Work Text:
800 meters to go.
700 meters to go.
600 meters to go.
500 meters to go.
400 meters to go.
Jimin is barely ahead of Jungkook, the latter a split second behind.
300 meters to go.
Jungkook is pulling closer, the gap narrowing down to the millisecond.
200 meters to go.
The two boys are neck and neck, the difference in their positions impossible to see.
100 meters to go.
Jungkook begins to crawl ahead by a few millimeters.
0 meters to go.
Jungkook has pulled ahead, beating Jimin by 0.08 seconds.
The two boys slowly jog it out until they come to a stop. They have been rivals the whole year, the top two runners of their entire league, both from the same college. The other competition from their area is barely anything, so they mostly end up competing with each other.
Jungkook's neck and forehead are glazed with sweat, causing his dark brown hair to stick to his forehead slightly, strong eyebrows slightly furrowed. He lightly dabs at his neck with the back of his hand, slipping under his sharp jawline, before it comes to a rest at his side. He then turns to Jimin with a blinding smile, breathless, his eyes crinkling softly at the corners. "Ah, good race Jiminie-hyung," he says cheerfully, resuming his sweat wiping. "That was a really close one. You're so fast."
Jimin has to try really hard not to glare at him hard enough to make him explode.
"He is so infuriating! You don't even know!" Jimin yells angrily, pacing back and forth in Taehyung's dorm room while the latter lies on his bed, scrolling through Twitter on his phone. "After he wins, he decides to tell me that it was 'close' and that I'm 'fast!' Seriously! You should've seen the smug look on his stupid face-- Hey, are you even listening?"
"Mm," Taehyung hums, snickering quietly to himself as he sees a funny meme before saving it to his phone. Jimin groans before marching up to his best friend and peering over his shoulder.
"What on earth is so funny that you aren't even going to listen to me tell you about how fucking annoying Jungkook is being?" he questions hotly. Taehyung giggles.
"See look at this video," he says. "The little puppy is so cute! And it's so tiny! Look at how fluffy it is, when they put it in the water cup, it fits! Oh my goodness, it's so adorable." He resumes cooing only to stop short when he sees the look on his best friend's face. "...What?"
Jimin lets out a frustrated sigh. "You didn't hear anything I just said, did you?" he accuses. "Seriously, Tae, you're supposed to help me out here." He taps his foot impatiently as he waits for the silver-haired to respond.
Finally, Taehyung turns off his phone and sits up. "Listen, Jiminie," he says slowly. "I've heard this same thing so many times. How Jungkook is annoying, how he's stupid, smug, you want to punch his dumb face, blah blah blah. Have you even tried being friends with him?" He raises an eyebrow in question.
Jimin stares at him before laughing in disbelief. "Being friends with him?" he scoffs. "As if. There's no way I'd ever be able to tolerate being friends with such an insufferable person as him. Acting like he's so cool because sometimes he can beat me, or always gloating and reminding me of when he does win. Yeah, no. His attitude clashes with my personality in the worst way possible. He'd probably want to be one of those people who tries controlling everything in your life. No thank you. And do you know what he did recently?"
Taehyung sighs and resumes scrolling through memes and puppy videos as Jimin keeps talking, completely ignoring his best friend's repetitive rants. "So whipped," he mutters under his breath. Jimin does not hear him.
It's track and field practice, and Jungkook and Jimin are warming up together (well, Jimin was warming up when Jungkook decided to join him). They jog lightly around the track next to each other. "That race was amazing on Saturday," Jungkook says excitedly as Jimin runs in silence. Must he always talk? Jimin wants to lash out, but knows that he has to stay civil. "That was probably the closest we've ever been. Less than a tenth of a second, can you believe it? Honestly, I thought you would win, you're so much more experienced and you're definitely a better runner. It must have been a fluke occurrence."
The two boys complete their second lap and begin to stretch, all while Jungkook continues to chatter happily beside a grumpy Jimin. Jimin does not get it. What on earth is wrong with Jungkook? Obviously, they're rivals, so it makes no sense that he would actually want to talk to the older. It must be some sort of odd strategy to coerce him into complacency so that the younger would win.
He smirks to himself. Nice try, Jungkook. Park Jimin is too smart for your tricks. He stretches with a little more force than necessary.
"Hey, I was thinking, hyung," Jungkook says all of the sudden. Jimin grunts in response. "We should hang out sometime. We always see each other during practice and stuff but we never get a chance to talk outside of it. We totally should."
Jimin gapes at him. Is Jungkook crazy? Okay, his plan is seriously weird. He wants to actually hang out? Jungkook's acting is better than he expected.
Then Jimin remembers a phrase that one of his friends used to say. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. He would have to keep Jungkook rather close, then. So he agrees. "Sure," he says with a shrug, forcing a smile.
Jungkook claps his hands in excitement, eyes curving happily. "Cool! Cool, okay," he says, slightly breathless for some reason. "Should we exchange numbers then? So we can talk about meeting up? Is coffee okay?"
Jimin very grudgingly agrees. He does not like this at all. The prospect of having to voluntarily hang out with the younger boy for more than one minute is just... no. Jimin shudders slightly. He imagines a cheerful Jungkook smiling as he sucks Jimin into a vortex of evil grinning faces, causing him to lose all of his races for the rest of his career. Yikes.
At the end of practice, as soon as Jungkook leaves with a smile and a wave, Jimin whips out his phone.
Jiminie
tAe
you will not believe
what just happened
i will probably die
Tae
...
you kissed jungkook?
