Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

«It’s said that they tend to be in abandoned places– you know, like hospitals, schools, forests–»

«Could forests be considered abandoned?»

There was a beat of silence.

«I mean, we don’t want to get into technicalities right now, but it’s not like–»

«Aaand that is our cue to finish this episode.» he chuckled, and RM’s volume lowered down until it became an undistinguishable murmur.

Jungkook turned to his phone, pressing the home button and checking the screen for the time. Past midnight. He dropped his pencil and stretched.

«Thank you for listening ‘til the end. Remember to check the link in the description at the end of the broadcast for a surprise!» Suga quickly said, mumbling as usual.

«Let us know if there’s a topic you want us to discuss by leaving a comment and you’ll hear from us in a week’s time.»

«You really need to find a less ominous ending there, RM» Suga added. «This was Suga and RM, which today stands for Real Moron, on the Dokkaebi podcast. See you soon!»

Before the audio cut off and the transmission ended, Jungkook clearly heard the smack of a paper script colluding against a head, and Suga’s silent cackling. He smiled, leaning back on his chair and rubbing his eyes.

The Dokkaebi podcast had become an essential part of his Wednesday routine, a 30 minutes broadcast usually hosted by Suga and RM, two twenty-something hyungs. They would talk about ghost stories, legends, folklore and everything surrounding the supernatural.

Jungkook really liked their dynamic; RM was articulated and he deeply believed in the spiritual world. Suga did not. And he made fun of RM continuously for it.

Jungkook himself wasn’t too sure. He had never seen a ghost or an alien, he liked to believe that there were things out there, but at the same time a part of him liked that he found himself on the same side of Suga.

He had no idea what RM and Suga looked like. He was sure someone else out there had found out the faces behind the voices, but he’d never really bothered to check. There was some magic into not knowing their features; or anything else about them, for that matter.

Suga’s voice was deep, slightly nasal; he’d sometimes talk like he had cheeks full of cotton, but it was charming. It was croaky and sometimes fell flat in tones, especially when he found himself reading long stories from their scripts. Jungkook had no shame in admitting that he found his voice extremely attractive. He had a weird habit of slurping, sometimes.

RM’s voice was fruity, slightly higher in pitch than Suga’s, but just as loud and booming. Unlike Suga, he spoke clearly, enunciating the words in a better way. Sometimes he’d talk to himself mindlessly during broadcasts, other times he would add things in English that Jungkook didn’t always understand, but appreciated anyway.

He tried his best not to have an image of them in his head, but he couldn’t help but have a faint shadow of them when listening to their voices.

He sat in his chair for a couple of minutes, thinking about absolutely nothing and staring at the sketchbook page open in front of him, cherishing the silence. There were a few doodles of ghostly girls and some words he’d heard in the podcast and written down. He yawned, and then immediately got up to throw himself on the bed.

The only inconvenient thing about the podcast was that it ended pretty late on a weekday, and Thursday mornings were the only ones he had to wake up at six to get to his eight-a.m. class on Filmmaking. He could listen to the broadcast on playback while getting ready in the morning, but the feeling of listening to it live just made him feel better and more participant.

It didn’t take long for him to fall asleep.

The next morning, like every Thursday morning, was a rush. Except he’d forgotten to charge his phone the prior night, so he’d woken up one hour too late and had to sprint so fast he forgot to take his laptop with him. He just made it in time in the classroom.

Not having his phone charged with him meant he couldn’t check the comments under the podcast, but worst of all he couldn’t distract himself when the lesson just got too boring for him to handle.

He wasn’t sure the college he’d chosen had been the best idea. He’d wanted to move to Seoul, but his parents had convinced him to just stay close to home. Reluctantly, he had agreed, but he still decided to move somewhere else as soon as possible, much to his parent’s dismay. He’d never been too sure of his choices, and the fact that the courses were lame at best just fuelled his incessant itch pushing him to just drop everything and move to Seoul with just a backpack and some mask packs.

Just to add to his pile of loser-ness, he didn’t even have many friends. He was shy and he was pretty sure he had been called “annoying” more than once in the last couple of months.

The only thing that was still keeping his spirits up was meeting Park Jimin later in the day. A dance major in his same college, he considered Jimin his best friend, even though he wasn’t sure Jimin thought the same of him. He was outgoing, friendly and charming; he easily made friends and he was actually capable of keeping in contact with them. Sure, he was whiny, clingy and proud, but Jungkook loved him and he was glad Jimin loved him too.

He was sweet enough to sneak him into one of the unused dance classroom in the building whenever he had the chance. They would play around and dance, Jimin would teach him new hip hop choreographies and sometimes Jungkook would film them and post the videos on his YouTube channel.

That evening wasn’t any different. Jimin had greeted him with a blinding smile, his eyes turned to slits. He had squeezed him in a hug, calling his name in a funny voice, and Jungkook had retorted by calling him as formally as possible. Jimin hated that.

«Did you listen to the podcast?» Jimin asked curiously while they were stretching, a rhythmic pop song echoing in the small room. «The– tteokbokki one. »

«Dokkaebi» Jungkook corrected without removing his gaze from his own reflection. «Yeah, I did. They talked about cho-nyo-gwishin.» Immediately sensing the sly smile forming on his friend’s face, he shut up and didn’t add anything else.

«How was Suga’s voice?» Jimin teased, but Jungkook simply furrowed his eyebrows in concentration and continued stretching his legs. Jimin whined. He got up and let himself slump on Jungkook, who didn’t budge despite the uncomfortable pose he was in.

Ever since he’d told him how much he liked the host’s voice, to the point where he’d put older episodes in playback on nights where his brain just couldn’t turn off and he would fall asleep to them, Jimin had started to poke fun of an apparent crush the younger had on said host. Jungkook wasn’t sure how many times he’d tried to shut him up. He wasn’t sure how it was possible to even have a crush on a disembodied voice.

«Jungkook-ah» Jimin whined, draping himself on the boy’s midsection. «Let me make fun of you. It’s unfair.»

«What’s unfair?» Jungkook asked, giving up on trying to stretch with his friend basically lying on him. He sat on the ground, looking at their reflection.

«Having crushes is unfair.» Jimin sighed and Jungkook’s eyebrows shot up.

«Am I missing something?»

Jimin, still lying face down across Jungkook’s legs, just started wiggling, letting out a desperate whine. Jungkook laughed and pushed him off. Jimin rolled on his back and covered his eyes with his arm.

«I have a crush, Jungkook-ah.» he admitted in a dramatic grave voice. Jungkook just smiled and waited. «And it’s never going to work.»

Jungkook’s smile turned into a frown.

«What are you talking about? Why not?»

«My crush lives in Seoul and I am a poor Busan boy.»

«Well, then move to Seoul.» Jungkook retorted, ignoring Jimin’s scoff.

«I can’t leave you alone.» Jimin added after a while, getting back up and dusting his pants. Jungkook didn’t respond, cherishing the affection behind those words.

They went back to dancing and playing around, until Jimin had to leave to meet up with his other friends. Jimin had continued undaunted to poke fun at Jungkook’s crush, and Jungkook just hit him in return.

«I keep telling you, you should listen to it. And then you can come to me and tell me how Suga’s voice doesn’t do stuff to you.» the younger had spluttered while Jimin was putting his stuff back in his bag. He froze when Jungkook shut his mouth and looked at him with the most shocked yet amused expression. Jungkook lowered his eyes and tapped his fingers on his thigh, shuffling his weight from one leg to another.

«Okay,» Jimin slowly spoke, zipping up his bag without taking his eyes off the younger. «I see how it is.»

He jumped on his feet, stretching his arms up and then slinging his bag over his shoulders.

«I will hear your podcast and then I’ll come back to you and tell you how Suga’s voice does stuff to you.»

A few days after, Jimin updated him on the outcome. He was finishing up a project for his editing class one evening when he’d received a call from his friend.

«Hello?»

«Suga’s voice does stuff to me.» Jimin had matter-of-factly said. There was a beat of silence, and then both boys started yelling on the phone, each entertaining a different dialogue.

«I told you, didn’t I? You should stop making fun of me before I punch the soul out of your nostrils.»

«I was watching the last episode and I was shitting myself, but I couldn’t stop listening. I don’t think I can sleep tonight, the fucking— the stupid ghosts are going to take me.»

«Oh man, you should listen to the one about the red surgical mask. I couldn’t get on the metro for days.» Jungkook chimed in, suddenly forgetting the dramatical burst of rage.

They happily chatted about the podcast for a while, Jungkook keeping on editing.

«By the way, are you going to participate in the contest?» Jimin asked after a while. Jungkook stilled, furrowing his eyebrows and looking at his phone, as if Jimin could elaborate after seeing his confusion.

«Contest?» he questioned.

«Yeah, haven’t you checked the link they were talking about?»

Well, between forgetting to charge his phone and leaving his laptop at home that Thursday morning, the thought had escaped his mind.

«Wait, I can’t check it right now. You know how if I open the browser while I’m editing my computer will just turn off?»

Jimin laughed on the other side of the call.

«Jungkook, you should really check it by yourself.»

«Oh, come on.» Jungkook whined, «Tell me what it is.»

He heard his friend clicking his tongue, a smile evident in his voice.

«I really think you should check it out yourself. Besides, I’m about to head out and I don’t want to be there when you freak out. Normal people go out on Saturdays!»

And like that, the call was over. Jungkook cursed under his breath, checking his phone. He looked back at his laptop, and at the program slowly processing on the screen.

Dumb Jimin and his teasing nature. He was never going to finish editing the video now.

He scrambled to his bed, quickly closing the editing software and opening the browser. As soon as the podcast website loaded, he clicked on the latest episode, stilling as RM’s voice filled the room.

He checked the description, and sure enough there was a shortened link. It opened a new window, an Instagram account titled “Dokkaebi Podcast”, and there was only one picture. The account had already nine thousand followers and counting. He clicked on the picture, feeling excitement bubbling in his stomach.

It was a half assed graphic, clearly ironic comic sans in highlighter yellow on a burgundy background. The low-quality pictures in between sentences made his stomach flip. They were picture of Busan. The title on top read “Dokkaebi podcast coming to Busan!!”.

Jungkook slammed his computer shut.

«No.» he said out loud, his voice wavering out of excitement.

He couldn’t bring himself to open the laptop again. So, he called Jimin again.

«Jungko–?» Jimin answered, and Jungkook just started screaming into the receiver. When he heard loud laughter in response, he started laughing too, a high-pitched laughter that was giving away his hysteria.

«I take it you did as I told you.» Jimin sneered, and Jungkook was now clutching at his eyes, his laughter now completely silent, close to a sob. «So? Are you going to participate?»

«Wait,» Jungkook regained his composure and slowly opened his laptop again, «I haven’t even read what’s written on the photo.»

He ignored Jimin calling him dumb and quickly skidded through the text, reading the description and getting more and more restless as he read on.

Not only were Suga and RM coming to Busan, not only were they going to visit the same city he was in, not only were they going to film an episode where they visited one of Busan’s abandoned building, but they were looking for someone to help them film it.

In the description, they had explained how they wanted to give the opportunity to one of their listeners to collaborate with them. They were obviously looking for someone who knew their way around cameras and editing, and they specified that they were indeed going to pay whoever they would choose.

They were only asking to send an email with a few example videos and a short description of himself.

Jungkook took a deep breath, closing his eyes and trying not to puke out of trepidation. He couldn’t afford wasting the cup noodles he had eaten for dinner.

After a few moments of silence, he heard Jimin’s distant voice calling him from his phone.

«Jungkook-ah, well?» Jungkook could hear the amusement in his voice.

«I can’t do it.»

«What?» Jimin said flatly. Jungkook sighed.

«I can’t do it, I can’t– I’m sure they have already chosen someone.»

«No they have not. The deadline is Tuesday.» Jimin scoffed. He could hear the clinking of keys and a door closing.

Right. Jimin had other friends he was going to meet.

«I’m not that good, honestly. I don’t want to join just to be disappointed when they choose someone else.» the younger muttered, mindlessly scrolling through the comments under the photo. A lot of people seemed excited for it.

«Oh, shut up.» Jimin spat, «First of all, you are way too good to be just a first year. You know I made a YouTube channel just so I could subscribe to you. Second of all, you are going to regret your entire existence if you don’t send an email right now.»

Jungkook grimaced.

«You know I’m right. Don’t think too much about it, even if you don’t get to work for them I’m sure you’ll be able to meet them. And I’ll come with you because I am a great friend.»

Jungkook sighed.

