”

“Him?” Jin cocked his eyebrows, trying to hurry Jungkook to continue as he dropped the bag that got thrown to his laps to the floor.

“He made it look expensive, duh.” Jungkook plopped down, starfish style on the sofa before he sat up again after a good thirty seconds of rest. “Also, he has the cutest dimples.”

“Ooh, dimples are cute.” Jin approved.

“I bet he knew I was looking at his dimples a little too long.” Jungkook now plopped on his stomach. Hiding his face on the seat and for good measure, he added the throw-pillows on top of his head. “I am happy but I also want the earth to swallow me whole.”

“Even if he noticed, he should be honored that you thought he was attractive.” 

“Yeah. like I wasn’t acting like a creep.” Jungkook kicked his feet, making one of the throw-pillows fall to the floor. “He’s so fine and  perfect and I look like…”

Jin threw the throw-pillow back to Jungkook’s ass. “Don’t be dramatic. You’re fine, Kook-ah.”

After a little more convincing, Jungkook finally peeled himself from the couch. His face was red due to lack of air. “After years of knowing you, I should be an expert at talking to someone attractive. But clearly, I learned nothing.”

“Ouch,” Jin finally put his iPad down when the throw-pillow Jungkook threw hit his face. “Maybe you’re just a bad student.”

“I want a refund!” Jungkook held his palm up. He peeked at Jin and laughed when he saw that his hyung was clearly unamused.

They fell into a comfortable silence. Only the sound of Jungkook's occasional kick and Jin’s fingers drumming on the armrest filled the room. Jungkook used to be socially awkward, too shy to start a conversation or stop them so he was always stuck in uncomfortable situations. But even at the start of their friendship, Jungkook never felt like it was hard work to keep up with his hyung. He didn’t have to make much effort or even at all to have fun with him. They got along well despite the few years of age gap between them.

“Do I have dimples?” Jin asked suddenly.

“Yeah…” Jungkook knew exactly where it was, he didn’t need to make sure the location. He got up and forced himself to fit on top of Jin's laps. He’s Jeon Jungkook, so he somehow found a bearable position in the cramped space. “Here,”

Jin froze for a second. Jungkook was sure his hyung didn’t even realize where he was poking him. He was just looking directly at his eyes. The tip of his ears, as always, turned red. Jungkook remembered Jin mentioned it would happen if someone was looking at him too closely. Jungkook had broken those boundaries lots of times. Jin let him of course, if not he would have stopped a long time ago.

“Near my lips?” Jin asked after he found his voice again.

Jungkook nodded, squirming in Jin’s lap to find a better position. “It’s visible when you chew… or like.. Sucking on ice creams and lollipops.”

“Ah, I see… I guess I never really looked into a mirror while eating.”

“Yours is small and cute. Namjoon has really deep ones.”

“Your dimple is pretty deep, too, Kook.” Jin remarked, now it was his turn to poke where Jungkook’s dimple is supposed to be.

“Oh right, I really forgot I also have one.”

Jungkook swore he heard Jin mutter cute under his breath. Whether it was true or not, it would not be the first time Jin ever said that about him.

It made him happy.

***

"It's so unfair, hyung!"

"What? What's up?" Jin answered immediately. He must've been on his phone. If he were working it would take more effort for Jungkook to get his hyung’s attention.

"Okay so Namjoon hyung came back again, this time with a freaking tie," Jungkook walked further inside the apartment until he found Jin lazing around with his phone and what looked like lychee tea in his hand. "That looks good."

Jin didn't even bat an eye when Jungkook crouched near him and took a sip of his drink.

"Anyway, so I asked him why he didn't wear casual clothes, right?"

"Uhuh," Jin responded, eyes glued to his screen but Jungkook was used to it. He knew Jin can multitask so Jungkook didn't bother asking his hyung to really pay attention.

"And he chuckled. Dimples out and everything…" Jungkook felt sore so he resorted to sitting on the floor before continuing what he was about to say. "He's a vet. Freaking vet. Adorable animal doctor. How can he be perfect in literally every freaking possible way?"

"I know what a vet is, Jungkook." Jin sighed, finally putting his phone down. "So he came right after work?"

"That's what I thought too but he said he got off early and didn't do much other than meeting a couple dogs for their check-ups."

Jin hummed, but he soon frowned. His lychee tea probably tasted bland because it's half melted ice by now. "Damn I could never.  I'd rather go home after work."

"Yeah because you'll miss me if you don't!" With a huff, Jungkook got up to sit beside Jin. He ignored the groan that was caused by him putting his weight towards Jin's side.

"Do you think we should adopt a dog?"

"And what happens if you move out? Is the dog staying here or…?" Jin got up, making Jungkook lose balance but he let his body fall to the sofa. He might as well look for a good position to chill.

"Who's moving out?" Jungkook rolled to lay on his back. "You're not getting rid of me, hyung." He said quite loud, making sure even though Jin was walking away to put his drink to the sink, he'd still hear him.

A few clinking sounds were heard until Jin turned on the water faucet. "But you'd want to move in with your boyfriend later, no?" Jin finally responded. The last few words sounded louder since the water had turned off.

For a moment, Jungkook stared at the ceiling without blinking. Jin was right. But until before Jin mentioned the topic, Jungkook never really thought of living with anyone else. Even with his partner. He got so comfortable sharing a place with his longest friend and he honestly feels content with it.

"Well…" He trailed off. Or maybe Jin was sending him hints? Of course Jin would want to live with his boyfriend in the future, right? Jungkook concluded that was a thought for later.

"Well at least we'd know a trusted vet to take our pet…" Jin said as he brought a bowl of snacks Jungkook didn't even know existed somewhere in the apartment. "We don't know what will happen in the future, right? So I won't be like… completely opposed to it."

"You're the best hyung, oh my god."

"I know I am. That's old news."

Jungkook was thinking of throwing the pillow but he refrained, not wanting anything to fall and shatter. Something like that was a pain to clean.

"You would get along with Namjoon hyung…"

"I get along with everyone," Jin said, giving Jungkook a purposely smug smile just to tease him.

Though Jungkook couldn't really disagree because Jin does get along with everyone. He has a good personality and good humor for those who love a few dad jokes thrown into conversations. Jungkook, though, would never admit he likes them.

"He's cute."

"Maybe I should meet Namjoon and see how cute he actually is…" A crunch followed Jin's last word. "You look like you really like him."

"Maybe I do…"

***

The streets were so busy that Jungkook needed to squeeze himself through the crowd to get home. He usually tried to go home before the 5 pm rush when everyone got off from work, but of course an accident happened right before he clocked out. It was one thing to clean a few drops of paint from the floor, but Jungkook never saw two whole 24 inch tiles covered in red paint.

“Oh my god, I’m really sorry Jungkook. Can I do something to help?” Namjoon’s hands were a little bit shaky as he fumbled to take out the travel tissue from his bag. He kept apologizing and Jungkook thought it was kind of sweet and adorable of him. Though seeing the usually composed man so nervous he could barely pull out a tissue, Jungkook felt bad. Probably a bit more than seeing Namjoon’s pants ruined by the red paint.

“It’s alright, hyung. Accidents happen all the time.” Jungkook hoped his reassurance was enough for Namjoon to calm down a bit. “But, you can help me by cleaning the paint on your pants. Yoongi hyung will assist you while I’m cleaning this. Is that alright?”

“Okay but if I have to pay extra for it, please just tell me—”

“Come on big guy, let’s clean you up.” Yoongi chuckled, probably amused by how out of character the whole thing is from the usually composed and gentle Namjoon as he dragged the man away from Jungkook.

Jungkook glanced at the plastic bag in his hand as the elevator door opened. It bumped into his knees everytime he took a step. He smiled remembering how sweet Namjoon was. He waited at the front door after Jungkook thought he left right after cleaning up. Two onigiri and banana milk is exactly what was inside the plastic bag. Namjoon still felt bad and he said buying Jungkook’s favorite snacks were the only thing he could think of at that moment. Not only that, Jungkook honestly felt like he was falling for Namjoon. The dimples were one thing, but also, Namjoon remembered him mentioning that he didn’t get the chance to eat lunch. Simple gestures. That was all Jungkook needed to feel happy and appreciated.

Maybe it was a gut feeling, but the atmosphere seemed off when Jungkook stepped inside the apartment. Usually during this time, he would hear the sound of chopping or sizzling of something being cooked. The smell of whatever dish Jin felt like cooking for dinner that night would literally melt any weariness off of Jungkook’s body. But silence greeted Jungkook. Did he miss a text from his hyung that something came up at his work? Or did he forget to tell him? But Jin never forgot to update Jungkook if he would come home late.

“Hyung?” Jungkook called out, just in case.

As Jungkook checked all around, walking towards the living room he noticed someone was there, under the blanket. He quickly dropped the plastic bag on the table and glanced at his hyung’s sleeping face. It was a bit weird for his hyug to take a nap so late in the day but not impossible. His worries were about to go away when he noticed an advil lying on the edge of the table.