Jiminie
EW WTF NO TAE
OF COURSE NOT EW
IM NOT LETTING HIS SLIMY LIPS ANYWHERE NEAR MINE THANK YOU VERY MUCH
DISGUSTANG
(it was foken wonna yahs im sorry i love that video)
Tae
(why does somebody not kno how to flush a toilet after theyve had a SHET)
ok then...?
what happened
Jiminie
jungkook asked me to hang out
to hang out tae
can u believe his nerve
wat is his problem
i kno hes plotting something
i can smell it
Tae
minnie did u ever think that maybe
jungkook just wants to be friends?
not that he always has to be plotting something
Jiminie
yea i have and i decided its not an option
he has to be plotting something
theres no way he can look that innocent and not have a reason
hes trying to get something from me
but i have decided
i will go hang out with him
bc im supposed to keep my enemies close
>__>
Tae
... yeah ok jiminie
im pretty sure hes not ur enemy
but ok
Jiminie
he is
Tae
fine fine whatever u say
so wahts next
**whats
Jiminie
apparently we're planning on a
"coffee date"
a coffee date, tae
can u believe him
wtf boi
Tae
u should go
i dont see anything wrong
nothing bad could rlly happen
Jiminie
fine fine
but only cuz im supposed to keep ma enemies close
Tae
if ur supposed to keep ur enemies close...
then shouldnt u kiss him :))
a nice steamy make out session will sure get u close ;)))))
Jiminie
KIM TAEHYUNG ISTG--
Jimin pushes open the door to the coffee shop, a small bell ringing as he enters to signal his arrival. He glances at his phone to make sure that he came at the right time before he looks up and spots a familiar mop of chocolate-brown hair.
Jimin cautiously heads over just in case it isn't actually Jungkook, just someone with a similar hairstyle. The maybe-Jungkook is wearing a white shirt tucked loosely into ripped black skinny jeans (that hug his thick, muscular thighs nicely, Jimin must say). Jimin can slightly see from the back the frame of a pair of glasses perched on the guy's nose. Well, it can't possibly be Jungkook, since this guy dresses way too well to be hi--
"Oh, hey Jiminie-hyung!"
Well, fuck. It is him.
Jimin cringes at his previous thoughts and pretends he didn't think any of them as he slides into the seat across from the brunette.
In front of Jungkook are two drinks, one of which already has a straw in it and the younger boy is sipping from it. The other is a green tea frappuchino. Jimin looks at him curiously.
"How did you know that's my favorite drink?" he asks when the brunette slides it over. The latter just shrugs with a small smile. Jimin narrows his eyes suspiciously. He's on guard for anything to happen. Is Jungkook planning something?
"Is it poisoned?" he asks dubiously, holding the drink up to eye level. Jungkook giggles, a surprisingly high-pitched sound that is kind of adorable. Jimin decides that he will forever deny that he ever thought that.
The two boys talk, taking sips from their drinks periodically (once Jimin has finally confirmed that the drink is not, in fact, poisoned). Surprisingly enough, their conversation comes easily and Jimin is not too stiff after a few minutes. Jungkook pretends like he doesn't notice Jimin's initial awkwardness and presses on with a smile.
Jimin really wants to punch Jungkook for the fact that he looks kind of cute with his large glasses and soft ruffled hair, quiet giggles filling the coffee shop every once in a while.
Jimin then really wants to punch himself when he catches himself staring at Jungkook's (pretty) pink lips longer than strictly necessary when the younger boy bites them softly in concentration while listening to Jimin speak.
Then Jungkook gives him a warm hug before he leaves, the gentle smell of tropical fruit (is that coconut?) wafting over Jimin, and Jimin doesn't hate it as much as he definitely should.
Jimin wants to fight everything and everyone he can. Especially Jeon fucking Jungkook.
"Taehyung!" Jimin shrieks as soon as he steps foot in his best friend's dorm. Taehyung doesn't even look up from his laptop.
"That's my name," he answers in a dull monotone voice, eyes fixated on the screen. Jimin groans and stomps over to where the silver-haired boy is perched on his bed, quickly flopping down onto his back. "How was the date?"
"It was not a date," Jimin hisses, glaring daggers at the back of his friend's head. Taehyung just shrugs.
"Same difference," he replies, still not turning around. "So how was it?" Jimin sighs to himself and flops one arm over his face, ready to give Taehyung the latest update.
"Well it wasn't horrible," he admits grudgingly. "But it was all highly suspicious. When I came in, he was already waiting for me. And he somehow knew what my favorite drink is. And he was way too energetic and happy considering that we're not even friends." Jimin folds his arms over his chest, sitting up.
Tae hums briefly. "See, it wasn't that bad," he says. Jimin shakes his head.
"No, but it is," he insists. "He has to be planning something. There is no way he could possibly be that happy to see me and actually be able to maintain a long conversation normally. There must be something behind this." Taehyung just rolls his eyes with a sigh, gaze never leaving the screen.
"You honestly don't believe that he could just want to be friends?" he asks, eyebrows raised. Jimin stares at the side of his head like he just grew a third arm. Then he laughs.
"Funny joke, Tae. Funny joke."
Jimin is sitting in the library, forehead rested in one palm as he attempts to focus on his math homework. Seriously, the problems make no sense and Jimin's brain seems to be switching words around. Did they even learn this content in class? Jimin isn't so sure.
He reads over the word problem again, barely registering a chair being pulled out next to him as someone else sits down. He haphazardly scribbles down some numbers that may help him in the problem, rubbing his face in his hand and slowly dragging it down with a groan.
He stiffens when he finally notices that the person who decided to sit next to him is none other than Jeon Jungkook himself.
Jungkook appears to be working on some math problems of his own, gaze focused on the textbook in front of him, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. He's lightly nibbling at his lower lip, trapping it there for a second before releasing it, making the color rush back to the briefly white flesh pinker than before. When his tongue darts out to swipe along his lips, giving it a slight sheen, Jimin decides to snap his gaze back to his own math, pretending he hadn't seen anything.
However, it is annoyingly even more difficult to focus than before.