«I have to go now. Really, just think about it. You have time until Tuesday to decide what you want to do, but if you don’t do as I say I will punch you.»

Jungkook chuckled.

They said their goodbye and Jungkook went back to scrolling the comments. He wasn’t really reading them; he was daydreaming about what he would do if he got to collaborate with Suga and RM.

What if he had the chance to become their friend? He would get to finally put faces on the voices that had entertained his Wednesdays for the past couple of months. He’d get to see the man behind the voice that occasionally lulled his sleep. Would it be awkward if he told him this?

He mentally slapped himself. Of course it would be awkward. He tried to push away all the daydreaming. He was going too far and he knew that if he went too far he would break his own heart.

He closed his laptop and carefully dropped it on the ground next to his bed. If he was going to join the contest, he was going to do it after a good night’s sleep and a careful contemplation on how he was going to describe himself. He closed his eyes, feeling eerily light once the excitement had died down into a puddle of quiet buzzing.

He dreamt two faceless figures judging him from above, and for some reason he was underwater but could breathe.

He woke up the next day to the insistent buzzing of his phone. He propped himself up on his elbow, eyes puffy and still full of sleep. He tentatively patted around his bed, finding his phone tangled in the sheets.

«Hello?» he answered, his voice croaky and his throat dehydrated.

«Have you joined the contest yet?»

Jungkook closed his eyes and sighed deeply. The mornings were the easier moments for him to find Jimin’s high-pitched and incredibly bubbly voice deeply irritating.

«No» he let out, and Jimin clicked his tongue.

«Open your door, I brought breakfast.»

Jungkook was immediately awake after that, all of a sudden finding Jimin’s voice as sweet as a chocolate filled croissant.

«I’m sorry, my apartment is a mess. I forgot to clean it up.» Jungkook apologized, closing the door behind Jimin. His friend just scoffed while removing his shoes. He handed him a paper bag while he took off jacket and scarf. Jungkook peered inside and smiled at the contents, immediately fishing for a chocolate covered donut.

They walked in the living room and Jimin let out an airy laugh, letting his head drop in defeat.

«This place is a mess.»

Jungkook laughed awkwardly. He quickly pushed off the couch and onto the ground any empty packet of chips and take away boxes, bowing and inviting his friend to sit. Jimin muttered a “how humble” and sat down, mercilessly putting his legs on the coffee table in front of the couch.

Jungkook lived alone, his apartment was small and cosy, far from his University but he was happy nonetheless. He wasn’t a particularly tidy person; every once in a while, he would procrastinate his assignments and clean thoroughly every corner of his apartment. Then he would focus on something for weeks and his apartment would become a mess. Rinse and repeat.

He wasn’t going to start cleaning his apartment for every time Jimin was coming over.

He handed him his cup of coffee, fishing for another donut, and he plopped down on the couch. He was met with Jimin’s furrowed eyebrows.

«What are you doing?» he scoffed, «Go take your laptop. We have an email to write.»

Jungkook looked away and smiled, taking big bites of his donut.

«Jungkook.» Jimin sternly called, but Jungkook moved his gaze anywhere but towards Jimin. In reply, his friend brought his legs back and started lightly kicking Jungkook’s arm.

«Go. Take. Your laptop. Now.» he punctuated between every set of kicks. Jungkook laughed and reluctantly got up.

When he walked back in the living room, Jimin was laying on the couch, and didn’t budge when Jungkook waved him away. Instead, he let Jungkook sit, and then laid his head on his friend’s legs.

The Instagram page was still open on the screen. At the sight of it, Jungkook immediately felt the excitement bubble up.

«Have you thought about which videos you could send them?» Jimin asked, staring at the screen. Jungkook shrugged.

«Maybe I could just send the link to my channel.»

Jimin looked up at him and nodded in approval.

He didn’t post often, but he had quite the following. There were his and Jimin’s dance videos, some song covers, some random vlogs and some short films he had to work on for his filmmaking class. He thought that could be enough to showcase his abilities in filming and editing.

The problem was having to describe himself.

Jimin laughed at him. Jungkook frowned.

«You know I’m not good with words.» Jungkook retorted, «I can’t think of what to write and then I either write too much or nothing at all. Do you think I could still have a chance if I didn’t write anything?»

«I mean, your videos are pretty self-descriptive; but just to be sure, I think you should at least write your name. Or you might sound a bit too cocky.»

Jungkook groaned and put his hands in his hair, ruffling it up.

«Alright.»

He opened his mail, copy-pasted the e-mail the hosts had provided in the photo description into the recipient box, wrote “Busan Contest” as the subject and then stopped, letting both arms fall on Jimin’s face. His friend spluttered and struggled to get up, sending him a playful glare. Jungkook took a sip of his own coffee innocently.

They chatted back and forth, brainstorming a few ideas on what to write, Jungkook slowly sinking into his couch and Jimin playing with the trash on the ground.

«Okay, start like this: “Hi I’m Jeon Jungkook, from Busan”»

Jungkook started typing.

«”I study filmmaking, I have my own apartment”»

Jungkook kept writing down what his friend said, his eyebrows furrowing at the last sentence.

«”I like long walks on haunted beaches and eating cobwebs off abandoned hospitals walls. I’m single–“»

Jungkook smacked Jimin’s thigh as hard as he could and received a pained yelp in response.

«You ungrateful brat,» Jimin whined while holding his leg close to his chest, «at least I’m helping.»

«Why did you have to help me at nine in the morning on a Sunday anyway?» Jungkook scoffed, placing the laptop on the messy coffee table. He got up and stretched. «I’m going to have a quick shower. You can do whatever you want as long as you leave me the last donut.»

Jimin nodded once and watched his friend disappear into the bathroom.

He looked at the table in front of him, scrunching up his nose at the sight of the number of empty cans and coffee cups littering the surface. It was a miracle this place didn’t smell like death.

He looked at the open computer.

He turned back to the closed bathroom door. The faint sound of running water came from it. He turned back to the open laptop, the screen dimming. He quickly touched the spacebar to avoid it going in stand-by.

He turned back to the bathroom door, his brain in turmoil.

If he knew his friend well enough, he was going to procrastinate the e-mail, forgetting about it until it was too late to submit it. If he was going to help him out as he had promised himself, he had one chance. When he was sure Jungkook was under the water, humming an unknown tune, he scooted to where Jungkook was sitting, taking the laptop and putting it on his legs. He took a deep breath and stretched his fingers, a sly smile forming on his face.

When Jungkook came out of the bathroom only in his bathrobe, the first thing he noticed was Jimin munching on a donut. He froze, and so did Jimin. They both looked at the crumpled paper bag in Jimin’s hand, then back up to each other.

«Uh-oh.» the older let out, and Jungkook immediately pounced on him.

Chapter Text

Park Jimin

Are you not curious to know what they look like?

Me

Yeah, but I never really worried about it.

Park Jimin

You should know what they look like. What if you try to meet them to go film in a haunted swimming pool or whatever and you don’t recognise them?

Me

Chill, I haven’t even written the email yet. Why do you even care?

Park Jimin

I found RM’s Instagram profile.

Jungkook cursed under his breath and locked his phone, bringing his attention back up to the professor. He didn’t know why he felt so pressed about knowing what they looked like. Maybe he didn’t want to be met with pictures of two disgusting old men, which was bullshit because he knew for a fact both Suga and RM were in their twenties; they had said so themselves. They could’ve been lying but Jungkook wanted to trust them.

Jimin was right, even if he didn’t get to work with them, maybe knowing what they looked like would’ve made it easier to recognise them if he met them in the streets. His phone buzzed in his hand. Jimin had sent him a picture.

He sighed and unlocked his phone.

Park Jimin

[one attachment.]

It was a photo of a young man, and the first thing Jungkook noticed were his purple hair, swept back in a tidy quiff. Half his face was covered with his hand, posed in a thumbs-up, a chunky metal ring on his index finger. He had big, expressive eyes, light brown contact lenses in. From what he could see, he looked like an attractive guy.

Me

Who is this? RM?

Park Jimin

Yeah. Apparently, he’s an underground rapper?

Me

Cool!

He waited a few moments, looking up from his phone. His leg was bouncing up and down nervously. When he decided enough time had passed, he typed back.

Me

Suga?

Park Jimin

I can’t find a photo where his face his visible. He’s either turned away, cropped, or he has both a mask and a hat on. Damn dude won’t show his face even in group pictures.

Me

D:

Okay, that was weird. Why would he hide his face so much?

Park Jimin

Do you think he’s ugly and that’s why he won’t show his face?

Jungkook mentally thought about smacking Jimin.

Park Jimin

I can literally feel you telepathically hitting me. Stop it. I’m serious.

Me

How would I know? Maybe he’s just shy.

After that, Jimin didn’t send him any more messages, so Jungkook focused back on the lecture.

At least he tried, because as soon as his mind slipped, he was back on thinking about the two hosts. He sneaked glances around himself, but no one was paying attention to the lecture. Most of the students were either asleep or secretly on their phones. Jungkook opened his laptop, hoping that it would seem like he’d decided to start taking notes on it instead of doing absolutely nothing. It must have worked, because the professor just kept on talking about some western movie.

He connected to the University Wi-Fi and then stopped. He didn’t even know what to look for.

Me

Jimin, what’s RM’s Instagram?

Park Jimin

Ooh, someone got curious.

BTW, I found Suga’s profile, but it’s private. I think it’s also empty.

Jimin linked him RM’s profile, rm_knj. His profile picture was the same picture Jimin had sent him. He had seven hundred thousand followers, and was following only about a hundred people. Jungkook smiled. His bio read “Kim Namjoon. Seoul. Underground rapper and music producer. My friend calls me Chonggak Dokkaebi.”

Kim Namjoon. Jungkook tasted the name on his tongue.

He kept scrolling down his profile; a lot of photos were of illuminated stages, with what he thought was Namjoon himself probably spitting verses on it. Sometimes there were selcas of him with different hair colours, other times it was him and another person happily smiling at the camera. Jungkook tapped on the first picture that had another person with Namjoon. The host was in foreground, a hand on his mouth and his eyebrows scrunched in an exaggerated shocked expression. In the background, there was a man with the most blinding smile Jungkook had ever seen. He tapped on the photo and a tag popped up. He clicked on it (jthehobi) and a new profile opened up.

This man smiled so much in the photos on his profile that Jungkook would have bet his life that this was not emotionless Suga. His name was Jung Hoseok and the only thing in his bio were a series of colourful emojis. He scrolled through the profile, sometimes clicking on a photo before immediately rushing back; he felt like he was intruding.

Jung Hoseok had a lot of dance videos, Jungkook noted. He also was an impeccable dancer, to the point where he oftentimes looked like he had no bones in his body. Screw looking for Suga, Jungkook spent five minutes just scrolling through the dancer’s profile and watching every single video on it. A message box popped up on his phone screen.

Park Jimin

This man is a cryptid.

Jungkook scoffed and went back to scrolling Hoseok’s photos. He clicked on another video, watching another choreography to a tune he couldn’t hear. He mindlessly started tapping his foot to the rhythm of Hoseok’s moves. And then, just as he was about to swipe back to the whole profile, a short figure popped up from the side of the screen and started to do a silly dance, making Hoseok stop dancing and start laughing, doubling down on himself. The figure stopped dancing and shyly laughed too, slightly hunching, then disappearing back behind the corner of the screen. Jungkook gulped. He looked at the description.

“Thank you for all the supportive comments!! Sadly, I came third, so today I’m dancing to a slower one, but Suga hyung came to lift my spirits!!”

He felt a rush of excitement run through his body. He picked up his phone and hastily wrote a message.

Me

AAAH FUCK I DROPPED MY CROISSANT

Park Jimin

Did you find him??

Me

Absolutely not but I got a 144p low quality video of him dancing.

He sneakily took a picture of his computer screen to send Jimin.

Park Jimin

Wow this is such an ineffective way to send me a photo of a screen.

If only they had invented a way to take shots of screens.

And wow that is definitely low quality.

Me

Big Foot’s only picture ever taken is clearer than this.

Park Jimin

At least we know for a fact Big foot hyung exists. I’m not sure Suga does anymore.

Jungkook snorted, attracting the attention of some of his classmates and, worse than all, his professor. He quickly regained his composure, lowering his head and pretending to be waiting for the professor to start back his lecture. As soon as he did, Jungkook bit his cheek in an attempt to not start laughing again.

Me

Jimin

Park Jimin

Yeah

Me

I’m pretty sure Big Foot does not exist.

