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Jungkook kept his head in his hands as he let the background noises of the student lounge lull him to a comatose state. He had finished taking his final an hour ago, yet still hadn’t left the campus, knowing he was in no state to take the shuttle back home. Leading him to the lounge, Jungkook let himself reflect on his actions that brought him to this very moment. The regret he had for prioritizing Overwatch over studying hitting him hard now that the quarter was over. All that was left was to wait and see his grade and hope he still had a passing mark. Sighing, he stood up and gathered his things to go home, already planning on living like a hermit until the next quarter started.
It had been a week since that day, and Jungkook would argue that it was a productive week. He spent the majority of the day sleeping and eating, and the nighttime playing Overwatch- you’d think he’d learn his lesson by now. It was another one of those days, sleeping in till two in the afternoon, when his phone went off. An annoying pop-y song, that could only mean one person, on full blast was not one of the sounds Jungkook wanted to hear first thing in the morning afternoon. Groaning, he reached for his phone, picking it up.
“Oh my god, you’re alive!”
Before he can even say ‘hello,’ the voice on the other end speaks- rather loudly- and Jungkook could already sense a headache coming.
“Taehyung, unless you’re dying, what do you want? I’m kinda busy here.” He hears Taehyung snort.
“Yeah, you’re sleep-filled voice really shows that you’re busy. You know it’s two in the afternoon right? Also, it’s hyung to you brat.”
“If I wanted someone to evaluate my life choices, I’d call Namjoon-hyung. Also, sorry, Taehyung.”
“Ignoring your smartass attitude and sad life, meet me at the café Hoseok works at in 30 minutes. If you’re not there, I’ll take away your computer when you’re sleeping. Don’t think I’m bluffing as I have a key to your apartment and your roommate would gladly let me in and help.” Jungkook sighs in defeat as he knows Yugyeom definitely would, the asshole.
“But I need a shower.”
“The clock’s ticking.”
Taehyung hangs up, leaving Jungkook to stare at his phone wondering, ‘why me.’
Jungkook barely makes it to the café on time, and when he does, he sees Taehyung already sitting down at a table with two drinks. Hoseok, standing near the register, greets Jungkook with a smile, mouthing a warning to him that he and Tae better not mess things up around here or he’ll kick them out. With a cheeky wink, Jungkook walks towards the table, taking a seat and grabbing his drink.
“Thanks, I owe you one.”
Taehyung waves him off before putting his phone away. When he looks at Jungkook, there’s an excited glint in his eyes that has Jungkook regretting everything, but he doesn’t say anything.
“So,” Taehyung starts, a smug grin already forming on his face. “How were your finals?”
Jungkook deflates at that, the word ‘final’ still a sore subject. He scowls.
“It was great. How about yours?” You couldn’t blame him for having a sour attitude. After all, he didn’t want to hear Taehyung go ‘I told you so,’ when he told Jungkook he should study instead of playing games.
“I’m not gonna say I told you so-” Jungkook rolls his eyes.
“You just did.”
“But I told you so. Did you even know anything? Did you bother actually taking the test?” Taehyung lightly cackles to himself, taking giant sips from his coffee as he stares Jungkook down. Jungkook wants to punch his face.
“Yes. I knew what was on the test and yes I actually took it. I didn’t bomb the test, I just didn’t do as well as I could have.” It wasn’t a lie, Jungkook knew the majority of whatever was on the test, however when he got to the essay portion of it, Jungkook knew that was where his grade was going to take a hit. Taehyung only hums at him, but Jungkook knows he isn’t done talking.
“Well, to celebrate you… showing up to the final-“ Jungkook kicks his shin under the table, “-we’re going to celebrate by going to the mall!” Taehyung smiles as he rubs his leg, as if coming up with this celebration was a giant feat.
“You do know that we’re both broke college students right? What do you need at the mall that you can’t buy online?” Honestly, it was already hard enough paying his part of the rent, and him and Taehyung were only able to eat with the coupons Namjoon snuck them from the pizzeria he worked at. Taehyung rolls his eyes.