“Oh, hey, Kook-ah.” Jin slowly opened his eyes when he felt Jungkook’s palm on his forehead. It was a little bit cold. “I’m fine,”

“You’re clearly not fine, hyung.” Jungkook protested although he was glad Jin's temperature felt normal. “Do you need to go to the doctor?”

The moment Jin tried to sit up, Jungkook pushed him back. “Jeez, you don’t have to worry about me.”

Jungkook chuckled, remembering the time Jin got overly worried about him catching a slight fever after trying to make the biggest snowman yet last winter. However, he was not in the mood to argue with his hyung. Jin rarely got sick. The first time Jungkook ever witnessed his hyung needing to go to a doctor was two years after they met. Before that, Jin was the healthiest and most fit person Jungkook ever met.

“I’ll cook dinner tonight.”

“We can order takeout, Kook.” After looking for his phone under the tangled blanket, Jin groaned as he noticed his phone was sitting at the table all along.

Jungkook stared at Jin dead in the eyes. “Really? You’re sick. The safest option is for me to cook. No contamination or possible food poisoning.” Before Jin could reach for his phone, Jungkook smacked his hyung’s hand away, ignoring the whine Jin gave him.

“Thank you for cooking for me, then.” Considering how much enjoyment Jin got from cooking for himself and someone else, he gave in pretty quickly.

“I’ll take a quick shower first though because I reek of paint remover.”

“Did you go to the convenience store?” Jin glanced at the plastic bag on the table. “I hope you remember I’m still craving cheese strings, Kook-ah.”

“Shoot… I totally forgot about that. I’ll buy you some tomorrow hyung. But Namjoon hyung gave me that.”

“Oh? That’s sweet… he’s back early.” Jin sat up and tried to reach the plastic back without putting his feet down from the couch. The sight worried Jungkook for a bit, scared his hyung might fall off and hit his head.

“He’s working on a bigger canvas and didn’t finish it all the way, so yeah.” There are a lot of regulars coming every few weeks or even a couple days a week. Apart from Namjoon, he never really befriended anyone else. It would be a lie if Jungkook didn’t get excited when he saw Namjoon’s name on the booking list. “Eat the onigiri, while I shower hyung.”

“What? No, Namjoon gave it to you. You should eat it.”

“There are two. You can eat one.” Jungkook didn’t understand why Jin was so insistent. “God, just eat it already...” Jungkook threw his arms up in frustration as he saw Jin squinting at him with the onigiri in his hand.

“Alright… just making sure you’re alright with it since your crush bought it for you.”

Jungkook had been really content with being single all these years and when Namjoon came into his life, he felt like he was transported back in time. Back to when he was way younger. All giddy and excited even just from the sight of his crush. Though he is yet to gain courage to ask for Namjoon’s phone number. So far, talking with the man has been enough for him. Namjoon is… “He’s so…”

“Perfect?” Jin finished his sentence. Having spoken his mind aloud, Jungkook felt embarrassed. “Now I’m really curious about this Namjoon guy. Maybe we should hang out.”

“I don’t even have his phone number.”

Jungkook could read Jin's expression. In disbelief, he considered throwing the onigiri at Jungkook. “You’ve talked to him for months. He bought you your favorite things and you still haven’t asked for his number?”

“Give me a break, hyung. I haven’t done this in a while, okay? I had no idea what I was doing back then either," Jungkook said, shaking his head and giving his hyung a middle finger before walking away. Jin laughed echoing through the room, and Jungkook couldn't help but smile at the sound of it.

The rest of the night was spent with them eating on the couch. Usually Jin would scold him for doing so but Jungkook insisted that Jin should be comfortable. Jungkook ended up reenacting the spilled paint accident because why not, right? Especially when he got to make Jin laugh despite him not feeling well. While he did get called out for being down bad for Namjoon, Jin bet that Jungkook would throw hands if someone else did it.

***

“Hyung, are you free next Saturday?” Jungkook asked as he ate his second round of cheese tteokbokki. “Also did you buy a new kind of tteok? This one is chewy.”

Jin hummed, trying to remember his schedule as he bit onto the last tteok on his bowl. “Yeah, my coworker recommended it to me. Glad you like it." Without Jin having to ask for it, Jungkook quickly scooped another portion for him. The bowl still felt warm from the last one.

"So? Are you free?"

"Thanks Kook-ah, and I'm pretty sure I can go out that day but I'll check to make sure later." Jin drank his last half of water before continuing to eat. The cheese had cooled down by then, so there were fewer cheese stretches. “Why? Do you want to shop somewhere?”

Jungkook stirred the tteokbokki in his bowl. The gaze from Jin might have made him feel nauseated a bit. They spent years together. Jungkook saw Jin go on a few dates that sadly didn’t pass to third or even second dates. But Jungkook hasn't gotten close with anyone or has someone he’s interested in for quite a really long time. For some reason, he wanted Jin to like that person too.

“We’re actually going to paint… at my workplace…” Jungkook felt his throat dry up. The truth was, Jungkook was having difficulty processing his feelings at the moment, which was making it difficult for him to express himself verbally. Jin didn't reply, probably because he knew Jungkook wasn't done. “With Namjoon hyung,”

Something shifted but Jungkook was too overwhelmed by his nervousness to process whatever changed. It was probably a split-second reaction from Jin before he composed himself. The apprehension Jungkook was feeling melted a bit when he saw how full Jin's mouth was, making his cheeks puffed up.

“Chew hyung, you look like a hamster.” Maybe Namjoon would agree that Jin looked a lot like a hamster. Namjoon's judgment would be more weighty since he is a vet, and if he agrees, Jin will never get over his teasing… ever.

“God, after months…” Jin finally responded. “Wait, why would you want me to tag along? Isn’t it a date?”

Jungkook shook his head. “No… I still don’t know if Namjoon is even interested in me romantically.”

“So you want me to be your wingman?” Jin raised his right eyebrows and Jungkook needed to physically hold himself from reacting by gripping the bowl tighter. What’s with attractive people and their habits of raising one eyebrow? When Namjoon concentrated on painting, Jungkook swears he did the same thing.

“I don’t know hyung, maybe not for our first hangout? Let’s just… get to know each other, chill, and stuff you know.”

“What? You don’t trust me enough as your wingman? Did you know that I was a cupid in my past life?” There he goes, Jungkook thought. Jin's signature dad-like complaint. As Namjoon pointed out, Jungkook sometimes complains like a dad too, so Jin must have rubbed off on him.

“Really? They must’ve fired you, that's why you turned out to be a human in this life.” Jungkook decided to play along.

“No, I was too good. That’s why they decided it’s time for me to retire and become a human.”

“Wait, aren't cupids supposed to be immortal?”

Jin groaned and purposely tried to tip Jungkook’s bowl with his toes, which was gross, but Jungkook wasn’t phased by it anymore. “Logic doesn’t matter here.”

“I’ve told Namjoon about you and apparently he bought like… a tee from your store, hyung. So he’s excited to meet you.” Namjoon is kind and a very good listener. While Jungkook might seem shy around new people, once he gets comfortable, he will become chatty. Apparently, he had brought up Jin more times than he realized. Although when you live with an accomplished lifelong friend, your stories will incorporate them more often than you would expect. In addition to Jin owning a clothing store, Namjoon seemed interested enough to meet Jin, so Jungkook got a good start there.

“I’m excited to see your perfect man too, Kook-ah”

***

“Isn’t it weird to have a date at your workplace?” Jin sniffled as he shoved his hand in his jacket pocket. They didn’t expect the weather to be chilly today. Jungkook thought it was the best thing to hang out indoors.

“Hyung, for the twentieth time, it’s not a date,”

Jin muttered a quiet right . As he stared up and down at Jungkook, disagreement could be seen all over his face. “Why are you dressing like it’s fucking summer, Kook?”

Thrown off by Jin’s comment, Jungkook looked himself up and down. “Clearly, you’re exaggerating and this cardigan is warm enough.”

“Your nose is literally red right now, brat.” Jungkook tried to step back but Jin already got his nose, pinching it with his fingers. “Oh, is that Namjoon?”

Jungkook's head snapped to look at where Jin was looking and there he was, Namjoon, waiting near the entrance, leaning onto the power pole with a cap and sweater. Jungkook thought he just saw a teen romance movie scene coming out alive. Namjoon noticed Jungkook first as he smiled, then his gaze switched to Jin. His welcoming smile wavered a bit, turning into a polite smile directed towards Jin.

“Hi, hyung!” Jungkook greeted excitedly. “This is the infamous Jin hyung.”

Namjoon offered his hand which Jin took with his warm hand. “Hello I’ve heard a lot about you,”

“Hopefully good things?” Jin squinted at Jungkook playfully and he couldn’t help but notice the handshake between his hyung were a bit longer than how it usually went. But that was something not to be worried about, right? “Jungkook also gave an earful about you.”

Jungkook whined, elbowing Jin in the waist before he smiled awkwardly at Namjoon. “Don’t listen to Jin hyung. He over exaggerated everything.”

