Archive of Our Own ^beta

Jungkook bursts through his best friend’s apartment with a panicked edge, stumbling on shaky legs until his hands find purchase on a granite counter.

Taehyung stops buttering his toast, eyebrows raised in surprise, but nothing else, while Jimin takes a gentle sip of his coffee, unfrazzled by the youngest’s appearance. “We should really get that door fixed.” He mentions.

“I’ll tell Yoongi.” Taehyung mumbles, sleep heavy in his voice. He turns his attention back to the panting, distraught college junior slumped over their counter. “Good morning Kook.”

Jungkook snaps his neck up, eyes blown.

“I just had the best sex in my life.” He whispers.

There’s a second of stillness as Taehyung and Jimin share a prolonged look. In Jungkook’s next breath, Taehyung throws his breakfast to the side and Jimin tosses his magazine behind him. They grab Jungkook’s arms to lead him to the couch. They sit in front of him, hungry.

“Tell us everything.” 

Jungkook’s hand covers over his mouth, eyes far away. “It was so good.” He whispers. “I never came so many times before.” He makes a sobbing noise into his hands. “I won’t ever be the same after this.”

“Damn.” Taehyung says. “Is he taking new patients?”

“You have a boyfriend.” Jimin reminds.

“Yoongi would understand.” Taehyung turns to Jungkook. “So was he cute?” He leans in closer, eyes gleaming. “Was he packing?”

Jungkook jerks his head up. “Like a goddamn carry-on.”

Taehyung makes a noise like he just finished a clean shot of soju. “Thatta boy.”

“And he was so cute.” Jungkook groans. “Dimples. Made of 100% organic leg. Smart enough to make me feel insecure. His hands — oh god — his hands.”

“How’d you meet?”

Jungkook smiles a bit.

“He’s my TA.”

Both Jimin and Taehyung gasp and Jungkook giggles, unable to help himself.

“Jungkook Jeon.” Jimin says, scandalized. “Did you fuck a TA for your grade?” 

Jungkook nearly cackles at their dumbfounded expressions. They stare at him, waiting for an answer, leaning in close and hungry for gossip. He bites his lip to keep from smiling. 

He doesn’t even know where to begin.

Jungkook Jeon is hot enough to get by. 

He’s not pretty like Jimin is or as strikingly gorgeous like Taehyung — he’s not even the subdued attractiveness Yoongi has, a subtle handsomeness that demands a closer look. His eyes are too wide set for his liking, his skin is marred with acne scars, and his nose is much too big on his face, but he gets by. A flattering haircut and some days dedicated to the gym helped out his case by the time he reached his junior year of college. 

He slugs a leather jacket over his white shirt and tousles his hair in the mirror. 

you’re hot enough, jungkook. He reassures himself. you’ll grow into your nose eventually.  

When his phone buzzes, he’s quick to respond, tapping over the lockscreen of Jimin and Taehyung making an ugly face at the camera. 

jingoo

im outside 

jungkook

coming hot stuff 

jingoo

nvm im leaving 

jungkook

no wait!! 

Jingoo’s scowling at him when he slides into the seat. He leans forward to grip Jingoo’s hand in bro-shake, which he unenthusiastically returns. 

“I hope you know I pulled a lot of strings to get you into this party.” 

Jungkook snorts and snaps his seatbelt in place as Jingoo starts driving. “It’s a frat party, not the Met Gala.” 

“It’s Block Party weekend and not even pledges are allowed tonight. Nearly had to suck a dick to get you on the list.” 

“Jimin and Taehyung are on the list.” 

“Well Jimin actually sucked a dick.” 

Jungkook groans. “Wonho again?” 

Jingoo doesn’t respond, but his grimace is enough to alert Jungkook of his answer. Jungkook always knew Jimin and Wonho had been on and off friends with benefits since freshman year of college, but it must’ve been a shock for Jingoo to walk in on his big with Jimin nestled between his thighs. 

(“And Jimin wasn’t sucking his dick.” Jingoo recalled to an equally horrified Jungkook, who didn’t want the imagery burned in his head.) 

“Hey man, don’t be upset. I’ll bro-suck your dick too.” 

“Shut up Jungkook.” 

“What are homies for right?” 

“Jungkook.” 

Jungkook cackles as Jingoo reaches over to slap at him. “I’m kidding! I’m just kidding! God!” He wrestles Jingoo’s hands away from his face, only stopping when Jingoo swerves away from something littered on the road. Jungkook flies to the car door with a thud and laughs from the sudden movement when he realizes the cause of it. 

“Dude, that was just a plastic bag!” 

“That’s what you get for hitting on me.” 

Jungkook makes an ugly mocking noise with his nose. “If you think that’s flirting, I have some really bad news for you.” 

“Oh really?” Jingoo raises his brow. “Mr. Jungkook Jeon, who changed gym clothes in the bathroom stall, is going to teach me about flirting tonight?” 

He swallows down a small flare of nervousness and puts on a smug smile instead, eyes twinkling at his friend. “Is that a challenge I sense?” 

Jingoo grins devilishly. “How much?” 

Jungkook smiles, because if there’s one thing he can’t resist, it’s his love for challenges. “Dinner plus a movie.” 

“Deal.” Jingoo agrees easily, having done this dance with Jungkook many times before. Their last bet involved pizza, a timer, and his living room wall. “You gotta flirt with a guy at the party." 

“And to win?” 

“He asks for your number. Points if you guys make out by the end of the night.” Jingoo parks his car and a group of students stumble onto the road, already wasted. “Then I owe you dinner and a movie.” 

“You’re on.” Jungkook agrees and they shake on it, the glint in their eyes matching. 

The street is louder than usual with tell-tale signs of other parties going on across the block. Block Party was their annual welcome of the school year, so all the fraternities and clubs threw non-stop parties for an entire week as a bid to get new meat into their organization. For freshmen, it was an initiation into college life. 

For the rest of the college degenerates, it was just another excuse to party. 

But there’s one party that always rises above the others, the party everyone has heard of, the party everyone references at least once when they recall wild nights out: Epilson Xi Omega’s annual Around the World festival. 

Epilson Xi Omega boasts the biggest frat house out of the orgs, a gorgeous two-story estate with 15 rooms, making it the perfect place to throw an Around the World party. Jimin makes it his life mission to go to every single EXO AoW party for as long as he’s still in college - this is already his third one. For Jungkook, it’s his first. 

The guest list is a selective, invite-only process that makes it damn near impossible for someone like Jungkook to get in. The closest thing he got to joining a club was attending judo practices in his spare time and like Jungkook said: he’s just hot enough to get by. Definitely not hot enough to get invited to the biggest parties of the school year. 

Thank god he had Jingoo as a connect. 

He steps up the pathway to a door, much too grandiose to belong to college frat boys, and is greeted by a bored-looking boy who asks, “Name?” when they arrive. Jingoo flicks the kid on the forehead and says, “Stay alert, pledgling. You’re representing EXO and you’ll stand up straight before Yixing catches you slacking.” 

That’s enough to get the boy to come to attention. “H-Hey Jingoo. Sorry.” 

Jungkook watches the interaction with fascination. The entire concept of fraternity life is childish and archaic to him, but it’s still satisfying to watch Jingoo whip a poor kid into shape with a single sentence. Jingoo says both their names to the boy, who cross-references them through his list (“Jesus, are you guys a Vegas club or something?” “Shut up Jungkook.”) and gives them the okay to go inside. 

When Jingoo opens the door, Jungkook doesn’t really know what to expect. 

But he most certainly does not expect this. 

The house is grand, that much is expected, but his mouth drops from the sheer execution of the party. It’s so packed, Jingoo has to weave them through a crowd to get to the stairs, where each room has a country’s flag hanging above it. 

“Puerto Rico? I kind of want some rum.” Jingoo shouts over the noise. Jungkook gives him a thumbs up. 

Of course, the Puerto Rico room is blasting Bad Bunny when they enter. Pledges are behind a table, pouring out constant rum shots in Dixie cups as people swoop in to get them. There’s salt and lime in a bucket nearby, looking tarnished, and before he knows it, he and Jingoo are taking rum shots straight without a chase. He chokes on the burn. 

“Another one?” 

Jungkook still has his face scrunched up when he nods yes. They take the second one shortly after. He nearly hacks. He doesn’t know if it’s the hacking urge which reminds him to message the group chat, but he takes out his phone anyways: 

jungkook

im here 

mini-hyung

where 

jungkook

puerto rico

mini-hyung

fuck im in america. do you know what a dirty girl scout is 

big-hyung

i was one 

mini-hyung

what 

big-hyung

a dirty girl scout 

jungkook

gross. where are we meeting 

mini-hyung

liaison in south korea. DAE HAN MIN GUK CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP 

big-hyung

don’t

jungkook

do not 

“Yo, I’m gonna meet up with my buddies. Catch up later?” Jungkook shouts to Jingoo. 

Jingoo gives him the okay, pulling him close to remind him, “Don’t forget about our bet.” 

Jungkook winks at him and exits Puerto Rico, looking at nearby rooms. He sees Japan, China, Russia, the UK, but still no sign of South Korea. He asks someone where Korea is and they respond annoyingly, “North or South?” Jungkook rolls his eyes and heads down the stairs, making his way through the crowd until another hallway of rooms catches his attention. 

Right next to Canada is the undeniable South Korean flag, representing the cultural artifacts that are soju and lite beer. Ah yes. The pride that courses through his veins. 

“Excuse me, an actual Korean coming through, so get out my way!” A familiar voice catches Jungkook’s attention. 

Stumbling out of America, wasted, beautiful, a complete mess, comes Park Jimin in all of his glory. There’s a smudge of black on his chin when their eyes meet and Jimin throws his entire body weight into Jungkook’s arms. “Jungkookie! My baby is here!” 

“What is that on your chin?” 

“Huh? Oh! It’s chocolate syrup.” 

“What?” 

“Dirty girl scout.” Taehyung explains. 

“I still don’t understand.” 

“It doesn’t matter!” Jimin wipes his chin and points towards South Korea. “C’mon boys! Let’s go hoooooome!” 

“Oh god,” Jungkook laughs, “He’s wasted.” 

“Beyond belief.” Taehyung agrees. 

Jimin grabs them both by the arms and leads them into South Korea, where booming Korean hip-hop is playing. There’s soju and beer mixtures being poured into Dixie cups again, but Jimin heads straight to the pledges and says, “Just hand me a bottle of soju.” 

The pledges look at each other and back at Jimin. “Uh, I don’t think we can do that.” 

Jimin does this terrifying thing then, which he only knows how to do when he’s drunk, where he smiles coyly and leans forward across the table. He juts out his lips a little more when he speaks next, making sure he’s positioned in a way that accentuates all the curves of his body. When he blinks, Jungkook notices how his eyeshadow catches pretty in the strobe lights. 

“Oppa,” He whines cutely to the pledgling, who immediately tenses at the word, indicating, with much remorse, that he is Korean and fully understands what Jimin is trying to do, “Can’t you do me one favor tonight? I promise I’ll be good.” 

“Woah,” Taehyung checks his watch, “It’s way too early for Jimin to pull the oppa card already.” 

“Shh, I think it’s working.” 

Jungkook watches the pledge go through stages of conflict, confusion, and painful moments of horrendous misguided panic. He can literally see the words pop up from the boy’s head, “Holy shit am I gay because he’s really hot am I gay because he’s really hot am I gay because he’s really hot,” and it takes all of Jungkook’s energy not to snort into his hand. Finally, the pledge shoves a soju bottle to Jimin. “T-Take it.” 

“Thank you baby.” Jimin cooes, reaching over to run his fingers across the boy’s cheek and run delicately down his neck. The pledge visibly shivers. Jungkook’s jaw drops. 

Yeah. He is definitely not a Park Jimin type of hot. 

“I am madly in love with you.” Taehyung declares when Jimn slaunders back to them with a soju bottle in his hand and a beer bottle in the other. 

Jimin giggles and takes a long swig of both the soju and beer, passing it over to Jungkook. He does the same and laughs when Taehyung attempts to drink, but ends up twisting his face in disgust instead. 

“How do you do that?” Jungkook peers at Jimin with wide eyes. 

Their outfits are similar, except Jimin’s white shirt has a much lower and wider cut, deep enough to show off his collar bones. Their black jeans are nearly identical, but Jimin makes the combination look deadly. The eyeshadow is a soft brown shimmer in the light. 

Jungkook will spend his entire life thinking about the juxtapositions of them together, how much Jimin seems to shine. 

“Do what? That?” Jimin points to the pledge who is trying very hard not to check out Jimin from behind. “I just asked him for it.” 

“You did not just ask him for it.” Jungkook saw the hustle with his own two eyes. It was an act of practiced coyness, refined by years of eyelash battering and pouting. “I made a bet with Jingoo tonight that I could get a dude to ask for my number if I flirted with him. I don’t want to lose.” 

“Flirt with me. I’ll ask for your number and you win.” Taehyung says easily. 

“I want to win fairly.” 

“Oh.” Taehyung loses interest. “Then I’m going to visit Japan. I want some Calpico.” 

“Will you be alright by yourself?” Jungkook grabs onto his friend’s arms, but when Taehyung gives him a raised brow in return, he reminds himself he’s talking to Taehyung Kim. He’ll probably leave this party with a job opportunity, a free timeshare, and VIP tickets to an Ariana Grande concert. He lets go of his grip. 

“I’ll be fine. Text me if anything and let’s meet at the front at 1?” 

Jungkook gives him an okay signal and Taehyung ruffles his hair, cooing, “What a cutie,” in Korean before heading out the room. When he turns his attention back to Jimin, half of the soju and beer are already gone. There’s a girl looking at him with tears in her eyes. 

“ - and if he can’t even do that for you, then you don’t deserve him! Do you or do you not think you deserve better?” is what Jungkook hears when he tunes into their conversation. 

“I deserve better.” The girl sobs. 

“That’s right.” Jimin nods. “You deserve better. Fuck bitch, go get a shot for the both of us.” 

The girl obeys, wiping wetness from his cheeks, as she heads back to the drink table. Jimin turns back to him with a blank stare: “I hate sorority girls.” 

“But the flirting though,” Jungkook gets them back on topic, gingerly taking the alcohol out of Jimin’s hands and drinking the rest, “You have to teach me.” 

“I can’t teach you how to flirt, Kookie. You find a dude you like and you let your instincts kick in. Besides, you’re Jungkook. Aren’t you supposed to be good at everything?” 

“That’s different. Those are like hobbies and activities. Flirting is neither of those.” 

“Okay fine,” Jimin resigns, hooking their arms together as they leave the room, “I’ll try my best, but there’s no template for flirting. What I do probably won’t work for you.” He stops in the hallway and plants Jungkook there. “You wait out here. I’m going to pretend to flirt with you. Then, you’re going to pretend to flirt with me. Got it?” 

“Got it coach.” 

Jimin goes back inside the room and Jungkook waits just a few moments, before his friend appears again. Usually, when Jimin greets him, it’s with a bright smile that breaks across his face, eyes disappearing into happy half-moons, and a chorus of light giggles. This time when Jimin greets him, it’s with a sly smile which slowly spreads, stopping halfway. His eyes are shining with something playful - predatory even. When he approaches, he gives Jungkook an obvious once over, and stops much too close to his personal space. 

“Hi,” Jimin says and even his voice sounds breathless. 

Jungkook bursts out laughing. 

The way Jimin slips out of character and scowls at him is as quick as a light switch. There’s the Jimin Park he knows. 

“The fuck dude! I’m trying to teach you something here.” 

Jungkook covers his mouth from laughing. The alcohol is taking effect, because he’s hunched over from how ridiculous this is.

“Sorry, sorry,” He wheezes, “It’s just,” He barks out a laugh, throwing his head back, “You really thought you were doing something there, huh?” 

Jimin actually does hit him then, landing a punch to his arm, but he’s laughing too. “Don’t clown me! I’m trying to be a good friend!” He falls into Jungkook’s side, laughter coming in short breaths. 

Jungkook takes on Jimin’s flirting persona, purposefully smirking sexy and exaggerating his hooded eyes. “Hi there,” He mocks and Jimin screams, pushing him with zero strength as they both spiral into another fit of laughter. 

“Okay this isn’t working,” Jungkook concludes, wiping tears from his eyes, “Abort mission. I don’t want to learn how to flirt anymore.” 

“No, no!” Jimin sniffles, panting from giggles, “I want to see how you flirt. C’mon.” 

“Alright fine, but I need one more shot.” 

They hop over to Canada for shots of Raymond Massey, which is oddly enough a combination that Jungkook doesn’t hate, and by this time, he is a little beyond buzzed but just under wasted. He watches Jimin take the shot clean and still walk straight afterwards. He thinks briefly Jimin may be a monster. 

“Okay, so you’re going to walk into the room and flirt with me. Just do what comes naturally.” Jimin instructs, walking off to the side of the room. 

Jungkook still thinks the entire thing is ridiculous and maybe he should just treat Jingoo out to dinner and a movie, but he plays along anyway, feeling way too good to say no. He paces outside a little bit, conjuring up whatever pick up line or maneuver he wants to do. When he turns and goes back into the room, he admits the world spins a little bit. 

He scans the room until he catches sight of a white shirt, black jeans combination - bingo. Target sighted. He runs his fingers through his hair when he approaches near, suppressing the urge to laugh, and stands way too close to Jimin’s side. Brown eyes stare at him and Jungkook places his hand on his friend’s shoulder, tip-toeing to lean close to his ear. 

He whispers, breathless and almost a moan, “I’m a little hot in here. Do you think you can help me out with that?” 

A hand falls on the small of his back, not to pull him close, but to steady him when he lowers himself down on his heels. He expects Jimin to laugh, the sound tinkling in his ears, but instead, a deep voice rumbles, “What?” 

Through his drunken haze, the cloudiness of his mind, his entire body runs cold and sober: He shouldn’t have to tip-toe to reach Jimin’s ears. The hand on his back is large and steady. There’s a deep scent of patchouli flowers and oak. Jungkook sucks in a panicked breath, head snapping up. 

That isn’t Jimin. 

“Oh my god.” Jungkook takes two steps back, now able to access this complete! stranger! fully. He’s wearing almost the same outfit as Jimin, except his shirt is a simple v-neck which lays untucked over fitted jeans. Thighs, the untamed part of Jungkook’s brain thinks when he looks on in horror.

Good body, good build, a handsome face, and eyes that look far too kind for a party like this. The man speaks again and he has the kind of voice Jungkook daydreams about. 