“See? This is why I’m the smarter one between the two of us. We’re not gonna buy anything at the mall, we’re just going window shopping!” Jungkook gives him an unimpressed look.
“Window shopping? What are we, in high school? I could think of 50 other things that would be more entertaining than going to an over-glorified, overpriced market filled with hormonal kids on ‘not dates,’ and horrible, but addicting mall food.” Taehyung gives him a weird look.
“Did something happen at the mall?” Flashbacks to Jungkook’s high school crush comes to mind, but he quickly suppresses that.
“No.” Before Taehyung has another thing to make fun of Jungkook about, Hoseok joins their table stating he’s on break, and the conversation shifts.
It’s midday when Jungkook’s phone starts ringing. He opts to ignore it in favor of watching his ramen boil, when it rings for the third time.
“Hello?”
“Open up, I have mozzarella sticks.”
“Don’t you have a key?”
“Just open the door you ass.” Opening the door, Taehyung barges in and walks straight towards the kitchen, placing the plastic bag with the assumed mozzarella sticks on the counter, before grabbing them out.
“I was just making ramen.”
“Good. Now we have an entrée to our appetizers.” Jungkook rolls his eyes.
“Why just mozzarella sticks? Hyung couldn’t sneak us some pizza?”
“The manager was there. Anyway, before you say, ‘why are you here,’” Taehyung mimics Jungkook’s voice with a high pitched tone, causing Jungkook to cover his ears, “we’re going to the mall today and that’s final.” To be completely honest, Jungkook had forgotten about their conversation that had happened a couple of days ago. Having much better things to think about, like his ramen, now served and ready to eat. However, once Taehyung sets his mind to something, it takes too much time and effort to persuade him otherwise. Still, he looks over to Taehyung shoving 4 sticks into his mouth, and tries.
“But Tae-hyung,” he whines, adding in the hyung for extra measure. “It’s Sunday. No one goes to the mall on a Sunday.” Taehyung just smiles, jumping up from where he had been sitting, hands greasy and mozzarella sticks all eaten.
“Even better for us. Let’s go.”
“But my ramen.”
The mall, like Jungkook expected, is quite empty. The background noise of the mall speakers playing whatever is on the radio leaving an eerie vibe. Somehow he and Taehyung get split up, Jungkook letting his eyes roam towards the game store for too long to see Taehyung no longer standing next to him.
“So much for going together.”
He wanders around, taking in his surroundings. He sees the new renovations done to the place; the escalators in the middle now gone, instead prompting stairs and an elevator at the side, the hardwood floors replaced with brown carpet, and the metal railings that lined the second floor now with glass panels instead. He isn’t surprised when he spots Taehyung at the pet store, pointing at the animals on display and talking animatedly with an employee who looks like they don’t want to be there. He punches Taehyung’s shoulder in greeting, but he barely acknowledges him and goes back to his conversation.
“Okay. How about I pay you in Jimmy John coupons each month for that Pomeranian.” The employee sighs, looking ready to murder Taehyung.
“Sir, for the third time. We will not be able to sell you anything unless you have legal currency. If this continues, I’ll have to call security.” Even though Jungkook doesn’t go to the mall, he doesn’t want to deal with another ban, (stupid Taehyung and his idea of trying to go into the stuffing machine at Toys”R”Us) so he quickly loops his shoulder around Taehyung’s neck and starts dragging him away, apologizing quietly to the employee.
“Hey! I’m a law-abiding citizen and I have a right to trade! Wait till my lawyer hears about this, then you’ll be sorry!” Jungkook tries to cover his mouth while still continuing to drag him, the pet store getting further and further away. In a last-minute effort, Taehyung shouts at the top of his legs before Jungkook throws them both in the elevator.
“Pet stores suck anyway! Adopt from shelters instead!” Jungkook lets go of Taehyung as the elevator door closes.
“Jungkook! Why’d you stop me when I was just getting started! I was going to school their asses about animal cruelty and puppy mills while simultaneously trying to save the Pomeranian.” Jungkook glares at him.