“As if,” Jin pouted. “So, should we get in? I am desperate to get warm unlike Jungkook here,”

“Yes, Jungkook-ah… You should dress warmer, especially today.” Namjoon scolded. He giggled when Jin raised his hand to give Namjoon a high-five.

“Great, now I have two overbearing hyung,” Jungkook rolled his eyes though he couldn’t hide how the corner of his mouth twitched up.

Annoyed by the blaring notifications from his group chat with Yoongi and Taehyung, Jungkook decided to put his phone on airplane mode. His friends were screaming at him about his decision for choosing the day where both of his friends were off of work. Jungkook sent them a simple of course and locked his phone. If they were both there, combined with Jin, they all sure would have embarrassed him in front of Namjoon sooner or later. His other co-workers were not as close to him so they wouldn’t even bother asking him questions.

“I haven't painted on a canvas since art class in high school.” Jungkook knew Jin is good at drawing and designing, but he just realized he never saw Jin paint ever. Even back when they were in high school, they never got put into the same class.

“Dang, now that you mentioned it, I never saw you paint before, hyung.” Jungkook said as he peeked over Jin’s shoulder to see what he was sketching. “I know Namjoon hyung is pretty good, though.”

Namjoon lowered his head, the habit he has whenever he feels shy. Something that Jungkook noticed after seeing the man being a regular at his workplace. “I can draw scenery decently from all the 3 am binge watching Bob Ross videos.”

“I went through that kind of phase too, Namjoon!” Jin stated eagerly. “But I think the only person that watched Bob Ross and actually could rival him is Jungkook here.”

“Really? Now I’m excited to see your painting, Jungkook-ah.” Namjoon smiled so softly and Jungkook tried so hard not to stare at his dimples.

Thankfully, before things got awkward, Jin came through with his small talk skills. “So, you don’t have any cute animals to check and save, today Joon?”

“No, actually I have the weekend off other than for emergencies.” Namjoon’s eyes met with Jin and he almost dropped the brush he just dipped in paint.

Jungkook saw everything that happened and although it was a cute clumsy mistake, a voice came into his head. The way Namjoon looked and got flustered at Jin was… different. Though Jungkook didn’t have much time to chew on his thoughts when Namjoon continued talking.  

“Do you have a pet… uh, hyung?” Namjoon asked hesitantly, probably wondering if he was allowed to call Jin ‘hyung’. Jungkook did mention to Jin that Namjoon is younger than him so Jin only smiled before answering.

“I did have a family dog but me and Jungkook haven’t thought of adopting any pets any sooner.”

Namjoon hummed, he glanced at Jin again before continuing his sketches. For some reason it bothered Jungkook and he didn't like feeling like that. He wasn’t even sure why he felt like that in the first place. What Namjoon did was something completely normal, right? It was completely valid for Namjoon to put more attention to the person he met the first time than him, who he already met a lot of times during a few months they’ve become somewhat close.

“Well, you know where to take them for check up!”

“Of course, Namjoon-ah…” Jin gave Namjoon one last smile before he focused on his painting.

Jungkook froze for a minute, looking at his blank canvas. Not because he didn’t have any ideas in mind nor because he was trying to figure out with which colors he should paint. But he was listening and quietly observing Namjoon and Jin's interaction for the past ten minutes. Even though he hated it, Jungkook still couldn’t shake off the uneasiness clouding his head. Sure, Jungkook could be childish at times and he does have tendencies to get jealous, but not over little things. Both men sitting beside and in front of him are his friends and he should be happy that they were hitting it off… as friends.

To be considerate towards other people who were also painting there, they decided to focus on their own painting for a while. Thanks to the white noise in the background, Jungkook could easily fall into focus. He always loved painting and that was why he chose to work here in the first place. Despite working in a place where people paint, draw, and sketch everyday, Jungkook rarely paints on a canvas anymore since he graduated. He had taken an interest in digital art and that’s basically what he focuses most of the time now. As he picked up the brush and mixed the paint, it felt like meeting an old friend. The comfort settled in quickly. It somewhat reminded him of the time where he and Jin got really busy with part time jobs and studying, they didn’t talk at all for two weeks. Their schedules didn’t match each other. Jin would wake up before Jungkook and he would be asleep when Jungkook came back. After those crazy weeks, they finally had the time to sit down and properly talk with each other. Everything fell back into place so effortlessly. That was exactly what he was feeling as he started painting.

His time going down the memory lane though, was interrupted by a loud gasp coming from behind him. Startled, Jungkook whipped around to see what happened, only to discover the sight of Namjoon with comically wide eyes and his mouth hanging open.

“Jungkook-ah… What are you? Are you Bob Ross? Jeon Ross?” Namjoon exclaimed. He crouched down to see Jungkook’s painting better.

“Jeon Ross? That sounds like a punk-rock singer,” Jin cackled as he glanced up at Namjoon. For a second, Namjoon didn’t notice as he was too immersed in Jungkook’s painting. But once he turned his gaze to Jin, their eyes met. It was ridiculous to say the least, but Jungkook saw a blush appear on Namjoon’s face. Before Jungkook could confirm it, though, Namjoon walked back to his place.

Screw those long legs… even though it’s attractive.

“Hey, do you want to grab dinner with us?” Jin asked Namjoon as he fondly looked at the man who was taking pictures of his painting. Jungkook quickly joined in after coming back from washing his hands. He assumed Namjoon took pictures of everyone painting for Instagram.

“I’d love to,” Namjoon answered. He took another angle for the picture before finally properly facing Jin to continue. “But I already planned to have dinner with someone else.”

“Well…” Jin was about to continue talking until Namjoon cut him off.

“It’s a friend,” Namjoon said before clearing his throat. “I mean, the one I’ll be eating dinner with.”

“Then we’ll go another time, Namjoon-ah.”

Jin didn’t look phased at all but something about Namjoon making sure Jin knew he would be going out with a friend was kind of weird. Jungkook tried his hardest not to give in to his overthinking tendencies, but it bothered him. He trusted Jin with his life and the thought of Jin taking interest towards his crush, when he knew about it for months already, would never cross his mind. Jungkook, though, clearly saw Namjoon's interest in Jin. Namjoon did mention that he was drawn into Jin’s clothing brand because of their collaboration with one of the children’s hospitals. Jungkook did hear them talking about it while painting. So why couldn’t he assume it was all just adoration from Namjoon? An ugly feeling kept pooling inside Jungkook’s stomach and he felt guilty for noticing it at all.

"Jeon Ross!" Namjoon giggled as he opened his arm. Jungkook quickly accepted the offer as he joined Namjoon, giggling, happy about their first hug. "Maybe meeting you was indeed a happy little accident."

"Accident?" An attempt of shoving Namjoon caused them both to tumble backwards. Jungkook could feel Namjoon's laugh vibrating through his body. One more reason to like Namjoon; he's one hell of a good hugger. Apparently people with wide shoulders, like Jin and him, give more space for him to rest his head.

"Well I thought I'd give some more credit to Bob Ross," A hand traveled up Jungkook's back, up to his head. Namjoon had mentioned how fluffy Jungkook's hair looks before so it made sense he took the opportunity to ruffle it.

As he was taking his sweet time with Namjoon, Jungkook met Jin's eyes. He was smiling. Jin is always smiling. Maybe Jungkook was overthinking things, like he already did all day, but the smile didn't reach Jin's eyes. That changed quite quickly though when Jin noticed Jungkook's eyes on him.

A lot of people mistook Jin as an extrovert from how he carries himself around people. But Jin needed a lot of alone time and personal space, which made him get easily tired sometimes. Jungkook concluded that was the case right then. So the only thing Jungkook could do to pay back his hyung for agreeing to hang out with him was to take him home as soon as possible.

"Um, can I get your number?" Namjoon asked as he turned to Jin, hand ready to take his phone out of his pant’s pocket.

Okay maybe in 5 minutes.

"Sure, It'll be easier to text you the catalog to our new collection."

The uneasiness spiraled back to hit Jungkook right in the face. Okay maybe he was jealous. Jungkook was the one that asked Namjoon for his number, not the other way around. What he just witnessed didn't favor his overthinking at all. He hated every ounce of those feelings that were trying to fill his mind.

Jungkook took a deep breath and tried to think of realistic reasons to counter attack his racing thoughts. Maybe Namjoon felt like he should ask for Jin's number because he's Jungkook's friend. Maybe he saw Jin as a potential business partner in the future since Namjoon is also interested in the clothing and fashion industry. There are plenty of reasons why Namjoon was asking for Jin's number on their first meeting, right? And Jin is polite, he is kind, and would definitely think he should give Namjoon his number because Jungkook's friends are his friends.

He hoped none of the two noticed any changes in his expression. So when they were done exchanging numbers, Jungkook gave them both the widest smile he could ever muster.

"Thank you, hyung." Namjoon bowed politely which made Jin protest, saying how he shouldn't be so polite with him. "Thank you Jungkook-ah… Let's all hang out again soon."