“Are you alright?” 

Oh no. Oh no no no no no. 

“S-Sorry, I hafta go!” Jungkook rushes out, doing a quick search of the room for Jimin who is nowhere in sight. He takes a few steps towards the door, but ends up tripping, falling to the ground on his palms and knees. He winces as his knees scrape against a discarded beer can crumpled on the floor. “Shit.” 

“Hey,” There’s a hand on his back again and then his arm, helping him up. Jungkook catches sight of the red mark on his knee when he stands, “Are you sure you’re good?” 

Jungkook doesn’t even feel any pain, only the burning sear of shame. He turns away from the stranger. “I’m fine.” 

“You’re bleeding.” 

“I’m sober.” 

“That’s not what I asked.” 

“Come here. I know someone at the house who has bandages.” The stranger offers, coaxing him out of the room with a grip that’s gentle. Jungkook can push him away and find his friends. Never have to see the stranger he humiliated himself to again. 

Instead, he keeps his gaze down and lets the man lead him through the crowd, until they step out into the back yard. The noise diminishes when they’re outside, replaced with muted conversations and the smell of weed. The man still has a hand on his back. 

“Hey Suho. You got any bandages?” 

“Oh shit. You upgraded to hurting other people besides yourself now, Joon?” Suho comes over to look at Jungkook’s knee. “You can find a first-aid kit in Sehun’s room. I’ll tell him to unlock it for you.” 

“This one is self-inflicted, but thanks bud.” 

Suho’s gaze falls to where the man’s hand touches Jungkook and an upward tick reaches the corner of his mouth. Jungkook feels the shame burn even harder from the insinuation. 

“Have fun.” 

“I’m bleeding.” Jungkook blurts out, emphasizing the fact as if it would combat whatever Suho’s thinking. 

“Now that we’re all on the same page,” Joon? Jungkook remembers Suho calling him that, says, “let’s try to fix that.” 

They follow Sehun back inside, where Sehun unlocks the door for them easily. Much to Jungkook’s surprise, Sehun closes the door behind them. He looks at the closed door and back to Joon. “Did he just leave two strangers in his room?” 

“We know each other. His big is, uh,” He stops rummaging through the drawers, brows knitted in concentration, “my best friend’s dance crew member’s best friend’s fraternity brother.” 

“What?” Jungkook finds himself laughing. “You mean he’s a stranger then.” 

The man laughs along. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” It’s a while before he finds the first-aid kit, so Jungkook takes an awkward seat on a chair. He fiddles with his thumbs, still feeling hot from earlier. 

“I found it.” Joon announces, taking out the kit and grabbing some alcohol pads and a bandage. 

Jungkook puts out his hands, but instead of passing the items over, the man kneels in front of him, inspecting his knee. When he hears a ripping sound, he reaches out instinctively over the man’s hands to grab at the alcohol pad. Their hands touch, their eyes meet, and their faces are close. Close enough for Jungkook to straighten back up again in alarm. 

“I can do it.” He insists. 

“It’s fine. I’m sober.” 

There’s nothing Jungkook can say to that. He sobered up considerably, but there’s still a numbness in his body he can’t deny. He watches as Joon, again with the gentle hands, presses the wipe against his cut. He winces, but otherwise keeps still and quiet. Once the bandage is on, they make eye contact again. 

“There. I saved your life.” Joon says. 

“Haha.” 

Joon chuckles at his dead response, still smiling up at him when he asks, “Are you still feeling hot?” 

Jungkook loses his composure quickly. He jerks his head away, looking at anywhere other than the amused smirk the man wears. 

“Listen, about that -” He begins to explain, but a short breath of laughter makes him pause. 

“Sorry,” Joon’s smile is brilliant, dimpled, and makes Jungkook’s heart seize, “I’m not trying to make fun of you. I thought it was cute.” 

For the second time tonight, Jungkook’s brain takes a second to process his situation. 

“Oh.” is his dumb, inexperienced response. “Thanks.” 

The smile stays on the man’s face, which makes it even harder for Jungkook to maintain eye contact. “You’re welcome. Do you know how you’re getting home tonight?” 

“Y-Yeah. My friend is driving us.” 

“Did he drink?” 

“No. He doesn’t drink.” 

“Good.” He says and there’s a soft touch underneath his chin, forcing him to look directly into the man’s eyes. The color is lighter than he expected, a shade of caramel, and in this light, his skin shines with hues of honey. “Because I would like to see you again and it would suck if anything happened.” 

Oh no. Jungkook thinks. He might be falling. 

“I’m Namjoon by the way.” His hand moves away from his chin, but it doesn’t matter. Now Jungkook couldn’t look away if he tried. 

“Jungkook.” 

“You go to UCBH?” 

“Yeah. Third year.” 

“Grad student.” 

“Are you a masochist?” 

Namjoon laughs hard at that and Jungkook watches in amazement, seeing how his eyes turn into happy slits, dimples getting deeper. He’s falling. 

“Yeah, you can say that. I like school, so I stayed.” 

“That sounds awful.” 

“Oh yeah? What’s your major?” 

“Psychology. History. I don’t even know. I’m undecided.” 

“And I’m the masochist?” 

The air is still when they regard each other, both with smiles on their faces, searching. There’s a loud shout which reminds them they’re still at a frat party. Namjoon motions towards the door. “We should probably go back to the party.” 

He stands up to leave, but Jungkook reaches out to grab his arm. “Wait,” He pauses, not knowing what to say next. Not knowing how to flirt. Just barely hot enough to get by. 

Namjoon stays, unmoving and patient. 

Jungkook looks up and attempts a smile. 

“Do you like bets?” 

“You’d rather watch Boys Over Flower for the rest of your life than admit mint chocolate chip is a terrible flavor?” 

Jungkook nods and Namjoon looks genuinely offended. They’re sitting on the floor together, knees barely touching. He doesn’t know how much time has passed, but the sounds of partying are still going strong. As he sobers up, Namjoon doesn’t get any less attractive. 

“Mint chocolate chip ice cream is a god-tier flavor and you’re not advanced enough to understand that yet.” 

“It’s made of the same ingredients as toothpaste.” 

“Bold of you to assume I also don’t think toothpaste is delicious.” 

There’s a moment’s pause, where Namjoon’s gaze drops down to his lips. The breath gets caught in Jungkook’s throat, but he doesn’t let it show. They’ve been playing this game for most of the night already, inching closer together with each question. It would be easy to meet Namjoon halfway. Relish in a kiss that would be chaste and sweet. Ease into it slowly, with him sliding onto Namjoon’s lap. 

He stops his thoughts before it gets too far. 

He clears his throat. “Next question?” He asks nervously, treading through the obvious tension between them. 

Jungkook is too aware of the way Namjoon is looking at him. How close they are. How much he wants it. His eyes don’t leave him for a second. 

“Would you rather be kissed here or after a nice date someplace else?” 

The line is so perfect, executed with such clean precision, Jungkook needs to take a second to appreciate just how smooth Namjoon is with his words before the tips of his ears burn hot from the question. He’d much rather be kissing right now, but he can still taste stale whiskey on his tongue, and he’s certain Namjoon hadn’t had a drop to drink tonight. His response is too slow, because Namjoon retracts easily, with kindness. 

“It’s fine if you don’t want to. There's really no pressure.” 

“No, I want too!” He says, which prompts Namjoon to raise a brow. He flusters even further. “I’m a slow thinker.” 

“That’s alright. I think too fast sometimes.” 

There’s a hand on his cheek, bringing him near. Jungkook lets himself be led, heart drumming in his chest, loud in his ears. Their lips are close now, close enough that he can feel Namjoon’s breath ghost against his skin. He’s not hot enough for this, not confident enough in himself to pull this off, but Namjoon kisses him regardless, unaware of all of that. 

Their lips meet, softly, gently, like a whisper, but the effect it has on him — an entire cosmos bursting in his chest — is grander than any kiss he’s ever experienced. Namjoon leans in for another one and another one, each kiss longer than the next. It’s not long before there’s a hand on the back of his neck, keeping him steady as the kiss deepens. It’s slow, unlike his other kisses that’s always been desperate and fast and filtered by drunkenness. 

It lets Jungkook feel the smooth velvet of Namjoon’s tongue slide on his. They move together naturally, tilting their heads to get deeper, feel each other even more. Usually, Jungkook hates the wet slippery feeling of saliva when kissing, but when their lips slip together with ease and the room fills with the noise of smacking, Jungkook lets out a small noise in the back of his throat. 

The air shifts into something sensual and heedy.

Without breaking, he finds himself - just as he predicted - on Namjoon’s lap, his thighs over Namjoon’s hips. At this angle, their bodies press together hotly and Namjoon’s hands run freely down his back and to the round curve of his ass. They make out languidly, sometimes falling desperate against each other, but Namjoon always stops him just before the switch turns into something even hotter. When Namjoon sucks his bottom lip into his mouth, Jungkook jerks his hips down involuntarily and the man sucks in a sharp breath. Hands fly to his hips. 

“Okay, we gotta stop.” His voice is rough and everything Jungkook’s imagined it would be. “If we keep going -“ Namjoon stops, unable to voice the words aloud. 

If we keep going, we might not be able to stop. 

“You’re right.” Jungkook agrees, even though his mind is dizzy and he wants to do nothing but grind down harder. 

Namjoon looks up at him. Their crotches are still together; his hands are moving down to his ass. “I really don’t want to.” 

“We don’t have to.” 

Jungkook gasps when Namjoon pushes his hips down right as he grinds up, creating a friction between them that has Jungkook caught in a surprised whine. 

Just then, the door slams open and Sehun is at the door with a deep frown. 

“Ahem.” He says and Jungkook leaps off of Namjoon’s lap. Namjoon looks at Sehun sheepishly. 

“Hey Sehun. What’s up?” 

“Nothing much. Cops are here. Party’s over.” Sehun looks between them and crosses his arms. 

“We’re getting kicked out then.” 

His response is to step aside and clear a pathway for them to leave. Jungkook is quick to stand, muttering a short apology as he leaves, because he nearly nutted himself in this stranger’s room. Namjoon follows closely behind him. 

The crowd is nearly cleared out of the home when they weave through, the only indication of how long they were inside for. It’s only then when Jungkook realizes he hasn’t seen Jingoo nor found Jimin or Taehyung. He takes out his phone, unsurprised to find 29 messages and 5 missed calls. 

“Fuck.” 

“Hm?” 

“My friends.” Jungkook taps on Jingoo’s contact. It rings twice before he picks up. “Hey Jingoo? Are you still at the party?” 

“Holy shit dude, I’ve been searching for you. I almost went to the campus police.” 

“Yeah sorry, I got —“ Jungkook looks at Namjoon, who wiggles his brows in return. He snorts and pushes him slightly as Namjoon laughs. “—preoccupied. Did you go home?” 

“Cops were swarming so I had to. Do you have a ride though? You drank.” 

“It’s alright. I can call an Uber.” 

“Alright. Text me when you get home.” 

He reassures Jimin and Taehyung that he is not dead in their group chat. Taehyung sends videos of Jimin drunk crying about him on the sidewalk. “We can’t leave our baby! That’s our baby!” He cries from the video. Namjoon comes up beside him. 

“Your dad?” He asks, right when Taehyung pops up on the screen, fake crying along. 

“Both of them.” He replies dryly. 

“They seem to really love you.” 

“It’s a strained relationship.” Jungkook sighs. Now that he lost his ride, he’s got no choice but to call an Uber home. 

“I would offer to drive you back to your place, but I don’t have a driver’s license. I totally understand if that makes me entirely unfuckable.” 

Jungkook laughs, choosing the cheapest rideshare option on the app. “I don’t think anything would make you unfuckable.” 

It’s not until he’s cleared his payment does he realize what he said. He snaps his head up at Namjoon, whose smirking at him with a barely contained smugness. 

“That’s not fair.” He moans. “You haven’t humiliated yourself once tonight.” 

“It doesn’t happen often. Usually I’m the one hurting myself and confessing my undying love for strangers.” 

“I did not confess shit to you.” 

“The night is still young.” 

Jungkook pouts and Namjoon grins, taking Jungkook’s phone out of his hands. He taps in his number and says, “Text me when you get home. My Uber’s waiting.” 

He presses a kiss onto his lips, which Jungkook chases after when Namjoon pulls away. 

“See you soon?” 

“Without a doubt.” 

There’s a flash of dimples and a small wave, before Namjoon’s gone, leaving Jungkook lovestruck where he stands. There’s someone vomiting in the yard a few feet away from him. Jungkook sighs dreamily. 

Not too bad of a start to a classic love story. 

jungkook

im home 

thank you for tonight :)

namjoon

good night :) glad you got home okay. lmk when you’re free. 

jungkook 

i will :) good night! 

Jungkook’s body is so heavy from the alcohol, he falls asleep the moment he hits send. He dreams of nothing but splashes of color, before an awful groan rips from his throat. Something bright and intrusive enters into his vision when he opens his eyes. It takes a few blinks to realize the intrusion is the sun. 

He takes longer for his brain to catch up to his body. He reminds himself he is Jungkook Jeon. He is a junior at UCBH. He went to an EXO party last night. He made out with a grad student named Namjoon - 

Jungkook shoots up in the bed. 

He made out with a grad student named Namjoon last night. 

He makes a dive towards his phone to alert Jimin and Taehyung of his SOS, but another text catches his attention. Sent 3 hours ago.

namjoon 

good morning! hope u drank water and aren’t hungover 

Jungkook is not smiling dumb at his phone. He is not doing that. 

jungkook

good afternoon lol 

i don’t get hungover so im fine 

how are you, sober sir 

namjoon

studying at lee’s sandwiches. hbu? just woke up? 

jungkook 

no i just finished running 10 miles 

namjoon 

…. i don’t think ive run 10 miles … ever

jungkook 

im KIDDING im not a monster. 

i was actually craving some coffee 

Jungkook immediately regrets sending that, because that is a lie, and now he has to pretend to like coffee. 

namjoon

got a whole booth to myself. come thru 

jungkook

omw :) 

The cafe is close to campus, so it doesn’t take him long to get there. Maybe Jungkook put on a bit too much perfume before he got there. Maybe he shouldn’t have blown dry his hair so fluffy when he passes by his reflection. Maybe his choice of a long t-shirt and jeans isn’t the best attire to wear when meeting a hot dude whose body was structured by the hands of RuPaul. 

Namjoon waves him down to a booth in the corner. He’s wearing glasses, a campus sweater, and faded jeans. If Jungkook wore that combination, he would just be a forgettable Asian boy. 

On Namjoon, he looks like boyfriend material. 

“Okay, I have a confession.” Jungkook slides into the booth. 

“Shoot.” Namjoon laughs. 

“I don’t like coffee and I only came here to see you.” 

“You are apparently a much better flirt when you’re sober.” 

“I practiced that line over 50 times while driving here.” 

Namjoon smiles and Jungkook melts over his dimples again. It’s getting repetitive at this point. 

“They have milk teas here. Their brown sugar milk tea is really good.” 

A man who recommends milk teas is a man after his heart. He excuses himself to order a fruit tea instead, because he doesn’t think he can handle dairy first thing in the morning, and slides back into the booth where Namjoon’s flipping through a book with a font size that looks much too small.

“What’cha reading?” 

“A really long analysis about modern feminism.” 

“Fun.” 

“Actually, yeah. The points she makes in this book are really fair, but I am also a Korean dude whose dad definitely told my sister she shouldn’t study so hard because men don’t like smart women, so I may not be the right person to make that judgement -” Namjoon pauses, stops, and swallows his words. He looks up at Jungkook wearily. 

“Please recognize I am equally as mortified as you are.” 

“I’m not mortified at all,” Jungkook says easily, because it’s true. He’s not anyone’s point person to talk about social theory, but he thinks he can listen to Namjoon talk for hours. “I was listening.” 

“I swear I know how to be sexy and cool.” 

“You are sexy and cool. Talk more about feminism to me daddy.” 

“Yeah I’m calling it. This conversation is over.” Namjoon closes his book with a laugh and takes off his glasses. He leans in close, bright and playful eyes on him. 

Jungkook buzzes with excitement, stifling a giggle when he leans in as well. He doesn’t know if it’s possible to flirt with your eyes, but he’s certain that’s exactly what they’re doing when they regard each other. He’s also certain they look insane, gazing at each other without saying a word, but Namjoon’s eyes look warm and interested and his body fills at the thought. 

“Order for Junk Cook!” 

Like cold water splashed over him, Jungkook’s face falls into an exasperated sigh. Namjoon’s biting on his lip to stop from grinning too wide. 

“If it makes you feel any better, they called me Name Jun earlier.” 

“Not even at all.” 

Jungkook grabs his drink, making sure to glare at the barista. He takes a sip of the fruit tea and slips back into his seat, grimacing a little at the sourness of the passionfruit. He knew what he expected when he ordered it, but the initial sips gets him every time. He mixes the drink with the straw and wraps his lips around it, puckering hard to get the boba. He slides the straw out of his mouth to maximize Boba Capacity with a small pop. 

He’s chewing the tapioca balls when his eyes flicker up to Namjoon’s face. 

Namjoon’s eyes are trained on his lips. 

“Can I help you?” Jungkook asks. 

Namjoon runs his hands across his face. “Nope. Just continue to drink your boba like a totally normal person.” 

“Like this?” 

He watches in total dismay as Jungkook licks the straw, circling the top, before putting his lips on it and sucking again. He draws in a breath, sounding pained when he says, “Jungkook please. We are in a public place.” 

“You’re the one sexualizing me drinking boba.” 

“That’s fair.” Namjoon nods. “I deserve that.” 

Jungkook chews on the tapioca and grins. “Maybe I did on purpose.” 

“I invite you, with a pure heart, to this cafe, and you tarnish my good will towards you with such sin.” 

“Alas,” Jungkook dramatically throws a hand over his forehead, “Mayhaps you should take me to your quarters henceforth.” 

“Dear sir, I have no carriage of my own.” 

Jungkook twirls his Honda Civic key around his fingers. “By the good grace of God, I hath brought my own.” 

“Charming.” Namjoon says in a British accent, getting up. He reaches over to grab Jungkook by the face and plant a hard kiss on him. “I am beyond smitten with you.” 

“Please do that again.” 

And he does. They kiss once on the way to his car, kiss again before Jungkook starts the car, and because he finds Namjoon ridiculously attractive and memories of their heated make-out session from the night prior keeps repeating in his arousal-filled head, he grabs the man’s hand and places it on his inner thigh, where Namjoon makes the proper judgement to squeeze. 