Unable to help himself, he briefly glances back at the younger boy, only to find the brunette already peering at him from behind his round glasses. When they make eye contact, Jungkook flashes him a bright smile. "Hey hyung," he says. "I hope you don't mind me working here. No other tables were open." He gestures around and all the other tables are, in fact, filled. Jimin curses the library for not having more tables so he wouldn't have to sit near the infuriating boy he is now next to. He just grunts in affirmation and turns back to his work.
Like the annoying person he is, however, Jungkook decides that it's acceptable to continue chatting while effortlessly completing his math problems, Jimin still struggling to focus on his work. Jimin remains on edge the whole time despite how relaxed Jungkook is.
"I really had a nice time on Friday," the younger boy continues cheerfully. "I don't know why we don't hang out more."
Jimin fights the urge to send a well-aimed death glare in his direction. Hm, I don't know, maybe 'cause you're an annoying fucker that I can't seem to get out of my hair. Instead, he bites back his jab and bares his teeth in some semblance of a grin.
"You're really funny, hyung," Jungkook chuckles. Jimin has no idea where he got that piece of information from, considering he's pretty much always a sour pickle when the younger is around.
"We should text more often!" Jungkook adds with a smile. Jimin just stiffly agrees, unable to really do anything else. He remains stiff and uptight until Jungkook finally leaves, having finished all the homework needed for the time being. Once the brunette is out of sight, Jimin breathes out a sigh of relief and slumps in his chair for a moment before pulling out his phone as fast as possible.
Jiminie
askldfjalsfjalsjf;ajsdfkjsldjfajsf
i cannot with him
he 'decided' to join me in the library today
and he would nOT stop talking
i couldnt fucking focus
meanwhile this little trickass bitch finishes his math homework in .01 seconds
so he thinks its fine to just chat it up
and he has the nerve to say we should text more
like weve been texting already or smth
coconut headass needs to step the fuck up
im boutta fite
...
tae
tae where r u
taeeeee
taetae
taehyung
tae-bae
kim taehyung
soulmate
bestie
#1 bro for lyfe
one and only
...
willy wonka oompa loompa faceass taelien dumb shit headass
Tae
u rang
Jiminie
srsly tae
now u appear
Tae
yes now i appear
and i can see how much you truly love me by that last message
*so many tears*
Jiminie
aFTER I SAID ALL THOSE NICE THINGS
WHY MUST YOU CATCH ME AT MY WORST
Tae
^__^
Jiminie
sklfjsldfjalsdf
watever fine
bUT why didnt you reSPOND
Tae
jeez calm yo tits jimin
i have a life u kno
i dont need a 24/7 jungkook cam ok
u dont have to talk about him all the time
Jiminie
yes i do
wait
no
nO THATS NOT WHAT I MEANT
KIM TAEHYUNG ISTFG IF U
Tae
ohhhhhh so you admit u like talking about him i see ;))
invite me to the wedding plsss i demand to be best man
Jiminie
KIM TAEHYUNG I FUCKING WARNED U
IM COMING FOR UR ASS U TRICKASS BITCH
Tae
;)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Jiminie
ok how fat is that guy exactly
i count 58 chins
excessive much
Tae
not rlly no
Jimin somehow finds himself out to coffee again with Jungkook. How that manages to happen, he will never know. Nevertheless, he is currently sitting across from the brunette who is wearing a beanie today, a few dark locks spilling out the front and curling over his eyes. He is wearing another white shirt but with faded blue jeans this time. Jimin is about to square up to him because he looks oddly adorable, large doe eyes blinking from behind his ever-present glasses.
They're talking about dance, having found out that they both enjoy the activity in their spare time. Jimin has to admit that he kind of likes talking about it with Jungkook, since it's common ground that they can agree on. He's interested to learn that the younger boy used to dance all the time back in middle school and high school, but gave it up in order to focus his energy on just track and field. Jimin shares a similar story.
If only you had stayed in dance, Jimin thinks bitterly. Then I wouldn't have to deal with your annoying ass almost every day.
There's a small lull in their conversation, and Jimin is about to break the silence when Jungkook's head snaps up and he looks slightly over the older boy's shoulder with a huge grin spreading across his face. Somehow, he seems ten times happier than he ever has with Jimin.
"Hyung!" he squeals excitedly, eyes almost disappearing and bottom teeth being revealed by his wide grin. "Just a sec Jimin-hyung, I'll be back really soon," he tells Jimin before springing up and practically jumping into the arms of a tall red-haired boy. In the process, his beanie gets knocked off his head. When the hug (finally) ends, the red-haired boy leans down for the hat and gently fixes it on Jungkook's hair with a heart-shaped smile.
The two boys start chattering immediately, happy grins never leaving their faces. The newcomer boy is very touchy with Jungkook, Jimin notes. He keeps hugging the younger and wrapping his arm around his shoulder as they talk. Jungkook, meanwhile, is positively radiating sunshine and happiness. Jimin fumes over his frappuchino.
No, he is NOT jealous. He is just extremely annoyed because Jungkook, being the annoying asshole he is, decided to just ditch Jimin and talk to this random dude for who knows how long. Who is he anyway? A boyfriend? Hmm?
Jimin's fist clenches by his side as the red-haired boy gently ruffles Jungkook's hair with a wink. What the fuck is this flirty shit he is witnessing right here. Some weird-ass romance drama. Miss Jimin with that bullshit.
He is still glaring over his drink when Jungkook turns around, and he quickly composes his face into a neutral expression. Jungkook leads the red-haired boy over, and Jimin is about to fight. He did not ask to be introduced to this bitchass firetruck kid. Could halt a bus from a mile away with that hair. Stoplight headass.
"Jiminie-hyung!" Jungkook says, leading Firetruck Boy by the arm until they come to a stop in front of Jimin. "This is Hoseokie-hyung. He used to be my dance partner in high school." Jimin slowly looks up and makes eye contact with the earnest face of Firetruck Boy. He forces a weak smile.