Jungkook and Jin saw Namjoon walk away until he turned the corner and disappeared from their line of sight. A hand circled around Jungkook's shoulders. The warmth from Jin's arms spread across Jungkook's back. Maybe he should listen to his hyung next time and put on warmer clothes and layers. He couldn’t wait to get home, get under his blanket, and slowly chew on his jumbled up thoughts and feelings until he felt sick.

"Home?"

Jin nodded, "Let's go home."

***

“Hyung, do you want ramen? I’m cooking some!” Jungkook called out from the kitchen. He waited for a few seconds but he heard no response. “Hyung!” He called out, louder this time.

Still not a single sound from Jin. A few minutes ago, Jungkook left to buy some ramen since they ran out of stock. He did pass Jin who was immersed by the show he just discovered. The blankets he used were crumpled on the floor, now a big bag of chips replaced itself on Jin’s lap. So Jungkook expected to see the same sight when he went to check on Jin with a small pot on his hands. However, he didn’t see Jin’s serious face trying to catch every word spoken by the cast on the shows. Instead, he was on his phone and laughing at whatever he was looking at.

“Hyung,” If screaming didn’t get his hyung's attention, whining will. That was what Jungkook had learned from multiple trials and errors.

Finally, Jin looked up. “What’s up, Kook?” The smile from whatever caused it was still plastered on his face even after peeling his eyes away from his phone.

“I called out to you for like a hundred times.” Jungkook grumbled, hitting the bottom of the pot three times for dramatic effect. “Do you want ramen?”

“Uh, sure? Do we have some eggs?”

“Yeah we still have a few but we’ll run out in two days probably.” Jungkook shrugged. He tried to peek at Jin’s phone from where he was standing but he couldn’t see anything other than a familiar layout. Jin was texting someone. “Who are you texting?”

“Oh, it’s Namjoon.”

Jungkook wanted to say oh but judging from Jin’s reaction, his voice probably didn’t go past his mouth and got caught on his throat. “Nice, you guys are all buddy-buddies now.” That was not what Jungkook planned to say. Buddy-buddies? He cringed at the fresh three second memory of him saying that.

While he was cringing at himself, Jin slowly came to realize and jerked on where he sat. Almost dropping the bag of chips and making the floor covered in crumbles. “It’s not like that I swear, Jungkook-ah. Whatever you’re thinking right now.”

“W— What do you mean hyung?”

“Namjoon texted me asking about easy recipes for his dinner.” Jungkook saw Jin gulp once. “He said you told him I was a good cook so… yeah.”

When did he last drink water? Because Jungkook suddenly felt his throat dried up and there was a bitter taste at the back of his tongue, sitting uncomfortably, making it hard for him to construct sentences. Of course, despite all that, he trusts Jin. He’s not worried about his best friend snatching his man or whatever one would call it. But the thing was, Namjoon didn’t even text him today and yet there he was texting Jin.

“I’m starting my wingman operation, by the way.” Jin said as he happily offered Jungkook his phone. Some hesitation was there for a second but Jungkook took the phone anyway. “He thinks you’re cute!”

Jungkook scrolled up. Just for a little bit because he saw the content of their conversation was about him. Jin asked a few questions like Namjoon's first impression of Jungkook, what he was like at work, and even when he was dropping some of his embarrassing habits he knew Jin thought was cute. But every question Jin asked led to Namjoon asking Jin similar questions.

“Well, I am cute.” Jungkook finally said. He thought he should let himself be happy about that one compliment from Namjoon for now. “Don’t you think so, hyung?”

Jin stared at him. He always had the same looking gaze as when he would when he focused on watching Jungkook play games, when he cooks, or when he was basically concentrating on anything. When Jin still didn’t answer, Jungkook batted his eyelashes and threw Jin a wink to top it all off. They both cracked up then, forgetting whatever happened before. They both may be adults, but after spending years through teen years and spending adulthood together, their mental state might have stopped growing at fifteen. Jin had seen every side of him, all the good and embarrassing memories were shared with his hyung. No one would call them out for being a little immature in their little comfortable shared place.

Jin paused, catching his breath before answering Jungkook. “I don’t think anything other than yes would favor me in this situation.” Jin pointed at the pan in Jungkook’s hand.

Jungkook forgot he was holding a pan in the first place. “Hyung, answer the question sincerely! Should I put this pan and then come back here?”

“What the fuck,” Jin snickered. “You’re unbelievable. Yes, Jungkook-ah. You’re cute.”

“Really? Even while holding a pan?” In response to Jin shaking his head, Jungkook rolled his sleeve up and flexed his bicep. Just to see what kind of reaction he would get from his hyung.

“Y— yup. Cute. Terrifyingly cute.”

To his own surprise, Jin looked flustered at the sight of his biceps. Jungkook has always been thorough on working out and taking care of himself. Lately though, he had been working slightly harder for his own satisfaction. Jin on the other hand, doesn’t lift as much as Jungkook but genes really are on his side. Even when they were young, too broke to afford gym membership, Jin's physique was already amazing.

“Alright, I’ll add a pouch egg to your ramen as a thank you, hyung.”

“Hm, sure you brat.”

As Jungkook puffed out his pillow and was ready to sleep, his phone lit up. He saw a familiar name and quickly grabbed it to make sure he didn’t mistake it for someone else.

Namjoon Hyung 🐨

My poached egg is not nearly as pretty as yours

Jungkook smiled. Jin didn’t lie when he said he was trying his best to be his wingman. Maybe Jungkook should pay him back for it. He’d think of something tomorrow, when he feels more alive.

***

Jungkook didn’t expect any guests so he was startled when he heard a knock. Obviously, Jin wouldn’t come home and knock because why would he, apart from the fact that he would be staying at his store all day. He just released a new collection and needed to make sure everything was good for a few days at the store. He wanted to check the new stuff so badly, like he always has before or either after his shift. The only thing stopping Jungkook from going there was his cold.

A sudden rainstorm happened two days ago and Jungkook was too stubborn to seek shelter and determined to get home despite the situation. He arrived home drenched in water, shirt sticking to his body like a second skin, and water was dripping from his hair, somehow his hair tie was lost along the way. Jin gave him an earful when he saw him. Despite everything, he still took care of Jungkook, making sure he showered with warm water, drank hot tea, and ate soup he quickly whipped out from anything left in their refrigerator.

With a blanket still wrapped around him, Jungkook dragged his socked feet to the door. He peeped through the hole as he sniffled and was shocked when he saw a certain dimpled person standing in front of the door. He saw Namjoon’s Instagram story. He was at Jin’s store, taking pictures and videos to add to his aesthetically pleasing feeds. Even Jin, who rarely uses Instagram story features, uploaded a picture of him and Namjoon standing in front of the store.

Jungkook admitted he was jealous. After he saw the pictures, he texted Jin a bunch of sad emojis but his hyung hasn't responded yet. On usual days, Jungkook wouldn’t let himself be all sulky over simple things, but he let himself sulk all he wanted this time because he was sick. For the past few days, Jungkook had been thinking a lot over his crush on Namjoon. After not seeing him for a while, Jungkook thought his feelings kind of faded away, but he wasn’t sure if that was the case. Maybe he just calmed down after getting closer with Namjoon. But the ugly feeling still loomed over him. It successfully took a place somewhere at the corner of his brain and heart.

Namjoon seemed to get along better with Jin. Jungkook knew he should've been happy for his hyung, knowing making friends as an adult is hard. But everytime Jin inserted Namjoon during their conversation, the feelings he thought he forcefully locked away from his conscious thoughts, resurfaced. He felt left out. When of course, in reality, he’s not. But jealousy did all sorts of crazy things to his mind. Even to him, Jin’s smile looked wider and brighter when Jin told him about what Namjoon sent him or the jokes he just told Namjoon. It was almost wider than the smile Jungkook usually put on Jin’s face and a sense of rivalry arose inside him. Jungkook tried to break down everything he feels, to its core, but he came to a dead end. He doesn't even understand what those feelings were supposed to mean.

Another knock was heard and Jungkook didn’t realize he had been zoning out. His hand was hovering above the door handle. When he finally opened it, Namjoon sighed in relief. “I thought you passed out or something. I was ready to call the ambulance.”

“Jin hyung is rubbing off on you. You’re getting dramatic.” Jungkook rolled his eyes but the smile on his face betrayed him. “Come in, hyung.” He stepped aside, letting Namjoon walk in and take his shoes off.

“I don’t think we could ever beat Jin in the dramatic department, Kook.” Namjoon chuckled. He huffed when his shoes finally came off after a little bit of struggle.

Jungkook's stomach twisted at the nickname. Namjoon never once called him Kook. It was always Jungkook-ah or Jungkookie. Despite their close relationship, even Taehyung and Yoongi don't call him Kook. Only Jin calls him that and perhaps, Jungkook got a little protective and sensitive of that. But he didn’t speak up his bitterness and instead helped Namjoon with picking up his things from the floor.

“Well yeah, ‘drama queen’ was written on his forehead when hyung was born.” With the blanket wrapped around him, Jungkook realized picking things up with his hands was nearly impossible. Maybe he could if he tried harder but looking down made his head spin so he gave up. “Sorry, my head hurts, hyung.”