He’s doing that thing where he keeps stroking up and down his thigh, getting closer and closer to his growing erection, but stopping short of it everytime. 

“I did this to myself.” Jungkook breathes out, squirming when Namjoon squeezes again. 

“Yes, you did.” 

The time it takes to get from Jungkook’s car to Namjoon’s apartment is filled with inappropriate touches, constant giggling, and at one point, Jungkook’s walking Namjoon backward as they kiss across the steps to his door. It’s board ass daylight and it’s a common apartment complex for students, but fuck it - they’re in Southern California, WeHo is only a 40 minute drive away, and UCBH always been a more progressive campus anyhow. Anyone who sees them should be bumping their fist in the air with pride. 

“We are doing this so backwards.” Namjoon notes when they get through the door, his lips looking so kissable, Jungkook has a hard time focusing. “I thought we were going to get coffee, watch a movie, romantic dinner -” 

“ - bring me to your apartment to Netflix and Chill?” 

“We skipped five steps.” 

Jungkook shuts him up by tip-toeing to kiss him again. Now that they’re in the privacy of Namjoon’s home, the man wraps his arms around Jungkook’s waist to pull him in. Jungkook’s arms go around his shoulders. It shouldn’t be this hot to know he has to crane his neck for their lips to touch, but a shudder goes down his spine regardless when he feels how Namjoon takes him over in frame. 

“We can get dinner after and repeat it all over again.” Jungkook suggests when they break apart. 

Namjoon backs him up until his legs hit the back of the couch. Jungkook sits back, letting out a breath when he sees how Namjoon caves him in, arms on either side of his head. Jungkook’s leg instinctively spread, letting Namjoon in. 

The first thing to go is their clothes. Namjoon runs his hands along every defined line of Jungkook’s body, mouthing agape and a little awed. At one point he says, “I thought you couldn't get any hotter,” which makes Jungkook’s face burn. His hands are large and probing, sometimes pressing a little too hard, but in a way that has Jungkook endeared more than uncomfortable. They go over his chest, pinching at his nipples - his toes curl. They go down to his stomach, then back up to curve behind his neck for another kiss. 

Jungkook touches where he can from his position, hands fumbling with Namjoon’s belt and zipper. When he finally forces the clothing off, he tries to hide his surprise. 

“You’re...yup.” 

Above him, there’s a snort. “You’re not too bad yourself.” 

Jungkook pictures Namjoon’s thickness sliding into him, filling him until it brushes against his prostate, and suddenly his body goes into overdrive. 

“Oh my god,” Jungkook groans, throwing his head back against the couch, “I want to fuck so bad.” 

“We’re getting there.” Namjoon mumbles against his skin, taking his time to suck red marks on his neck and collar bones. 

It feels like forever, when Namjoon puts a nub into his mouth and flicks it with his tongue. Forever, when Namjoon licks a slow stripe from his chest to his lower abdomen. Forever, when Namjoon drops to his knees fully, staring at Jungkook’s cock. When Jungkook feels the first swipe of his tongue against the underside of his dick, he whines for the first time. 

“You’re awfully sensitive.” 

The sex Jungkook’s had have always been fast and to the point. Random one-offs and quickies. He can count on one hand how many times he’s had sex. Namjoon, on the other hand, is someone who helped him at a frat party. Stayed up with him all night playing Would You Rather. Texted him to see if he got home safe. Invited him out to have coffee. His touches are gentle and clumsy. Jungkook’s infatuated in less than 24 hours and he’s the horniest he’s been. 

So yeah, he feels a little sensitive, because he’s never craved a person’s touch like he does with Namjoon. 

“I haven’t had sex in a while.” 

“Then we’ll go slow.” 

Jungkook chokes, because how could they possibly go even slower. Namjoon sucks him off exactly how he should on a Sunday afternoon: leisurely. His tongue works in slow circles around his head, massaging the underside of his cock, going deeper and deeper, until he feels his head reach Namjoon’s throat. He’s breathing heavy, short moans and pants leaving him as Namjoon continues. 

“Ah Namjoon,” Jungkook moans when he sucks even harder, “f-fuck.” 

Namjoon hums and wraps a hand around his cock as he bops his head, the slick of his cock making the glide easy and wet. A shock goes through him at the sudden change of stimulation, feeling the constant motion of Namjoon’s mouth and his hands. His senses overwhelm him as the first full-bodied moan rips from his throat in surprise. 

His toes curl, his body locks up, there’s a heat coiled deep and low as Namjoon continues. Orgasm builds and builds, threatening to crash over, especially when Namjoon’s hand swipes over the head of his cock with slick. 

“Oh shit I’m -” Jungkook’s orgasm comes in surprise, a loud mewl leaving him as he spills into Namjoon’s mouth. 

“Oh fuck sorry, that was so good,” He rambles when he comes down from his high, because he came like an inexperienced virgin and that doesn't play well into his favor at all, “Let me suck you off.” 

Namjoon stops him with a light kiss to his cheek, whispering deep into his ear: 

“Can I try fucking you?” 

Even though his dick is spent, Jungkook still shivers at the thought. “Yes,” He says, breathless. 

Namjoon lies on the couch until he’s on his back, kissing him softly the entire time. He’s gone for less than a minute to grab lube and when he’s back, his fingers are already wet and shiny. 

The first press in is slow, just two fingers to stretch him. Namjoon really takes his time, Jungkook notes, making sure to try different things to see what makes Jungkook tick the most. He can feel Namjoon’s eyes on him, watching his reaction. He presses in deeper and Jungkook stiffens. There’s a kiss on his forehead. 

He pulls out and goes back in again, repeating the motion until the tension in Jungkook’s shoulders relax as he gets used to the stretch. Namjoon scissors his fingers - Jungkook winces and there’s a kiss on his cheek, fingers back to the slow glide again. 

Namjoon curls his fingers and Jungkook gasps. He clutches Namjoon’s arm and holds on, choking when Namjoon does it again and presses deeper.

“F-uck.” Jungkook curses, but it comes out at a whimper. 

“There we go.” Namjoon encourages. He starts to finger him faster and a bit harder, angling so he’s always hitting that spot. 

Jungkook throws his head back against the couch, a string of short and clipped moans falling from his lips at an embarrassing volume. “Namjoon,” He cries, when he feels a particularly hard thrust against his prostate. His cock is hard again, but Jungkook’s too lost in pleasure to feel any sort of shock from the fact. 

Namjoon squeezes more lube onto his fingers where it’s still thrusting into Jungkook’s hole, until he can hear the obscene squelch fill the room along with his cries. 

He rams against his prostate and stays there, pressing. Jungkook shouts and thrashes under him. 

When his fingers are gone, Jungkook catches his breath, briefly realizing how he’s drenched in sweat. Namjoon wipes the fringe out of his face and there’s the feeling of his dick against his entrance. “I’m going to go now.” He warns. Jungkook nods. 

When Namjoon enters him, it’s a far easier glide than any of the times Jungkook’s bottomed before. A moan actually catches in his throat as Namjoon pushes in. 

“Fuck, you’re tight,” Namjoon moans lowly in his ear, which only makes Jungkook want it more. 

Just when Jungkook thinks he can’t take anymore, Namjoon bottoms out with a groan. “Fuck,” He curses again, a barely visibly shake to his arms. His eyebrows are knotted together, but he still doesn’t move, giving Jungkook time to adjust. 

Experimentally, Jungkook lifts his hips a little off his dick and goes back down. Namjoon makes a strangled noise and warns, “Jungkook, don’t do that.” 

“Why?” Jungkook repeats the motion again, gasping at the stretch. 

“Jesus Christ.” Namjoon growls, hands moving to his thighs to spread him wider and press him deeper into the couch. Jungkook yelps from the sudden exposure, barely able to process Namjoon’s dark look, before the man rasps, “Tell me if it hurts.” 

He pulls out and rams back in. Jungkook catches himself in a silent shout, eyes going wide. Namjoon’s hands on his thighs, his low grunts, the way his dick fills him up - all of that becomes secondary when Namjoon changes his angle and thrusts right against his prostate. Suddenly, Jungkook loses it. 

“Oh fuck,” He cries. 

He’s a mess underneath him, back arching whenever Namjoon fucks into his prostate. His own is neglected and leaking pre-cum uselessly onto his stomach, occasionally squirting when Namjoon gets the angle just perfect. Jungkook sobs with every thrust, until he feels wetness fall down his temples. 

“Are you close?” Namjoon purrs, but the sound of their skin slapping together still takes up all the noise, “Do you think you can cum like this?” 

Jungkook whines loud, crying from the pleasure. “Touch me,” He begs, tears clinging onto his eyelashes, “Namjoon I’m c-close -” 

“You’re already leaking so much.” His words are accompanied by another hard thrust. Jungkook chokes out another sob. 

“I can’t,” Jungkook shakes his head, arching, thrashing, crying. He’s never cum twice during sex before and his cock craves orgasm so badly, it hurts. All he needs is one stroke, maybe two, and he’ll cum so easily, but Namjoon refuses to touch him and pins his wrists down whenever Jungkook tries to touch himself. 

“You’re so close, so wet for me,” Namjoon groans.

Jungkook whimpers at that. His prostate feels swollen and abused. Namjoon keeps thrusting himself into him in quick, deep motions. 

He begs, “Please, Namjoon -” 

Namjoon hisses over him and fucks him in a way that has Jungkook sobbing. He’s nearly his brink, teetering on the edge of orgasm long enough that the couch is wet with his tears. He’s almost ready to forfeit, to tell Namjoon, he can’t.

He looks up at Namjoon through his tear-filled vision, tongue feeling thick and heavy in his mouth, certain there’s wetness and drool on his face, looking wrecked, ruined - 

“Hyung,” He sobs. 

Something snaps in Namjoon. He bends Jungkook over until he’s nearly folded onto himself and hammers into Jungkook at a pace that forces a high shout out of Jungkook’s throat. At this angle, he feels Namjoon even deeper, feels him against his prostate even stronger, and it only takes a few more thrusts before - 

“I’m coming, hyung, I’m -” 

Jungkook cries out when he finally, finally orgasms, thick streaks of white spilling across his chest as he shakes. Namjoon pulls out and jerks himself until he cums over Jungkook’s ass and thighs. His vision blurs. 

Holy. 

Fuck. 

“Jungkook?” 

Jungkook’s vision comes back in small dots and Namjoon comes into his view. 

“You just fucked the living shit out of me.” 

Namjoon snorts - fucking snorts - like he didn’t give Jungkook the greatest dicking down of all time. 

“C’mon, let’s shower. You promised me a movie and dinner, remember?” 

Jungkook doesn’t think he can even move. “How about we nap?” 

Namjoon presses a kiss to his nose. “Then we will nap. Let me get a cloth for us to clean up, at least.” 

They clean each other up until Namjoon coaxes him to bed, where Jungkook falls asleep to the smell of Namjoon surrounding him, and his arm around his waist. 

Dinner was a Korean restaurant serving the hearty soup (cause God knows Jungkook needed it) and a movie that he doesn’t remember because they spent the whole time kissing. When they ended the night, Jungkook lingered at the door, and Namjoon’s face broke into a dopey grin. 

“Do you want to sleep over?” 

“I don’t think I can go another round.” 

“I was just thinking we could cuddle.” 

Jungkook melted. “You are a very good cuddler…” 

Namjoon stepped aside, extending his arm to lead the way. Somehow, when Jungkook crossed the threshold of his door, he knew something was going to change. 

Who knew the next morning, when they’re heading to campus together, they ended up in the same class? 

And Namjoon was the TA? 

Jungkook throws his head back with a laugh. 

“I finally find someone cute and they turn out to be my fucking TA.”

Taehyung reaches over to pull down at Jungkook’s collar, revealing little red marks. “You’re telling me.”

Jungkook flushes, squatting his hand away. “He’s a biter.”

“Nothing like brewing hot tea right in the morning.” Taehyung grins. “So now what? Are you into him?”

Jungkook nods. He turns his hands into sweater paws, clawing a bit at his thighs. “I think I am. He’s cute and funny and a little dorky. Smarter than anyone I know. He said he’ll make personalized flash cards to help me study. Today, he drew little bunnies on my paper.” 

He spares a glance at his friends and regrets it.

“What?” He bristles.

“You’re in Love.” Jimin sing-songs.

“I’m not—“ Then, he’s hit with the image of a dimpled smile, half-moon eyes, and the most adorable giggle. He stops and nods, ashamed, an INFP Virgo. “Only a little.”

“Did you guys talk before you left?”

“Yeah, but it was awkward. I think he’s a little freaked out he ended up being my TA.”

Taehyung sighs. “All this talk about good lays make me miss Yoongi.”

Both Jungkook and Jimin gag. Taehyung flips them off. 

“If you like him, you should tell him.” Jimin says. “Alternatively, you can also play crippling psychological mind games to see if he likes you or not.” 

“Or you could be like Yoongi and pine after me silently for years.” Taehyung suggests. “You don’t know true joy until you see the restraint of a shy man in love.” 

“How about Namjoon and I just see where it goes?” Jungkook suggests. 

His friends shrug in agreement, like the notion hasn’t even crossed their minds. They offer to make Jungkook some breakfast while he goes wash up. His clothes still smell like Namjoon when he strips it off. It makes a little bubble of giddiness pop in his chest. 

He likes Namjoon and yes, he may be a little bit in love with Namjoon, but the prospect of a relationship makes his stomach fill with anxiety. The rules of modern romance are far too complex for Jungkook to navigate through. Does having sex equate to romance anymore? Besides it’s only been - what? Two days? Maybe three? 

Even if the sex was mind-boggingly amazing and if he thinks about it any longer, he may break Jimin’s rule of no erections in the apartment? 

Namjoon. Boyfriend. Namjoon. Boyfriend. Namjoon. Namjoon. Boyfriend. Boyfriend? 

Jungkook shakes his head hard. He can’t think about this right now. For now, the smell of eggs and bacon are starting to get distracting. When he rejoins his friends, Jimin’s going on a long rant about the ending of Bleach which only Taehyung understands. 

They eat peacefully, with Taehyung missing his boyfriend, Jungkook in a post-sex haze, and Jimin, silently mourning his lack of romance. 

“I fucked one of my students.”

Seokjin blinks, halfway through his bite of a Subway sandwich. Hoseok chokes on Diet Coke. Namjoon bangs his head on the table.

“I’m not sure this is a Subway type of conversation.”

“I really fucked up.”

“It was probably just a one night stand, Joonie. You know how those go.” Jin pats Hoseok on the back. “He’ll probably, you know, park into your messages.”

“It’s slide into DM’s, Jin.”

“I can never keep up with mortal vernacular.”

Joon groans loudly. “I could get in so much trouble, but he was so cute. And responsive. Sex was—“

“Please Namjoon, not in front of my sandwich.” Hoseok grimaces.

“—so good.” He finishes, despaired. “I think my dick is dead. Dude, by the time we were finished, the sheets were drenched in—“

“My Italian sub, bro!” Hoseok shouts. 

Namjoon’s too far gone to care. All he could think about is Jungkook’s cute bunny smile, his bright eyes, and his Herculean psychique. His body though.  

“You’re talking aloud again.” Jin comments. 

He snaps out of his daze. “Where did Hoseok go?” 

“He went to sit at another table, because he didn’t want to hear about Jungkook’s thighs. More specifically, he didn’t want to hear about what you did with them.” 

Namjoon gut does a little kick at the reminder. 

“He’s a student.” 

“Well did he fuck you for a grade?” 

“No! We met at the EXO party. We didn’t find out until...after the fact.” 

Namjoon thinks about it. Sure, Jungkook didn’t initially fuck him for a grade, but does him being a TA change things now? It seems like they hit it off well - who cuddles someone they weren’t into right? But then again, this was Jungkook. The beautiful, younger heartthrob and Namjoon, the older, grizzled, sleep-deprived, lanky grad student. 

Then he remembers Jungkook’s paper, where he drew little bunnies on it, to make his D- a little less disheartening. Namjoon’s stomach flips. 

“I don’t know. Maybe. Very likely.” 

“Hoseok, come back. He’s not talking about brawn younger men anymore.” 

Hoseok slips back into the booth, looking weary. “This is a family establishment.” 

“It’s also very likely your student likes you and you like him back. Ask him out on a date.” Jin reasons. 

Namjoon flushes. “We already went on one.” 

“Go on another one.” 

“I can’t date a student.” 

“You sure fucked him just fine.”  

“It’s just a bad idea. I think I need to talk to him about it.” Namjoon sighs. He already dreads it. He’s not at the point in his life to dwell on this dating stuff anymore and falling this hard back into the game is terrifying. 

“Talking about emotions is good.” Jin stuffs the sandwich in his mouth. “I never tried it before, but I’ve heard great things.” 

Hoseok removes his hands from his ears. “Are we done now?” 

Jin goes off into a rant about how Hoseok never wants to hang out with them anymore since he came back from abroad. The younger denies this fact fervently and Namjoon finishes the rest of his sandwich, hoping to see more of the doe-eyed undergrad in his future. 

Jungkook’s pacing. 

He’s gone up and down the hall at least 12 times already, stopping just before Namjoon’s office, where the door is perched open just so. “You can do this Jungkook,” He says, making his trek back towards the door, “It’s no big deal, it’s just you’re dickmerized by your English TA and seeing him in the flesh again might make you erupt like a horny teenager—“ 

“Jungkook?” 

Jungkook jumps and finds Namjoon at the door, holding it open with his body, a stack of books in his arms. 

“N-Namjoon. Hi.” 

“Hey,” He returns back and Jungkook wants to shoot himself in the foot, “Sorry, I need to drop these off at the professor’s office.” 

“It’s no problem, lemme, um,” Jungkook steps closer and grabs some books, gulping a bit when he catches Namjoon’s scent—patchouli flowers and oak and something Jungkook would buy at Bath & Bodyworks religiously, “I can help you.” 

“Thanks.” Namjoon smiles and Jungkook’s heart skips. “How have you been?” 

It’s been three days since their last encounter and while they texted extensively, it’s—weird. Jungkook explicitly remembers begging and drooling to be fucked harder, open and bare like a tiny little thing, and his whole body turns hot. How exactly has he been since he got the living daylights fucked out of him? Different to say the least. 

“I’ve been fine.” Jungkook settles on instead. As they walk, their shoulders keep brushing. “Uh, a little sore though.” 