Park Jimin

What??

How would I have known that. I have literally been lied to for my whole life.

Me

Well, if you had listened to the Dokkaebi podcast episode 17…

Park Jimin

Dumb

Jungkook looked back at his computer screen.

There was no tag for a profile, nor any unusual hashtags. He checked for the comments and no one even mentioned Suga’s presence.

This was worse than trying to find the song used in a single vine part of a one hour vines compilation.

He closed the window, going back to inspect RM’s profile. He clicked on a picture where a hooded figure was hiding behind RM. The description read a simple “Happy Chuseok~”, and the profile tagged on the photo (dtsuga_myg) resulted to be private yet empty. However, the bio read “Suga. I like my music how I like my coffee: deep, dark and with a spoonful of swag.”

Me

That has got to be one of the cringiest bios

Park Jimin

Shall I remind you of “My name’s Jungkook but you can call me oppa”

Me

We do not talk of that.

There wasn’t even a profile picture. Jungkook spent the remaining ten minutes of the lesson just looking for a picture where he at least could see Suga’s eyes; but, Jimin had been right. Every picture on RM’s profile in which he was tagged barely showed tufts of black hair poking from under the cap or bucket hat he was wearing, black mouth mask perpetually on. Sometimes, he was shown sitting at what looked like a control panel of sorts, his back to the camera, and Namjoon making a finger heart towards him. He quickly scrolled down, in a desperate attempt to see if there was maybe an old photo where Suga was showing his face.

To no luck.

He sighed and scrolled all the way back up. He clicked back on the last posted picture that had Suga in it, stared at it for a while, clicked on Suga’s empty profile, and mindlessly clicked the “follow” button.

He stared at the screen.

His professor quickly told the class of a chapter they were going to read for the next lesson, quickly scanning the room in case someone raised their hand to ask a question, but the majority of the students were already putting their stuff in their bags.

Jungkook’s heart skipped a few beats.

Me

I did the undoable
No I didn’t find him

I just requested to follow him

Park Jimin

Wow you are the king of being subtle

Hey, when’s the deadline for entering the contest?

Me

I just went for it. I’m confused by my own actions

Park Jimin

Mad lad

Me

I don’t even know what that means. BTW it’s tomorrow at seven.

Park Jimin

Will you remember to write the email?

Me

Yeah, I’ll write it when I go home

«Jeon Jungkook» his professor called, and Jungkook’s head shot up, his eyes frantically looking for his professor. When he met his eyes, he instinctively hunched over, lowering his head. The professor approached him with a stack of papers and books in his arms. The rest of his classmates were slowly pouring out of the room.

«Yes, professor?» he asked, hoping not to sound too guilty. His professor smiled at him.

«Jungkook, I wanted to ask a favour of you.» He placed his books on Jungkook’s desk, whom immediately moved away his laptop to give him more space. «I have no shame in admitting your skill in editing is above the classroom average, me and professor Lee agree on this.»

Jungkook bowed his head, trying to hide a proud smile.

«You know how we’re in the process of renovating our university website?»

«You do realize he complimented you just to lessen the blow, right?»

Jungkook groaned.

«I do, but it’s not something I can’t do in a day or two.»

«What is it anyway?»

«Like a trailer? For the Filmmaking course?»

Jimin gaped.

«You don’t even know what you’re supposed to do and you think you can do this in two days?»

Jungkook filled his mouth with a spoonful of rice and didn’t answer.

After the end of the lessons, Jimin had invited Jungkook to eat with him. Jungkook had commented on how it seemed like Jimin didn’t have other friends besides Jungkook, and Jimin had slapped the back of his neck and forced him to pay for both of them. Jungkook whined all the way to the cash register.

«So are you going to work on it tonight?» Jimin asked, taking a sip of his water. Jungkook nodded, munching on more food.

«And probably tomorrow as well. I need to have it ready by Thursday.» pieces of food flew from his lips and Jimin gagged.

«Did your mom not teach you not to speak with your mouth full?»

The younger apologized, stuffing his face more.

«I wanted to take you out tonight.» Jimin said after a while.

«Out?» Jungkook spat again, and Jimin glared at him. «You almost never take me out.»

«Yeah, because you’re annoying.»

Jungkook stuck his tongue out in a grimace.

«I just wanted to spend time with you.»

A moment of silence passed.

«Jimin» Jungkook called, and Jimin turned to him. The younger had a worried expression, he was looking at him with his big puppy eyes wide open. «Is everything okay?»

Jimin just stared at him, then, as if on cue, he smiled. It didn’t reach his eyes.

«Yeah, I just want to talk with you.»

Sensing a tense plead not to ask anything more behind his words, Jungkook just cast him a last glance and then went back to scraping the remaining of his dish from the plate.

«…I can go out. Tonight.» Jungkook muttered as soon as he was finished emptying his Sprite can. Jimin smiled and waved the idea away.

«No need. If you’re done by tomorrow evening, then we can go drink something together.»

Jungkook smiled sweetly at his friend, reaching to touch his hand that was holding the glass of water in an affectionate gesture.

He felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He quickly retracted his hand and scrambled to look at the notification. As soon as he saw what was on the screen, his eyes snapped on Jimin, as wide as they could get, his mouth opening in awe. Jimin furrowed his eyebrows and mouthed a “what?”.

Jungkook looked back at his phone, back at Jimin, back at his phone, then handed it to his friend.

«”dtsuga_myg accepted your follow request”» he read, a big smile forming on his face. This one reached his eyes, Jungkook noted. «I can’t believe we found our Bigfoot.»

«Stop calling him that, oh my God.» Jungkook commented, snatching his phone back, «Or I know that once I meet him I will accidentally let that name slip and make a fool of myself.»

«Oh, Jungkookie» Jimin cooed, «you don’t have to worry about it. You’ll make a fool of yourself anyway–»

Jungkook reached over the table and tried to get a hold of Jimin’s shirt collar, but the other dodged Jungkook’s arms with the agility of someone that had to deal with that same kind of bullying every other day.

«Jungkookie, look at this» Jimin called, already out the door. Jungkook bowed to the restaurant owners and followed his friend. They started walking towards the nearest bus stop, Jungkook leaning on Jimin’s shoulder, trying to see the phone screen.

«What is it?»

«You’re literally part of an elite group. Only eleven people follow Suga»

He clicked on the “following” list, and sure enough there were only eleven people following Suga, Jungkook included. He immediately recognized RM and the dancer’s profile.

«Why would he accept my follow request?» Jungkook asked to no one in particular. Jimin mumbled.

«Maybe because you’re cute.»

«If I was really that cute he would follow me back.»

«Okay, maybe you’re not cute. Maybe he misclicked.»

Jungkook pouted.

He took his own phone from Jimin’s hands, curious to see who Suga was following. He scoffed.

«He’s following RM and a food account. That’s it.»

«Greedeat?»

Jungkook nodded.

«He’s a man of culture.» Jimin commented.

Jungkook locked his phone and smiled, skipping forward and turning around to face Jimin. His friend looked at him with that same smile that made his eyes turn into slits.

The weird interaction of a few minutes ago replayed in his mind, and his smile dulled. He wondered what was plaguing his best friend’s mind.

Jimin was always such a cheerful person; he was friendly, nice, easy to make fun of. His pastel pink hair made him look like such a soft person, Jungkook couldn’t help but feel worried that someone was hurting his best friend. He was ready to throw punches, if needed.

He promised himself he would immediately start working on the trailer so that the next day he could hang out with Jimin.

They reached the bus stop and Jungkook sat on the bench, next to an old lady. Jimin huddled next to him, looking at his phone.

«My bus will be here in two. You going back home?»

Jungkook nodded, rubbing his hands together. The weather was slowly but surely getting colder by the day.

«Yours will be here in five minutes» Jimin added, bumping into Jungkook’s shoulder, trying to get him to pay attention to him. Jungkook was too busy frowning at his hands, inspecting them purposefully. Jimin huffed and took Jungkook’s phone from his jacket. He tapped the passcode in –which was, quoting, «JKJK. It’s easier to remember if it’s just my initials»– and he started fooling around between apps. He ultimately set back to Instagram, going back to his mission to find a decent picture of Suga.

He searched for the host’s account. Nothing had changed.

From the corner of his eye, he saw the old woman stand up, and as he looked up he saw his bus was a few metres away. He put the phone on Jungkook’s open hands and got up.

«Jimin, I’ll let you know for tomorrow evening.» Jungkook said, looking at his friend.

«Don’t sweat it. We have the whole week.» Jimin reassured, and, as he walked towards the entrance of the bus, he waved at the younger. Jungkook waved back with a toothy smile.

On the way back to his apartment, Jungkook kept unlocking and locking his phone, every time just pretending not to be checking Suga’s profile, hoping for any kind of update. He didn’t know why the host would randomly start updating his profile after what had probably been months of inactivity, but a man can dream. Ultimately, he decided to turn on post notifications; “just in case” he muttered to himself.

Once in his apartment, he tossed his shoes and jacket on the ground, immediately changing into his pyjama and making a cup of hot cocoa. It had started to rain in the meantime, and despite his apartment being fairly newly renovated, he didn’t dare turn on the AC to warm the place up. Last time he did, it basically half-exploded, leaving a dark mark all around it. The next best solution was warming up with a cup of chocolate and two blankets on his shoulders.

He brought his laptop in the living room, sitting cross-legged on the couch and starting to work on all the files his professor had given him.

He easily slipped into an intense focused state. Before he knew it, his computer had started to whirr worryingly, the sun had set and his stomach and bladder were protesting. Jimin had sent him a few messages, and he checked them while he started to heat up some water for another cup noodles.

Park Jimin

Have you ever thought about what would you do if you actually moved to Seoul?

Cause I just discovered the best job for you.

He sent a link to a Butler Café that was apparently opening in Seoul in February.

Park Jimin

Why haven’t we checked reddit to see if anyone found a decent photo of Suga?

I just checked and no one did. Why are they so lazy.

Why aren’t they doing the job for me.

Park Jimin

Have you eaten?

Are you focusing so much on the thing that you can’t even shoot me an answer?

Wow so much for a friend

Jungkook sent him a quick answer before indulging in his mediocre cup of noodles, before going back to his editing software. After an hour, Jimin sent him another message that made his stomach tighten uncomfortably.

Park Jimin

Have you sent the email?

Me

No, I was too busy editing

I’ll do it tomorrow morning in class, I swear

Except the next day he woke up so tired after having slept nothing close to four hours that he decided in his half-asleep state that skipping class for the day would be a brilliant idea. He regretted it as soon as he woke up again a few hours later.

At least he had stayed awake for a good cause. The trailer had been coming along nicely, and he had only insulted his computer three times. After a very poor brunch, he went back to his editing software, getting lost in it.

That is, until his focus was teared away from the computer screen to his phone, where Jimin’s caller ID was making its presence known with the very special obnoxious ringtone Jimin had chosen for himself. He picked it up.

«Hello?» he croaked, his mouth and throat completely dry.

«Jungkook, you said you’d let me know for this evening.» Jimin sounded in a rush. Jungkook checked the clock on his phone. It was nearing five in the afternoon.

«I’m free. We can hang out.»

Jungkook hadn’t finished his trailer yet, but he thought that if he spent any more time staring at his editing software, he’d start seeing it in his dreams. Again.

They met up an hour later. Jimin had asked Jungkook if they could film another dance video together.

«There’s that choreography I taught you two weeks ago? The one by Brian Puspos. I want to record it; it looks good, man.» he’d said with a wide smile.

So, they spent the next hour practicing and then filming the choreography to a song by Drake in a dance studio Jimin often frequented.

Jungkook enjoyed dancing with Jimin more than anything else. He could see how their techniques were different: Jimin’s movements were more fluid, coming from a background of Modern Dance. Jungkook’s were precise and tight, twitchy at times. Together, they created the perfect symphony. Jungkook liked that.

After wrapping everything up, they decided to quickly hit the gym’s showers. Jimin lent Jungkook one of his towels after he was done with his shower and made fun of him when his friend came out of the bathroom with the cute duck themed cloth wrapped around his legs. Jungkook, all wet and dripping, cornered him and hugged him in return, Jimin shrieking and sobbing at the same time.

They decided to walk around Bujeon-dong for a while, at least until they decided where to eat. Talking about everything and nothing at the same time, Jungkook excitedly told him about some of the films that had won at the Film Festival, and Jimin talked about some anime he had been watching lately. All the while, Jungkook couldn’t shake off the feeling that he was forgetting something important. It sat at the pit of his stomach, making his hunger feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. He tried his best to shake it off, to suffocate it under a heavy layer of seafood. They’d settled for a small place next to a 7-Eleven, and they continued their cheerful conversation even after paying and buying a cheap dessert from a vendor on the street.