“It’s alright. You shouldn’t even help me, Kook. You’re sick.”

The nickname stung Jungkook right in the chest coming out of Namjoon’s mouth. He expected butterflies and blushes. After all he loves that nickname but it doesn't sound the same as when Jin calls him that. Namjoon was also supposed to be his crush. Shouldn’t his sight make Jungkook all nervous and jittery? Happy? Over the moon? But he didn't— couldn't feel any of that.

“Oh, this is your first time you’re here!” Jungkook finally realized. Since they all became friends, the chance to hang out at their place never came up. “I’m so sorry it’s all messy because of me. I’m sure Jin hyung would nag me if he sees the situation right now.”

Namjoon followed Jungkook to the living room. After he put down his stuff on the table, they both sat at the couch before Jungkook realized what was on the table. “Oh my god this is so embarrassing, I’m sorry.” Jungkook quickly picked up all the used tissues from the table. He dropped his blanket in the process, the cold air greeted his body which had been warm, protected by the blanket the whole time.

When Jungkook came back from throwing the tissues out, he saw Namjoon putting a bowl of ginseng chicken soup on the table. No wonder Jungkook smelled something familiar. He would notice sooner if his sense of smell was normal. “You don’t have to, hyung.”

“Jin hyung asked me to buy it for you,” Namjoon said as he carefully set a spoon the restaurant gave on top of the lid. “And I was also worried you wouldn’t eat well. Hyung said this is your favorite.”

“It is,” With quick steps, Jungkook approached Namjoon and sat on the floor to smell the ginseng chicken soup. “Thank you for getting me this, hyung. I feel better already.”

“You’re welcome,” Namjoon patted him on the head.

Jungkook giggled happily as he opened the lid. “Did you have fun with Jin hyung?” As soon as Namjoon heard Jin’s name, his eyes lit up. Jungkook had an inkling he would notice sooner or later but with a ginseng chicken soup in front of him, Jungkook didn't want to ruin it by thinking of nothing but good food.

“Yeah, it was amazing being there. I ended up on a shopping spree.” Namjoon glanced at three large sized paper bags on the floor. “Hyung insisted I shouldn’t pay for at least three items but I don’t want him to lose any money.”

“I wish I was there.”

“I bet he would be even happier if you were there.” Jungkook looked up at Namjoon from his spot. The man was staring back at him. His smile somehow looked dimmer than before. At that moment, Jungkook thought maybe even Namjoon could get tired of socializing with people. “Get healthy quickly, okay? Once you’re better we can go to the animal shelter.”

“Oh my god!” Jungkook exclaimed, almost spilling the soup he just scooped up with the spoon. “I’m going to recover in two days. Watch me, hyung.”

“Jin would be ecstatic. He kept wondering if you were all right all day.”

Jungkook expected that. No kind of reassurance could make Jin calm down. He hated leaving Jungkook alone, especially when he’s sick. Jungkook had to remind Jin that he’s an adult and could take care of himself just fine. Though it made sense how Jin would always feel a little protective of him. It could be hard for Jin to process sometimes that Jungkook is no longer his fifteen years old self.  When someone older witnesses someone close to them grow, time seems to stand still.

“I already told him not to worry.”

“And yet he still did.” Namjoon murmured. “He loves you.”

That caught Jungkook off guard; he almost choked on his soup. “I mean… of course. We’ve practically brothers at this point.”

Namjoon didn’t answer. The glint that was there when Jungkook first mentioned Jin now replaced with something he could only describe as gloom. Out of instinct, Jungkook almost asked Namjoon what happened but Jungkook held himself back. He didn’t think it was the right time. Silence filled the room after that. The sound of Jungkook quietly eating his soup made the room feel less vacant.

Jungkook woke up to the sound of the apartment being closed. He doesn’t remember when exactly he fell asleep. With tired eyes, Jungkook glanced at his surroundings. Namjoon was already gone, he noticed. After a few seconds of blinking the tiredness in his eyes away, he finally remembered. Namjoon told him to lie down after he ate and Jungkook asked him if he had any interesting stories about the animals he treated. Jungkook must’ve fallen asleep during Namjoon’s story. He made a mental note to send him a text later to thank him for everything. Perhaps an apology too since he didn’t see Namjoon off to go back home.

Suddenly, cold hands cupped Jungkook’s face, forcing him to open his heavy eyes that kept closing and closing no matter how hard Jungkook tried to stay up. “Hyung?” He managed to croak out.

“Hey, Kook. Did I wake you?”

Finally, Jungkook thought. That ‘kook’ sounded so right and to be able to hear Jin say that made him happier than he imagined he would be. As if Jungkook didn’t hear him say it everyday for millions of times per day. Their apartment finally felt like home with Jin standing there still with slicked back hair and black trench coat.

“Hyung…” Jungkook said, almost inaudible.

“I’m here.” When Jin’s hands left Jungkook’s cheeks, he almost whined and protested but his throat hurt and he wouldn’t risk to make it even worse. “Your last text made me worried. I’m sorry I didn’t see it until before I went back.”

“... okay.”

“Yeah, Kook? I couldn’t hear you, sorry…” Jin crouched down, but he changed his mind when Jungkook grumbled and decided to sit on the floor.

“I said it’s okay… I was just feeling sad and lonely. Like most adults are.”

“I can’t believe you are still throwing some jokes even though you’re sick.” Jin lightly punched Jungkook’s arm. “Did you eat what Namjoon gave you?”

“Yeah, thank you for the food, hyung. It was delicious.” Jungkook slurred, turning to face Jin even though he got his eyes closed. He swore he heard Jin muttered he wasn’t supposed to say it’s from me but Jungkook’s brain is all gooey and melted. Give him two minutes and Jungkook would be back sleeping. “I missed you.”

“Me too, Kook-ah. I wish you were there.”

“I wish you were here…” Jungkook would probably regret saying that when he woke up. Assuming he remembered saying it in the first place. “Can I sleep hyung?”

“Not here. Let’s go get you to your bed.” Jin yanked on his arms but Jungkook grumbled, drawing his arms back and attempted to hit whatever he could touch in protest. “Jeez, calm down, you almost hit my beautiful face.”

“Sure, believe what you want to believe, hyung.” Even without looking at Jin, Jungkook knew his hyung was holding back his laughter. The temptation to open his eyes and see Jin’s face, cheeks probably puffy after a long day at work, and with his forehead exposed almost got Jungkook but his desire to sleep won over it.

“Aaaand still a brat even when sick.” Suddenly Jungkook was floating. Or at least that was what he felt when Jin scooped him up from the couch. “You won’t even open your eyes right now? What if I’m not your hyung and actually a random dude trying to kidnap you?”

“No random dude is strong enough to pick me up like I’m made up of cotton stuffing.”

“Fair enough,”

The last memory Jungkook had before going back to sleep was Jin tucking him in as he whispered good night. Jin stayed for a bit, playing with Jungkook’s hair because he knew Jungkook slept better while being petted when he was younger. Jungkook wanted to make another joke about how Jin should adopt a cat instead and stop petting a grown man but before he could find his voice, Jungkook drifted back to sleep.

***

Jungkook in fact, didn’t recover in two days like he told Namjoon. His cold made his metabolism go down drastically. The sore throat affected his voice, and his fever fluctuated throughout the day and night. The apartment felt too cold for his skin, too quiet to make him feel like home, and too vacant to make him not lonely. Jin had been coming home late. After his new collection sold well— better than any collections he had before so he started planning to branch out. Never in a million years, as much as Jungkook loves painting, he would say he misses going to work. Yoongi and Taehyung had been sending him updates about the customers and their own lives. Still, it didn’t feel right not to be there himself. 

The three pills on Jungkook’s hand rolled and almost fell to the floor when he moved to grab the glass of water. The water tasted way better than the pills. His appetite was gone, making every taste of food like an under seasoned instant porridge; it hardly tasted like anything. Earlier today he attempted to whip out something simple with their leftover meat and vegetables. The headache made it hard for him to even stand up and concentrate. Jungkook ended up burning it.

The lights were off and the only sound Jungkook could hear was faint music coming from his neighbor. He had stayed in his bed all day, taking long naps, and scrolling through his timeline. It was apparent that he didn't have any notification for a new text but he constantly checked if Jin had responded to him anyway. His last text, ‘ hyung, when will you get home?’ was still left unread and Jungkook found himself ridiculous for feeling disappointed. Everyone close to him knew Jungkook doesn’t like texting that much, but getting sick made him feel a little bit needy.

After staring at the text for almost a minute, Jungkook contemplated whether he should watch random animal videos on YouTube but he decided to check his Instagram instead. His eyes quickly caught a familiar profile picture. Without wasting another second, Jungkook opened Jin's Instagram story and was greeted by pictures of him and Namjoon. It wasn’t clear where they were but it definitely was not at Jin’s store. Jungkook did notice a glass of coffee peeking at the corner of the picture they took while sitting down. Jungkook stared at it until it moved onto the next story of someone Jungkook didn’t even remember following.