“Oh.” Namjoon sounds out of breath. “Sorry.” 

“Don’t apologize.” Jungkook laughs. “It’s a good sore.” 

The professor’s office is right down the hall. Namjoon opens the door and Jungkook slips in, placing the books on a table nearby. The professor isn’t in on Monday’s, leaving them in an uncomfortable silence once the door closes. 

Namjoon coughs a bit loudly. “Still. I didn’t mean to be rough.” 

“You’re fine.” Jungkook pretends to organize the books into a neat pile, avoiding eye contact. “I didn’t mind. I like it a little rough—“ His breath catches when arms wrap around his waist from behind. There’s warmth as Namjoon pulls him into a hug and also the undeniable bump bump bump of his heart. 

“Sorry.” Namjoon apologizes again. “I kind of missed you. I thought you didn’t want to see me anymore.” 

Jungkook snorts, melting into the embrace. Hugs are a good sign, right? He can’t stop the smile on his lips. “I stalled. Felt awkward after you fucked the soul out my body.” 

Namjoon bursts out laughing at that, face falling into his shoulder. “You don’t need to boost my ego.” 

“And you didn’t have to be so disrespectful.” Jungkook turns around until he’s leaning his weight against the table, subtly pulling Namjoon closer to him. Their bodies flush together and he relishes, for a moment, how perfect their bodies meld together. He grins, toothy. “Hi.” 

Their faces are close like this. Namjoon smiles back and wow, there are those dimples again. 

“Hi.” Namjoon repeats and Jungkook waits for a kiss. 

It never comes though. Instead, Namjoon bops his nose with his finger and says, “No seducing me in our professor’s office.” 

Jungkook pouts, crinkling his nose at the feeling. “You started it.” 

Namjoon retreats, laughing. “Yeah I guess I did. It was payback for the last time.” 

“You started it last time too!” Jungkook calls, following Namjoon out of the office. 

“I absolutely did not. You came onto me and you know it.” 

“I already told you it was a mistake! I was practicing how to flirt.” 

“And boy did you excel at it.” 

They’re back inside Namjoon’s office now and they slip into their usual vibe. Jungkook takes a comfortable seat at his desk while Namjoon sits across from him. Jungkook leans forward, resting his head on his palms, purposefully looking smitten. 

“Can I help you?” Namjoon teases. 

“I want to kiss, but that’s inappropriate.” 

“I can make some exceptions.” 

Jungkook feels his body lift at their kiss, gasping slightly by the rush of feeling. Namjoon smiles at that, hands joining Jungkook’s on his face to bring him closer. He shudders at the feel of Namjoon’s tongue slipping into his mouth and lets himself fall into the gooey warm feeling of making out. 

He’s breathless by the time they break apart, not because of the kiss itself, but just how full his chest feels. His insides feel like cotton candy mush. He giggles despite himself. 

“This is bad.” Namjoon comments, but he’s smiling himself. “I’m really not supposed to be asking my students out on dates.” 

His eyebrows rise. “You’re asking me out on a date?” 

“Yeah,” Namjoon flushes, “I mean, we technically already been on one, right?” 

Internally, Jungkook spirit does three backflips and fist pumps into the air. He may be daft, but dates are definitely romantic, which means another point in the scoreboard of, “Namjoon likes me back.” 

“Sure.” He hears himself say. “I mean—of course.” 

Namjoon looks relieved at his answer, but his face falls a bit, asking, “And it’s a date, right? It’s not...like a favor.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“You know…as in if you go on a date with me, your grade probably won’t change.” 

It takes a moment to process what Namjoon’s saying and when it does, Jungkook almost leaps out his chair. “No! No of course not! I didn’t—no.” Jungkook’s brain is doing that thing where it malfunctions and he can’t form full sentences. “No. I like you. So. Date.” 

Wow. Good going, Mr. Jeon. 

But apparently it works, because Namjoon’s dimples are there again, cute as ever. 

“Perfect. I like you too. When are you free?” 

Whenever! Anytime! Just please don’t stop kissing me! 

“Anytime after 7, but I haven’t,” Jungkook clears his throat, “I haven’t had lunch yet.” 

“Oh.” Namjoon checks the time. “I finish up soon. Want to go to Getaway? They have good chicken.” 

Jungkook’s beaming. “Chicken sounds good.” 

“Good.” 

“But your cock sounds better.” 

“Jungkook!” 

“Sorry, sorry, too soon! I know. Are you still going to go on a date with me?” 

Namjoon just laughs and pulls him into another kiss. Jungkook’s going to take that as a yes. 

Dating Kim Namjoon is amazing. Great hugger. Amazing at cuddles. Perfect height. Proportions so perfect it makes him want to cry. A lot of nose bops, stolen kisses, and late-night phone calls. Jungkook can listen to Namjoon talk for hours. Smart, accomplished, wholesome, and so supportive. 

“Okay, but the sex though!?” 

Taehyung screams, interrupting Jungkook. He’s sprawled over Yoongi’s lap and Yoongi flinches a bit at Taehyung’s outburst. Loud noises and cats. 

“The sex,” Jungkook groans, “is mind blowing. It got better. How did it get better?” 

“Must we talk about this?” Yoongi grumbles. 

“Yes.” Taehyung and Jimin say. 

“The things he says?” Jungkook full body shudders. “Filth. Pure filth. We had to take a break because I got dehydrated and almost passed out.”

“Oh god,” Jimin whimpers. “I’m so lonely.” 

“Riding him was a dream. Him riding me was,” Jungkook imitates a chef’s kiss. “So good.” 

“No erections in the apartment.” Yoongi reminds him. 

“Then you already failed.” Taehyung says, wiggling a bit in his lap. 

“Someone!” Jimin yells into the void. “Please date me!” 

“So when are we going to meet him?” Taehyung asks, snuggling into Yoongi and Yoongi, looking very distraught about it. 

“Preferably? Never.” 

“You can’t talk about him like the God of Sex and not introduce us.” 

“You and Taehyung will ruin my reputation. No.” 

Yoongi snorts. “What reputation? You listen to Tori Kelly and cry during Marvel movies.” 

“And that’s exactly why none of you are meeting him. I need him to like me until at least the end of the semester. Maybe until I graduate.” Jungkook’s biscuiting again. Sweater paws dig into the cushion on his lap. “Maybe longer.” 

He likes Namjoon, way more than he’d ever admit aloud. He tries to remind himself they’re young and college romances rarely ever last, but that doesn’t stop him from thinking about Namjoon in the future tense. He saw an ad for a Snowy Mountain Weekend Retreat and immediately thought of them. It would be fun, fumbling in the snow together, watching Namjoon inevitably fall, cuddling by the fireplace, slow sex in the sheets - he takes a breath from the thought. Three months is not enough time to start planning weekend getaways. It’s not. 

And yet. 

“Oh, I have a friend coming over by the way.” Yoongi pries Taehyung off for a second to grab his phone and the younger whines loudly. “He’s picking up some equipment he borrowed from me.” 

“Is he single?” Jimin begs. 

“I’m not sure. We don’t really talk much. He’s friends with Hoseok though—the dance major?” 

Jimin perks up at this significantly. “Hoseok Jung? He’s still here? I thought he went abroad.” 

“He’s back. It was a two year program, so he’s finishing the rest of his undergrad.” Yoongi raises a brow. “How do you know him?” 

Taehyung giggles loudly at Jimin’s shocked face. 

“Hoseok Jung? The star of all of my sexual fantasies, Hoseok Jung?” 

Yoongi looks sick. “Him?” 

Jimin’s offended. “What? Like you’re hot or something?” 

“Hey.” Yoongi and Taehyung warn. 

“I’m hot.” Yoongi says and Taehyung adds, “Yeah, don’t shit on my boyfriend’s good looks.” 

The bickering continues like this and Jungkook learned the best way to participate is to sit in silence and scroll through Twitter on his phone. He gets a text. 

honeyhoe 

bunny 

jungkook 

c: 

honeyhoe 

what are you doing? 

jungkook 

friend’s place. they’re arguing. what’s up? 

honeyhoe 

dunno. missing u 

jungkook is typing… 

jungkook is typing… 

jungkook is typing… 

honeyhoe 

just send it lol

jungkook 

lmao i miss u too ❤️ 

honeyhoe 

i’ll call u later. i gotta pick something up from a friend 

jungkook 

ok~ 

Jungkook’s grinning like an idiot when there’s a knock on the door. The other three don’t process the sound, their fight now escalating to which of them is the hottest, so Jungkook goes to answer it. He’s typing another text to Namjoon. 

“Jungkook?” 

He looks up from his phone. Namjoon’s standing there, wide-eyed. “What are you doing here?” 

Jungkook startles, shocked. “This is my friend’s place. What are you doing here?” 

“This is the address Yoongi sent me.” Namjoon mumbles, checking the apartment number and his phone. “Yeah, apartment 76.” 

“Oh, is that your friend Yoongi?” Taehyung calls from behind. 

Jungkook full-on panics. 

He pushes Namjoon back and slams the door behind him. “What are you doing here?” Jungkook whispers, urgent. “How do you know Yoongi?” 

“Through Hoseok.” Namjoon looks at the door and Jungkook, confused. “Is something wrong?” 

“No. Yes. No.” 

“Choose one please?” 

“You aren’t supposed to meet my friends.” Jungkook says. He can hear the muffled voices behind the door. 

Namjoon bristles at this. “Oh?” 

“If you go in there, you aren’t coming back out.” 

“Interesting word choices to describe your friends.” 

“It’s generous.” Jungkook hears footsteps. “Okay, you need to go.” He pushes Namjoon back more, hands on his chest. 

Namjoon stands his ground and grabs Jungkook’s hands, pulling it off. “Don’t push me, Jungkook.” 

He pauses at Namjoon’s tone, one he’s never heard before. He peeks at his face, now stoic with a clenched jaw. His heart drops straight to his stomach, followed by a jolt of panic and guilt. 

Oh. 

Namjoon’s mad. 

“Hey Namjoon,” Yoongi’s voice sounds distant to Jungkook’s ears, “I see you’ve met Jungkook.” 

“Yeah, I have.” Namjoon steps aside and behind him. “You have the beats?” 

“Mmhm, my boyfriend is getting them right now. How you been?” 

“Good, good. Busy.” 

Jungkook doesn’t hear the rest of the conversation. He takes a breath. His hands itch to grab Namjoon and pull him away, ask him why he’s mad, and get the situation resolved as quickly as possible. The thought of Namjoon being mad at him feels like shit, because it’s only been three months and he can’t have Namjoon mad at him after only three month. It’s too new, too sensitive. What happens if - 

“Yoongi, why do you only make attractive friends?” 

“Don’t check out men right in front of me, babe.” 

“Yeah Taehyung, that’s rude. Anyways, are you single?”

“Um.” 

“Jimin, give the man a little breathing room. Christ.” 

“Jungkook, why are you standing there?” 

Jungkook turns and finds the three of them crowded at the door, staring at him. He glances at Namjoon. Their eyes meet for a second and Namjoon looks away, like they don’t even know each other. 

“Well, I’ll get going. Thanks Yoongi.” 

“No problem man. Hoseok’s welcome party is still going on this weekend?” 

“Yeah, I’ll text you the deets. See ya.” He smiles at the duo. “Nice to meet you guys.” 

“You’re welcome anytime.” Taehyung grins. 

“Yoongi has my number so if you find yourself lonely at any point between the hours of 2 — 4 AM, you know who to call.” 

Namjoon laughs, unaware that Jimin’s dead serious. Jungkook puffs, annoyed at the way Jimin smiles that smile, the one where he bats his eyelashes and bites his lip all shy and coy. He wants to pull Namjoon into his arms and show him off. Kiss him in the middle of a busy party just to rub it in people’s faces. 

It’s cold, the way Namjoon walks away without sparing Jungkook a word. Jimin lingers at the door, watching his backside and being very obvious at checking him out. Jungkook nearly growls. 

“Can you not?” 

Jimin doesn’t register his anger. He sighs dreamily. “That is one tall glass of water.” 

“You’re not his type.” He grumbles. 

Jimin tilts his head, annoyingly oblivious and arrogant. “I’m everyone’s type.”

Jungkook opens his mouth and closes it. He has nothing to say. “I’m going to go. I have a early day tomorrow.” 

“You’re going to leave me alone with Taehyung and his pet rock? Jungkook, I will literally die of loneliness without you there as a buffer.” 

“Sorry, promise I’ll make it up to you?” Jungkook’s already backing up towards the stairs, hoping he hasn’t missed Namjoon yet. 

Jimin shouts after him, “Give me your new boyfriend’s number and maybe we’ll call it even!” 

Jungkook flips him off as he runs down the steps. He sprints towards the parking lot and barely catches Namjoon getting into an Uber. 

“Namjoon!” He shouts and the man stops. When he peers at him, his face is still unreadable and rigid. 

“Where are you going?” Jungkook pants. 

Namjoon crosses his arms. “Away from the friends I’m not supposed to meet.” 

Jungkook really feels like shit now. His chest feels congested with the amount of how much he wants to say, but doesn’t know how. 

“It’s not like that.” 

“So you pushing me away like I’m some kind of stranger is just a misunderstanding then?” 

Yes. Yes, of course it is, because he would never want to treat Namjoon like that. He wants Namjoon to meet his friends, he wants to show everyone how happy he is, but this is still college and nothing is permanent when you’re in college. He can’t show Namjoon off when there’s still a big chance they won’t last. 

“It’s not like that.” Jungkook repeats dumbly. He feels frozen, letting waves and waves of panic fill inside of him. “It’s just not a good time.” 

“Not a good time. We’ve been dating for three months. You’ve hung out with my friends already, but I can’t meet yours?” 

The situation is getting out of hand - Jungkook can feel it escalating. Namjoon’s arms are crossed and despite his calm tone, there’s a layer of anger underneath that he can’t hide from his eyes. Even so, he feels slighted by Namjoon’s response. 

“Just because I’ve met your friends doesn’t mean I’m comfortable with you meeting mines.” He ends up spitting. 

He doesn’t miss the hurt in Namjoon’s face at that. It settles Jungkook enough that he’s taking steps towards Namjoon now, deflating as he says, “Wait, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.” 

He almost reaches out to touch him, but stops. He ends up thumbing the end of Namjoon’s shirt, a feeble attempt to reconcile, and looks up at him, “Please don’t be mad?” 

Namjoon softens, just a bit, but there’s a resignation there that makes a lump form in Jungkook’s throat. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” He steps away and gets into the car. 

“So no call tonight?” Jungkook asks and Namjoon doesn’t look at him, the door still hanging open. 

“I’m kind of tired. Tomorrow yeah?” 

“Okay.” Jungkook watches silently as he closes the car door and they drive off, still not giving him a single glance. 

He feels so frustrated and panicked, he might cry. Namjoon’s mad at him and he fucked up, but he doesn’t know how badly. Is their relationship going to end over something like that? Should Jungkook call him and apologize - properly - and explain everything? He swallows hard and tells himself to give Namjoon some time. It’s just a fight. Couples fight. 

It still doesn’t stop him from tossing and turning in his bed until the late hours, opening and closing Namjoon’s messages to see if there may be a text he missed. 

honeyhoe 

craving hotteok. u want some? 

jungkook is typing… 

jungkook is typing… 

jungkook is typing… 

jungkook 

of course. it’s me 

honeyhoe 

that’s what i thought. coming over soon. 

jungkook 

okay 

let me know when you get here 

Jungkook leaps out of bed with a shock. He totally was not sulking in his bed, waiting for Namjoon to message him, listening to sad songs the entire day. He also did not have five different apologies written out in his phone. The important thing is Namjoon is coming over with his favorite snack and his room is a mess. 

And Namjoon’s never been over before. 

He kicks the clothes off the floor and on his bed into the closet. There’s empty bottles and cans of energy drinks and sodas everywhere, which he knows is gross, but being a college student means he can get away with this kind of behavior. 

He chucks them into an empty plastic bag he found on his bed. The question of how he’s able to sleep with so much stuff on his bed comes as an afterthought. There’s some plates and bowls on his dresser, along with what seems like the entire Daiso section of mugs scattered across various surfaces. 

My god. How did he live like this? 

He dumps all of those into the sink. He makes his bed and unmakes it, because he doesn’t want to seem like he cleaned too much. When his floor is visible and his bed is finally just a bed, he rushes to the bathroom to handle the mess of person he’s become. His hair is - atrocious, but a few runs through a comb will have to do. 

He’s in a long, baggy white t-shirt and basketball shorts. Anything that would’ve been slightly more attractive loungewear was dirty or in the closet and he was not going to try to open that right now. 

Teeth. He needs to brush his teeth. His phone buzzes. 

honeyhoe 

parking right now. you actually live really close 

Yeah, apparently so. 

jungkook 

yeah im apartment 9. go through the gates in the front and turn right. 

honeyhoe 

got it 

The knock on the door comes earlier than expected. At the very least, his apartment and room look livable. He’s nervous when he goes to answer the door. Namjoon’s standing there, holding a bag of hotteok in his hands. 

“Hi.” 

“Hey.” 

Namjoon tries a small smile. “Can I come in?” 

“What’s the password?” Jungkook tries in a small voice. 

To his relief, Namjoon chuckles. “Hotteok is getting cold and I want to lie down.” 

Yup, that will do it. Jungkook steps aside to let the man in and Namjoon hands Jungkook the hotteok, which is still warm to touch, even through the bag. It’s his favorite kind, the one with the syrupy brown sugar filling - not the ones with peanuts and stuff inside of it. He mentioned this briefly to Namjoon when they went to Koreatown.

He remembered. 

“Cute place. Roommates not here?” 

“They’re never here. They have girlfriends so they’re always at their place.” 

“That’s nice.” Namjoon looks at him. “Can we talk about last night?” 

Jungkook gulps, swallowing down the hotteok. “I’m really sorry -” 

Namjoon shakes his head. “I know. I’m not mad at you. I mean, I was mad at you, but not so much anymore. You’re right: Just because you’ve met my friends doesn’t mean I have to force you to introduce me to yours. That was a selfish thing for me to say.” 

Jungkook listens, confused, because he should be the one apologizing but Namjoon’s the one saying sorry. 

“I’ve been thinking about it a lot with me being a TA and you being a student - younger. I really like you - a lot - so I’ve been avoiding this as much as I could.” 