"Mm," he says, opting to shove the straw of his drink into his mouth instead of talking. The two boys slide into the booth across the table from him, still wearing twin smiles. They resume their excited chatter while Jimin glares intensely at the side of Firetruck Boy's face. He doesn't care what his name is, he's Firetruck Boy to Jimin. And they're about to fight. Well, in Jimin's fantasy they are.
Finally, finally, Firetruck Boy announces he has to leave for some dance lesson or blah blah whatever. He waves goodbye, giving Jungkook one last (way too long) hug before he leaves, Jimin letting out a long breath before turning on an innocent Jungkook.
"Yah, why did you take so long!" he accuses angrily, eyebrows furrowed. Jungkook just blinks at him slowly, shrinking slightly under the older's hot stare.
"Erm, sorry hyung," he murmurs, gaze lowering. "I just haven't seen Hobi-hyung in so long. I wanted to catch up. I'm sorry." Jimin relaxes slightly but then tenses again when he catches himself doing so. However, he lets Jungkook off the hook for now.
The two resume their conversation like nothing even happened.
"Taehyung!" Jimin shrieks as soon as he steps foot in his best friend's dorm. Taehyung doesn't even look up from his phone.
"That's my name," he answers in a dull monotone voice, eyes fixated on the screen. Jimin groans and stomps over to where the silver-haired boy is perched on his bed, quickly flopping down onto his back. "How was the second date?"
"Ugh, it was so annoying!" Jimin immediately begins to rant. "This random guy with blinding firetruck hair appeared out of nowhere and Jungkook just jumped up with a million-watt smile and bear hugged him. They would not stop talking. They were oozing happiness. So cringey oh my god." He's so busy ranting he doesn't even realize that he forgot to deny it wasn't a date.
Taehyung turns to him with a raised eyebrow, setting down his phone. "Who is this guy?" he asks dubiously.
Jimin rolls his eyes aggressively. "I don't fuckin' know," he grumbles. "Hoe Sock or something dumb like that."
Taehyung purses his lips in obvious doubt. "Seriously Jimin," he deadpans. "You couldn't even listen for his name."
"Well I'm sorry!" Jimin fumes. "Those guys were acting like they were in a fucking romance drama or something. Flirting like there's no tomorrow. You should've seen the heart eyes popping out of their heads. 'Oh, Jungkookie, you're so hiLARious!' 'Haha, thanks Hoe sock, you're hilarious too!' 'You're so adorable Kookie! My little baby bun cutesy widdle baby boy fetus honey bunches Kook-kook Googie!'" Jimin gags in distaste.
Taehyung just raises an eyebrow again. "Wow," he says. "Are you really that whipped?"
Jimin stares at him for a moment, his face going completely beet red as he blushes furiously and scrambles for a response. "Wh--what? Excuse the fuck?" he splutters, attempting to get his face to return to its normal color. This does not happen. "Of fucking course not! Ugh! I hate that little coconut headass!"
Taehyung merely smirks at him. Jimin is angry. "There is no WAY I like that little annoying trickass bitch smiley fuckface clingy dickwad! No fucking way!" Right?
...
Right.
800 meters to go.
700 meteres to go.
600 meters to go.
500 meters to go.
Jungkook and Jimin are neck and neck, pushing themselves to run as fast as they can.
400 meters to go.
Jungkook pulls slightly ahead, spurring his legs to move faster.
300 meters to go.
Jungkook pulls ahead even farther, calves flexing.
200 meters to go.
Jimin steels himself. He is not going to let this little infuriating freshman beat him again.
100 meters to go.
Jimin pushes his legs harder, taking longer, faster strides and coming right up to Jungkook.
0 meters to go.
Jimin flings his body across the finish line. They wait for the photo-finish results.
Jimin won by 0.04 seconds.
As they come to a stop, a huge grin has spread its way onto Jimin's face. Finally, he won. It has been a while. He can't wait to rub it in the cocky brunette's face. He turns around with his mouth open, about to gloat, but instead of seeing a sour expression, Jungkook only radiates happiness. He pulls the older boy into a big hug. Jimin can smell his tropical deodorant mixed with sweat as Jungkook smiles over his shoulder. He does not enjoy the strange feeling he feels in his chest from the hug.
When they pull apart, Jimin is confused. Why isn't Jungkook angry? Especially since he just lost and they're most definitely rivals?
"Y-you aren't mad?" Jimin stutters out, blinking at Jungkook with wide eyes. The younger boy just chuckles.
"No, not really," he says with a shrug. "Winning isn't everything. Plus it was super close, so it's not like I got left in the dust. I'm glad you won." Jimin stares at him, his eyes narrowed. Oh, so he's faking it then. Trying to let Jimin win once so he can laugh as the older boy's success slips through his fingers.
Jimin's anger increases when goddamn Firetruck Boy appears out of nowhere and wraps Jungkook in a big hug, only pulling away to hand him a small bouquet of flowers. Jungkook giggles as the red-haired boy spins him around, the former's eyes disappearing into little crescents. "Yay, good job Kookie!" Hoe Sock cheers. "You were so close." Jungkook grins at him. Jimin fumes. Must they flirt in front of him?
"You did amazing, Jimin-ssi," Hoe Sock says then, turning to face said boy. "Congratulations!" Jimin forces a tight-lipped smile in return. He knows the boy is just saying it for formalities. He bites back an angry retort and just gives a small nod, saving the anger for later.
The anger is saved. Jimin practically kicks down Taehyung's door, bursting in with an angry, "Tae!"
The outburst sends the silver-haired boy toppling off of his bed in surprise, phone outstretched in front of him. He quickly shoves his phone into his pocket.
"Who were you texting?" Jimin asks suspiciously. Taehyung just waves him off.
"Meh, no one," he replies. "Doesn't matter. What did Jungkook do this time?"