“You do know that you’ll just be helping them if you bought the dog as they profit from consumer goods, right?”
“But, the Pomeranian!” The elevator door dings open and they both step out, the smell of greasy food in the air as the food court stands in front of them.
“Let’s go to Loco Nachos!” Taehyung runs towards the food stand, ordering two bowls of nachos as Jungkook finds a table to sit down at. They eat in silence, the only sounds leaving their mouth are the crunches of the nacho chips. Once done, greasy filled napkins and remnants of cheese on the trays and table, they clean up their mess before starting their exploration on the second floor, Jungkook still embarrassed to go back down to the first. While the downstairs may have been filled with only stores, the upstairs contained vendors as well. Situated in the middle of the passageway, tiny departments sold and offered many ranges of services and commodities. From accessories, food, to even getting facials, the upstairs generally had more people. They continue on their walk, mindless chitchat between the two. Jungkook wouldn’t admit it out loud, but he’s happy that Taehyung had taken the initiative to get him out of his apartment. While it may not be fresh air, stepping out to see how the rest of society was living was helping Jungkook mentally. Hours of staring at a screen started to affect Jungkook, and he’s happy Taehyung intervened before he became a shut-in.
“Hey! You two there!”
They’re only a couple of minutes into their exploration when a voice calls out to them. They turn around to see a cell phone shop with two guys next to it, one sitting and the other standing. When they’re in range the one standing starts talking again- and holy shit his lips.
“You two look like you need a new phone case! Why not look through our selection?” The man with the really nice lips talks with too much enthusiasm while the second guy doesn’t bother looking up from his phone. Jungkook tries to decline by giving a smile while not looking too annoyed, but the other notices and switches targets fast, a glint in his eyes.
“You!” He points at Taehyung. “You look like someone who appreciates the finer things in life, why not get a phone case to signify that.” His charm is on full throttle as he smiles at Taehyung. Jungkook can already see Tae swooning, pretty boys had always been his weakness.
“How did you know I like bougie? This idiot-“ he points at Jungkook, “-never appreciates my hobbies or fashion.” Taehyungs eyes shine with adoration as he takes the mans outstretched hand and is lead towards the display.
The man looks back at Jungkook with a victorious look before turning back to Taehyung when he points at something in the display, his face going back to its charming self. Glaring at him, Jungkook turns to look at the other guy sitting down and sees that he’s staring at him, steady eyes going back to their phone, a smile playing on their lips. Jungkook’s competitive nature strikes up and while he could care less about how Taehyung spends his money, it’s the notion behind it, how if he lets Taehyung give his money to these two crooks, he’ll lose. He steps in between them, wrapping an arm around Taehyung’s shoulder, using the only trump card he has left that makes any seller lose interest in him.
“We’re two broke college students who can’t even afford to pay for food. The best thing this guy will give you is Jimmy John coupons.” Taehyung splutters, but the man has a surprised look before narrowing his eyes.
“Wait, you guys are the ones Namjoon has been giving those coupons too!? The ass barely gives me any anymore as he always runs out!” Jungkook lets out an undignified squawk, stepping away from Taehyung and towards the guy.
“Wait, you’re Seokjin?! The one at fault for dwindling our coupon supply! We used to get 5 coupons a week! Now, we only get 3!”
“He’s older than you brat, show some manners,” the one sitting down the whole time finally puts his phone down, standing up next to the gu- Seokjin. “Also, I told you hyung to stop eating there. You always complain to me about how hard it is to keep your skin clear, yet there you go eating pizza.”
“But, Yoongi,” Seokjin whines, holding out the ‘i’ syllable. He grabs the shorter- now noticing the guy’s height- man’s hand and starts patting it with his own. “It isn’t fair that your skin is always so smooth and blemish free. You can’t blame me for trying to compare with someone so beautiful.”
The guy, Yoongi, starts blushing before grumbling something along the lines about how the most good-looking person in the world is standing next to him and Jungkook wants to gag. He grabs Taehyung, who’s still staring at the display, and starts pulling him away. When they’re almost a good distance from them, the couple must have snapped out of whatever (gross) state they were in because he hears Seokjin’s, “wait, my customer!”