Jin didn’t mention he would be meeting Namjoon. Jungkook wanted to laugh. Fate seemed to favor them better than himself. Fighting his logical side, Jungkook gave in to his ego as he tapped back to see Jin’s story. He felt bitter. He wanted to be the one that was there… but for which one of them? Jungkook didn't know. Or maybe deep down he knew but the thought was so scary Jungkook pushed it down, deeper, away from his consciousness.

The memory of the first time Namjoon walked in flashed into his mind. Jungkook's heart did skip a beat at the sight of the man that was now his friend— and Jin’s friend. Jungkook still found his long legs amazing, his dimples cute, and his soft yet clumsy self adorable. Yet those feelings he thought would increase, doubled, tripled, now… calmed down. He could only think of using that word to describe his feelings for Namjoon. He admired him and looked up to him as an amazing friend, hyung, working adult, and person. However his heart didn’t ache the way it ached for Jin.

For the past few days— maybe even weeks when Jungkook tried to remember hard enough, he had been realizing feelings he didn’t know he had towards Jin. The jealousy was almost unbearable at times. He realized maybe the sign shouldn’t always be butterflies, clammy hands, or racing hearts. At times, like in his case, the sign was of immense comfort and security. Jungkook treasured every moment and time he could spend with his hyung, even if it’s in their apartment, watching shitty shows, and eating junk food. Jungkook could be a little childish and an expert at using his maknae card in his friend groups. But with Jin, Jungkook never got embarrassed of wanting to get pampered and spoiled. That was also exactly what he needed.

Blame it on him being sensitive because of the flu and headache, Jungkook couldn’t care less if two tears rolled down his face. Hell, he wouldn’t even care if he bawled his eyes out from loneliness. Everything sucks and Jungkook wished he had some kind of distraction. Because his mind was in a dangerous place and he didn't want to get locked up in it.

"Jungkook?"

His bedroom door creaked at the same time as the voice called out to him. The lamp from outside was the one thing that helped Jungkook recognize Jin. Jungkook sniffled, he didn't realize he was full on crying and not tearing up anymore.

"Jungkook, are you asleep?" Jin walked closer. His earrings Jungkook had lent him glinted when the corridor’s lights hit it.

“Don’t call me that.” Jungkook croaked out. Voice had turned nasally from all the crying.

Jin went silent for a second. It wasn’t because he didn’t understand what Jungkook meant, but only because he was confused why Jungkook was crying. “Kook-ah. Do we have to go to the hospital again? You’re going to make your headache worse.”

Jungkook tried to argue with Jin but his jaw felt loose. Like it was missing a screw and his voice betrayed him as it turned into a louder sob. “Hyung…” It was the only thing he could finally say.

“I’m here— I’m sorry I didn’t want to leave you.”

The hand cupping his cheeks was cold, a direct contrast to Jungkook’s rising temperature. Jungkook wanted to say his hyung was lying, but Jin's eyes were so soft as he looked at him. Concern was written all over his face, brows knitted together and Jungkook knew Jin looked beautiful. Even without proper lighting that would enhance every detail on his eyes, nose, and lips.

“I’m sorry…”

“Why are you apologizing?” Jin was about to remove his hands from Jungkook’s face to move the bangs that were sticking to his forehead. But Jungkook stopped him. He wanted Jin to keep his hand there, as it was getting warmer, melting into his face like it belonged there. “Don’t feel bad for feeling lonely and sick. If you don’t have a fever I would’ve told you to cry as much as you want but I’m worried it’ll make your headache worse, Kook-ah.”

Somehow that made Jungkook cry harder. He pulled Jin onto the bed, causing him to fall on top of Jungkook. “I missed you.”

“Well, who wouldn’t miss my pretty face.” Jin said as he moved to a better position. He waited for Jungkook’s reaction but then noticed he won’t be getting any. “It’s a day when jokes don't make you feel better?’

Jungkook nodded as he threw his hands over Jin. Usually Jin would protest about how heavy he is but this time, he didn’t say anything and instead pulled him closer. Jungkook sob slowly turned into quiet sniffling as minutes passed. Jin didn’t once stop rubbing circles on Jungkook’s back. The motions were slow, careful, and full of thoughts knowing that he didn't like being touched much when he got a fever. Even his clothes felt uncomfortable on his skin.

“Okay?” Jin made sure. His other hands had traveled up to Jungkook’s face. With gentle pressure, he massaged the spot between Jungkook’s eyebrows, sighing in relief when the frown Jungkook didn’t notice was still there then easily disappeared.

“You smell like… outside.” Jungkook mumbled, voice muffled as he tucked his face in between the space of Jin’s neck and shoulders. “And sweat.”

“Would you let me shower before I come back here?”

“Don’t leave,” Jungkook insisted. He gripped harder on any fabric his hand could touch from Jin’s clothing. “You didn’t answer my text.”

“Sorry, Kook-ah. I was busy and my company chat group was blowing up. I must’ve missed it.”

“You didn’t miss getting coffee with Namjoon and updating your Instagram though.” Jungkook didn’t care anymore. Jin could call him out for being bitter and jealous— at least he won’t be wrong. The fever, headache, and the post-crying emotions made him a little braver and reckless.

When he finally looked up, Jin was already staring at him. His eyes wavered, like it wanted to focus on something other than Jungkook’s red and puffy eyes but it stayed there. Full emotions. Emotions that Jungkook, in this state, couldn’t process and comprehend. When Jungkook couldn't bear to crane his neck any longer, he dropped his head to the crook of Jin's neck for comfort.

“We didn’t plan to meet, Jungkook.” Jin finally broke the silence. Jungkook pouted when he heard Jin calling him Jungkook even though the man in no way could see his face right now. “I was there with my other co-worker to get coffee and Namjoon was there since it was near his workplace.”

“Why didn’t you go back to his place?”

“What?” Jin sounded offended and perhaps it made Jungkook's heart sink for a bit. “Hey, look at me.” Jin ordered as he forced Jungkook to look him in the eyes. Apparently the pout didn’t work this time. “Namjoon is worried about you and it was totally a coincidence. Do you trust me? There’s nothing—”

“I know, I just wished I was there…”

Jin sighed, relieved that whatever he was scared Jungkook thought he did with Namjoon wasn’t the actual case. “You big baby,”

“Are you seeing anyone?”

“What’s with the random questions, Kook?” Jungkook whined as he hit Jin lightly on the chest. This time, his pout worked. “Alright, why did you think so?”

“You’re wearing your ‘getting laid’ pants.” Jungkook knew he wasn’t thinking straight. He didn’t think much of it when his hand grabbed Jin’s by the waist. It was only after Jin jerked up and blushed furiously that it even was visible with lights off, that Jungkook realized he shouldn’t have done that. “Sorry.”

“N—No it’s okay. I was just… ticklish.” Jin cleared his throat. The man who forced Jungkook to look himself in the eyes now was the one avoiding eye contact. “I didn’t even know this is my ‘getting laid’ pants to begin with.”

“I remember you said that pants make your ass firmer back in your last year of uni.” The embarrassment crept up, making Jungkook feel silly for remembering such things. “You also wore this a lot when we went to parties.”

“God, that was embarrassing… please don’t ever remind me of that ag—”

“And you were right.” Jungkook cut Jin off. “It does make your ass look good… so I thought when you wear this again. You were trying to get laid. Or you know, trying to impress someone.”

“No, Kook-ah. I just thought I’d wear it again when I found it in my closet.” Jin smiled, hoping it will reassure Jungkook. When his pout disappeared, Jin finally looked content. “I saw the burned food. Do you want me to make you something?”

“I want your soup.” Jungkook wasn't sure if he would be able to stay awake until the soup was ready, but he asked for it anyway. “I miss your cooking.”

“Alright, do you want to stay here or do you want to move to the couch?”

“I’ll stay here, hyung. But I’ll miss you.” Jungkook said that sincerely. He wasn’t trying to be funny but Jin laughed. In all honesty, he would prefer to cling to Jin like a koala while he cooks but his headache won’t let him take three steps away from his bed.

“I’ll be back so quick you won’t even notice I was gone. Okay?”

“Thank you, hyung.”

I love you

***

After Jungkook went to another doctor, the flu and sore throat was gone in five days. Jin had been coming home early to cook him dinner. At first he felt bad but Jin insisted he wanted to do it and that would make him less worried of Jungkook. The bitter taste at the back of his tongue still bothered him during those days, but Jin won’t let him make it an excuse not to eat any food. Jungkook thought it was a bit ridiculous and reminded him of his mom. He would argue about how he is a responsible adult but Jin, being a doting hyung that he is, would still sit in front of him until he finished,  making sure every spoon of food was eaten.

“Hearing you singing along to songs really makes it feels like everything went back to normal.”

Jungkook wasn’t phased and continued to sing along as he looked himself in the mirror, contemplating if he should wear short sleeves or long sleeves. He was about to try other clothes before Jin stopped him on his track.