Jimin huffs angrily, pacing around the room. "He-- Wait, how did you know Jungkook even did anything?"
Taehyung stares at him with a blank expression on his face, slowly raising one eyebrow. "Is that an actual question," he says. "...Literally more than half of our conversations are about Jungkook."
Jimin's face heats up as he blushes furiously, quick to deny. "Th-that's not true!" he interjects, beet red. "We talk about plenty of other things!"
Taehyung just rolls his eyes. "Whatever you say," he replies. "It's the truth. So what is it?"
Jimin sighs deeply. "Okay fine, it is about Jungkook," he admits. "Well, I won the race today, barely, for the first time in a while. Except he wasn't even mad when I won! He legitimately smiled at me and even fucking hugged me. Clearly, he let me win so that I could feel confident before he decides to snatch the victories away from me. Plus, that dumbass Hoe Sock guy was there and gave Jungkook flowers. Flowers, Tae. What kind of next-level flirting is this?"
Taehyung blinks slowly at him. "Have you seriously never considered that maybe Jungkook just wants to be friends?" he asks. "That there doesn't have to be an ulterior motive behind all of his actions?"
Jimin stares at his best friend, gulping. "I-- Well-- Maybe," he stutters. "But it doesn't make sense! Why would he want to be friends with me, of all people? Especially since we're rivals?"
Taehyung merely shakes his head in disappointment. Jimin narrows his eyes and decides to quickly change the subject.
The next day at school, Jimin is heading off campus when he sees Jungkook out of the corner of his eye. The younger boy is dressed in a red flannel shirt and ripped skinny jeans, his black glasses perched on his nose as always, and he's casually talking to another guy. Upon seeing him, Jimin quickly makes a 180 and plans to head out the long way to avoid any contact. Unfortunately, his plan fails, and Jungkook spots him, a large grin spreading on his face.
"Hey Jiminie-hyung!" he calls out, saying something quick to his friend before hurrying to catch up. "Hey," he repeats once he winds up next to Jimin. The latter flashes him a small smile.
"Hi," he mumbles in return. Jungkook ignores his apparent unenthusiastic demeanor and quickly launches into a conversation with the older. The two boys talk for a while once Jimin has warmed up a bit.
Jimin learns new things about Jungkook that he never knew before. He finds out that they actually have quite a few things in common besides dancing, one of them being that they both went to high school in Busan. Jimin is flustered at this new revelation. He doesn't like to entertain the fact that he might not be that different from the younger boy, despite their personalities.
Jimin watches Jungkook tell the story of how he got the scar on his cheek. A smile never leaves his lips as he pantomimes his older brother attacking him over a video game.
Jimin faintly notices how good Jungkook looks, soft brown hair flopping slightly over his round doe eyes, outfit accentuating his perfect body (look at those thighs), his heavenly smell lightly engulfing the older boy. Jimin gazes for a second before snapping out of his daze. What is he thinking? No, he absolutely cannot have such ideas about the ever-irritating Jungkook. Despite this, he can't seem to stop staring.
Jimin gulps when Jungkook says he has to go and waves goodbye with another one of his (adorable) smiles. He stands gaping after the younger boy before shaking his head at himself and pulling his phone out to update Taehyung.
Jiminie
god dammit tae
i saw u kno who just now
and i tried to turn the other way
but noOoo
he has to see me an approach me
and we talked n stuff
and apparently hes also from busan
which is weird but kinda cool i guess
and he was telling the story fo how he got that scar on his cheek
*of
and he kept smiling and stuff
and uGh it was kind a little tiny teensy baby miniscule bit
cute
*clenches fist in anguish*
how dare
Tae
;)
Jiminie
u stfu
Over the next few weeks, Jimin allows himself to talk to Jungkook a little bit more. They study together a few times, talk after practice, and text each other. Jimin grudgingly lets himself become at least a friendly acquaintance with the younger boy, if not sort of friends.
He learns more things about the brunette that he never would have thought about before, having been so intensely focused on having to hate him. He never really realized that they could be friends and still be rivals competing for the top spot in their region. He comes to find that Jungkook isn't really as annoying as he previously made him out to be, once he gets past his clouded veil of rivalry.
In fact, Jungkook is kind of attractive (not that Jimin would ever want to admit it).
It's something in the way he brings a positive and often hilarious attitude that immediately warms the air wherever he is. Something about his little bunny smile and curved, happy eyes. Something about his effortlessly kind and caring personality. Something.
One day, Jimin heads out of class to meet up with Taehyung as usual. The silver-haired boy is already waiting for him in their normal spot by the large oak tree in the front of their university. However, when Jimin comes up to him, he notices the younger boy's solemn look.
He's about to ask what's up when Taehyung just holds out his phone, face stony. Jimin gently takes it and looks down to see an article. His heart drops.
LOCAL COLLEGE TRACK AND FIELD STAR HIT BY CAR - CONDITION UNCONFIRMED
SEOUL - Late last night, Seoul School of Arts track star Jeon Jungkook was involved in a critical hit and run incident while walking in downtown Seoul. The college athlete is known to be one of the fastest runners in the region. Jeon appears to have been on his way home when an unidentified driver ran a red light and hit the college athlete. He was then admitted to the Seoul Hospital after another driver saw the incident and phoned the police. Jeon was unconscious and in critical condition at the time he was brought into the ambulance, and his current condition has not been discerned. The person who hit Jeon has not been identified as of yet. "It all happened so fast," says one witness, Jung Wheein, who called the police after the accident. "I was driving behind this car for a while, and as we were approaching an intersection, I saw a boy crossing the street. At first, I didn't even think about it, because the light was red. But the car in front of me didn't even slow down, and I tried honking, but then all of the sudden I heard this horrible 'thump.' The car in front of me drove away in a hurry and I pulled up to see a young man lying, unconscious, in the middle of the road. That's when I knew I had to call the police right away. He could've died." Sources say that Jung saved Jeon's life by being as quick as she was to call an ambulance.