They fell in a comfortable silence as they both munched on their bungeoppang, slowly walking in the direction of Jungkook’s apartment. The streets were fairly empty for a Tuesday evening, sometimes dotted by families taking a stroll or tired students dragging their bodies in the closest convenience store.

Jungkook wanted to know what Jimin wanted to talk to him about. The evening had been very nice so far, and he was afraid he’d risk cracking the soft atmosphere if he pried too far.

«So,» he started, hiding his hands in the pockets of his jacket. «what did you want to talk about?»

Jimin kept his gaze downwards, munching on the remaining of his fish shaped sweet. He didn’t answer right away, just kept on slowly munching.

«I think…» Jungkook had to strain his ears to hear his friend. «I’m going to move to Seoul once I graduate.» Jimin mumbled.

Jungkook’s eyebrow raised, then he smiled.

«That’s fantastic!» he beamed. His smile quickly faded as he saw Jimin pouting, no longer savouring his snack. «What’s wrong?»

Jimin sighed, handing the rest of his dessert to Jungkook, whom stuffed it all in his mouth.

«I just don’t want to leave you alone.»

The younger felt an explosion of affection bloom in his chest. He slowly raised his arms, enveloping his best friend in a tight hug.

«You don’t have to worry about me, Jimin.» Jungkook whispered in the crook of his friend’s neck. «I swear I will come visit you any time I have the chance.»

Jimin softly pushed him away and Jungkook noticed the tears welling up in his friend’s eyes. His own eyes stung in empathy.

«You’re way too nice.» Jimin chuckled, wiping his eyes with his sweater. «I was so scared of telling you. I don’t want you to be alone. I will miss you so much–» he choked a sob on the last word, and Jungkook held him close again. They stayed like this, just hugging in the middle of the sidewalk, for a couple of moments, Jungkook rubbing Jimin’s back tenderly.

«You shouldn’t worry so much in advance.» Jungkook added once they started walking again. «There’s a long time to go before you move, right?»

Jimin nodded slowly, sniffing.

«I’ll graduate in August.»

«Then there’s no rush.»

Jungkook looked at his friend with an affectionate smile on his face. He waited for Jimin to turn to him before smiling wider, poking Jimin’s side so he would smile as well.

They parted ways eventually. Jungkook had invited Jimin to crash at his place, but Jimin had declined, saying that there was no way he’d wake up at six just to get to his morning classes. Jungkook had shrugged. Fair enough.

Once he was back in his apartment, he went back to editing, and he kept on editing until it was way past a human bedtime. He’d decided anyway to take another day off from classes. Wednesdays were easy days, what with only his Photoshop class and one hour of English. He wouldn’t fall back anyway; he was pretty good at both.

Ultimately, he fell asleep on his couch at four a.m., hugging a bag of sweet potato chips. He slept through his six a.m. alarm, waking up three hours later with the sun hitting his eyes. He rubbed a trail of dry drool off his chin, contemplating his surroundings in a sleepy haze.

He checked his phone for the time, and then stood up from the couch, his vision blacking out for a moment and his legs prickling painfully after being seated on for so long. He stumbled his way to the bathroom.

After having washed his face with cold water and almost drowned himself in an attempt to drink directly from the tap, he felt semi-awake. He lazily made himself a cup of coffee, waiting near the counter with his eyes closed. He cracked open one eye when he heard the buzzing of his phone. He sighed as he poured himself a cup, walking to the couch and dropping himself on it. He stayed still for a few moments, battling against his eyelids that kept closing without his consent, laid back and with the cup on his lap. He was so tired he couldn’t even bring the coffee to his lips. After what felt like an eternity, he got both of his eyes to be open and not threatening to fall close one at a time. He blinked a few times in an attempt to not have his eyes feel so dry. His hand mechanically brought the mug to his lips, and he took a sip. The warmth was very welcome in his aching body, but instead of making him feel more awake as he’d wished, it was just having a soporific effect on his senses. So, he picked up his phone and pressed the home button. There were a few notifications, one from the app that reminded him when to drink water and the others from Instagram. He scrolled through them. Jimin had probably tagged him in a picture they had taken the previous night.

He unlocked his phone and tapped on the Instagram icon, closing his eyes as he waited for the social to load. His phone buzzed in his hand. He took a peek.

Suga (dtsuga_myg) posted a photo.

His eyes widened and a rush of excitement and anxiety washed over him, effectively waking him up once and for all. He clicked on the notification. The screen went white, and then a photo appeared.

A boy –man?– who looked like he couldn’t have more than twenty years was sitting in the back of a car, a playful sneer on his face. He had his black hair held back by an equally black backwards cap.  His eyes were thin, his eyebrows were furrowed, triangular in shape. His lips were parted in a scowl to show a straight, white line of teeth. He had silver earring on and a plain, black shirt. Jungkook gulped.

The description read “Busan, see you soon~!”.

A tight, uncomfortable feeling made his muscles suddenly tense up. Like a void had opened in his gut, he breathed in laboriously. His mind had gone blank, only one thought suddenly taking over.

The contest.

Chapter Text

A faint thumping sound echoed in his apartment. He didn’t move. He just grasped his duvet harder. The thumping began again, this time more insistent, and a voice followed immediately after.

«Jungkook!»

Jungkook groaned. Jimin sounded pissed. He got up, taking his covers with him. He stepped in the living room, and as the loud knocking began again, Jungkook clutched at his temples. He stumbled to the door, unlocking it and barely opening it for his friend.

Jimin barged in, immediately locating the younger. Both relief and fury twisted his features. Jimin stomped towards him and hugged him– no, strongly squeezed him, effectively knocking the air out of Jungkook.

«Jimin– you’re hurting me» Jungkook yelped. Jimin squeezed harder.

«It’s meant to hurt, you fucker!»

He let him go and looked him up and down, adjusting the duvet on his shoulders.

«Are you okay? Why aren’t you answering your phone?» Jimin cautiously asked, moving some stray bangs from his face. Jungkook shied away from the touch.

He shrugged and turned, walking back to his room. Jimin got his bag from the floor and followed him, muttering under his breath.

Jungkook plopped back down on his bed, curling into himself and hiding his face under the pillow. Jimin let his bag fall and huffed, looking at the pitiful shape laying on the bed. He hesitated for a second, then he walked around the bed and opened a window, letting the stale air out.

He sat on the edge of the bed, uncovering his friend’s face. Jungkook’s eyes were half lidded, red and puffy.

«Jungkook, what happened?» Jimin questioned, squeezing the younger’s shoulder.

As soon as he did, Jungkook’s face contorted in a frown, trying very hard not to start crying again. Jimin couldn’t help but laugh at his friend’s face, leaning on him and laying his forehead on his shoulder. Jungkook whimpered and sat up.

«I forgot about the email.» he whined, rubbing his eyes. Jimin looked at him with a soft smile.

«And you cried about it?» he asked, and immediately Jungkook’s face scrunched up again, this time resulting in actual tears falling and sobs escaping. Jimin patiently patted his back.

«I feel awful.» he croaked once he calmed down.

«Have you eaten anything today?»

Jungkook shook his head guiltily. Jimin grabbed his bag and took a plastic container from it.

«I know you oh so well. It’s sandwiches. I made them myself.»

Jungkook ate in silence, Jimin looking at him. Bless him and his small, amazing-sandwich-making hands.

«How long have you slept tonight?» Jimin asked after a while. Jungkook thought about it.

«Not much, but I fell asleep this morning after crying for half an hour. And I woke up at three and cried some more and went back to sleep. And then you woke me up.» he added that last part not hiding his annoyance. Jimin’s eyes widened and he started blabbering words in his defence.

«You didn’t– your phone, you didn’t even try– I was scared, I didn’t– Brat.» he stuttered, stopping when Jungkook smiled cheekily. He turned around and took his phone from the nightstand.

He’d put it on airplane mode when he realized he felt too embarrassed to even talk to Jimin about how stupid and useless he felt. He didn’t want to talk to him, it’d remind him of what a loser he was. His smile faded, retreating back into a brooding expression.

«I feel so stupid. Stupid and useless. I always do this.» he murmured, picking at the plastic casing of his phone. «I always get distracted and never finish what I start.»

«Jungkook, it’s okay. You’re amazing anyway, you don’t need to worry.»

«But I wanted to send the email… If I didn’t have many chances of winning before, now I have exactly none.»

Jimin didn’t say anything, he just smiled at him knowingly. Jungkook sighed. A few silent moments passed.

«I feel better after eating.»

«Of course you do. If you don’t take care of yourself, you will feel bad.»

«Thank God you’re still here to help me out with that.»

Jimin smiled and crawled on the bed, positioning himself on Jungkook’s right side and hugging his torso. They stayed like that for a while.

«Suga posted a photo, by the way.» Jungkook said. Jimin slapped his chest and propped himself up, surprised.

«What!» he half whispered, half yelled.

Jungkook picked up his phone and unlocked it. It was still on airplane mode, but between falling asleep in tears, waking up, crying more and then falling asleep again, he’d managed to take a screenshot of the photo, subconsciously thinking about showing it to Jimin. He tapped on it, turning the phone so his friend could see as well. Jimin looked at the photo open-mouthed.

«Ah, really… he looks cute.» Jimin commented, laying his head back on Jungkook’s torso. The younger turned his phone back towards himself, looking at the picture.

«He does?»

Jimin nodded.

«I like his eyes. I wish he could post a picture where you can see his features better.»

Jungkook made a sound in agreement. There was more he wanted to say about Suga, but he held back.

«I don’t really feel like listening to the podcast later.» Jungkook admitted as he mindlessly scrolled through his photos. A lot of them were pictures he’d sent Jimin of his food or what he was doing.

«We can listen to it together.» Jimin said. «Maybe I won’t have nightmares about it then. If we listen to it together, that is.»

«Do you want to crash here?» Jungkook suddenly asked, changing the subject, and Jimin nodded.

They decided to order pizza at seven, as soon as they got tired of laying in bed just enjoying each other’s presence. They decided to watch Inception, still on Jungkook’s bed. Both of them had already seen the movie, but Jimin liked to listen to Jungkook gush about all the cinematography lore behind the film.

«That’s a nod to Escher’s Penrose stairs!» he’d say. And again, «Apparently, this scene took months to film. I’d go crazy if I had to see the same scene every day for a month.»

«Isn’t that what you basically do with editing? See the same scene over and over again.»

«Oh my God» Jungkook mumbled, sudden realization hitting him. «I’ve already gone crazy.»

They happily ate their food, leaving crumbs all over Jungkook’s mattress. At one point, they decided to move to the living room, as Jimin had started to whine about “not feeling his left arm anymore” and Jungkook “taking all the space on the bed, I am about to fall off, you brat”.

Once the film was over, and the food had been thoroughly scoffed down, they relaxed on the sofa, Jungkook finishing editing the trailer and Jimin on his phone. They liked the comfortable silence. Sometimes, Jimin would laugh at something on his phone. Other times, Jungkook would talk to himself, cursing the editing.

As time went on, and as eleven p.m. came closer, Jungkook started to be more restless, changing position on the sofa every five minutes, tapping on his thigh, rolling his shoulders, taking the string of his hoodie and picking it apart with his teeth. At one point, he’d moved so much he had his legs over the back of the sofa and his head on the coffee table, his laptop on his chest and his neck straining with no support.

«Jungkook, are you nervous?» Jimin had asked with a chuckle as Jungkook had slowly melted from the sofa to the ground, his right side on the floor, along with the laptop, and his left leg and arm grasping at the cushions as if his life depended on it; which it kind of did.

Jungkook didn’t answer, just mumbled under his breath as he kept on editing with one hand. Jimin stood up, walking around the sofa and crouching down in front of Jungkook.

«Please, save your progress because I am about to close your laptop.» he advised, and Jungkook let out a string of no’s as Jimin slowly pushed the screen down with only one finger. Before he could close the computer on his fingers, Jungkook retracted his hand and looked up, annoyed. Jimin just smiled innocently.

«You know what really lifts my spirits when I’m feeling down?» Jimin announced as he sprung up and walked towards the kitchen. He opened some cupboards, exclaiming when he found what he was looking for.

«Alcohol?» Jungkook mused, letting himself fall on the ground before picking himself up and joining Jimin in the kitchen.