They keep walking, Jungkook ignoring Taehyungs protests about being prevented from buying a case, when Taehyung suddenly stops, causing Jungkook to bump into him. He’s about to ask what’s wrong when he sees Taehyung’s line of sight.
“Taehyung. Please, no. You’ve embarrassed ourselves enough as it is.” Taehyung’s mischievous smile only widens as he points to a stand offering rides on electric animal scooters. He ignores Jungkook and walks up to a man that appears to be in charge. The majority of scooters are not in use, but the ones that are, have kids using them, keyword: kids.
“Excuse me, we’ll like to rent two scooters.” The man has a surprised look on his face before he raises an eyebrow, looking between the two them.
“Do you have a kid with you?” Taehyung smiles as he answers no, making the guy raise his eyebrow even higher and looks towards Jungkook, he only shrugs.
“I think you’re a little too old for this, look at the sign.”
“I did, it says 6 and up, I’m the up.” The man looks like he’s about to say something, but Taehyung presses further.
“Look, you barely have any customers, but you’re shooting away two that are willing to pay the 7 dollars for 10 minutes option.” The man sighs and presses his lips to a thin line.
“Fine. However, I’ll only let you guys have one scooter. Standard procedure, don’t bump others and don’t crash them. If you guys break it, you have to pay for a new one. Also, if you somehow get injured it is not my problem.” The man makes them sign a waiver and when Taehyung pays the man, he lets them choose between the selection of scooters. Jungkook sees a t-rex scooter and immediately tries to get on, but Taehyung stops him.
“Excuse me, but we’re going on the raccoon.” Jungkook scoffs.
“Are you serious? Not only are we losing our dignity by riding these, but you want us to look even lamer by riding a raccoon?” Taehyung steps closer to him.
“What do you mean lame? I didn’t know you cared how these kids or the family with the crying baby who won’t shut up thinks of you.” Jungkook also steps closer, his competitive nature refusing to back down.
“I don’t, but a raccoon is the dumbest animal you can choose. Oh wait, it’s you, so I shouldn’t be surprised.” They’re in an intense staredown before the man clears his throat.
“If you two don’t choose an animal right now, I’ll count this exchange as part of your time.” Taehyung pulls a triumph face when winning the showdown with, “I paid.”
Jungkook grumbles as he holds on to the handlebars of the animal scooter, Taehyung arms around his waist, no way was he going to do that, before starting the thing up. Maybe because there are two grown adults trying to ride a toy meant for kids or because they chose the stupid raccoon, but the thing’s not even going 5 miles an hour and Jungkook’s getting sick and tired of seeing the same brat doing laps around them.
“Taehyung.”
“Jungkook.”
They look at each other, a shared understanding of what they must do. Once the kid laps around them for the 5th time, Taehyung nods towards Jungkook and quickly hops off the scooter, placing his hands on the back of the raccoon and starts pushing. Jungkook skillfully maneuvers his way through pillars, pedestrians, and stands, trying to catch up to the kid. The kid had noticed them and doubled the speed on his scooter, getting further away.
“For the raccoon!” Taehyung yells and starts sprinting, causing Jungkook to almost lose his balance, having to grab onto the bars tighter. They surpass the boy and Jungkook looks back, satisfied to see the angry look the kid has. He turns his head back before they start to turn, Jungkook realizing too late what Taehyung was trying to do. The sharp turn causes the animal scooter to fall onto its side, bringing Jungkook to the ground as well. The boy passes them with his tongue sticking out and before Jungkook realizes what’s going on, he sees Taehyung flip the scooter upright before driving/running towards the boy.
“I’ll avenge you Jungkook!”
“Taehyung, I swear once I catch up to you, you’re dead.” He murmurs it to himself, abandoned on the ground at some random place in the mall.
“Are you okay?”
Jungkook whips his head up fast, realizing he’s collapsed on a smoothie vendor’s wall. He stands up quickly, his cheeks starting to turn red.