Jimin slowly hands the phone back to Taehyung, his features blank. He feels cold, his stomach twisting painfully. He can't believe what he just read. "Are visitors allowed at the hospital?" Jimin blurts all of the sudden, shifting his gaze to look at the silver-haired boy, eyes still wide.
"Why?" Taehyung smirks. "You wanna visit your boyfriend?" He gives his friend a teasing poke. Jimin just groans, lightly shoving Taehyung's finger away.
"Now's not the time, Tae."
"Ok, fine, fine," Taehyung relents, cutting his best friend some slack for once. "Yes, visitors will be allowed in a few days once his condition is secured. They don't want anyone coming in just yet." Jimin gives a quick nod, mind still only faintly able to comprehend what has just happened. Jungkook... Got hit by a car...
Another track and field meet comes and goes. Jimin wins it easily, by over two seconds, having already raced against this particular school. Without Jungkook there to run against, it's kind of boring. He misses having close races. Jimin checks his phone to see a short series of texts from Taehyung.
Taehyung
hey
look at this
http://www.noozfreezone.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=11011013
Curious, Jimin clicks on the link. It leads to a news article.
LOCAL COLLEGE ATHLETE CONDITION CONFIRMED - STILL HOSPITALIZED
SEOUL - College track and field star Jeon Jungkook was in a car accident last Wednesday night (see: Local College Track And Field Star Hit By Car) and was admitted to the Seoul Hospital. His condition has now been updated, although he continues to be hospitalized. Jeon sustains a broken leg and multiple cracked ribs, as well as minor head trauma. He has remained unconscious until last night, when he finally regained consciousness. Visitors other than immediate family will be allowed starting Sunday morning.
Jimin lets out a soft sigh of relief. At least Jungkook is alive and awake. Jimin doesn't know what he would do if the younger boy had died. He also really can't wait to visit Jungkook at the hospital. As much as he wouldn't like to admit it, Jimin has kind of grown to enjoy spending time with the brunette even outside of their practices. He will really miss getting to have close races with Jungkook and joking around.
When Sunday morning rolls around, Jimin is ready to go. He's filled with a sort of nervous energy, both excited and wary to visit Jungkook. When he gets to the hospital, he heads up to the front desk.
"How may I help you?" asks a middle-aged woman behind the counter. Jimin clears his throat, still a little on edge.
"Uhm, I-I'm here to visit someone," he stutters, coughing slightly. He ducks his head in embarrassment. Seriously, Jimin. Get ahold of yourself. It's just a hospital visit, not a proposal or something.
The woman adjusts her glasses and peers up at him. "What's the patient's name?" she inquires.
"Jeon Jungkook," Jimin states, fighting hard to keep from blushing. Jeez. It's not like this worker lady thinks you're gonna propose either. Stop being so embarrassed.
"And your name?"
"Park Jimin."
The lady glances at her computer screen and types a few things in. Jimin waits patiently until she appears to have found what she was looking for, and she turns back to him. "I'll call you when they're ready." Jimin nods and heads over to a chair, plopping down in it and trying to calm down his heart.
Minutes tick by and it feels like hours. Jimin has been staring at the same spot on the pristine white wall for the last fifteen minutes, his eyes unfocused.
"Park Jimin?"
Jimin startles, blinking rapidly as he sits up in his chair. He glances over to see a nurse holding a clipboard and looking around the room for him. He quickly stands up and heads over to her. When she sees him approaching, the nurse gives him a smile.
"Here to see Jeon Jungkook?" she asks him. Jimin gives her a quick nod, looking down. "Right this way please."
The nurse leads him through a few hallways and up two floors. The whole time, Jimin's heart will not stop racing. His palms grow clammy. Shit. What am I supposed to say? "Hey, glad you're not dead" or something? No, no, obviously not. What are we supposed to talk about? Fuck-- Shit-- Why did I come here again--
But all worries fly out the window when he finally reaches Jungkook's room and he sees the younger boy all wrapped up in bandages on the bed.
Well, not all worries. Jimin's heart is still beating as fast as ever. Jungkook looks so small, his brown hair messy, drowning in blankets and surrounded by machines. A red scrape extends from the apple of his left cheek back to right near his ear. His face is bruised and cut in various places, his lower lip split but healing. He looks so different from the loud and confident Jungkook Jimin is used to knowing. But still, irritatingly enough, a little bit cute.
Jimin slowly approaches until he is kneeling by the side of the brunette's bed. He didn't even notice that the nurse left the room. He blinks owlishly at the boy next to him as Jungkook tilts his head slightly.
"Hi, do I know you?"
Jimin gapes. What the fuck. "I-- I'm--" he chokes out, utterly stunned. He knows Jungkook had suffered some head trauma, but he wasn't expecting the younger boy to forget him. What is he supposed to say? "I'm the guy you race against in track?" "I'm the guy who is always cold to you because I think and/or thought you are or were annoying?" "I'm the guy that is and/or used to be your number one rival?" Or he could lie. Start things fresh. "I'm your classmate, you don't know me that well." "I'm your teammate, we are sort of acquainted." That one's mostly the truth. "I'm your best friend, we hang out all the time." "I'm your boyfriend, you're in love with m--"
"Oh my god, you should've seen your face."
Jimin stares as Jungkook bursts out laughing. "Oh Jiminie-hyung," he says, "Don't worry. I didn't forget you, or anyone for that matter." Jimin is about to retort something, face burning in shame, but all of his anger dissolves upon hearing Jungkook's soft giggles and sweet smile. Ugh. This is so unfair. You're rivals, Jimin. R-i-v-a-l-s. Stop this.
So instead, Jimin returns the smile. After a few seconds, he laughs along with Jungkook because it's so goddamn contagious. When they finally stop giggling like middle schoolers for no apparent reason, Jimin takes a deep breath.