Jimin glared at him as he slammed on the counter his box of powder hot chocolate.

«Delicious hot chocolate!» Jimin yelled, deepening his voice as much as he could. Jungkook burst out laughing.

«Are you trying to sell me something?» Jungkook giggled.

Jimin made both of them a cup of hot chocolate, while they imitated back and forth iconic commercials from the past five years. From commercials and jingles, they passed onto singing English songs in a made-up language, mumbling until they came across a word they knew, like “man” or “fuck”, at which point they would yell it out.

Before Jungkook could realize, the weekly Dokkaebi podcast was about to start.

Jimin dragged him to the couch, picking up the laptop from the ground.

«I think I actually need the alcohol.» Jungkook had commented, and Jimin had looked at him funny.

«Aren’t you too young to drink? You’re like five. Shut up.»

Jungkook hit him on the shoulder, but Jimin was too busy typing the website address to properly scold the kid.

The last three minutes until eleven thirty were the longest of his life.

«I am deeply regretting everything in life.» he’d started to say. «I’m going to have to listen to the podcast knowing I didn’t do enough.»

Jimin ignored him, too busy scrolling his Instagram feed.

«I let down everyone around me. I don’t even know why you’re my friend.» Jungkook continued. «My family will have to live with the knowledge that their second-born is a sore loser.»

«Shut up, it’s starting.»

Jungkook closed his mouth. Sure enough, after a few seconds, RM’s voice filled the silence, chirpy as ever.

Him and Suga greeted the listeners and went on with replying to the previous week’s comments.

«Dooly underscore twenty-eight says: “I wish the episodes were longer. Sad face.” Well, Dooly…» RM started, and Suga interjected immediately.

«The studio closes at midnight. Pay us and we will buy a new studio and make longer episodes.» he said matter-of-factly, and Jungkook saw Jimin smile next to him. RM chuckled as well.

«Anpanman ninety-five wants to know when we’re going to Busan.» Suga read.

«Yeah, Suga, when are we going to Busan?» RM continued, and Suga did that slurping thing he often did while thinking.

«Eventually.» he said, and didn’t add anything else despite RM waiting silently for him to continue.

They continued with the banter for five more minutes before they started talking about the topic of the day in a smooth transition. Sleep paralysis.

«Oh, I get those.» Jimin commented as RM swiftly explained what they were. «When I go to sleep super exhausted. It happens quite often.»

«Are they scary?» Jungkook asked. He couldn’t remember experiencing anything similar. Jimin nodded.

«I usually never open my eyes when I realize I’m experiencing one.» Suga’s voice came uncertain from the speaker. «And I know I’m experiencing one because I hear…things.» he said, and RM hummed in response. «I’d say they’re voices, but they’re so chaotic it just seems loud noise to me. I can’t hear nothing but that until my body wakes up. Then it becomes deafening silence.»

Suga’s voice made Jungkook shiver. He wasn’t sure if it had been for the fear behind his words or just his deep, gravelly voice softly speaking on the microphone.

They continued on talking about sleep paralysis and some terrifying experiences people had had with them, Jungkook forgetting about the anxiety that had been plaguing him before the show started.

It hit him back full force when RM announced that they were about to reveal who they had chosen for the contest. Jimin must have noticed, because he reached for his friend’s hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

«I don’t want to listen to this…» Jungkook had muttered, but Jimin just smiled and kept squeezing his hand.

«It was a difficult choice, we received almost two hun–»

«It wasn’t that difficult for Suga hyung.» RM interrupted teasingly, and Jungkook could almost imagine in the silence Suga turning towards RM with a murderous look.

«…As I was saying, we received almost two hundred submissions. To be honest, that succeeded our expectations by almost… well, two hundred.»

«It really did!» RM beamed, «We were expecting zero submissions, but you guys really exceeded our expectations.»

«Before we announce the name of who we chose, we want to thank all of you for the trust you have in us. We’ve been wanting to try this new format for a while, and we are really happy to know that you are all excited about it as much as we are.»

«So, at last. Our soon to be addiction to this goblin family is going to be…» Suga started, and RM tapped his fingers on a table in a drum roll.

«Ah fuck, that could’ve been me.» Jungkook muttered, letting his head fall on the back of the sofa.

«Park Jimin’s best friend, Jeon Jungkook from Busan!»

Jungkook’s head shot up, and he turned to Jimin with the most confused expression his friend had ever seen on him. Jimin started laughing loudly, slapping Jungkook’s leg in raw exhilaration.

«What’s with that mouthful?» RM asked with a chuckle.

«Well, let me read an excerpt of Jungkook’s mail we received.» Suga started, and Jimin saw Jungkook’s gears slowly turning in his brain, furrowed brows, his eyes as wide as they could and his mouth hung open.

«”My best friend, Jungkook, is a dumb asshole that will definitely forget to send the email himself. So, I’m writing his profile on behalf of him. In case you choose him, please give me a shout out: Park Jimin, Jungkook’s best friend, because he will hate it and the last thing I’d like to hear before he kills me is my name said by Suga and RM.”»

«Park Jimin, thank you for your services.» RM added laughing.

«Really, I think I couldn’t have asked for a better candidate. I will leave Jungkook’s YouTube channel in the description, please make him feel welcome!» Suga added.

«Well, time to wrap up. Thank you all again, please leave comments down below if you’d like for us to talk about something specific, and you’ll hear from us in a week’s time!»

«This was Suga and RM, which today stands for Roblox Memes–»

«When will you stop with this…» RM muttered, but Suga ignored him.

They ended the transmission cheerfully.

Jimin got up from the sofa, walking behind the coffee table and bowing to an imaginary audience with a big smile on his face. Jungkook just stared at him bewildered, hints of tears in the corners of his eyes.

«Thank you, thank you. I am amazing, I know.» he said, grabbing a few stray papers from the trash on the table in front of him to make a makeshift bouquet of trash. «Am I or am I not the bestest of friends out there?»

«What the fuck.» Jungkook stuttered. He moved his laptop from his legs and took his head in his hand, staring at Jimin. «Jimin, I think I love you.»

«Wait, what?» laughed Jimin, dropping the trash from his hands.

«I am having so many emotions right now I think I need to write them down.»

Jimin sat back on the couch, patting Jungkook’s back.

«Take your time.»

«Ok, wait. So, you sent the email? How? When?»

«Like three days ago. You left your laptop open. I knew you would forget about it.»

Jungkook scrunched his face.

«I’m not sure if I should get angry or kiss you right now, right here.»

«Please, save your kisses for Suga.»

«Yep, I think I’m going to get angry.»

Jungkook turned and attacked his friend, holding him in a headlock that turned more into a tight hug than a deadly hold. Jimin tried to free himself by twisting his arms and tickling whatever body part he found. They laughed until they had to stop for they were running out of oxygen.

«I can’t believe Suga said my name.»

«Weirdly enough, I totally understand you. He said mine too.»

«That’s hilarious.» Jungkook pointed out with a blank stare. «But he also promoted my YouTube channel.»

«Oh yes, I can see the millions already flowing. Why don’t you go check it?»

«It takes a while before the episode gets uploaded with a description on the website.»

Jimin hummed. Then he took his phone and tapped on the Instagram icon. He searched for Jungkook’s profile. Surprisingly enough, his followers were already growing.

«Wait, why am I not getting notifications?» Jungkook took his phone that in the meantime had fallen on the ground and unlocked it.

«You dumb idiot, it’s still on airplane mode.» Jimin deadpanned, and Jungkook slapped his forehead.

«I really am a dumb idiot.»

He immediately turned off airplane mode, and after a tense second, his phone started to vibrate incessantly at the notifications suddenly flooding the screen. It lasted for thirty seconds, between the awkward gazes Jimin and Jungkook were sending each other. Once it was over, it kept buzzing arrhythmically every time someone new followed him on Instagram.

Jungkook felt guilt creep up on him when he noticed the amount of times Jimin had called him. He looked at his friend, not sure if he should be saying anything. Jimin was just yawning. Jungkook decided he’d make amends by buying him food.

He turned off the notifications from the app, because it was getting ridiculous how many people were just spamming his profile with likes. Were people really so curious to know him that they had searched for his name? Is this what it felt like to be famous?

He checked his messages. Most of them were from Jimin; Jungkook didn’t read them. In another one, his mother had invited him over that Friday. He promised himself to answer her the next morning.

He checked his Facebook profile, his Snapchat and even his unused Kakao before he mustered up the courage to check his emails. He knew for a fact that Suga or RM had already sent him an email if he had won.

Oh God, he thought, closing his eyes and letting his arms fall. I’m going to be meeting RM and Suga.

He shook his head, going back to his phone. Surely enough, on top of the list, there sat an email with the title subject “Dokkaebi Podcast Winner”. Jungkook took a deep breath and locked his phone. He looked up, ready to ask Jimin to help him through this as well, because he wasn’t even sure his brain had correctly processed the evening’s information; but as he did so, he immediately shut his mouth. Jimin had his head slowly falling down, his eyes shut and his lips parted. His phone was still in his hands on his lap. He twitched up every time his head hung too low.

«Jimin» Jungkook called. No answer. «Jiminie» he tried again, and his friend’s eyes slowly opened. When he realized why Jungkook was calling his name, Jimin looked up and smiled a sleepy grin.

He didn’t have to push too much to convince Jimin to go sleep in his bed. His friend basically passed out once he laid down. Jungkook didn’t mind, he did have to finish editing the University trailer, anyway.

A bit of normality is what he needed after such a hectic day.

Except he passed out on the couch twenty minutes later.

His brain had been through so many emotions in just one day that he just couldn’t handle having to think anything else. Usually, editing was a way to escape his thoughts, but as he stared at his editing software, all his mind could provide was a daydream of when he’d have to edit the video for RM and Suga. He wondered if he was really okay for the job. He felt an indescribable feeling at the pit of his stomach; he wasn’t sure if it was excitement, anxiety, or both. He was leaning towards the latter.

Thus, he closed his laptop and considered closing his eyes just for a couple of seconds in order to put aside all the chaos in his head. His thoughts of when he’d meet the two hosts slowly warped into a dream without him realizing it.

He dreamt of the world ending; it was peaceful and bloodless.

His Thursday morning, however, was not. As per usual.

He promised himself to never again procrastinate his duties as he rushed through the last bits of editing he had left. He told this to Jimin as his friend quickly showered in his bathroom. He received a laughter in response.

He finished it in class, just in time for his professor to walk into the room and make a beeline for where he was sitting.

Once the rush of the morning was over, and he relaxed into his chair, his first thought was to check his emails again. And it was still there: the proof that he had, in fact, won the contest was unmistakably on top of all of his unread emails. Now or never, he thought.

Hello, Jeon Jungkook!

He took a deep breath, trying to hide a smile.

This is Suga, from the Dokkaebi Podcast. First of all, congratulations for winning!

He mouthed a “thanks”. He thought he must’ve looked stupid in the eyes of his classmates, but he didn’t really care.

Your editing style and filming methods are the closest to what we were looking for, and, conveniently, the fact that you’re from Busan weighed on our choice.

Now, I need to ask you for your phone number and a date for when we can call you and tell you what’s going to happen in these following weeks. I’m looking forward to meeting you.

The first thing he did was take a screenshot and send it to Jimin. The second thing was to ponder until the end of his lesson how he was going to reply.

Chwego Park Jimin

Dude you just need to say like “thanks lol here’s my number call me whenever”

Me

That’s so uncool. I want to look cool

Chwego Park Jimin

For Suga

Me

Yeah

Chwego Park Jimin

Wow you’re in deep. I was teasing you

It’s no fun if you don’t get irritated

I can’t write you all of the emails you should be writing

Man up and write the coolest email ever

I’m cheering for you

Jungkook hated it but he was right, he couldn’t have Jimin write all of his adult emails.

Me

So no help?

Chwego Park Jimin

Get lost

He decided to rip the band-aid as fast as he could, writing a quick, aseptic reply.

Hi! Thank you. I’m free whenever. Here’s my number:

Chwego Park Jimin

That’s way too dry, he’s going to think you’re a stuck-up asshole

Me

Well it’s too late now I’ve sent it

Chwego Park Jimin

RIP

He took his bag from beside his chair and exited the classroom, waving politely at his professor.

He didn’t really feel like attending his editing class, he was still thriving off the enthusiasm of the night before. But as the eagerness slowly dimmed down, he found himself worrying more and more about what was just behind the corner.