“Yeah uh I’m fi-“ Jungkook’s about to finish the answer of whoever asked the question, but his mind falters when he gets a good look at who did. Standing in front of him is the embodiment of beauty itself. Fluffy blond hair framing the man’s face perfectly, the green apron with a disgusting font saying ‘Jamba Samba,’ wrapped around his waist causing Jungkook to see his small stature, and oh my god his lips. What was with people at the mall and good looking lips??
“Holy shit, a bratz doll.”
Jungkook isn’t a poet so you can’t blame him for comparing this guy’s lips to a bratz doll, but what you can for is how he accidentally says it out loud. The guy looks taken aback and Jungkook desperately tries to fix whatever impression, Jimin, the name on the nametag, has of him.
“I-I meant, your lips look like a bratz doll,” Jimin raises an eyebrow at that and Jungkook realizes he’s making the situation worse. “Not that I was staring at your lips or anything!” Jungkook really wishes Taehyung was here right now to save him. While Taehyung becomes gullible, Jungkook becomes the quintessence of a fish when talking to extremely attractive people. He really did try to salvage whatever decency he had left and he’s about to say more, but he looks at Jimin and his brain stutters. The guy is giving a full smile, cheeks squished and eyes forming crescents.
“Empanadas,” Jungkook blurts out before he widens his eyes and realizes what he said. “Shit, I meant your eyes are- or wait, not that I was loo-“ Jimin lets out a full body laugh, his face contorting and his body bending in half, letting out the most adorable squeaks Jungkook’s ever heard. He couldn’t even be mad that the dude was laughing at his misery.
“Sorry,” Jimin starts, his laughing starting to subside while taking deep breaths, wiping the tears that formed in the corners of his eyes. “You’re cute.”
Jungkook can’t believe what he’s hearing, but before he can embarrass himself further, Jimin grabs a random receipt and writes something down before handing it to Jungkook.
“I’m Jimin and here’s my number, make sure to call me.” Jimin gives him a wink and Jungkook has a million questions running through his head before blurting out the most apparent one.
“Are you serious?” Jimin giggles at that -he fucking giggles- before nodding.
“Yes, really. You won me over with your amazing comparisons that I think are compliments. However, when we go on a date, you better have more to say about me than children’s toys and food.” Jungkook stares dumbly at him, still not processing what’s going on, but Jimin just winks at him again before going back behind the counter.
“You should hurry back. Your raccoon victory is waiting for you.”
“For the record, I wanted the T-rex.” Jimin laughs, god he probably thinks Jungkook’s stupid, and waves to him.
“Bye, Jungkookie.”
Jungkook wanders back to where the animal scooters were, wondering how Jimin knew his name when he remembers that he probably heard it when Taehyung yelled it out loud. How embarrassing. He reaches the stand where he sees the kid crying to his mom while pointing towards Taehyung placing the raccoon back, his mom sending them a glare.
“Jungkook!” Taehyung runs up to him and hugs him, jumping him up and down. “We did it! We won the race! It was all thanks to me, so you’re welcome.” Realizing he’s not celebrating, Taehyung looks over to Jungkook with a worried look.
“You okay?” Jungkook just smiles before showing him the receipt Jimin gave him, his number and a heart drawn onto it.
“Guess who just got a date.” Taehyung glares at the receipt before pointing his finger to Jungkook.
“You mean to tell me that while I was taking one for the team, you were out there getting some hot guy’s number?!” Jungkook just nods and Taehyung huffs before turning around and stomping towards the elevators.
“How is that you, someone who didn’t even want to go to the mall in the first place, gets a date yet I’m still here with no phone case or Pomeranian!? Let’s go, the mall is stupid anyway.”
Jungkook just laughs, tucking the receipt into his pocket and following an angry Taehyung out the mall doors. While he dreaded it at first, he’s quite happy that Taehyung dragged him here.
“Hey Taehyung, I just want to say thanks for taking me to the mall, you’re a great friend.”
“Shut up.”