"I'm glad you're okay," he says quietly, averting his gaze and playing with the edge of Jungkook's blanket. "Well, mostly okay. As in alive. I mean, you broke your leg and ribs and stuff-- wait you probably don't want to be reminded of that-- but I mean you're alive and awake-- why am I so morbid--"
"Hey," Jungkook murmurs softly, reaching out to still Jimin's fidgeting hand. Jimin slowly looks up, locking gazes with the younger boy. His hand burns hot under his touch. "Thank you," the brunette says, a small smile making its way onto his face. "For coming to visit me. And for caring, even a little bit." Jimin returns the shy smile.
The two boys talk for a while, Jimin filling in the younger on the boring races, Jungkook telling as much of the story of the accident as he can remember, before the nurse comes back in to kick Jimin out fifteen minutes later.
Jimin leaves the hospital feeling light and happy.
More track meets come and go. Jimin wins all of his races without Jungkook there to challenge him. It's boring as usual.
Taehyung and Jimin are hanging out at the latter's dorm. Taehyung is scrolling on his phone as Jimin paces around, as per usual. Jimin is glad his roommate isn't there at the moment.
"It's so boring, you know?" Jimin is saying, flopping his arms around for emphasis. Taehyung isn't even looking. "All the fast people aren't in our league. I have to wait until nationals for some actual competition. This wouldn't be happening if dumb-fuck Jeon didn't get hit by a fucking car! He just had to be walking downtown alone at night and he just had to get himself broken bones. If it weren't for him, I could be having some good races! But instead, I'm having some of the worst times ever because I don't have anyone to push me. How could he do this to me?"
Taehyung just sighs deeply at him. "Do you ever stop talking about Jungkook?" he asks blankly, giving Jimin the side-eye.
Jimin blinks at him. "I-- yes?"
Taehyung groans and smacks his forehead with his palm. "Ugh," he grumbles. "You're so smitten it's gross."
The blonde gapes. "I'm-- No I am not!" he exclaims, offended.
"Oh really?" Taehyung asks, doubtful. "Who's the person you won't shut up about? Who you go on coffee and study dates with? Who you visit at the hospital? Who you ogle--"
"Okay, that's enough," Jimin interrupts, grumbling. He doesn't deny it.
Taehyung smirks at him. "See, you do like him though," he insists. "Here. Try to imagine how you feel when you talk to him."
Jimin opens his mouth, about to protest at the absurd idea, but his best friend just shakes his head. Sighing, Jimin does what he is told. He imagines being out for coffee with Jungkook, the younger boy trying to steal sips while he isn't looking. Jimin expects to feel annoyance and irritation, but instead only feels warmth and fondness. His face heats up and he gulps thickly.
"I told you so," Taehyung cackles.
Jimin flushes harder. "Ok, fine," he says loudly. "I like Jungkook. So what."
"..."
"... Wait wHAT I LIKE JEON JUNGKOOK WHAT THE FUCK--"
Jimin is in Daegu for nationals. Obviously, Jimin made it, considering how easily he beat out his competition. It's unfair that Jungkook can't race. He's just as good as Jimin and deserves it just as much. It's all because of one stupid driver that the younger boy completely misses the chance to go to nationals.
Half an hour before the race, Jimin is talking to Jeon Wonwoo, a highjump competitor from their college. They're in the middle of discussing whether carrots are actually good for rabbits or not when he hears someone say, "Isn't that Jeon Jungkook?"
Jimin whips around and yup, there he is. Jimin's heart rate speeds up as he spots Jungkook carefully weaving through the stands on crutches, his face completely healed. Of course, even on crutches with his leg in a cast, the younger boy is still looking fine as ever.
Jimin's heart practically stops when Jungkook looks up, chocolate eyes making contact with his own. The younger boy's face splits into a grin and he raises a hand to wave. Jimin weakly returns it before the brunette turns around again to find a seat. The older boy lightly holds his hand over his chest as if he can physically slow his heart beat down. It doesn't work.
The race is about to start, and Jimin lines up at the starting blocks. He glances around him to see who his other competitors are. Some of them are others from his league that were at the top, but still not that fast. The others, from a different region, he had looked up before hand. Kim Yugyeom was relatively fast, but based on his seed times Jimin didn't think it would be too difficult to beat him. Same for Jung Jaehyun, Kim Minseok, and Yoo Youngjae.
But Min Yoongi...
Jimin had researched him the night before as well. His times were impressive. Most of them were very close to Jimin's, a few slower, a few faster. Between the two of them, Jimin has the fastest time overall by 0.09 seconds. Jungkook's is faster. Jimin knows he needs to keep an eye out on the other boy. He will be the main competition.
The boys all get placed on the starting blocks, Jimin getting ready to settle into position.
The announcer picks up the microphone.
"Runners, take your marks..."
Jimin tenses up, his weight pressed against the starting blocks, ready to spring.
Bang!
And they're off.
Jimin pushes off the blocks as hard as he can, willing his legs to move fast. He ignores the burn, telling himself that he'll be fine soon, just a few more seconds.
He sees a flash of mint-blue out of the corner of his eye. It's Min Yoongi, coming up from behind him. Jimin's losing his advantage distance.
The two boys even out, merging into the inside lanes, pushing themselves harder.
Jimin shuts his eyes briefly, steeling himself to go harder. He can do this. He can win.
For Jungkook.
He's still leaning forwards slightly, trying to use every opportunity to conserve energy he can to use to his advantage.
They're nearing the finish line. Jimin pushes his legs to move as fast as they possibly can, the end in sight. He can sense Yoongi doing the same. He takes longer, faster strides, trying to gain as much ground as possible.
Using his last burst of energy, Jimin flings himself over the finish line at practically the same time as Yoongi does.
The officials review the records and reveal the winner:
"Park Jimin!"