He barely knew the two guys. What if they found him awkward? It’s not like he wanted them to become his friend, but he would feel disappointed if at least they didn’t– well, become friends.

It was a weird one-sided relationship, he thought. Jungkook knew about Suga’s weird obsession with the Kumamon bear, his habit to talk over RM at times, how excited he got when he could talk about his puppy; he knew RM’s aversion to sea food, his admirable wisdom that mirrored a laughable naivety on his part, his passion for reading. At the same time, they knew nothing about him.

Until a few days prior he didn’t even know RM’s full name; and he yet had to discover Suga’s.

His phone buzzed insistently in his pocket, notifying him of an incoming call. He gasped; he’d totally forgot to call his mom in the morning rush. He knew how antsy she would get if Jungkook didn’t reply in the span of twelve hours top.

«Hi, mom» he answered, struggling to keep his bag on his shoulder.

He received no answer.

«Mom?» he tried again.

«Uh, hi. Is this Jeon Jungkook?»

Well, unless his mom had suddenly become a man and forgot who he was, that definitely wasn’t her. He moved the phone away from his hear, checking the caller ID. It was a number he didn’t have saved.

«Uh, yeah. Who is this?»

«It’s– it’s Min Yoongi.»

Jungkook waited for the man to continue, but the awkward silence stretched on.

«I’m sorry, I don’t think I know who you are.» he said at last, sensing a certain anxiety coming off the other side of the call. The other man took a sharp breath.

«Oh, yes, sorry– You probably just know me as Suga?»

Jungkook’s blood went cold.

Chapter Text

«You did what—»

«Please, don’t let me say it again. I’m still cringing so hard I think I’m shrinking.»

Jimin kept laughing like a choking goose, high-pitched shrieks and all. Jungkook just kept staring out the bus window. Once Jimin’s laughter died down, he sighed.

«I called him mom…» Jungkook mutters, and Jimin burst immediately in another fit of laughter. Jungkook covered his eyes with his hand, dropping his head on the back of the seat in front of him.

«I literally had the chance to talk with Suga and seem like a cool person, instead I called him mom and didn’t even recognize his voice.»

«Well, I did tell you that you would make a fool of yourself anyway, didn’t I?»
Jungkook grunted.

«Didn’t he introduce himself beforehand or something?»

«Yes, but he called himself something else.»

«What?»

Jungkook tried to remember.

«I honestly don’t remember.»

«You are such a fake fan.»

Jungkook pondered the idea of closing the call and blocking his friend on all social medias.

He didn’t register what name Suga had introduced himself as because his brain didn’t think it would be important. Plus, between all the information the host had relayed him, the idea to ask for his name again didn’t even cross his mind.

To be perfectly honest, he didn’t even process all the stuff Suga had said during the brief call because his voice was mesmerizing; especially knowing he was talking to him specifically, to Jeon Jungkook from Busan and not just a microphone in a studio in Seoul.

What he did remember, however, was that they would be flying to Busan the next Thursday, and they would meet later the same day to get organized. He told him both him and RM were excited to meet him, and at that point his brain might have short-circuited.

«That’s so weird. Like, I get the formalities, but even excited to meet you?» Jimin interrupted, his voice sounding slightly strained. «It is you we’re talking about; I can’t imagine being excited to meet you.»

«Jimin.»

«Sorry, tormenting you is my only source for entertainment. I’ve been dancing non-stop for hours.» he huffed. Was he dancing while on the phone?

«Maybe they watched some of my videos, right?» Jungkook said, getting up from his seat and approaching the exit doors. He heard Jimin gasp.

«You should post the choreo we filmed the other day!»

Jungkook made an affirmative sound.

«I wanted to post it on Instagram too. Someone inspired me.»

His actual mom called him not too later. She asked the usual questions– how are you? Are you studying? Any girlfriend? Do you need more money?– and he answered with the usual answers –fine, yes, no, perhaps.

«Junghyun told me you won a thing.»

Jungkook furrowed his eyebrows.

«How does he know?»

«What is it?»

Jungkook sighed. He was about to open his mouth to answer his mother, but she shushed him.

«Nay, I changed my mind. You can tell me when you come home. Also, bring a change of clothes, because I want you to sleep here for the night. Junghyun’s staying too.»

Jungkook smiled. His mom was the straightforward, cold type, but after years of living with her, he’d learned to see where the affection hid. That, for example, meant she was really missing both him and his older brother.

«Sure, mom.» he said, smiling cheerfully.

«And if I see you on your laptop I will catapult it in the ocean.»

Jungkook laughed. It wouldn’t be his mother if she didn’t follow a cheesy sentence with a joking threat. At least, he hoped she was joking.

«Say hi to dad from me.» he saluted her. «I’ll see you tomorrow.»

He closed the door behind him, dropping the bag on the floor. He kicked off his shoes and walked to his couch, dropping on it unceremoniously. He immediately sank into it, taking out his phone.

He had assignments that he had to complete: there was that script he had to write, the storyboard he had to begin altogether, those photos he had to edit. He looked at the ceiling, pensive.

Of course, he was going to edit him and Jimin’s choreography.

Luckily enough, that kind of videos were easy to edit. There wasn’t much to cut or animate; he just slapped on a colour correction filter and exported it. He waited for the file to export while ordering some take away. He uploaded it on YouTube and then struggled to understand how to post it on Instagram. Once he did, he wondered if he should tag that Jung Hoseok or not. Seeing as how his videos had inspired him to post one as well; plus, it would’ve been cool if he left a comment or something, not going to lie.

He shrugged, tagging jthehobi in the description of the post, as well as Jimin’s account.

As if on cue, his friend sent him a message, telling him that greedeat, that one food Instagram account both him and Suga apparently followed, had started a live video and that he was starving.

Me

Do you want me to buy you food?

What time are you done?

Chwego Park Jimin

Not Soon Enough

And yes please

He ordered some take away for Jimin too, paying for it in advance and changing the address to Jimin’s dormitories. He didn’t mind, he promised himself he would repay Jimin for being an amazing friend. He wouldn’t be seeing him for a few days, so it was nice to know he’d leave him with a nice gift.

He spent the rest of the day actually working on his school stuff, taking a break only to eat and to quickly check his calendar for the following week.

Suga had told him they’d be coming to Busan Thursday morning, but Jungkook didn’t know if he was supposed to go greet them at the airport. He didn’t mind skipping lessons; he would probably jeopardize his entire university career for the two hosts, if given the chance. He chewed on a plastic straw, wondering if it would be appropriate to send Suga a message on the phone number he’d called him with that same morning. Would he seem to eager? But then again, would he blame him?

He took his phone and opened a new message window, setting Suga’s fresh new contact as the recipient. He was happy he had an excuse to talk to the host again.

Hi! This is Jeon Jungkook. I wanted to a

Wait.

Had Suga told him if he was meant to greet them at the airport? Had he just been to mind-struck to remember?

He backspaced.

Hi! This is Jeon Jungkook. I’m sorry if I se

Jungkook smacked his forehead. He didn’t want to look so unprofessional to the most important person in his life right at that moment. No offence, mom.

He backspaced again.

Hi! This is Jeon Jungkook.

Why wouldn’t he know who he was? He’d called him just that morning, even if he hadn’t saved his contact Jungkook imagined he would understand by context who was texting him.

He backspaced once again.

Hi!

Was that too informal?

Good evening!

He cringed. He went back and typed a single “hi!”. He pinched the bridge of his nose.

He went back and forth between typing a sentence, backspacing, writing another one and so on. He got too frustrated at the tenth attempt, angrily smacking his phone face down on his thigh. Why was he worrying so much? He could just call them the day before and ask, like a normal human person. His phone buzzed on his thigh and he angrily yelled a “shut up” at it.

The fact that he didn’t know why he was getting so worked up about this was just getting him more worked up.

He picked up his phone to try again.

Hi! This is Jungkook. I want to

«You want to what, you dumbass.» he muttered to himself, backspacing again. How much time had he already spent just trying too hard? He looked at the time.

THE Suga

You do realize I can see you typing and backspacing, right?

His stomach flipped. An unidentified screech echoed in his throat. How had he not realized Suga had sent him a message? He literally had his phone in his hands.

THE Suga

What’s that you want to say?

Well, that did not seem menacing at all. That’s it, he had blown his chance at looking cool.

He slapped his cheek; this was not the time to freak out.

Me

I apologize, I wasn’t sure if I could send you a message on here

THE Suga

No need to be so formal. And chill, I’m a human just like you

«Are you, though?» he said in a scoff. If he remembered well, this man was the closest thing to a cryptid he had ever had the chance to talk to. He sent a screenshot of the chat to Jimin.

Me

[one attachment.]

Said the cryptid man

He went back to the chat with Suga. Now that the conversation was open, he didn’t know what to write. He typed a few messages, but deleted them right after.

THE Suga

You’re doing it again

Me

I’m sorry, this is just weird

THE Suga

Weird?

Me

I meant talking to you
Not like, just you. I meant talking to you is weird

I’m used to just listening to your voice not directly addressing me

THE Suga

Would you prefer if I called you? Then you can tell me what you wanted to tell me before?

Oh, hell no. It had been a disaster that morning already, he wasn’t about to make an idiot of himself for the second– third time in a day.

And his phone rang. He gulped, hesitating.

«Hello?»

«Hi, Jungkook.»

Deep. Throaty. Jungkook felt weak all of a sudden.

«Hi.» Jungkook repeated, just entranced by Suga’s voice. He heard him chuckle softly on the other end.

«I’m sorry, I don’t really like phone calls. Was there something you wanted to tell me?»

Jungkook snapped out of his daze, clearing his throat.

«Uh, yeah. Sorry, this morning you kind of caught me off guard and I might have lost… all of the things you said to me.»

He heard a gust of air from Suga. Had he chuckled? Sighed? Huffed? Did he hate him already?

«Including your– your name. Like, your actual name.»

«It’s fine.» he said, and Jungkook almost sighed out of relief, before remembering Suga could hear him. He immediately continued.

«Do you need me to come pick you up at the airport next Thursday?»

Suga hummed.

«Yes, that would be greatly appreciated. I’ll text you the name of the hostel we’re staying at, just to have an idea of where we’ll be. We can organize ourselves the same day.»

He heard some noises, and a voice. Suga mumbled something that he couldn’t hear.

«Would you– Do you want to talk to Namjoon?» he then asked, sounding unsure.

«Oh, that’d be– yes, that’d actually be really cool.»

The moment between his answer and Namjoon picking up the call saw Jungkook quietly muffling an excited scream in the softness of his couch.

«Jungkook!» RM’s– Namjoon’s voice greeted, and Jungkook found himself immediately smiling. «How are you?»

«I’m great, never been better.» he answered, honestly. He wasn’t sure if he should’ve bounced back the question, but Namjoon didn’t seem to mind as he spoke again.

«We can’t wait to meet you in person, man. Your videos really left us speechless, you have amazing skills!»

Jungkook bounced on his couch.

«You saw them?» he beamed, ignoring the fact that he probably sounded like a baby.

«Of course, or we wouldn’t have chosen you. Suga definitely saw them a lot of t—» the sentence was cut off by a noise, followed by static and then by Suga’s voice.

«Oh gosh, seems like Namjoon had to leave immediately.» he said in an incredibly flat tone, and Jungkook had the feeling he was missing out on something. «But I do agree, we can’t wait to work with you. I’ll talk to you later, okay?»

«Uh, yeah- yes– wait! You didn’t tell me your name!» he called out before Suga could end the call, but it was too late.

He looked at the screen of his phone, still on Suga’s chat. That felt surreal. He noticed Jimin had sent him a message while he was in the call.

Chwego Park Jimin

How did he even notice?

Was he on the chat just waiting for you to write to him?

Me

What the hell

I didn’t think about that

That’s weird

Chwego Park Jimin

I’m starting to see a pattern here

Me

?

He received no answer. His phone buzzed again.

THE Suga

Sorry I closed the call so abruptly, work called

BTW, my name is Min Yoongi

Min Yoongi. He let the name roll on his tongue.

«Oh, ma’!» Jungkook called, closing the door behind him. He heard shuffling from the kitchen, and his mom appeared, followed by Junghyun. Jungkook smiled wide, letting his backpack drop on the floor and shuffling to his mother to envelope her in a tight hug.

«Jungkook, your shoes!» she shrilled, and Jungkook just tightened the hug. «Jungkook-ah, I swear…»

He ignored her and hugged his brother, quick and manly. At which point, he heard his father calling his name from the kitchen. His mother hooked his arm, looking at him sternly.