“We’re late, Kook-ah.” Jungkook knew his puppy eyes won’t work because they were indeed half an hour late already. Jin cocked his eyebrow, waiting for Jungkook's response. “Okay but be honest, do I look weird in this shirt? Should I wear something baggy? Is it too small?”

“Flex,” Jin asked. Jungkook tried to process what his hyung meant but Jin’s hand was already on his bicep, lifting it up until Jungkook got the message.

He didn’t question it and did as Jin told him so. “What?”

“Perfect. Short sleeves are the answer. Namjoon would definitely notice your bicep.”

After what happened that night, Jungkook really thought Jin would’ve figured everything out. Jungkook thought his feelings had spilled out, together with the tears as he clung onto his closest and longest friend. All the thoughts he had pushed away and locked at the back of his head came rushing out like a tsunami. He vomited his heart into childish whimpers that night, overwhelmed by all kinds of emotions. He was sick, missing Jin, and the speck of jealousy had turned into a full on blazing sun. Something he had overlooked and then he couldn’t miss in a matter of weeks. But Jungkook couldn’t put blame on anyone, especially Jin. He should say it. Form a few sentences, whether it was all tangled up, messy, and stuttered. He wanted to say it.

“Kook?” Jin forced him out of his trance. The older had his bag neatly slung on top of his right shoulder, head tilting to where the door was, gesturing it was time for them to go.

Jungkook scrambled to put his phone and the rest of scattered things on his bed into his bag. He took ten seconds to check if everything was inside before tailing behind Jin towards the door. His mood increased as finally thought of playing with cute dogs and of course cats, which could feasibly earn him a few scratches but that was alright.

***

“Hey guys, you made it.” Namjoon greeted them when they found him sitting in the waiting room. The chair creaked, pushed back from the force of how fast Namjoon got up to give both Jungkook and Jin a bone crushing hug. “Feeling great?” The hug Namjoon gave him was a few seconds longer and perhaps tighter. He waited for Jungkook's response before releasing his grip on either of Jungkook’s shoulders.

“Feeling great! Don’t want to sneeze and scare all the cute precious pups, am I right?” Jin snorted and Jungkook had to elbow him hard so as not to make fun of him.

“Thank you for sparing some time with us for this, Joon.”

“It’s close to my workplace, hyung, so don’t worry.” Namjoon smiled bashfully.

Jungkook wanted to make a joke about how awkward they were being but his focus was altered to two of the workers, not so subtly ogling Namjoon and Jin. Part of him felt proud of being in between two of the hottest men who probably have ever walked into the shelter. Well he doubted that since the workers are good looking too but he wanted to go with that train of thought anyway. Then of course, part of him was a little bit jealous. Jin wasn’t even phased when Jungkook locked their arms together.

Jungkook smiled triumphantly when the workers' eyes left Jin and shifted to Namjoon who was walking with them. Judging by how relaxed Namjoon looked while talking to them, they must’ve known each other for a while. Not that it was a shock per se, but Jungkook now understood a little bit more why they were looking at Namjoon in such ways. The more someone knows Namjoon, the more they would realize all details about that man is perfect. Despite already admitting that his crush for Namjoon had long gone, Jungkook still won’t lie about obvious things.

“Perfect time.” Namjoon clasped his hands together when he walked back to where Jungkook and Jin were waiting. “Jimin and Hoseok gave us one hour to play with the dogs.”

“What about the cats?”

“You still can visit them,” One of the workers chirped. Jimin. Jungkook noticed from his nametag.

“I heard you guys are planning to adopt?” The other worker, who must be Hoseok, asked. Jungkook suspected Namjoon told them about that.

“Well, we’re still thinking about it. I already have one huge, heavy, and whiny puppy at home.”

Jungkook's jaw dropped and the only thing Jin did was fight off the smile from his face. The rest of the people in the room seemed confused but they chose the right decision not to question it.

“OH MY GOD…” Jungkook exclaimed as soon as he entered the shelter’s playroom. The dogs came rushing to the door, tails wagging happily and Jungkook would hate himself if he didn't give every single one of them the proper pets they deserved.

“Move, pup.” Jin said jokingly as he squeezed himself to get in. Another dog quickly tackled him to the floor and licked his face, forcing a laugh to erupt out of Jin.

“Aw, he likes you, hyung.” Namjoon commented as he joined in petting the dogs that excitedly ran to his open arms.

Jungkook got up and almost regretted it when he looked down at all the cute puppy eyes. He walked slowly to where Jin and Namjoon were, giggling as he looked at all the dogs following behind him.

“Why did all the goldens only approach Jin?” Namjoon pointed out. He had a cute pug trying to climb his thighs with its little legs.

“Jin hyung has a tendency to attract goldens apparently,”

“What?” Jin whipped his head to where Jungkook was sitting but his attention was quickly stolen again by another puppy nudging their nose to his hand, asking to be picked up.

“Like Joon hyung. He’s like a two-legged golden retriever.”

Namjoon was about to say something, finger raised up, ready to object, but then he stopped. “You know what? I’m not mad.”

“Wait, can we give treats to them though? I have never been to an animal shelter before.” At the words treats, quite a few dogs who had learned what it meant ran up to Jungkook. They scrambled around, trying to find anything in his pocket and hands. Jungkook had never been suffocated by anything other than his weighted blanket before, and sure, that was comforting, but he must say being suffocated by excited fluffy dogs trying to find treats was easily the best thing in the world.

He had been completely blinded by the sight of furs, back pushed to the floor as he was now completely laying under a pile of dogs. By the sound of Jin and Namjoon, they surely found the sight amusing. A few seconds passed until the dogs gave up, realizing that Jungkook in fact, didn't have any treats with him.

Jimin came a few minutes after, checking in with each of them and asking if they would like to see the cats anytime soon. Jungkook nodded eagerly even though he asked for another fifteen minutes with the dogs before they moved to see the cats.

Taking the opportunity, Jin stood up and asked Jimin if he could go to the toilet. Jungkook saw his hyung follow Jimin out of the playroom before continuing to pet the now sleeping pomeranian on his lap.

He caught Namjoon staring at him from the corner of his eyes. Jungkook offered him a smile. “I miss my family dog,” Jungkook said when Namjoon scooted closer and gently picked up the norfolk terrier that had been snoozing, tucked comfortably near Jungkook’s knee.

“I didn’t know you had a family dog.”

“Yeah, I haven’t posted about him recently. I had to cancel coming back to Busan last chuseok but—”

“You visited Jin hyung’s family.” Namjoon finished.

“Did he tell you? What conversations did you guys have for that to come up anyway?”

Namjoon went silent for a few seconds, focusing on how a puppy was now playfully nibbling his finger. He finally looked up and Jungkook had never seen that look on Namjoon’s face. Even so, Jungkook couldn’t identify what kind of emotions exactly he was having.

“Every conversation with Jin would somehow have you in it.”

Jungkook froze. “What?”

“I said, it’s not weird for you to come up in a conversation with Jin.” Namjoon shrugged. “He talked about you a lot, if that’s not obvious.”

“Of course not? Like… Why would he?”

Namjoon didn’t answer. There was hesitancy written on his face. His lips were pursed into a thin line. He took a deep breath before finally voicing out what was on his mind.

“You like Jin hyung, right?”

If a word could physically hit him, Jungkook would have been thrown across the room. His brain had shut off for a second, all he did was stare at Namjoon agape, cogs on his brain moving hastily to form a decent sentence.

“I— yeah? He’s my hyung. Of course I like him.” Jungkook knew that he was playing dumb. He didn’t need to calculate the combination of Namjoon's eyeroll, sigh, and ever so slightly knitted brows to know it wasn’t the answer Namjoon expected him to blurt out. “I’m not… sure.”

That was another lie.

Jungkook was sure. He had admitted to it in his head. Alone in the dark, between his too familiar four walled room. But he never said it out loud. He never told anyone about his newfound feelings for Jin. It seeped and settled so easily. Because nothing really changed. Jin is his comfort place. His comfort person. He had been special since the first day. Jungkook just figured out what everyone had been saying. Sometimes when people are looking for the right person, they look everywhere but what is obviously in front of them. That was his case with Jin.

Namjoon craned his neck, making sure Jin had not been back from the toilet before he said, “He likes you.” Three words. It was only three words but Jungkook’s heart was already trying to run away over someone’s opinion that possibly could not be true at all. “It’s so obvious it almost hurt my feelings.”

Jungkook was glad they were having this conversation with dogs around. Because Namjoon loves to look someone in the eyes while talking. He made sure anyone he was talking to had his full attention. Jungkook had mentioned it was a doctor thing. A skill Namjoon had built because it’s needed for his job. He said that mostly to avoid confronting the reason why it’s so hard for him to look Namjoon back in the eyes back then.

“I mean it does,” Namjoon continued. He gently pinched his elbow a few times as he rubbed it, before finally letting it fall on top of Jungkook’s knees. “Because Jin hyung is wonderful and I really liked him but I guess I never had a chance. Even just a little bit,”

Namjoon's chuckle was a bit strained and Jungkook wanted to tell Namjoon he didn't have to force it out to make things less awkward. Or maybe Jungkook needed to do something himself to ease some of the tension from Namjoon. But nothing came to his mind. It was too occupied by confusion, worry, and other jumbled up emotions he couldn’t identify.