Jimin's face lights up with a blinding grin, tiredly pushing a lock of hair out of his eyes. He jogs over to his teammates, who all congratulate him and give him hugs. He can't believe he did it. He can't believe that he actually won.
He heads off the field, filled with excited yet exhausted energy. Once he makes it off, he hears a voice from behind him.
"Congratulations, Jimin-hyung!"
He turns around to see Jungkook standing there, leaning on his crutches, a huge smile plastered on his face. Jimin lights up with a grin of his own, reaching out to give him a hug, the familiar tropical smell engulfing him.
They stand there for a moment, just smiling at each other. Jimin opens his mouth, about to ask something about why Jungkook is here and since when he's been out of the hospital when two new boys come rushing in.
"Oh my goodness Kookie!" one of them squeals, a tall boy with jet black hair. The other one, who has ash gray hair, stands by, smiling. "I didn't know you were here!" He picks Jungkook up and spins him around, the younger boy giggling. "You didn't tell me you were out of the hospital!"
Jimin's heart sinks as he watches the three boys interact and he quietly slinks away. He'll talk to Jungkook another time.
Jimin's back in Seoul again, getting ready for the end of the year party for track and field. He rummages through his closet, trying to choose something to wear. Should he dress nice? A suit is definitely overdoing it, since they're all just college students celebrating. A t-shirt and sweatpants is definitely too dressed down. Long sleeves? Short sleeves?
Eventually, Jimin settles on a dress shirt with casual skinny jeans. He looks at himself in the mirror and shrugs. Good enough.
He heads out to Jeonghan's, one of the seniors on their team's, house. It takes him a little while, and once he gets there, the party is already in full swing. Various people are milling around, talking and laughing.
Jimin scans the room, but Jungkook isn't there. Of course not, why would he be? He probably has to take care of his body. Sighing to himself, Jimin walks over to the counter and pours himself some sparkling cider. He doesn't feel like getting drunk tonight.
He leans back against the counter, casually taking a sip of the cider and nodding to the music. He places his cup down as he watches an intense competition of rock paper scissors between two drunk juniors.
Jimin reaches out to pick up his drink again, when the cup is stolen away. He looks over to see none other than Jungkook sipping from it with a mischievous glint in his eye. Well, guess who is looking fine as fuck in a white button-up and black jeans.
Jungkook places the cup down again. "Thank goodness that wasn't beer," he says, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips, and Jimin laughs. Sometimes he forgets that Jungkook doesn't like beer.
"So, you came," Jimin says awkwardly, a shy smile on his face. Goddammit, why does he have to act like a little kid?
"Yeah, I am in fact actually here," Jungkook teases. Jimin smacks his arm. "Sorry, sorry. Speaking of which, I'm sorry that Namjoon-hyung and Jin-hyung came in so suddenly at nationals. I wanted to talk to you more but they couldn't visit me in the hospital so I haven't seen them in a long time."
Jimin just waves him off. "No, it's fine," he assure the younger. "I'm just glad that you're out of the hospital."
Jungkook smiles. "Me too," he agrees. He turns around and reaches for a bottle, pouring himself a drink. He takes a sip and chokes. "Th--This is not cider," he gasps. Jimin stares at him before bursting into laughter at the younger boy's expression. It isn't long before Jungkook joins in.
After their chuckles subside, Jimin goes quiet. Jungkook seems to notice his change in attitude. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asks, looking concerned.
Jimin bites his lip nervously, looking down. "Nothing much, it's just..." He takes a deep breath. "I'm really sorry for always being short with you. And making you out to be worse than you are. And for treating you rudely all the time. I don't know how you always manage to put up with it."
Jungkook shrugs. "It's fine," he says nonchalantly. "I'm kinda used to it anyway."
However, that somehow only manages to make Jimin feel worse. "No seriously," he pushes. "I was really mean to you. I'm really sorry."
Jungkook smiles softly. "It's okay," he replies. He looks down. "I mean honestly, I don't really mind. If I'm telling the truth... I kind of wanted to get to know you better because I kinda sort of thought you were cute." He slowly peers up at Jimin, trying to gauge his reaction.
Jimin blushes madly.
"I mean, if I'm honest," Jungkook continues, "I kind of like you."
Jimin gapes at him, his face beet red. "I-- I'm-- How?" he squeaks. "Even after how rude I always was?"
Jungkook shrugs. "Who knows? The heart wants what it wants," he says with a smirk. "You're too cute and too sassy to resist." Jimin blushes harder and smacks his arm again before smiling shyly.
"I like you too," he admits, face aflame. "I was just too dumb to realize it before." He risks a glance at the younger boy's face, only to see Jungkook positively beaming.
The two grin at each other for a few seconds before Jimin quietly clears his throat. "Can-- Can I kiss you?" he asks shyly, wondering if it's too sudden. Is he being stupid? Why would Jungkook want to kiss him after ten seconds of confessing to each other?
But much to Jimin's relief, Jungkook nods. He's about to lean forwards but before he knows it, he's being pulled forwards and dipped down in a dramatic kiss. Jungkook's lips feel like heaven on his, as expected, and as embarrassing as this most definitely is, Jimin doesn't want it to stop. Damn you Jungkook and your dramatic cheeky ways.
"Hey! Park and Jeon are kissing!"
"Eyy, get it boys!"
"Fucking finally."
Jungkook sets Jimin upright, the latter's face on fire once again. God dammit, right after it cooled down too. Jimin is dazed slightly, Jungkook grinning brightly at him. The younger boy plants another quick kiss on Jimin's lips, cheeks slightly flushed.
"Will you go out with me?" he asks, biting his lower lip to keep from grinning too hard. Jimin throws himself into Jungkook's arms.
"Of course I will."
Six years later, and Jimin is proposing.
It's nowhere near as nerve wracking as that stupid hospital visit.