Jungkook almost drops his hotteok. A sense of dread fills him, because those are break-up words. Thinking. Avoiding. The way Namjoon came in with hotteok, but looks so apologetic. 

“Oh my god.” He ends up whispering. 

“What?” 

“Are you breaking up with me?” Jungkook hiccups. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed you yesterday and I should’ve introduced you to my friends, but don’t break up with me. I like you a lot and I want you to meet them, but I was just - just -” Jungkook bites on his lip, because he doesn’t want to cry, “I was scared.” 

Namjoon blinks and then blinks again. “Jungkook,” He says, “I’m not breaking up with you.” 

Jungkook’s cheeks are filled with hotteok. “What?” 

“I’m not breaking up with you.” He repeats, walking over to Jungkook and swiping a thumb along the corner of his mouth. “You have sugar on your lips, silly.” 

Jungkook stares at him wide-eyed. A single tear falls down his cheek, perhaps from shock. “What?” 

“Jungkook, I’m older than you. I finished undergrad already and in a year or so, I’m going to finish grad school. I don’t have time to be in relationships that aren’t serious. So when you pushed me away and told me I couldn’t meet your friends, I just thought...you didn’t think we were worth it. I only have time for people who are all-in. I know that’s selfish too, but I’m at that point in my life where I have to be, you know?” Namjoon explains. “I’m not saying we have to get married or anything, but that’s just where I stand.” 

“Oh my god,” Jungkook says with a shocked laugh. “That’s the reason why I was scared to introduce you to my friends in the first place. I kept getting visions of you breaking up with me, because you’ll one day realize I’m just a bratty kid and you’re a genius who deserves better. I didn’t want you to meet them in case we broke up."

Namjoon bops his nose with a tsk. “Idiot. You are a bratty kid and I’m still with you.” 

“So we’re not breaking up?” 

“No. We’re all-in, right?” 

“All-in.”

Jungkook sniffles, even though he’s smiling. “Can I kiss you?” 

Namjoon brings him close, noses touching. “I’ve been thinking about it all freaking day.” 

When they kiss, Jungkook feels like he’s been starved. Namjoon settles on the arm of the couch and Jungkook slips easily between him, bringing his arms to rest around Namjoon’s shoulders. Hands rest on the small of his back. They’re chest to chest, mouths pressed together in a slow tango, and Namjoon smiles into the kiss. 

“You taste like sugar.” Namjoon licks his lips. He leans in close again and presses a wet kiss on the corner of his lips, sucking and licking gently. “You still have hotteok on your face.” 

Jungkook shivers and melts into it. When Namjoon’s tongue swipes across his bottom lip, he whines, “Namjoon." His boyfriend chuckles, hands moving to rest on his hips. In a single motion, he brings Jungkook forward until their crotches grind against each other. 

“You want to know something about relationships?” Namjoon asks. 

He gasps at the friction, heat collecting between his legs. “Hm?” 

Namjoon tightens his grip and flips them around, pushing Jungkook down onto the couch until his back hits the cushion. Jungkook shocks, world spinning; when he focuses again, this is what he sees: Namjoon climbing on top of him, settling between his legs, and arms on either side of his head until all he can see and feel is Namjoon. 

“Make-up sex is the best.” 

The rush that courses through him only heightens when Namjoon kisses him again, passionate and slow, but still fervent and urgent. Jungkook’s basketball shorts do little to protect him from the rough material of Namjoon’s jeans, giving him enough pressure to make him keen and wince from sensitivity all at the same time.

“Ah hurts,” Jungkook whispers between kisses. 

“Sorry bunny,” Namjoon says and Jungkook’s chest fills at the nickname. He’s impatient watching him fumble out of his jeans, so he straightens to take off his shirt. Namjoon stops him though. “Leave your shirt on. Take off your shorts.” 

Jungkook pauses, but eventually obeys, slipping out of his shorts. Namjoon slips both their clothes off the couch and moves him until he’s on his back again. His shirt barely reaches the top of his thighs. Namjoon pushes it up to his belly button and leaves the material there, while he takes off his own shirt. His eyes scan hungrily over his body - never understanding why Namjoon was insecure about his physique. He’s lean, but broad in all the right places, with proportions that belong on the cover of GQ. 

“Stop staring.” Namjoon murmurs, running his hands up and down Jungkook’s inner thighs. 

Jungkook sighs at the touch. “You’re so hot.” He gasps when a hand wrapped around his cock, stroking him steady to get him to full hardness. 

“Oh please. You’re built like Hercules.” Namjoon tightens his hold and Jungkook keens. 

He spreads his legs further, closing his eyes and enjoying the feel of a hand wrapped tight around his cock. Namjoon keeps a steady rhythm, spitting occasionally to keep him slick, which just makes Jungkook harder. It’s enough, but not nearly enough, all at the same time. 

“Namjoon,” He says impatiently, “I will push you down and swallow your dick.” 

Namjoon snorts at that. “You’re ruining the point of make-up sex.” 

“And you’re missing the point of sex, which is to have it.” 

Namjoon raises a brow and slides his fist up his cock, using his thumb and the accumulated slick to press roughly against his tip. Jungkook kicks his legs with a surprise shout. 

“Fuck!” 

“Brat.” 

“Oh shit.” Jungkook moans when Namjoon circles his thumb around his slit. “Oh shit.” 

“Hm?” 

“Asshole.” He whines, gripping the couch from over-sensitivity as Namjoon continues his ministrations with a smug look. He holds a whimper in his throat and forces out, “Namjoon, I’m hard already.” 

“Good. Stay that way. Where’s your lube?” 

“My room. Second door on the left.” Jungkook can finally breathe now that Namjoon’s hand is off his dick. 

Namjoon goes to get it and Jungkook looks down at his own hardness, shiny with spit and pre-cum, an angry red from all the teasing. His dick does a twitch at the memory and Jungkook realizes solemnly that he won’t last long in this round if he’s already this wound up. 

“Oh fuck!” Namjoon shouts, after the sound of things crashing. “Jungkook - your closet?!” 

Oh right. 

“Uh, don’t open my closet. It’s in my desk drawer.” 

“Yeah, I realized! Jesus!” 

When Namjoon emerges from the room, looking a bit baffled, Jungkook can’t stop his laugh. “So tell me again how amazing make-up sex is?” 

He doesn’t respond and squeezes lube onto his fingers, settling between his legs again. “After I fuck that grin off your face, we are going to clean your room.” 

“Oo, I love it when you dirty talk - tssh cold! ” 

Namjoon’s fingers push into his entrance, wet with lube, and he’s completely unapologetic by the fact. He pushes in until it hits his knuckles and gives Jungkook some time to adjust. Then he crooks his fingers, and pushes in deep, pressing against a place that makes Jungkook’s body tighten like an arrow. 

“Namjoon!” He says, nearly scandalized. 

“You deserved that.” Namjoon says evenly, pushing out, and thrusting back in again. 

Jungkook immediately falls back into it, breathing heavily as Namjoon sets a comfortable speed to wind him up again. His dick is hard and wet on his stomach the more Namjoon fingers him, who seems to be taking his sweet time in doing so, just like with the handjob. Except this time, Jungkook can feel everytime Namjoon just barely brushes against his prostate and pushes out, deliberate and conniving. 

“Is this punishment?” Jungkook asks finally, twisting to get Namjoon’s fingers in deeper. 

“Maybe.” 

Jungkook gets up on his elbows, looking at his own strained erection to Namjoon’s dick, hanging heavy between his legs, and realizes Namjoon’s just as strung up as he is. He speaks before he thinks.

“For you or for me?” He challenges, looking at Namjoon’s cock and licking his lips. 

Namjoon stops and looks at Jungkook, who shivers under his gaze because he can see the moment Namjoon flips his switch - when his eyes turn considerably dark and focused. He takes out his fingers and flips him around until he’s on his stomach, hips raised slightly and backside exposed. 

He thrusts his fingers back in again and Jungkook moans, because it’s not long before Namjoon’s fingering him like how he’s supposed to, fast, hard, deep, and pressing right against his most sensitive spot with every slide. The air gets hot quickly with Namjoon crooking his fingers and pressing against his prostate insistently in quick, short circles. 

“Namjoon,” Jungkook pants, his shirt raised and bundled at his chest, the fabric rubbing against his nipples in time with Namjoon’s thrusts, “Namjoon, I’m ready.”  

His fingers slow just a bit and Jungkook thinks Namjoon’s about to give in, when he feels the warm press of a tongue against his rim. That’s when Jungkook knows he’s absolutely done for. 

The teasing’s been going on for too long and the urge to cum grows more urgent by the second. If he dares to touch, he knows he’ll find the couch wet with his pre-cum that drips steadily onto the fabric. 

Jungkook whines at the feel of Namjoon licking around his rim and cries when he stretches him open, thrusting his tongue inside. Fuck, fuck, he’s not going to last long. Namjoon’s fucking him with his tongue, scissoring his fingers to stretch him open. When his dick slides against the couch, he whimpers, finally getting that bit of friction he needs. 

“I’m gonna cum,” He moans brokenly, hips moving back to get more of Namjoon inside of him. 

Namjoon removes himself entirely with a growl. He stops him from grinding and Jungkook whines, relieved but also tortured from the lack of orgasm. 

“Hyung,” Jungkook whimpers and he hears Namjoon curse under his breath. 

His hole feels wet and leaking from the lube and spit. “Fuck,” Namjoon groans, kneading his hands against his ass. There’s a moment of nothingness, before he feels the tip of Namjoon’s cock against his hole. 

When Namjoon pushes in, it’s an easy slide, but Jungkook still gasps regardless. He bottoms out with a groan and Jungkook can’t stop thinking, “I won’t last. I won’t last. I won’t last -” 

“ - ah!” Jungkook shouts when Namjoon rams into his ass with an unexpected thrust. 

It’s all downhill from there. Jungkook mewls into the couch as Namjoon fucks into him, a satisfying sound of skin slapping against skin every time. Namjoon shifts, angling downward with a harsh thrust - Jungkook sobs. 

“Close,” He cries, whimpering when Namjoon keeps hitting it, “Namjoon -” 

“This soon?” 

He can. He probably can. He’s done it before, multiple times, but he’s so desperate to come and his dick is so hard it hurts. It’ll take that much more energy, that much more tortuous, delicious pleasure - and he can’t think when Namjoon’s plunging his cock heavy against his prostate. His body strains against itself, seeking orgasm each time Namjoon thrusts in. 

So close. Namjoon pulls out almost entirely and rams back in again. So close. 

Jungkook feels tears on his lashes. 

“Kookie,” Namjoon slides out slow and goes hard and deep when he thrusts back in, “Are you sure?” 

Jungkook cries, feeling every inch of Namjoon’s cock inside of him, his prostate ruined, “Hyung,” He whimpers, “Hyung please.” 

Namjoon’s response is to go faster, ram back in harder, slam against his prostate again, and Jungkook holds on for dear life. His cheeks are wet with tears, teetering over the edge of coming with every thrust, and brought back down again. “Namjoon,” spills from his lips as he keeps on fucking him. 

He reaches under him to move his shirt even higher and pinches at his nipples. Jungkook sobs from the added stimulation and shakes. 

“Jungkook,” Namjoon moans in his ear and Jungkook almost loses it. “Jungkook, baby, you can do it.” He urges and Jungkook forgets how to breathe, focused only on Namjoon’s cock, his hands on his chest, and his voice moaning gently into his ear. “My bunny can do anything, right?” 

Namjoon sucks on the sensitive part of his neck, rolls his nubs between his fingers, thrusting heavy, and suddenly, it all becomes too much. 

Jungkook whimpers pathetically when he cums, sobbing throughout it as he spills onto the couch. Namjoon hisses when Jungkook tightens around him. His vision is unfocused and blurry with wetness, when Namjoon says, “Do you think you can handle more?” 

He shakes his head with a small sob. 

Namjoon shushes him with a kiss to the cheek and pulls out - if Jungkook weren’t so sated, he’d feel bad Namjoon didn’t get to cum and offer to blow him. There’s a towel placed underneath him as he catches his breath. He gets turned around and his senses start to come back to him when Namjoon’s peering down at him with a smile. 

“Hi bunny.” 

“Why don’t you ever come?” Jungkook asks, in awe. “You’re like a fucking machine.” 

Namjoon shrugs. “I’m, uh, good at controlling my thoughts.” 

“And what are your thoughts? To fuck your boyfriend into complete oblivion?” 

“Amongst others.” 

“I go to the gym four times a week.” Jungkook looks at Namjoon. “And I don’t last nearly as long as you do when I top.” 

“Maybe you need to start exercising your dick. How much can it bench?” 

Namjoon bursts out laughing when Jungkook kicks at him playfully. 

When they come down from their laughing, he realizes his shirt is drenched in sweat. “Why did you tell me to keep my shirt on?” Jungkook mumbles as he peels it off. 

“Dunno. The shirt is long, kind of like a dress.” Namjoon leans back against the couch some more, basking in post-sex bliss. “I guess I got into it.” 

“Crossdressing. Noted.” 

“Please don’t.” 

“Lingerie. A corset. Fishnet stockings.” 

“Jungkook, stop it.” 

“A little blush on my cheeks.” Jungkook bats his eyelashes. “Hyung,” He whines in a high tone. 

He relishes in the way Namjoon stiffens, probably feeling wound-up from all that sex and only coming from jerking off in the restroom. “You’re the worst.” 

Jungkook laughs. “You still chose me.” 

“I’ll always choose you.” 

The way the air stills at that. The way Jungkook’s breath gets knocked out of him. The way Namjoon’s looking at him, so casual, but so genuine and warm at the same time. 

He smiles an easy smile and says, “C’mon Hercules, let’s go shower.” 

“Okay.” is all Jungkook can say in that moment. 

When Jungkook’s washing Namjoon’s hair and pulling his hair up into a spike, both of them laughing, he thinks about what Namjoon said again. 

He wouldn’t mind it. Being Namjoon’s forever choice. 

“Hey,” Jungkook offers when they’re cuddled in his bed, hair still damp. “Can I come to Hoseok’s party this weekend?” 

“Of course.” 

“Do you mind if I bring Taehyung and Jimin?” 

Namjoon looks at him. “If you want.” 

“I want to bring them. They’re really fun.” 

“Mm. So I heard.” 

“They’ll love you.” 

“You think so?” 

“Yeah. I think a little too much.” 

“Jungkook. You really don’t have too.” 

“Namjoon.” 

“Yeah?” 

“I’m choosing you.” 

Namjoon swallows hard. He tightens his grip on Jungkook’s hand. “I think this weekend is going to be fun.” 

“Me too.” 

Namjoon kisses him with a smile. Jungkook giggles into it. 

He reminds himself to really rub it into Jimin’s face when they see him.

“Shut the fuck up.” 

“Hi Jimin.” Namjoon waves. Jungkook pops his head from behind Namjoon’s shoulder, arms wrapped around Namjoon’s waist. He grins. “Hey Jimin.” 

“Shut the fuck! up.” Jimin shouts, loud enough for Taehyung to come to the door. 

“Jimin, what’s wrong - oh shut the fuck up.” Taehyung’s hand cover over his open mouth. “Jungkookie?” 

“Hey Taehyung.” 

Jimin looks between him and Namjoon, the crease between his brows increasing with each swipe. “I told you you weren’t his type.” Jungkook giggles and Jimin huffs, glaring at Namjoon. 

“It would’ve never worked between us anyways.” 

Namjoon nervous laughs. “Uh - I guess?” 

“Is that Namjoon? Jimin, please try not to seduce my friend - oh hell.” 

“Hey Yoongi.” 

“What the fuck? What the fuck.” Yoongi points at them and looks at Taehyung. “The fuck?” 

“The fuck, right?” Taehyung replies. 

Namjoon whispers to Jungkook, “Am I having a stroke?” 

“No, this is just how they always are.” Jungkook removes himself from Namjoon with a huge grin and spreads out his arms like he’s presenting Namjoon as a prize. “Ta-da! This is my boyfriend, Namjoon!” 

“Oh god,” Namjoon mutters, horrified. 

“Wait. So the last time you were here, you two were dating?” Taehyung asks. 

“Yeah. I was trying to keep a low-profile.” Jungkook admits. 

“You have something like this by your side and you were just going to let him walk around like unclaimed property? Do you know how dangerous that is?” Jimin hisses. 

“Um,” Namjoon says, reminding them all he’s still very much present and aware of their conversation about him. 

“Well regardless!” Taehyung grins. “Congrats! We were so excited to meet Jungkook’s new boyfriend. We’re all going to Hoseok’s party together right?” 

Jimin gets over Namjoon instantaneously. “I fucking douched just for this occasion.” 

Yoongi looks at Namjoon. “You really don’t know what you signed up for.” 

Jungkook feels an arm slide around his waist. “It’s worth it.” His boyfriend says. 

“Hey,” Taehyung nudges Yoongi. “Remember when we were in love?” 

“I don’t recall.” 

Taehyung whines loud, like a baby, and Yoongi snorts. They slip into their own world, bickering between themselves, while Jimin detaches himself and joins them. 

“You’re not going to be like that right?” Jimin nearly begs. 

Jungkook notices a piece of lint on Namjoon’s hair. He reaches to pick it off and Namjoon grabs his hand and kisses his fingers as a thank you. Jungkook giggles and his boyfriend’s gaze is so warm. 

In the background, Jimin mourns. 

Getting an Uber to the party is a complicated affair, because Jimin takes the passenger seat and they bargain with the Uber driver to let Taehyung sit on Yoongi’s lap to make up for space. Taehyung keeps asking Namjoon questions that make him squeak, which is adorable. 

He gets a text. 

mini hyung 

he’s cute 

jungkook 

you made that clear, yes 

mini hyung 

no i mean. he’s cute with you. 

jungkook is typing… 

jungkook is typing… 

jungkook is typing… 

mini hyung 

i can see you smiling at your phone. stop it 

jungkook 

im really happy 

mini hyung 

good :) 

because i will snatch him up on sight 

jungkook 

don’t you have hyungsik’s dick to swallow tonight 

mini hyung 

rude. 

his name is hoseok. 

mini hyung is typing… 

mini hyung 

and yes. i do. 

Jungkook snorts and tunes in just in time to hear, “So Jungkook tells us you’re very... talented.” 

Both Jungkook and Namjoon choke at the same time. “Taehyung!” He hisses, betrayed. He stretches over Namjoon’s lap to smack at his friend’s arm. “You snitch!” 

“What!” Taehyung laughs. “He’s gonna get a PhD or something! That’s talent!” 