«Take off your shoes or I will have you clean the floor with your tongue.»

He complied.

«What’s for dinner tonight?» he asked as he back-hugged his father, who was gently stirring in pots and pans.

«Nothing for you if you don’t come pick your backpack up!» his mom yelled from the other room. Junghyun waved his hands and told Jungkook he’d take care of it, and Jungkook smiled wide.

«Homemade Kimchi-jjigae» his father told him, and Jungkook moaned at the thought of what he was about to eat.

He helped his brother set up the table, cheerily chatting about the new skins that had been added to Overwatch. As they all sat down to eat, his parents began their parental interrogation on both of their sons. Jungkook happily talked about what he was learning, even showing them some of the videos he’d done in the past month. Junghyun shared some very technical terms that they didn’t really understand, and when he realized the conversation was going nowhere, he showed them his latest drawings. Their mom cheered in relief.

Then, Jungkook explained his mother what exactly he had won.

«But are they going to pay you?» she asked in a apprehensive tone.

«Yes, ma’. But I don’t really care about that–»

«What are you saying that you don’t care? You should care. Never do any work for free.» she sternly added.

«Yes, I know. But these two people are-»

«What are they? They’re nothing more than you. To be candid, I’d say you are already much better than them. Look at you, doing these amazing films. They’re just talking to themselves.»

Jungkook scoffed, desperate, and let his head fall on the table.

«You don’t even know what they do.» he whined. His mother lifted an eyebrow. «RM is an underground rapper, first of all.» he continued, and she rolled her eyes, leaning back on the chair.

«No, no! Let me finish! He’s also a music producer, and I bet a good one at that.»

«You haven’t listened to his songs?» his brother turned around, looking at Jungkook with a surprised expression. The younger shook his head.

Once dinner was over, Jungkook and Junghyun sprinted to their room, like the good old days. Junghyun let his brother listen to some of Namjoon’s songs, and Jungkook looked at him with an astonished expression for every song he listened to. He told him he knew of the podcast as well, and that one of the first things he did was look them up on the internet.

«RM has a SoundCloud where he posts his stuff, and an Instagram profile.» Jungkook nodded more enthusiastically at that. «Suga is basically a ghost, I know he has an Instagram profile as well, but last time I checked it was private and empty.»

«Oh! It’s not empty anymore!» Jungkook chimed him, and Junghyun looked at him funny.

«How do you know? Do you follow him?»

Jungkook merrily nodded. His brother complimented him on getting Suga to accept his follow request, and Jungkook showed him the host’s profile, then the messages they had exchanged the previous day. His brother punched him in the shoulder, cursing at his luck.

«I was super surprised when I heard your name being said by them.» his brother said, and Jungkook smiled sheepishly.

«You tell me, I had no idea Jimin had sent the email.»

Junghyun smiled, and he looked down, clearly holding something back. Jungkook kicked his leg from where he was laying on his bed, Junghyun sitting on the ground and leaning on his own mattress.

«What is it» he asked, his words coming slightly muffled as he smushed his face on the pillow. Junghyun just shook his head, still smiling. Jungkook groaned and kicked him again and again, until his brother pleaded for him to stop.

«Okay, okay. Jeez, you’re annoying.» he muttered while hoisting himself up on his bed. He laid down and looked at the ceiling. «You and Jimin are really close.»

Jungkook smiled wide, smushing yet again his whole face in the pillow.

«Jimin is my best friend.» he said, the image of his friend bowing in front of him vivid in his mind, his laughter echoing in his memories. «He’s kind of like my saviour.»

Junghyun hesitated again.

«Are you two, like…»

Jungkook looked up at his brother with furrowed brows.

«…dating, or something?»

Jungkook started shouting, and he threw his pillow at Junghyun who was stammering out apologies. They immediately shut up when they heard their mom yelling at them to be quiet.

«What made you think that?» Jungkook whispered, recovering his pillow from the ground. Junghyun shrugged.

«I don’t know, Jimin just looks…» he shut up. Jungkook stared at him.

«Gay?» he suggested, and his brother nodded. Jungkook thought about it. «And what about it?»

Junghyun shrugged.

«I have nothing against it-»

«Of course you don’t.» Jungkook snapped. Junghyun stared at him from under his eyes. Jungkook sat back on his bed.

«I’m sorry, I was just curious. No ill intent.» Junghyun murmured, and Jungkook hummed.

He perfectly knew what people thought of his best friend, and there had been occasions where he felt rage boil up when he noticed the stares some assholes would send his way. He tried not to think about it. He knew they’d never really talked about it in his family, so hearing his brother bring up the subject made him feel extremely on edge.

After a few silent seconds, his brother spoke up again.

«So…?»

Jungkook started chuckling, and shook his head.

«No, we are just friends. Plus, he told me I remind him of his younger brother too many times.»

Junghyun nodded, pensive.

After a while, Jungkook asked him if they could listen to more of RM’s songs.

Later that night, he shared the conversation with Jimin, who just replied with an alien emoji. He wasn’t sure what that meant.

The next day was spent mostly doing nothing, playing, and helping his mother get rid of some old clothes he didn’t wear anymore. Jungkook talked more about the podcast and the two hosts, set on convincing his mother that the two men weren’t as bad as she was making them to be.

«What does Sujeo do?» she asked at some point, and Jungkook’s answer was drowned under his brother’s laughter coming from the bathroom.

«Suga, mom. It’s Suga.» Jungkook corrected, sighing.

«What kind of name is that? Is he Korean?»

«It’s– it’s a pseud. His real name is Min Yoongi.»

«Min?»

Jungkook rolled his eyes. He nodded. She grunted.

«I’d like to meet them in person.» she said, and Jungkook looked at her distrustfully.

«Why?»

«You keep talking about them as if they’re some idols. I want to see if they’re worth your agitation.»

His brother ran to the room they were in, and before Jungkook could tackle him he yelled the magic words.

«Jungkook has Suga’s photos saved on his phone!»

Jungkook pounced on him, shoving one of his old socks in his mouth.

«Oh, come on! It’s only one photo!» he argued, but his mother already had a mischievous glint in her eyes. The brothers stopped trying to one-up each other when their father walked up to them with an exasperated smile, politely yet menacingly asking them to just help their mother.

Jungkook loved his family. He loved them more when he didn’t have to live with them permanently. But he did love them! That’s why he always felt melancholic every time he had to say good bye to them.

Junghyun had given him a cute sketch he’d done of the last photo Jimin had posted on his Instagram, the one he’d taken when him and Jungkook had hung out together. His brother told him to give it to Jimin, and to thank him for taking care of his younger brother. Jungkook hugged him in return, patting his back. His dad gave him some food in a plastic container, and his mom sneaked him more money once Junghyun walked out the door.

«Buy those two hosts of yours a nice dinner when you meet them.» she’d said, and Jungkook grinned. She might make fun of him and his interests, but he knew she was happy for him nonetheless.

On the way back to his apartment, he stared at the chat with Suga. He thought about sending him another message, just because he was feeling upbeat; but no topic to discuss came to mind.

All of a sudden, he saw the three dots informing him that Suga was writing a message pop up on the screen. Excitement stirred in his gut. It was quickly replaced by amused confusion as he saw the dots disappear, then reappear, then disappear again.

Me

You do realize I can see you typing and backspacing, right?

The dots disappeared, and didn’t reappear for a while. Jungkook worried that he might’ve crossed a line. But then they reappeared, and swiftly got replaced by Suga’s reply.

Min The Suga Yoongi

Aren’t you going to ask me what’s that I want to say?

Jungkook chuckled. He bit his bottom lip, thinking of a reply.

Me

Is there something you want to tell me, Suga-ssi?

Min The Suga Yoongi

Thank God
If you didn’t formally ask me I wouldn’t have been able to ever talk
It’s a curse

Jungkook snorted, letting a light laughter escape his lips. He waited for the other man to continue, but he received no message.

Me

No, but really

How can I help you?

Min The Suga Yoongi

I just wanted to teltylul;87

Sorry wait a sec

Jungkook resisted the urge to write him “Well, teltylul;87 ahead”; he didn’t think they were close enough for him to unleash his lame sense of humour. He patiently waited for the reply, adjusting his position on the plastic seats of the metro. He smiled at a kid that had been staring at him for too long.

Min The Suga Yoongi

Sorry I’m back

Me

Dog got your phone?

Min The Suga Yoongi

No, a friend was being stupid

I would never hit my dog

But you bet I just slam dunked my friend into the ground

Me

Did you really?

Min The Suga Yoongi

Absolutely not

Jungkook locked his phone, looking up and biting his lips, trying to hold back his laughter. He felt giddy and euphoric, just talking to Suga as if they were friends. He’d always known he and Suga would get along well if they ever met, but deep down he’d always dismissed the thought as a fanboy delusion. Proving himself wrong had never felt so nice.

Min The Suga Yoongi

By the way, I wanted to tell you that your video looks cool

I mean

Well now I sound stupid

Your dancing video

The video where you dance

The one on Instagram

Looks cool

Me

You saw that?

Min The Suga Yoongi

Hoseok showed me

You tagged him, right? He was the aforementioned friend

You’re really good, also in the ones on your YouTube channel

Me

Thank you, Suga-ssi!!

Min The Suga Yoongi

Call me hyung

He replied with a thumbs-up emoji. He wanted to talk more to Suga, but his stop was approaching, so he just pocketed the phone and relished in the after-feeling of talking to someone he admired. No need to rush, he thought.

Once he was out the metro station and into the street, he decided to call his best friend.

He told him of the conversation he’d just had, and Jimin laughed with him as he recollected. He commented with a “this hyung, really…”, and Jungkook scolded him. Jimin made fun of his boy-crush, as he called it.

He walked back home, and spent the rest of his day –and the rest of his days until Wednesday– living his normal, student life: holed up in his apartment, chugging coffee and energy drinks, going to classes, studying and barely sleeping. The only thing that felt different was the slow, constant buzz of excitement that just grew stronger as the days passed. He didn’t talk to the two hosts again, despite sometimes checking their profiles to see what they were up to. RM posted another photo where Suga’s face was completely obliterated, and Suga was silent as always.

A nice change from his usual absence came in the form of an Instagram notification on a bleary Tuesday afternoon.

dtsuga_myg followed you back!

«I’m telling you, he was waiting to follow you since day one. He just felt too self-conscious so he had to wait.»

«Jimin, this doesn’t make sense.»

Jimin whined and probably let out his frustration against Jungkook by smashing repeatedly the phone on his bed, Jungkook imagined by the sounds coming from the receiver.

Jimin tried to convince him to post a photo of himself, “just to see if he’s going to prove my point” he muttered, and Jungkook complied. More because Jimin scared him when he was frustrated than because he was curious. 

«Do you have one? I don’t really take photos of myself.» he asked, and Jimin immediately sent him a picture of the both of them, as if he was just waiting for Jungkook to utter those same words. He didn’t say anything, and Jungkook let out a chuckle at how serious Jimin seemed.

He was about to comment how ugly he looked with his circular spectacles on, but Jimin’s silence from the other end of the call was creeping him out, so he kept his mouth shut.

Once he posted the photo, captioning it with a “Jimin-ssi~” even though he had cropped Jimin out, he let his friend know, and Jimin just asked– commanded him to tell him when Suga was going to like it.

«You don’t know if he’s even going to like it at all.» Jungkook pointed out, and Jimin just grunted.

«Give it five, ten minutes top.» was all he said before falling in a heavy silence. Jungkook giggled and went back to reading his book on how camera angles worked, taking one earphone out. When two minutes later his phone buzzed again, Jimin just proudly boasted a “I told you so”, even though Jungkook hadn’t even looked at the screen yet. Yet there it was, another merry notification.

dtsuga_myg liked your photo.

«I’m saying it now, and you can quote me on that: this boy likes you.»

Jungkook stood silent, not aware of the small smile tugging the corners of his lips.

«Jimin, you don’t make sense.»

He woke up the Wednesday morning exhausted, as if the five hours of sleep hadn’t been enough. He dragged himself to class as usual, took a rain check on meeting Jimin after class, went back home and dropped on the bed; teared up a bit when his brain just wouldn’t fall asleep. He thought about letting one episode of the podcast play in the background while he tried to sleep, but then he realized that maybe cleaning up his apartment was a better idea. Jungkook didn’t want the two hosts to think he really lived in such a dump; even if he actually did.

Despite the exhaustion, he put in his earphones, his most accelerated-bpm playlist and lazily danced his way through the cleaning. He resisted the urge to just drop on the floor many times. Once he deemed the space habitable enough, he didn’t allow his body to rest, deciding instead to go buy some human food.