“But I realized our dynamic is better like this.” Namjoon squeezed Jungkook's knee before he let go and gave the dog in front of him for some belly scratches.

“How do you know?”

“Well… he looks at you like he wanted to tell everyone in the room ‘that’s my baby’ if that makes sense.”

Jungkook wanted to say the notion that Jin liked him made no sense to him. But with his last bit of patience, Jungkook kept his mouth shut while the freak out continued to happen inside his head.

“He would look at you so softly and… do you know the slight tug of a smile that he does?”

“Yeah, he does that all the time.”

“No, Jungkook.” Namjoon quickly objected. “I went to his clothing store, remember? He was as cheerful as his usual self, of course, very professional too. But he didn’t have that tug of a smile and overflowing affection in his eyes.”

“Okay, this is too much for my brain to handle.” Jungkook leaned his head against his palm, as if his head was heavy from all the information he was receiving. He shut his eyes for a few seconds to take a step back and recollect every piece of information Namjoon just dropped on him. “But… he looks at everyone so earnestly? What makes it different?”

“He made sure to only slip into that trance when you weren’t looking.”

“Huh?”

“Like when you were buried under all the dogs before.” Namjoon couldn’t help but giggle at the thoughts. “He was looking at you like he wanted the sight to be ingrained into his brain.”

Maybe Jungkook should take back what he said about being glad to have this conversation around dogs. He preferred to be surrounded by an unhealthy amount of pillows on his bed so he could bury his head under the fluffiest one and just scream.

“He was being so careful. Making sure no one noticed but of course I did,”

“I’m sorry, hyung.” Jungkook seemed to have lost his brain filter. He knew he had no reason to apologize but he wanted to say it.

“Why?” Namjoon wondered. “Because he likes you instead of me?”

Jungkook didn’t answer that question. He didn't want to. Instead, he said, “I had a crush on you but then I realized…”

“You love Jin? Yeah, I figured.”

“Wait, you knew?” Jungkook thought Jin was the most oblivious man in his friend group but Jungkook might have to consider giving himself that title.

“Namjoon knew what?”

Both Jungkook and Namjoon snapped up. Their eyes blown out, neither of them could form a single word to answer Jin who finally came back.

“It was nothing. Just… about my habits of picking on my skin.”

Jin thankfully ate up the blatant lie Jungkook offered him.

“So, cats?”

***

Namjoon had pulled him into a hug before they went separate ways. He whispered talk to Jin hyung soon along the way before turning to Jin to say his goodbye and head to work. Jungkook had two types of coping mechanisms during times like this. He would either go silent, not a single sound out of his mouth for the rest of the day, or he would babble out like a toddler reaching a 200 words vocabulary milestone to distract himself.

He did the latter. He wasn’t even sure what the conversation started with, but now he was talking about how it didn't make sense that strawberry was not berry but banana was one. He had recited the exact funny conspiracy theory he found on Twitter, just because his brain loved picking up on things like that when Jungkook noticed the look Namjoon had mentioned.

Jin, perfect with a slight tug of smile that puffed up his cheeks perfectly, was looking at him until Jungkook stared back. His eyes wandered around the street, eyeing random flyers on the walls as he cleared his throat. There was a pretty shade of pink appearing on Jin's cheeks. It would've been more visible if his eyes hadn't been blinded by the sun.

Maybe it was the hot weather that made him impatient. Maybe it was all the words Namjoon said back at the shelter. Maybe it was the desperation Jungkook hadn’t noticed living within him. But before his rational thoughts could catch up with his urge, Jungkook had pulled Jin’s collar and crashed their lips together.

Jin gasped and was frozen for a moment. It took another slight pull for his hyung to kiss back. Everything fell into place. That was the best Jungkook could come up with at the moment as he was busy coaxing Jin to make a noise. A gentle bite on Jin’s bottom lips got Jungkook the whimpers he had been waiting for. That somehow gave Jungkook a boost of confidence. He pulled Jin closer until their bodies were flushed together. He slotted his hands perfectly around Jin's waist, as if that was what he was meant to do with them.

“Fuck, Kook… we’re in public.” Jin gasped into Jungkook’s mouth, his legs wobbled and he would have fallen into the ground if Jungkook wasn't supporting him. “What the fuck?’

“It’s alright, we’re not on a busy street.”

Jin, being himself, was ready to lecture Jungkook, probably about public indecency but another peck from Jungkook shut him up quickly. Jin could only groan as he dropped his head to the juncture between Jungkook’s neck and shoulder. The sounds of their hearts beating were so loud that it seemed like they were knocking at each other's door.

“You have really plump lips,” Jungkook commented and that earned him a back slap from Jin. He didn’t care. Jungkook always loved praising his hyung. He would only state the obvious even if it earned him another back slap. “Can I kiss you again?”

“Oh my god…”

Despite his fake annoyance, Jin let his face peel away from Jungkook’s shoulder. What were the odds now that Jungkook was the one boldly looking at his hyung while Jin refused to look him in the eyes. His face was flushed, completing the pretty shade of his pink, glistening lips.

Jungkook softly connected their lips again. No urge. No rush. His thumbs rest on top of Jin’s apple cheeks, stroking it concurrently with every push of their lips. Jin’s hand had traveled up to Jungkook’s nape, trying to pull him even closer. Jungkook pulled away then, surprisingly greeted by Jin’s whimpers, and one hell of a pretty pout. Jin's eyes fluttered slowly and it took Jungkook a big amount of self restraint not to kiss him again now that a group of people were seen turning the corner, walking towards them.

“You’re pretty.” Jungkook mumbled. He wasn’t intending to say it outloud but he didn’t regret it when Jin smiled bashfully. Jungkook loved that about him. Even if Jin blushed furiously, he would never reject or deny praise directed at him. He knew his worth, his beauty, and he loved people acknowledging that part of him.

Jungkook noticed an old lady walking past them and openly glared at his red kissed lips. That made Jungkook shy after what he did. The burst of confidence left his body in a matter of seconds.

“Oh, now you’re embarrassed.”

“I’m not!” Jungkook insisted. He shifted his weight from right to left, hands now awkwardly dangling on either side of his body before Jin took it and dragged him to walk away.

“We’re continuing this in our place. Where no one but me could see your pretty flushed face.”

“Hey, that’s my line, hyung!” Jungkook protested but his supposed irritation was quickly broken by his own laugh. “What the fuck just happened.”

“You just kissed me.” Jin reminded him. He sounded way more serious than he probably should. “I— How about Namjoon?” He suddenly stopped on his track.

Jungkook sighed, of course Jin needed the verbal reassurance despite Jungkook kissing him a few minutes before. “I was jealous when you started talking more with Joon hyung.”

Jin finally turned around. “What?”

“I did like him… but I guess, I was first and always have been more in love with you?” Jungkook realized that it sounded more like a question. He shook his head then tried to reword what he meant to say. “I have always felt safe and comfortable around you. Like I could be my worst and best self around you without worrying about being judged. Maybe that’s why I didn't get any butterflies or racing hearts. Because we’ve always been… comfortable with each other. Like what we were having… all these times are what it should feel like.” Jungkook squeezed Jin’s hand and he never planned to confess to Jin in the middle of a random almost deserted street, but he won’t be able to find the courage again if he chickened out now.

“After thinking about it for a while, I've realized why I've been so content living with you. Why I wasn’t trying to find someone else or why I didn’t feel the need to go out and date is because I don’t feel like I need anyone other than you, hyung.” Jungkook's chest tightened and he felt like crying. He didn’t realize he had been looking down all this time. So when he looked up, he was surprised to see tears trickling down his cheeks. “I am content with you. I think I’m perfect with you.”

“Fuck… I was about to let you go when you— Namjoon.” Jin choked up. “When you said you have a crush on Namjoon. I was so scared of whatever we’re having might change if I were to say something. Anything about my feelings. So I kept quiet. I was sure it was the best decision to let you choose your happy place.”

Jungkook decided it wouldn’t hurt to give his hyung another kiss, so he did. “Now you know where my happy place is.”

“Let’s go, I need to kiss you more.” Jin tugged on Jungkook’s hand. It made Jungkook feel a little bit silly to see his hyung so eager to go home. Like their daily lives, the role had been reversed. Jungkook was usually the one that eagerly demanded for something and Jin was his rock, something that balanced him, keeping him together and grounded.

“One more here,” Jungkook said before stealing another kiss from Jin. He chuckled when Jin froze again, like it was their first kiss. “Who knew it was you all along, hyung.”

“Dumbass.”

Jungkook let himself be dragged by Jin. He purposely walked in front of Jungkook to hide his face, but Jungkook could clearly see the tint of pink on the tip of Jin’s ears. He doubted things would change drastically between them after today. They’d been there, at their destined place together all along. 

“Yeah, I love you too.”