“Yeah, a PhD indeed.” Yoongi grins. 

Namjoon flushes, even in the dark of the car, and Jungkook feels mortification settle in. 

“Oh god,” He crumples over Namjoon’s nap, burying his face in his very sturdy thigh. “It’s happening.”

“I mean, getting a masters is a significant feat. Lots of long, long, long hours of just,” Yoongi’s eyes glimmer, cat-like, “pounding away in the library.” 

Taehyung giggles loud. “It must be so hard, right?” 

“All Jungkookie ever talks about is how rough you must have it,” Jimin says deviously, “He just goes on and on and on and on — “ 

“—I think he gets it!” Jungkook shouts. “Namjoon is very hard-working! Can we just! Please move on?” 

Everyone bursts out laughing as Jungkook covers his face in humiliation, unable to look at Namjoon. He reminds himself to apologize for his friend’s gross behavior later and insists he talks about other things besides their genital tangos in bed. He hopes his boyfriend isn’t too uncomfortable with this, because this is just how his friend group is—loud, inappropriate, and completely ambivalent to what constitutes “acceptable small talk.” 

It’s silent in the car when the laughter dies down, the sound of the radio and road mixing together as they drive. After a long while, Namjoon speaks. 

“So we can all agree I have the best stroke game in this car right?” 

Jungkook gapes at him and then—

He feels a little proud. 

“I can probably give you a run for your money.” Taehyung challenges. 

“Oh really?” 

Something devious sparkles in Taehyung’s eyes and Yoongi immediately clamps his hands over Taehyung’s vision. “Don’t look into his eyes, Joon. He’ll ruin your life.” 

“Can everyone in this car make an oath not to flirt with my boyfriend? Just a suggestion.” Jungkook pleads. 

“Finally we’re here!” Jimin exclaims, nearly jumping out of the car before it stopped. “Where are my single people at!”

Jimin heads to a nondescript home that’s farther away from the city. Besides for the faint sound of boom resonating through the quiet, you would’ve never thought a party was happening inside. 

That is, until you opened the door. 

A group of drunk women spill out of the house, tripping and fumbling over each other in a giggling mess. 

“Jennifer darling,” A man laughs, “If you vomit, please don’t do it over my shoes.” 

Namjoon’s hands intertwine with his as they head towards the house. Jungkook realizes this is going to be the first party he’s going to where he’s actually cuffed. 

The man looks up at their arrival and Jungkook pauses, because that is not the kind of face he was expecting to see at a college party. That was the kind of face he found on the cover of Anan. That was the kind of face he fantasized about kissing in middle school. 

He thinks Jimin notices this too, because he actually chokes. 

“Joonie!” The man extends his arms—very wide shoulders, Jungkook notes, “You’re here!” 

Jungkook’s brain takes a long time to process. Jimin works faster. 

“You know each other?” Jimin asks. 

Jungkook watches in absolute conflicted horror as the Beautiful Man throws himself into Namjoon’s willing arms. Devastation hits as they smile at each other—both taller than he is—and they look— 

“Holy fuck,” Jimin shakes his head and stomps into the house, “I’m too horny for this kind of imagery right now.” 

“Is this your new boyfriend you keep talking about?” The Beautiful Man—who still has one arm around his boyfriend’s neck—offers a hand. “Hi, I’m Seokjin. Namjoon’s friend.” 

“I’m Jong—I mean, Jungkook.” 

“Cute.” Jin’s lips, plump and kissable, turn into a pout when he turns to his boyfriend. “I didn’t know cuties were your type.” 

The next thing Jin says takes the air out of Jungkook’s lungs. 

“You always said I was your type.” 

Namjoon laughs at this, full-blown laughs, like he didn’t have the world’s most perfect man batting his eyelashes and puckering his lips at him. 

“You’re everyone’s type.” Namjoon says, which doesn’t make Jungkook feel any better. 

Taehyung and Yoongi come to join them, previously preoccupied by talking to the group of drunken girls. 

“Hey, I wanna join the - holy shit marry me.” Taehyung gasps when Jin turns around to face him. 

Jin smiles, dazzling. “Hello Yoonie.” 

“Hi Jin.” Yoongi scowls. 

Taehyung does a double take. “Babe,” He says, “I love you very much, but why are all of your friends so hot?” 

“I don’t introduce them to you, because,” Yoongi motions to the two models (Jin and his boyfriend) looking scrumptious before them, “look at them. I wanted to stand a chance.” 

“Stop it, you’re hot.” Taehyung and Jin say. 

The air gets noticeably stiff afterwards. Taehyung turns to Jin with a raised brow. Suddenly, Jin flushes from his ears to his neck. 

Namjoon whispers into Jungkook’s ear, “Yoongi is Jin’s type.” 

Yoongi is visibly uncomfortable. “Let’s get to the party, yeah?” He offers. 

Jungkook doesn’t have to be asked twice. He heads into the house, relieved he doesn’t have to compete against Mr. Ideal Type for Namjoon’s heart. It doesn’t stop his pang of insecurity though, because Jin isn’t a regular type of hot. Jin is like—the kind of hot where even hot people think he’s hot. Jungkook is the “cute boy on your track and field team” hot. Jin is the “I’d ruin my marriage and destroy my family for you” hot. 

The differentiation between that is enough to make Jungkook suddenly self-conscious about his wider nose, thinner lips, eyes much too wide—is his face puffy today? It feels a little bit puffy today. 

“Shot, shot, shot, shot!” 

The loud cheering distracts him and when he realizes alcohol is being consumed, he goes towards it like a moth to a flashing light. In the middle of the crowd are two people, who have their arms crossed in a love shot, chugging something from a red solo cup. When Jungkook gets to the front, he’s not the least bit surprised by the sight. 

Jimin finishes off his drink, not even the least bit affected, and sends heart eyes to his partner, who is gagging in comparison. 

“Wow, you can really drink.” The man chokes. 

“I can do a lot of things.” Jimin’s eyes sparkle. “Do you wanna dance?” 

The man grins, red in the face, and drunk beyond belief already. “It’s all I know how to do.” 

“Hoseok!” Namjoon shouts. 

“Namjoon, my man!” The red-faced man shouts back and the crowd cheers again. “Bro, take a shot in my honor! Tell your cute boyfriend to take one too!” 

“Will do.” Namjoon laughs. 

Jimin tugs on Hoseok’s arms. “You promised me a dance.” He whines. 

“I’m coming,” Hoseok giggles and Jungkook only sighs. The poor man doesn’t know what he just got himself into. 

As he watches them leave for the dance floor, he catches sight of Jimin’s perfect profile. Today too, he has on a low-cut white shirt, tucked into tight black jeans that makes him look particularly lethal tonight. One perfectly timed look, one sly smile, and Jimin could have anyone he wanted. 

Jungkook looks down at his outfit today: an oversized black shirt and pants. It was cold today and he felt too lazy to even put on moisturizer nonetheless any other product; in comparison, Jin’s skin and lips look good enough to eat. 

He’s always been so proud to show Namjoon off in front of everyone. 

It never occurred to him if he was someone Namjoon would be proud of flaunting around too. 

“Hey, wanna take a shot?” Namjoon procured them red solo cups. 

He doesn’t need to be asked twice. 

They take the shot and Jungkook’s too insecure to feel the burn. Liquid courage sounds like a good remedy to how he feels right now. When Namjoon gets caught up in other conversations, he goes off to take a shot with Taehyung (who just sniffs it with a grimace, so Jungkook takes two shots), then finds Jimin and Hoseok glued together on the dance floor to take two more. 

By the time he’s on his ninth shot, he has lost sight of Namjoon, but finds the one person he really doesn’t want to see. 

“Oh hello Namjoon’s boyfriend.” Jin greets him. 

Jungkook hiccups. Fuck. He’s even more handsome up close and drunk. That’s just not fair. 

“Hello...worldwide handsome person.” 

“Wow, you’re really a cute one. I can see why Namjoon is obsessed with you.” 

Jungkook follows Jin into a non-descript part of the house, where the roar of music isn’t as loud. He seems to know his way around, because he rummages through the drawers until he pulls out a bottle of water. 

“If that’s not vodka, I don’t want it.” 

“I watched you down nine shots in a scary amount of time. Drink at least half of that.” 

Pouting, he snatches the bottle out of the Beautiful Man’s hands, feeling bitter that he has a good personality to boot. “I thought you said I was your type” still floats loudly in his head. Of course Seokjin would be Namjoon’s type. He’s handsome and funny and nice. He dresses like he’s rich, but he earned the right to be. 

“Honey, you’re glaring at me.” 

“Because you’re beautiful.” 

An ugly noise leaves Jin, which Jungkook vaguely processes as a laugh. 

“Namjoon and I are childhood friends. I was just kidding before. That man wouldn’t date me even if I begged.” 

“So you admit you would date him?” Jungkook hiccups. 

“Oh boy, drink the water honey.” 

He does as he’s told. As his world teeters, he realizes that it was a bad idea to mix his dark and lights and brews. 

“I would date you too.” Jungkook says after he finished gulping. “I’m sure Namjoon would. Anybody would. You and Jimin and Taehyung. Even Yoongi and that dude Hoseok. You guys just,” Jungkook holds back a burp, “exist and people will always find you. Chase you. It’s not - it’s not always like that, you know.” 

Jin’s eyes soften. Jungkook hates that. 

“Not always like what, honey? You’re not making sense.” 

“You know, being beautiful. Not everyone just wakes up and is gorgeous. I’m not like you guys, I have to…,” Jungkook’s mind blurs a bit, “...go to the gym all the time. My skin is like the same texture as mountain terrain. Look,” He grabs Jin’s hand to rub it across his cheek, “See? I’m not lying.” 

Jin laughs. “Honey, your cheeks feel fine.” 

“And I can never get my hair right, because it’s so poofy all the time, and look at this!” Jungkook points at his face. “What the fuck! It’s like someone pressed the randomize button in Sims and this is what they got!” 

He continues, “Namjoon...is way out of my league.” When the words leave his lips, he feels his heart drop. “He’s too smart for me. I don’t understand what he’s saying most of the time, I just like hearing him talk. He’s so motivated and hard-working. I’m-I’m an undeclared junior in college. You know we got into a fight last week, and, um…” 

“Water, honey. Please drink more.” 

Jungkook takes another chug. “...I said I didn’t want him to meet my friends, because I was scared we wouldn’t last. Namjoon would l-leave me, because he’s too good for me. He said he was all-in and that he chooses me, but what if...what if…” His breath hitches. 

What if Namjoon doesn’t want to choose him anymore? 

“There you guys are. I was wondering where you went.” Namjoon says, holding a beer, looking wonderful. 

“Hey Joonie,” Jin greets and Jungkook sniffles, because that’s a really cute nickname to call his boyfriend, and Jin already claimed it, “I think you need to take this one.” 

“Oh no, are you drunk, bunny?” 

“You call him bunny. That’s so adorable. I’m going to kill myself. Goodbye.” 

Jin’s impressive backframe leaves them to be alone, until there’s only Namjoon in his view. Amazing, smart, wonderful, smart (he really needs to emphasize this), caring, loving, Namjoon. His boyfriend. 

“Hi bunny. Your cheeks are red. How much did you drink?” 

A hand grazes his cheek and pinches there lightly. When Namjoon leans down to press a kiss on his nose, Jungkook somehow loses it. 

The first tear comes and then the second one. Next thing he knows, he’s sniffling hard and crying into his elbow, because he should’ve never drank nine shots within the hour. 

“Jungkook? What’s wrong?” Namjoon’s arms are around him immediately.

He shakes his head into Namjoon’s shoulders. He’s too embarrassed to say. This was the era of self-love and confidence. No one likes insecure emo boys anymore and he’s going to seem like more of a kid to Namjoon than he already is. 

“You’re worrying me.” 

“I’m a drunk cryer.” Jungkook mumbles. 

“No, you’re not. I once saw you drink a whole bottle of wine by yourself on Instagram Live where only Jimin, Taehyung, and your brother cheered you on the comments.” 

“You saw that?” Jungkook sobs. 

“Bunny, your profile is public. A lot of people did.” 

Jungkook wipes his face and hiccups a few times, collecting himself. With a stuttering breath, he says, “I get why Yoongi kept his friends a secret.” 

“Hm? And why is that?” Namjoon cooes, thumbs wiping under his cheeks, and an adored smile on his lips. 

“Because all of your friends are gorgeous and it makes me feel like I got punched in the gut.” Jungkook sniffles. “It sucks being the ugly boyfriend. I want to refund you.” 

The hands on his face bring his gaze up until he sees Namjoon’s eyes, the slight flicker of concern across them. 

“Do you honestly believe I don’t think you’re wonderful? Jungkook, you’re so far ahead of my league, I don’t even know where the starting point is.” 

Jungkook sniffles. “Shut up. You’re saying that because you have to.” 

“Jungkook,” Namjoon’s voice is stern, “Look at me. Listen to me. Don’t you dare forget this in the morning. Even if you do, I’m going to say it to you again. Okay?” 

Jungkook just nods, hiccuping softly. 

“You have the galaxy in your eyes. Even now, they’re so bright and beautiful. I could stare into them forever.” 

“Namjoon,” Jungkook whines, body cringing at the onslaught of compliments. 

“No, listen. I love your eyes and the way they crinkle when you laugh. The scar on the side of your cheek that I hope you haven’t noticed I kiss everytime I see you. The mole right under your bottom lip that matches mines and makes me think we belong together. The way you look like a bunny - and don’t - talk about how your nose is big, because there’s not a single imperfection I could list about you. Even if one existed, I would think it’s just as beautiful and adore you just the same. Fuck everyone else. I only see you. I only love you.” 

In an instant, Jungkook gets sober. He lets Namjoon wash over him with words, hates how his heart leaps and jumps and believes with everything he says. Insecurity shimmers heavy underneath his skin, but Namjoon always looks so genuine, so smitten. Maybe that much is enough. 

“I love you too.” Jungkook hiccups. 

A breath leaves Namjoon, then a soft smile. “Good, but I wish you would love yourself more. More than you love me. For now, let’s get home yeah? You are very drunk and I’m not sure if you will remember this tomorrow.” 

Jungkook removes himself from Namjoon’s grip and wipes at his face, taking swooping breaths. On his fourth one, when his eyes are stinging with dryness and his hiccups are gone, he squares himself up. 

“I was just informed that my boyfriend loves me and I love him back, so I would like to respectfully request that we continue to party so I can brag about it to my friends, because I deserve it.” 

Namjoon sighs like a fool in love. “Yes, you do. I accept your request, but only water from here on out.” 

“Deal.” They shake hands. 

When they get back to the party, Jungkook feels like a weight has been lifted off his chest. He wants to dance. He dances with Namjoon and twirls Taehyung around, lets Yoongi lead him on the worst tango of his life, and laughs when Namjoon and Jin engage in a terrible dance battle on the floor. 

Soon enough, he’s giggling and stumbling into Namjoon’s room and despite his best efforts to take off Namjoon’s pants, his boyfriend just laughs and kisses every single part of his face, whispering, “It’s time to sleep, bunny.” 

Jungkook’s not going to argue with that. 

Months pass on, peaceful. 

His self-esteem needs a lot of work still, but he no longer avoids reflections of himself when he walks past. It’s a welcomed development. 

Now Jungkook sips on milk tea, finishing an online assignment. Namjoon works besides him, glasses perched cutely on the edge of his nose. Yoongi’s highlighting a textbook, while Taehyung stretches like a cat, taking a break from his essay. This is the most productive and quiet they’ve been in months.

Except. 

Jimin bursts through the door with a panicked edge, stumbling on shaky legs until his hands find purchase on a granite counter. 

Everyone stops what they’re doing, eyebrows raised in surprise. Namjoon turns to Jungkook wearily. He gives his boyfriend the signal to stay quiet. 

“Oh yeah,” Taehyung says to Yoongi, “We need that door fixed.” 

“I’ll get to it.” Yoongi mumbles. 

“Hello Jimin. It’s been three days. Welcome home.” Taehyung greets.

Jimin snaps his neck up, eyes blown.

“I just had the best sex of my life.” He whispers.

There’s a second of stillness as they all share a prolonged look. In Jimin’s next breath, they all toss aside their work, laptops shutting close. Within seconds, Jimin is led to the couch where they sit him down. Everyone takes their positions, leaning forward and eyes hungry.

“Tell us everything.” 

“Hoseok.” Jimin whispers, bags under his eyes. 

“Hoseok…?” Taehyung prompts. 

Jimin gulps. “Gave me the best dicking down of my life.” 

Yoongi and Namjoon exit the conversation with a pained look, not wanting to hear more. If not for their boyfriend’s iron grip on their thighs, they would be back to the table, wanting to listen to anything else. 

“Three days. Three whole days.” Jimin looks like he’s about to pass out. 

“Wow.” Taehyung whispers. Yoongi flinches next to him. “I would like to congratulate everyone for getting that bomb dick this year.” 

“Thank you.” Jungkook grins happily. Namjoon flinches next to him. “So what’s the deal? Are you and Hoseok like...a thing now?” 

After Hoseok’s birthday party, Jimin and Hoseok were hanging out more and more, but they always waved their meet-ups as nothing but friendly. All attempts to get Hoseok in bed (by Jimin’s narration) ended fruitless. Guess not anymore. 

“I don’t know. He made me breakfast. We showered together. We ordered take-out, because,” Jimin dry-laughs, “I was not proper to be in public. He asked if I wanted to be his boyfriend.”

Taehyung and Jungkook lean in. “And…?” 

Jimin sighs. “I said thanks for the offer. And I left.” 

Three seconds pass. Then another five. 

“You WHAT?” Taehyung screams, which has everyone jumping. He leaps on top of Jimin, pinning him to the couch. “I spent my entire freshman year listening to you feral over this man and all you say is thanks for the offer?! Are you crazy?!” 

“Oh god, should we stop them -” 

“ - No.” Yoongi and Jungkook say, much to Namjoon’s confusion. 

Jimin thrashes under his friend, equally as angry. “I did what I wanted to do! Nowhere did I ever mention I wanted a relationship with the dude!” 

“Liar!” 

“Get off of me!” 

“No!” 

“I’m going to kill you.” 

“Go ahead, you emotionally-constipated shrimp.”

“Okay.” Yoongi says, “Now we stop them.” 

Yoongi, with a strength no one expected, pulls Taehyung off the couch, while Jungkook subdues Jimin by wrapping himself around the man’s waist, acting like a weighted anchor. Namjoon chooses to stand between them like a human wall. Cute choice. 

“What is your problem?” Jimin shouts, straining against Jungkook. 

“Me?! You’re the one being ridiculous!” 

“Why? Because I don’t want to date anyone? Sorry that not everyone can just willy-nilly meet the love of their life on campus!” 

“God Jimin, you’re so fucking blind sometimes!” Taehyung yells, which has everyone stilling, because Taehyung never talks like that about anyone. Ever. Especially not to his best friend. 

Even Jimin loses his strength, falling limp. 

“You don’t date anyone because you’re a coward.” Taehyung’s voice softens to a whisper. “You only do one night stands and friends with benefits, because you’re scared. You’re scared that if they leave you, then you were right all along: they only wanted you for the sex and nothing more.” 

“Taehyung, shut up.” Jimin growls, eyes wet. 

“You’re being pathetic.” Taehyung hiccups. “And I’m tired of it.” 

At this, Jimin elbows his way out of Jungkook’s hold, but even he doesn’t have the strength to keep him down after that. It’s silent in the room as Jimin collects his stuff, sparing one last burning look to his best friend, before leaving the apartment. 

It’s quiet for a long time afterwards, until Yoongi says, “Tae?” 

Taehyung sniffs hard and shakes his head. He goes to his room. Yoongi doesn’t follow him. 

“We should probably go.” Jungkook whispers. 

“Yeah. My place?” Namjoon asks. 

Jungkook nods, feeling tight in his chest. His mind is awfully blank, despite feeling like a storm was coursing through him. Maybe Namjoon senses this, because he doesn’t say a word the entire car ride there. 

When they’re sitting on Namjoon’s bed, he pulls them in a hug, and somehow, Jungkook’s mind clicks into place. 

“I’m an idiot.” Jungkook mumbles into Namjoon’s shoulders. 

“And why is that?” Namjoon strokes his hair. 

“I always thought Jimin and Taehyung were invincible. I’m a bad friend. I was so self-absorbed in myself - how could I not have even…?” 

Namjoon's hand is tender on his cheek. He says, “There’s a lot we hold inside of ourselves, even to the ones most important to us. We do it to protect others. Sometimes, we do it to protect ourselves. You’re not a bad friend for thinking Jimin or Taehyung are superheroes.” 

Namjoon’s right. He’s being a baby again, talking about himself when he should be checking up on his friends. 

“I should talk to Taehyung and Jimin after this when everything calms down. They’ve never fought like that before.” 

“That sounds like a good idea.” Namjoon kisses his nose. “Are you hungry? We can order something.” 

Jungkook shakes his head. A question lingers in the back of his mind. 

“Let me get us some water.” Namjoon offers. 

Jungkook grabs Namjoon’s wrists before he can walk away. 

“Namjoon.” 

His boyfriend pauses, waiting. Jungkook doesn’t know if he can phrase this question right. 

“You said before that people want to protect others or themselves by staying silent. There’s not anything...you’re protecting me from, right?” 

If there’s one thing Namjoon couldn’t do well, it’s lie. Jungkook sees the slight hesitation in his eyes and the way his shoulders tense. 

“Namjoon?” 

It seems Namjoon submits to being caught, because he sinks back down on the bed, looking nervous. Jungkook automatically assumes the worst. 

“Do not A Walk To Remember me.” 

“Jungkook…” 

“Oh god.” 

“I don’t have cancer.” Namjoon reassures. “Not to my knowledge anyways.” (Jungkook knocks on the bed frame.) “There’s only one thing I’ve been keeping a secret, because I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. Plus, it kind of seemed like? It was working in my favor.” 

“What is it?” Jungkook gulps nervously. 

Namjoon chews on his bottom lip; he rubs the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable. “You know how you’re always wondering how I, um, last so long?” 

Jungkook’s brain takes a while to rewire. “Like when we have sex?” 

“Yeah. I...get really nervous when I top.” Namjoon says, looking at Jungkook expectantly like he’s supposed to fill in the blank by himself. 

“I mean, we all get nervous during sex…?” 

“No, I get anxious. Capital A. I keep thinking I’m not doing a good job so I try to hold out longer, but sometimes, I’m holding out for too long, then I worry about hurting you, and that makes me more anxious…” Namjoon exhales. “I get so anxious I can’t cum.” 

Processing. Processing. Processing. 

Oh. 

Jungkook’s jaw drops. 

That makes so much sense. 

“That’s why you never finish when you top.” Jungkook whispers, hand coming to cover his mouth in shock. “All this time...that’s why you were able to go forever…” 

Namjoon flinches and Jungkook gasps. 

“Does it hurt? It hurts doesn’t it? Oh Namjoon -” 

“ - I’m fine! I like making you feel good, so it doesn’t matter much to me. I just noticed that you look sad sometimes when I don’t finish, but it’s not your fault. It’s all me.” 

“Namjoon,” Jungkook pulls them into a hug and hangs on tight. “Why didn’t you tell me? Sex is supposed to be good for the both of us.” 

“It is good.” Namjoon’s laugh tickles the back of his ear. “I don’t care what position we’re in, but I know you have a preference, so I don’t want to make you feel bad. It really doesn’t -” 

“ - don’t say it doesn’t matter. It matters.” Jungkook kisses him. “You’re putting so much pressure on yourself to please me, you’re anxious. That’s not how I want you to feel about sex.” 

He’s never seen Namjoon look so uncomfortable before. Namjoon, who always knew what to say and when to say it, is speechless when it comes to himself. 

“Remember when you said you’ll help me love myself?” 

Namjoon smiles a little at that. “I do.” 

“I want to help you too.” 

His boyfriend exhales heavily, his smile blooming into a grin. 

“I’m really in love with you.” He says. 

Jungkook smiles, love-struck. “Me too.” 

When they kiss, Jungkook wraps his arms around Namjoon and pulls him in so close, his boyfriend struggles to breathe. “Jungkook, ouch, I get it, you go to the gym.” He laughs. 

“Would it be a weird change of pace if I said I want us both naked right now?” 

“Who cares,” Namjoon nips at his chin. 

Who cares, indeed, Jungkook sighs happily when Namjoon brings them down, and Jungkook lets himself fall, and fall, and fall again. 

After learning about Namjoon’s situation, Jungkook went into a deep dive into research about sex anxiety, even printing out helpful resources and passages for himself to study, because when Jungkook puts his mind to something, he really tries to do it right. 

He has a list of activities they should try to get Namjoon more comfortable with sex, practices saying praises, and tries to ingrain into his amazing brain that they could fuck for 2 minutes or 2 hours and it wouldn't matter to Jungkook at all. 

Unfortunately for him, his studies never make it to the bedroom. 

Because he and Namjoon are almost never in the bedroom as of late. 

Namjoon’s hand knits into his hair as he leans so close to his laptop, his nose is practically touching the screen. His fingers tap mercilessly on the table. He’s mumbling to himself. It’s been like this for the past two hours. Jungkook thought he knew what stress was, but he was wrong. 

Jungkook only has his textbook open for solidarity. 

“Hey I’m going to go to the store. Do you want anything? Coffee, tea...god?” 

“God won’t help me write my dissertation.” Namjoon says quickly. 

“Starbucks it is.” Jungkook sighs.

kookie {big heart, small bladder} 

@lvl3slutgoblin 

no officer, that man is my boyfriend, and yes, i am aware he is dead, no, i’ll walk him to the morgue myself, thank you for offering 

l 

guedetama but sexy 

@jiminibutnotsomini 

fuck the police 

Jungkook smiles at Jimin’s reply, tapping “Like” before he gets to the register. 

“Oh, so you do know how to use a phone?” 

He looks up to find Jingoo scanning his selection of Doritos, two energy drinks, and a Double Shot Espresso from Starbucks. 

“You work at the student store?” 

“How about, ‘Hey! Long time no talk. I know we’re supposed to be friends and all’?” 

“I’m sorry.” Jungkook refuses the plastic bag and instead stuffs everything in his backpack. “It’s been crazy on my side. Wanna get dinner and a movie later this week?” 

Jingoo snorts. “Only if you’re paying.” 

Jungkook grins. “That’s not how our bet went, remember?” 

Jingoo’s mouth drops as Jungkook laughs. 

“Jungkook! Tell me everything!” Jingoo shouts after him when Jungkook takes his exit. 

Jungkook throws his friend a flying kiss as a response. He’s laughing when he walks through campus. It has been a hot minute since he last talked to Jingoo, but it’s true this year didn’t give him a chance to breathe. Between being cuffed and the single child between a friendship divorce (Jimin and Taehyung), Jungkook’s free time has gone down in the negatives. 

Plus, he just barely declared Exercise Science as his major. It should take him an extra year to complete all the requirements, but if he works his ass off, he’ll be able to graduate with the rest of his class. 

He takes the long way around to the library, knowing Namjoon will still be in the same position as before, and lets himself enjoy the fresh air. He passes by a car that’s decked out in big-tittied anime girls decor. His hands automatically fly to take a picture and send it to the group chat. Jimin and Taehyung would love - 

He stops. Jimin and Taehyung still aren’t talking to each other, so their group chat has been dead. Jungkook sighs. 

“Nice car. Did Namjoon choose the decor?” 

Jungkook whips his head up to find a kind-looking man wearing a red bucket hat, cargo pants, and the loudest shoes he’s ever seen. If he ever wore that, he would look like a clown, or maybe a misinformed international student, but somehow this man made the fit look...fresh? 

“Ah, Hoseok! From the party.” He realizes. 

“And you’re Jungkook. Namjoon’s cute boyfriend.” 

“Right, um, this isn’t my car.” Jungkook steps away from it like it might burn him. 

“You don’t have to lie to me.” 

“I’m not. I drive a really boring Honda Civic I swear.” 

“I’m just messing with you.” Hoseok giggles, before turning into something a bit more solemn. He stuffs his hands in his pocket. “Say...you’re friends with Jimin right?” 

Jungkook tenses. “Yeah I am.” 

“I’ve been trying to get a hold of him, but I think he’s ghosting me.” Hoseok’s smile is tight. “Do you mind playing Pony Express a little? It’s kind of driving me crazy that he’s not responding.” 

He doesn’t know what to say. Bringing up the topic of Hoseok immediately made Jimin clam up, rendering him silent until the subject passed. He doesn’t think Hoseok wants to hear that. 

“No pressure or anything. I just want him to know that I’m sorry if I made him uncomfortable and at the very least, I’d like to be friends.” 

Oh man, Jungkook sighs internally, Hoseok is a really nice dude. 

“I’ll tell him.” 

Hoseok’s shoulders drop in relief. “Thank you. Really.” 

“No problem. Um, I’ll message you if anything?” 

“Yeah, here’s my number.” 

A third voice suddenly joins them right when Jungkook presses save. 

“What are you guys doing?” 

Jungkook looks up to see Jimin glaring at them, grip on his backpack tight. He takes a second to access the situation: Jimin just saw him and Hoseok exchange numbers, the same man who Jimin refused to talk about for the past month or so. He has no idea what Jimin is thinking, but he knows one thing for sure: It’s not a good look. 

“Jimin -” They both say. 

Jimin scoffs and turns the other way. 

“Jimin, wait -” 

Jungkook grabs Hoseok’s arm before he can go any further. “I think it’s better if I go.” He offers, only catching the other’s pained expression before running after his friend. 

“I don’t want to hear it.” Jimin says the moment Jungkook catches up to him. 

“Whatever you’re thinking, that’s not what it is.” 

“I’m not a kid, Jungkook. I’m not jealous.” 

“Then why are you acting like it?” Jungkook challenges, unable to mask the frustration in his voice. It’s been weeks since their friend group fell apart and he’s tired of playing sides. 

“You want to go there? In the middle of campus?” Jimin snaps. 

“Well, it’s not like you’d talk about this anywhere else. God knows I tried.” 

“There’s nothing to discuss.” 

“Nothing to discuss?!” His stubbornness is enough to have him fuming. “So we’re not going to discuss how you haven’t talked to Taehyung in over a month? How have you been ignoring all of his calls? We don’t even know where you’ve been staying, because you’re never at the apartment anymore. And over what? Your incapability to talk about things like an adult?” 

“You really shouldn’t speak on things you know nothing about, Jungkook-ah.” Jimin slips into an angry satoori, his Korean scarily, and flawlessly, dripping venom out of his mouth. It strikes fear into his bones, but he doesn’t stand down. 

After all, his family is from Busan too. 

“And what don’t I know, hyung?” He’s surprised by how easy Korean comes to him, especially when he’s mad (and scared). “If you know so much, then why don’t you teach your dongsaeng a little something?” He leers. 

“Watch your language with me.” Jimin threatens. 

“Does this look like Korea to you?” Jungkook knows using casual speak is wrong, but he’s so mad he can’t help it. 

“Yah, you dumb country hick-bastards.” A deep Daegu satoori cuts through their tension. “What are you two doing screaming at each other in Korean in the middle of campus? You’re scaring the white people!” 

Yoongi has his hands on his hips like a nagging Korean grandmother. He waves a lazy arm at them, drawling, “Meet me at Getaway. I’ll get us a pitcher.” 

“Hyung, it’s barely 2.” Jungkook says. 

“Why the fuck is everyone on campus?” Jimin complains in English. 

“Time is a social construct and you’re both idiots. It’s two weeks before finals, so of course the campus is full. Hurry up before we start attracting Koreans. They can smell age hierarchies.” 

“That’s not nice.” Jimin mumbles. 

“And neither is the comment section of our campus Facebook if someone uploads you dumb fucks fighting in broad daylight. Get your Korean asses over here.” Yoongi clicks his tongue. 

Neither of them argues with that. 

The restaurant is across the street from campus, so it doesn’t take them long to get there. As they walk in silence, the tension between them slowly melts away as they both cool their mind. It’s a good thing Yoongi showed up when he did, because who knows what they would’ve done to each other if things escalated. 

Jungkook shivers when he remembers their last fight: to this day, he still can’t look at banana bread the same way. 

It’s not until they’re seated and Yoongi pours both of them a glass of beer, that the silence is broken. 

“I’m sure you two are aware that you are Taehyung’s best friends.” Yoongi says, taking a generous sip. “My boyfriend’s been a sulking mess for more than a month now. I don’t like meddling into things, but can you please try talking to him?” 

It’s clear he’s talking to Jimin, who crosses his arms with defiance. 

“Why do I have to be the one to sort things out? I’ve been busy.”

“Oh, so you just happened to be busy for over a month whenever Taehyung tries to call?” Yoongi grits out. 

“Shit happens.” 

Jungkook prickles with irritation, but Yoongi doesn’t budge. It’s probably why he’s a school counselor. If possible, his voice gets even calmer - quieter. 

“Jimin, what’s going on?” 

“I don’t know what you two think this is, but it is midday and I have class in an hour. I’m not going to get into this right now.” Jimin moves to leave. 

Jungkook stops him with a hand on his shoulder, forcing him back down. “If not now, then when? You don’t give us a lot of options.” 

“Send me a Google Calendar invite.” 

“God, you’re so immature.” Jungkook barks. 

“What did you say?” 

“I said you’re immature!” 

“Yah-ish!” Yoongi hisses, disrupting everyone in the restaurant. It takes a moment before everyone turns back to their tables again. 

“Both of you are children.” He scolds, lower this time. “My boyfriend’s been crying his heart out, thinking he ruined his friendships, but you two are fighting like grade schoolers in broken Korean. Can you pull your head out of your ass for a second to please, please, talk to Taehyung? I hurt when I see him hurt, idiots.” 

Jungkook shrinks into his chair, guilt flaring up. He admits he’s been neglecting checking-in with his friends, too caught up in his own business. He thinks Jimin must feel the same way, because the fight leaves his body. 

“...I’m scared.” Jimin whispers. 

“What is there to be scared of? You know Taehyung loves you more than anyone.” Yoongi says. 

“It’s not Taehyung I’m scared of. I’m scared of me.” Jimin winces as he says this. “What he said was true. I don’t know if I’m ready to face that yet.” 

Jungkook sees the way his hands turn into fists. The dewy look in his eyes. Instinctively, he puts his hand over Jimin’s. 

“Hyung,” He starts to say, “Do you remember how we first met?” 

“How could I forget? You were a baby who never took a shot of espresso nonetheless Barcardi.” Jimin replies distantly. “If it weren’t for me and Taehyung, you wouldn’t have made it out of that party alive.” 

“That’s right.” Jungkook smiles a bit. “You two took care of me. I remember thinking you and Taehyung were so invincible. For the longest time, I wondered why these two cool dudes hung out with a nerd like me. We could be wearing the same outfit, but it’d look all chic on you and Taehyung, while I looked homeless on University Ave.” 

Jimin snorts at that, but Jungkook continues, “So it really makes me hurt as a friend when you think you aren’t deserving of love.” 

Jimin looks up at him and Jungkook offers a small smile. 

“I’ve spent all these years looking up to you. How could you be scared of being loved when we already love you this much?” 

A deep, shaky exhale is Jimin’s response. He blinks away wetness welling in his eyes, tipping his head back. Then, he gets up. 

“Thanks for the beer, hyung. Jungkook, I’ll call you later?” 

“Where are you going?” 

Jimin smiles. “I’m going to go talk to Taehyung.” 

“Finally.” Yoongi says with a twinkle in his eyes. 

A calm settles over Jungkook seeing Jimin rush out of the restaurant. He takes a gentle sip of his beer, sighing content. Yoongi stares at him. 

“Hey, weren’t you supposed to be studying with Namjoon today?” 

Oh fuck. 

“Oh fuck!” Jungkook gathers his stuff and sprints away. “Bye Yoongi, thanks for everything, I love you to the moon and back!!” 

“Yeah, yeah.” 

“Is he alive?” 

“I’m not sure.” 

“Someone go check.” 

“You’re dating him. You go check.” 

“I’m dating a human. I don’t know what that is.” 

“Bunny, I can hear you.” 

“Gasp! He speaks.” 

They’re all gathered at the biggest table Lee’s Sandwiches has to offer, a mess of books, laptops, and drinks scattered across the surface. Everyone stares at Namjoon sitting at the head of the table: he’s wearing a coffee-stained gray sweater with the hood on, tied tight around his face, so he looks like a sleep-deprived worm. 

Jungkook loves his boyfriend, he really does, but even he’s a bit scared of how low his boyfriend fell. His fingers shake when he types for God’s sake. 

Ever since Jimin and Taehyung made up, things have fallen back to normal again.The only difference is the attendance of Hoseok and Jin during their weekly study sessions. It doesn’t seem like Hoseok and Jimin are dating, but there’s no denying the underlying romantic tension there. It seems they’re taking it slow. 

Taehyung somehow made peace with the fact that Jin gets red-faced around Yoongi occasionally and Jungkook suspects he actually likes it. That’s a conversation for another day. Or year. Or decade. 

Anyways, back the topic - 

Jungkook thinks Namjoon is dead. 

“Call it.” Jungkook says. 

“No, it’s too early.” Jin shakes his head. 

“C’mon Joonie, you can do it.” Hoseok spurs on. 

“I don’t think I can watch.” Jimin turns away. 

Taehyung does the sign of the cross and Yoongi stares intensely. The table falls silent again. 

Namjoon takes a deep breath. He clicks once. Twice. And then. 

“I submitted it. It’s done.” Namjoon collapses onto the table. 

“Call it!” Jungkook leaps up, cheering. 

“April 4th, 2020. 3:25 PM. I pronounce Kim Namjoon’s dissertation complete.” Jin calls. 

Their table erupts into applause as Namjoon quite literally sobs onto the table. Jungkook tackles his man down into a hug, jumping up and down, moving Namjoon’s lifeless body with him. 

“Oh my god, you did it! You did it! Can you finally become human again? Please?” 

“I don’t know if I have it in me.” Namjoon whispers. 

“Celebrate! We have to celebrate! Let’s throw a party.” Taehyung’s eyes light up. “It’s been forever since we threw a party.” 

“Namjoon and Hoseok are graduating this year. We might as well.” Jimin says. 

“Wow.” Jin looks at all of them. “To be in college again.” 

“You graduated last year. Calm down, corporate sell-out.” 

“Bold words coming from someone using a Galaxy S5, Yoongi. Don’t forget I work at Samsung.” Jin sticks out his tongue. 

“A party sounds fun.” Namjoon attempts to smile, but it looks like it takes all of his life energy to do so. 

“I think a nap sounds even better.” Jungkook offers. “Guys, I’m taking this lifeless sack of a brain home. Let’s meet about party details later.” 

Everyone waves their goodbyes as Jungkook halfway carries Namjoon to his car. The poor man is knocked out by the time they make it back to his apartment. He doesn’t have the heart in him to wake him up. Instead, he rolls down the window and pulls both of their seats back. 

He drifts in and out of sleep, conscious but not quite there at the same time. When it becomes too cold, Jungkook rouses Namjoon from his sleep and they spend the rest of the night in the apartment, only waking up to eat ramyun at 3 AM. 

Namjoon and Hoseok's graduation party is unexpectedly a wild mess. 

“I can guarantee I don’t have this many friends.” Namjoon says, squeezing between people just to get to the kitchen counter. 

Jungkook’s watching Jimin and Hoseok mix a nasty concoction of leftover drinks from Taco Bell and vodka in a bowl. “I invited my dance crew.” Jimin says and Hoseok supplies, “And I invited my dance crew too.” 

“That explains it.” Yoongi sighs. “It’s so loud.” 

“That means it’s a good party. Where’s Taehyung?” Jimin looks at Yoongi like it’s weird to see him without his boyfriend by his side. 

“He’s with Jin.” Yoongi replies. 

When all of them pause to look at him, he puts up a hand to signal everyone to stop. “We’ll talk about it when we get there. I’m not drunk enough yet.” 

“Sounds like you need some Hobi Juice.” Hoseok offers him a cup. 

“Don’t say Hobi Juice.” Jimin frowns. 

“But you love Hobi Juice.” Hoseok wiggles his eyebrows. 

Everyone gags at the same time, exiting the kitchen. 

“Yup, we’re done here.” Jungkook throws his hands up in defeat. “Everyone is officially gross and Namjoon and I are angels.” 

The so-called “Hobi Juice” isn’t that bad. Jungkook drinks at least three cups of it throughout the night, on top of the random shots he takes. Namjoon and Hoseok get especially wasted with everyone wanting to celebrate them graduating. He’s watching Namjoon suck at Rage Cage when there’s a tap on his shoulder. 

“Jingoo, you made it!” 

“Of course I made it. I wouldn’t miss your boyfriend’s graduation party, which by the way, would’ve never happened if I hadn’t existed.” Jingoo teases. 

“Yes, yes, I will forever be in your debt everytime I get dicked down.” 

Jingoo makes a vomit motion and Jungkook laughs. 

“I’m guessing the one getting smashed in Rage Cage is your beloved?” 

“Unfortunately yes. I love him.” 

“I can see that.” Jingoo’s eyes sparkle. “You seem happier. More focused.” 

“You think so?” 

“I know so.” Jingoo pushes him playfully. “You were a lost soul complaining about your nose all the time. Now you barely have time for me because you’re too busy studying and being in love. Plus, you got jacked too? You've been going to the gym without me?” 

“Mm, I get my workouts done in other ways.” 

“Should’ve never said anything.” Jingoo sighs. “I heard your friend Jimin is dating that dance dude now. Wonho told me about it, because he stopped, um, answering booty calls.” 

“Oh?” This is news to Jungkook. While Jimin’s been more open with Hoseok, he still gets secretive and shy about the status of their relationship. “I think that’s a good sign.” 

“Oop. I think your bae just got the bitch cup.” Jingoo points at the table. 

Jungkook turns just in time to see Namjoon chugging the bitch cup with a grimace on his face as everyone screams around him. “Oh no.” Jungkook says. “This is the most I’ve ever seen Namjoon drink.” 

“I’m going to leave you to babysitting duty then.” Jingoo smacks him on the back. “I’ll be outside for a smoke.” 

Jungkook tugs Namjoon away from the table before he gets trapped in another game of Rage Cage. “Are you alright? You’re a fucking trooper for drinking that.” 

“I am not going to be a pretty sight later tonight. I’m warning you right now.” Namjoon hiccups. 

“You haven’t tripped and scraped your knee yet, so I think we’re good.” Jungkook jokes. 

“Hey, it’s getting a little hot in here.” Namjoon leans in close. “Do you think you can help me with that?” 

“Oh, shut up!” 

They both laugh as Jungkook leads them to Jin’s room. Jin and Yoongi offered up their house for the party and were gracious enough to lend them a room if they needed any rest. Of course, Jin and Yoongi would install personalized locks on the room door, like the weird neat freaks they are. Yoongi is over at Taehyung’s place so much, no one had any idea that Yoongi and Jin were housemates. 

As they go up the stairs, Jungkook catches sight of Hoseok and Jimin being the life of the party on the dance floor. He shakes his head with a grin. Those two are definitely fucking on the side, even if they won’t admit it. 

Jungkook types in the passcode, a mixture of Jin and Yoongi’s birth months, and opens the door, not at all expecting the sight before him. 

“Holy shit.” Namjoon suddenly sobers up. 

Jin, naked except for his boxers, yelps and slips out of bed, landing on his ass. On the bed, his modesty covered only by bedsheets, is a distressed looking Taehyung. 

“What the fuck.” Jungkook’s horrified. “Are you two -?!” He covers his mouth. “Are you cheating on Yoongi?!” 

The bedsheets rustle and Yoongi’s head pops out, red in the face. He waves a lazy hand. “No. They are definitely not.” 

“I’m going to faint.” Namjoon says. 

Jungkook has so many questions, but the most prominent one leaves his mouth first: 

“Damn Yoongi, how do you get so much game?” 

“Hey.” All three of them say at once. 

“Yoongi’s hot.” Taehyung defends. 

“You guys are just uncultured.” Jin supplies. 

Yoongi sinks back underneath the sheets. 

“This is the craziest year of my life.” Namjoon says. “I got a boyfriend, finished grad school, and all of my friends are fucking my boyfriend’s friends.” 

“We’re just going to leave you three to...whatever it was you were doing.” Jungkook pulls Namjoon out of the room. “Sorry to disturb you.” 

Jungkook closes the door behind them and they’re just standing there like statues outside of the room. Within seconds, they’re buckled down with laughter. 

Namjoon wipes the tears out of his eyes. “I’m so glad I’m drunk for this.” 

“Me too.” Jungkook gasps, clutching onto his side. “As much as I respect polygamy, you don’t have any secret crushes I don’t know about right?” 

“Not at all. You?” 

“Nope.” Jungkook giggles. “I am disgustingly and madly in love with only one person at the moment.” 

Namjoon pulls their bodies together. “What a coincidence. So am I.” 

Their kiss tastes like alcohol, but is still sweet regardless. Jungkook’s drunken, horny mind wants to pull Namjoon into an empty room and do unspeakable things to him, but he’s slightly aware of how his boyfriend can’t make it two steps without stumbling. A lot of water and a good night’s sleep seems to be in order tonight. 

“God, I love you.” Namjoon slurs. 

“You’re getting drunker.” Jungkook giggles. “It’s time to go home.” 

“You’re coming with me?” 

“Of course.” 

“Always?” 

“Always. Like The Fault in Our Stars.” 

“You really like romance stories about terminal illnesses, don’t you?” 

“Guilty pleasure.” Jungkook admits. 

“You’re my guilty pleasure.” Namjoon flirts, badly. 

“Okay, I’m calling an Uber. You’re wasted.” 

Jungkook slowly leads Namjoon down the stairs, listening to him ramble. 

“I'm so excited. I finished my dissertation. Finding work is going to be hell, but I’ll be making money, and I can spoil you more. I should’ve been a business major, so I could make millions, and just spoil you.” 

“Okay, sugar daddy.” Jungkook laughs, even though his chest bursts with affection. 

“I don’t think I could’ve done it without you. You’re always saying how I’m smart and supportive, but really, you saved me from drowning.” They made it onto the street. The Uber is going to be there in 3 minutes. Namjoon is still blabbering. “I’m so excited.” 

“You said that already, you big doof.” Jungkook bops his nose. 

“Because I am.” Namjoon slurs. “I want to start the rest of my life with you already.” 

Jungkook tenses at that, looking at Namjoon with wide eyes. A car pulls up on the side of the road. “Excuse me, are you Junk Cock?” The driver asks. 

He ignores the horrendous mispronunciation. “Yes, that’s me. Um, do you mind if I make out with my boyfriend in the car the entire ride?” 

The driver shrugs. “As long as you tip well.” 

“Thank you.” 

The car door barely closes before Jungkook is all over Namjoon. 

“When we get home, I am making you drink a pitcher of water.” Jungkook says between kisses. “But right now, I’m really drunk and I’m in love with you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you too.” 

“Okay, just don’t stop kissing me.” 

“Deal.” 

Jungkook tips the driver $50 for his services, because they might’ve gotten a bit more handsy than he initially anticipated. 

It’s the beginning of his senior year. 

Namjoon got a job at a state college nearby and Jungkook found an internship with a medical center back in his hometown. They spent a majority of summer not being able to see each other, surviving with video calls and the beauty that is Netflix Party. 

So when Jungkook is back on campus and they’re finally in the same city, eager is really the only word to describe it. 

“Jungkook,” Namjoon half-moans, half-laughs, “You’re crushing me.” 

Jungkook has his boyfriend pinned against the wall, sucking and kissing on his neck. “Sorry, I forgot how good you taste.” He says honestly, relishing in the way Namjoon shivers in response. He didn’t mean to come off dirty, but he’s glad it did. 

He mouths Namjoon’s neck, panting heavily there like he’s been starved. He’s aware he doesn’t need to be biting him like that, but it’s been too long since he had Namjoon’s skin like this. “Marks,” Namjoon pants, fisting his shirt, “You’ll leave marks. I have work.”

Jungkook takes this as an invitation to kiss him. Their lips slide together hotly until Namjoon coaxes his mouth open. Jungkook moans into the kiss, starting to feel the strain against his pants when Namjoon presses even closer. He knows this dance, done it a dozen times before, but it feels brand-new. Their crotches grinding against each other, hands going up and down his body, the staccato-like moans - 

“Jungkook!” Namjoon hisses at the hand jerking him rough and tight. 

Jungkook wants to do well for Namjoon this time. They've improved so much in bed with Jungkook whispering praises into his ear and spoiling him more, making sure the pressure doesn't fall exclusively on his shoulders. The first time Namjoon came while fucking, they high-fived immediately after. 

("You should be a sex therapist." Namjoon had rasped. Jungkook kissed him senseless.)

His pants are pooled around his thighs and Jungkook’s stroking him, kneading the head of his cock because he knows it makes Namjoon keen. It’s heavy and desperate. 

Jungkook drops down on his knees. 

Namjoon moans as Jungkook engulfs him deep, going down inch by inch. 

He starts to pick up a rhythm, Namjoon throbbing as he sucks. He presses his tongue flat against the underside of his erection and Namjoon’s knees almost give out. He forgot how much he missed listening to Namjoon moan. 

“Jungkook,” Namjoon pants, hushed, “Jungkook, stop,” but the plea holds no ground. His fingers entangle in his hair and Jungkook digs his tongue into his slit as a response. 

It’s hot, wet, and thick in Jungkook’s mouth; Namjoon’s whining as quietly as he can. Jungkook hopes the next time they do this, Namjoon can get to the point where he doesn't feel so shy about making noise. One thing at a time though. 

Jungkook makes the terrible choice to look up - his breath catches. Namjoon looks down at him, eyes hazed and dark. His mouth goes up his cock slowly, until the head of his dick pops out - there’s a line of slavia between Jungkook’s tongue and his tip. 

Namjoon looks agonized by the sight. 

Jungkook kitty licks at the head, tortuously, like he’s got all the time in the world (they technically do, but it’s been months). Namjoon jumps with every lick, sensitive against the barely there pleasure. 

Namjoon comes with his head tossed back, a silent cry as Jungkook swallows him nice and clean. He retracts with a resounding pop. A gentle touch on his chin forces Jungkook to meet his hyung’s gaze, eyes still so full of want. He shivers despite himself. 

Still, he doesn't want to forget: "You did good. You always do so good for me." 

Namjoon shivers, looking blissed-out and even relieved. "Do you want me to...?" 

“Yes please.” 

Jungkook orgasms with Namjoon’s fingers inside of him and his mouth swallowing him down.

"I missed this.” He exhales. 

“Agreed.” Namjoon laughs. 

“Shower and Korean BBQ?” 

“Damn, I love you.” 

Senior year passes by in a blur. 

Taehyung and Jimin graduate in the fall and spontaneously book a month-long trip to Asia to celebrate, much to the dismay of Hoseok, Yoongi, and Jin. 

“At least you guys get to be sad together.” Hoseok whines. 

Yoongi and Jin look like replicas of each other, sadly pouting. 

“We could’ve all gone together.” Jin sighs. “We really are nothing compared to soul mates, huh?” 

“I knew this when I started dating Taehyung, but man. Disneyland sounds fun.” 

“We have Disneyland in Anaheim.” Jungkook says. “You guys are literally pass holders.” 

“It’s not the same.” Yoongi and Jin insist. 

“Okay, sheesh. Didn’t know you guys were Disney heads.” 

“We’re not.” Yoongi deflates. 

“Taehyung is.” Jin pouts. 

“I guess the only good thing is we can go to the whiskey tasting that’s been on our list forever.” Yoongi suggests. “Are you free this weekend?” 

Jin nods and Yoongi looks out the window, not sparing his boyfriend a glance. “Good, because I got us weekend tickets.” 

Jin’s neck and ears turn a bright side of red. His pout turns into an endeared smile. 

Jungkook and Hoseok look at each other and choke. 

When Taehyung and Jimin come back, Jungkook relishes in the way they leap into his arms first. Once their baby, always their baby. He flips his hair and does a princess wave at Yoongi, Jin, and Hoseok as he walks past. They all flip him off. 

In the winter, he remembers nothing but the library, and driving through Christmas light shows across Southern California with Namjoon. 

In the spring, they all go to Rosarito for Spring Break and drink so much, they spend most of it inside of their AirBnb, nursing a hangover, and playing Secret Hitler for hours on end. It’s one of the funnest weeks of Jungkook’s life. 

And then, he finally graduates. 

Of course, all of his hyungs carry embarrassing photos of him at graduation. Jungkook’s honestly so wasted, he doesn’t even care. 

“Honey, it is 8 AM, and you smell like tequila.” Jin says. 

“Shush, don’t tell my family.” 

His family was standing right next to him, but that doesn’t matter. 

He doesn’t know who cries harder, Taehyung or his mother, but the group photos afterwards are hilarious. 

“I’m going to miss you so much.” Taehyung sobs. 

“I’ll be back for the holidays.” Jungkook pulls his friend into his arms, letting him cry into his gown. 

“Oh, my son.” Jimin and his mother say at the same time. 

“Okay, everyone, let’s just all group hug it out.” 

When his family and friends smolder him with a hug, he barely catches sight of Namjoon running towards him. In his arms is a bouquet full of - 

“Is that a bouquet full of fried chicken?” Hoseok squints. 

“Oh my god, Namjoon wins.” Jin laughs. “He always wins.” 

“Sorry I’m late. I got lost picking this up and then I backed up into a tree trying to park, but here you go,” Namjoon pants when he reaches them, “Congratulations bunny.” 

“Bless the DMV for giving you a driver’s license.” Jungkook laughs, taking the fried chicken bouquet in his arms. “Thank you Namjoon.” 

Namjoon greets his family who politely smile in return. 

“I’m sorry for taking your son on a day like this.” Namjoon apologies. 

“It’s no worry. It’s good to travel when you’re young.” His mom says. 

Jungkook’s heart leaps from the interaction. He’s reminded that all of his belongings are packed and on an airplane to Sweden, where Namjoon got relocated for his work. In just a few hours time, they’ll be on a plane to start a new chapter of their life. 

“Picture?” Yoongi offers. “It’s going to be a while before we’re all together like this again.” 

“Babe, don’t say that!” Taehyung wipes his face in sorrow. 

Jungkook’s brother takes a photo of them, all six of his hyungs crowded around him, holding up their cringey posters. “Okay, now everyone give the maknae a kiss!” Hoseok shouts. Jungkook whines at the onslaught of kisses, nearly falling to the ground. 

“We have a few hours until we have to be at LAX. What do you wanna do?” Jimin smiles. 

Jungkook looks at Namjoon, whose eyes are so full of love. 

“I think I want some coffee and milk tea.” 

Namjoon kisses him on the cheek. 

“Lee’s Sandwiches?” 

Jungkook laughs. 

“I’m on my way.”