In his vocabulary, “human food” apparently consisted of lots of instant ramen and instant rice, exactly two bananas, more coffee and one bottle of banana milk. He brought the bag up to his kitchen proudly.

He was still utterly exhausted, but he thought that it was too late to take a nap; he’d end up waking up at four a.m. and mess up his sleeping schedule even more. Instead, he tried to keep his mind busy by looking up new choreographies to learn and trying them out.

He realized that tiring himself out when he was trying to stay awake had been a dumb idea as he slowly laid on the floor, curling on himself and clutching his phone. He sent a quick message to Jimin, asking him to call him by ten p.m. if he didn’t hear from him, and immediately passed out on the ground.

He dreamt he was still cleaning the house, and he was so convinced he was actually awake that when his phone started buzzing insistently next to his ear, he woke up completely disoriented. Weak and confused, he sat up, answering his phone. Jimin just laughed at his momentary inability to speak normal sentences.

He stretched, whining when his muscles pulled in pain. He made himself two cups of instant noodles, doubling over when his hunger shot pangs of pain to his guts. He devoured them as soon as they were ready, which they really weren’t because the noodles still crunched under his teeth. He sent Suga a quick “good luck with the podcast!” half an hour before it began, and he spent those minutes mindlessly watching videos on YouTube. He moved to his bed once the podcast began, laying down and trying to keep his eyes open.

«Some people have been saying that the choice for the winner was rigged» RM began, clear amusement in his words. «That we weren’t being fair.»

Suga scoffed, he stumbled on his words.

«Of course we weren’t fair» he stressed the last word and Jungkook heard him slap his hand on the table. «This is our show, we can do what we want.»

Jungkook chuckled at RM’s hearty laugh.

«We did review every single entry, just so you know.» he added.

They went on reading more comments, and talking and chatting and Jungkook’s eyelids were feeling heavier by the second, and before he could realize, he’d fallen asleep again to the sound of the two hosts’ words.

He dreamt he was a butterfly, personally picking up Namjoon and Yoongi from Seoul to take them to Busan.

His phone buzzed from the ground. Jungkook stirred in his sleep, turning on himself and trying to ignore the noise and fall asleep again. When the buzzing didn’t stop, he growled and lowered an arm, tapping the floor that his fingers could reach for his phone. When he grabbed it, he mindlessly pressed the home button, hoping for the alarm to stop annoying him. He dropped the phone back on the floor and turned back, nuzzling the pillow he’d been hugging while asleep. He heard a distant voice calling his name. He ignored it. But then he heard it again, this time more insistent.

His eyes snapped open, and he launched himself off the bed, falling on his back. He yelped and cursed, biting his knuckles to avoid yelling in pain as his nerves were screaming. He picked up his phone, bringing it to his ear.

«Hello?» he whined.

«Are you okay? I just heard a weird sound.»  

Jungkook nodded, his eyes still squeezing and his knuckle red and bitten.

«Yeah, I’m fine. What’s up?»

Suga sighed. There were voices coming from his end.

«We’ve just arrived at the Incheon airport, I sent you some messages but you weren’t answering–»

«I am so sorry, I was still asleep» Jungkook sighed, passing a hand on his face in a nervous motion. Suga just scoffed, clearly amused.

«It’s fine, I imagined. It’s definitely early.»

Jungkook hummed in agreement, then waited for Suga to continue what he was saying. He didn’t.

«So… what time will you arrive in Gimhae?»

Suga took in a sharp breath.

«Uh… we have our flight in half an hour, and it takes an hour to get there, so, uh, it’ll be like… what time is n– Namjoon is saying we’ll be there by eleven fifteen. Will you be there?»

The way Suga asked the last question made Jungkook cock his head to the side. He sounded almost pleading.

«Sure.» he just said.
 

They said their goodbyes, Suga thanking him in the process. Jungkook was now wide awake. He rushed through taking a shower, making himself breakfast and choosing what to wear; not because he was late, he was just that excited. Once on the metro, he checked his notifications.

Suga had sent him a few messages between the prior night and the same morning, asking him if he had fun listening to the podcast, then asking him if he was going to pick them up from the airport. Jimin had sent him a nonsensical video, and a photo of his newly caramel-dyed hair. He replied with heart emojis, and Jimin immediately tried to convince him to dye his hair as well. Jungkook sternly wrote “no”, and then told him what he was doing. Jimin sent him keysmashes and an all caps “GOOD LUCK”.

Once he got to the airport, it was five past eleven. He strolled around the building, trying to find the exit from where the two hosts would come out. Once he did, he sat at a bench sitting just across of it and got distracted mouthing what he read on signs and posters.

Then eleven fifteen came, and the loudspeakers announced that a flight from Seoul had just landed.
Then eleven twenty-five came, and the passengers started oozing out of the exit; Jungkook walked closer, squinting his eyes and trying to see if he could recognize the two men. Would it have been better if he’d made a sign with their names on it?

Then eleven forty came, and no one else was walking out the two automatic doors, and Jungkook was the only one left standing near the exit.

He nervously checked for any messages on his phone; none. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

Then eleven fifty came, and Jungkook was seriously worrying. He’d sent a message to Suga, asking him if everything was okay, but he had yet to receive an answer. He quickly jogged to an information booth, but the lady behind the desk told him what he already knew; the plane had landed and that’s it.

He walked back to the front of the exit with his head hanging low. He tried calling he host, but the line went dead, didn’t even ring.

Then twelve came, and Jungkook was now sitting on the ground, his head resting on the plastic barrier. His mind was doing somersaults, and it was actually convincing him that he’d mistaken the date– he’d been catfished– he’d been forgotten– they had been arrested because they were criminals– they had died– they had lied–

Chapter Text

The glass door slid open, and he followed his friend out, dragging his suitcase behind him. He almost bumped into his back.

«You do remember what he looks like? I’m bad at remembering faces.» Namjoon said, scanning the wide room. Yoongi stepped in front of him, looking around. He saw a lump sitting on the floor just behind the plastic barrier, head hanging low and resting on the glass, eyes fixed on the phone on his lap. He turned to Namjoon, pointing at the man. Namjoon gave a quick look, and his expression turned into a confused one.

«Are you sure that’s him?» he asked, squinting his eyes.

«Well, let’s go find out.»

Yoongi left his suitcase behind for Namjoon to take and quickly jogged around the barrier, and behind the mass on the floor. He crouched and leaned his head in what was clearly Jungkook’s line of sight.

Jungkook’s eyes moved from his phone to him, and they did a double take before widening. His head shot up, and his mouth hung open. Yoongi smiled, and turned back to see Namjoon approaching them.

«Told you.» Yoongi mumbled, and turned back to lend a hand to the youngster, who looked at it dumbfounded. He then grabbed it and Yoongi hoisted them both up.

«You guys are alive.» Jungkook stuttered out, an amazed smile forming on his lips.

Namjoon chuckled, extending a hand. Jungkook took it carefully. Namjoon’s grip was confident and strong.

«It’s a pleasure to meet you in person; I’m Kim Namjoon.» he said as smoothly as he usually did, and Yoongi smiled. He extended his hand as well, and shook Jungkook’s; his grasp was less powerful, almost like a caress.

«Min Yoongi.» he just said, but Jungkook beamed anyway.

«Jeon Jungkook. It’s great to see you, and like– not only hear you.»

The two hosts chuckled, and Namjoon sighed.

«I’m sorry it took us so long–»

«Namjoon lost his passport and had to go back on the plane to look for it.» Yoongi interrupted, picking at the elastic of the black mask hanging on his chin. Jungkook oh’d. Namjoon nudged his friend’s shoulder, trying to hide his embarrassment behind a dimply smile.

«Did he find it?»

«Yeah, but then we got held back because of my breathing machine.» the taller groaned, and Yoongi could see a question forming on Jungkook’s mouth, so he quickly stopped him.

«Nah-ah, how about we at least start walking? We can chat on the way.»

Jungkook looked down and smiled shyly, nodding almost imperceptibly.

The walk towards the metro saw Namjoon and Jungkook exchanging pleasantries, warming to each other.

How was the trip?

How’s the weather?

Would you like for me to take your suitcase?

Yoongi listened quietly, walking behind them and taking in the surroundings. He’d already been to Busan some other times. He just usually took the train.

He looked back at the two figures in front of him, and he caught Jungkook send him a sneaky glance. He turned back to the conversation when he noticed Yoongi looking back at him. Yoongi smiled.

«Is our hostel far from where you live?» Namjoon asked, and Jungkook thought about it.

«It’s actually really close. My apartment is just a few blocks down.»

Namjoon beamed.

«That’s perfect! We can meet up easily then.»

They reached the stop, and Yoongi immediately sat down on a bench, hunching on himself. Namjoon spared him a quick glance, but Jungkook gazed at him, despite still entertaining a friendly discussion with the other host.

«How long are you guys staying here in Busan?» he asked, and heard Namjoon stall. He looked up, and was met with a confused glare. He pointed a finger towards Yoongi.

«Hasn’t he– hasn’t Yoongi told you?»

Had he? Jungkook honestly couldn’t remember. Maybe he’d told him the first time they’d talked on the phone, when Jungkook was so shocked and astonished that he hadn’t registered a single thing but the timbre of the host’s voice. His doubts vanished when Yoongi muttered a soft “I forgot”.

«Really, hyung… you had one job.» Namjoon scolded, and Jungkook chuckled. They got interrupted by the train approaching, and once inside, Yoongi again found his way to the only free seat available. Once sat down though, he motioned to Jungkook to sit, but the younger shook his head and smiled, letting him have the seat.

«We’re staying here for a couple of weeks. We’re not really sure yet, we haven’t even bought the ticket back.» Namjoon started to explain, «It really depends on many things. We have some bureaucratic things to take care of before filming, then we need to organize the filming, finish editing the script that someone did not finish» he scolded, sending Yoongi a look that got lost in his disregard.

«I mean, we have some stuff to do. And we also want to stay here while you are editing. Even if I don’t understand absolutely anything about it, if we can be of any help we’d like to be available for you.»

Jungkook nodded slowly, eyes lost in his surroundings.

«I’m pretty quick at editing, but since the project is not mine I will definitely need your guidance.» he added, smiling at the host.

«I’m sure it’ll be a nice adventure. In the meantime, we can get to know each other!»

Jungkook frowned in confusion.

«Wait, you mean like…» he mumbled, and Yoongi scoffed.

«What, you thought we’d use you as cameraman and that would be it?» he sneered, making Jungkook blush out of embarrassment. Of course he didn’t think that, but at the same time he didn’t want to get his hopes up just to get them to crumble in his hands. Namjoon smiled fondly at the younger, finding him endearing in his timidity.

«I’m sure we can be friends, Jungkook.»

He gently patted his back, Jungkook still somehow lost in the freshly acquired news.

«I like your videos.» Yoongi said then, his expression still looking rather out of it; eyes half lidded and lips slightly parted. Jungkook just stared back at him, studying his presence. When Yoongi looked up at him, Jungkook smiled. Yoongi smiled too after a beat, shyly.

«Why are you smiling at me?» he asked, but he didn’t sound annoyed, just curious. Jungkook shrugged.

«Wouldn’t you be happy to meet someone you’ve wanted to know for a while?»

Namjoon choked, making both pair of eyes turn to him.

«Believe me, he is.» he just said, before Yoongi stomped on his foot rather harshly, making him curse in pain. Jungkook laughed, even though he wasn’t sure he understood what he was talking about.

From there, they talked about Jungkook’s videos. Namjoon listened to him gushing about his passion, asking questions when he didn’t understand something and nodding vigorously when he actually knew what Jungkook was talking about. He seemed actually interested, and that let Jungkook talk excitedly without feeling awkward. Sometimes, he’d spare a glance at the other man; he didn’t seem to be listening to him, and that made Jungkook’s stomach drop a bit. He continued talking about his school once they were out the metro and walking towards the hostel; he mentioned how he didn’t think his school had an adequate learning program, how he’d wanted to move to Seoul but didn’t because of his parents. Namjoon listened to it all, absorbing everything. Jungkook still sent glances to Yoongi, who walked just a bit behind them, looking around.

«Yoongi hyung» Jungkook called, catching the host’s attention. The host didn’t seem to be interested in talking with them, but then again it might have been just because he was timid. Jungkook, however, somehow doubted that; the host seemed so sure of himself, what with the way he walked and talked and behaved, all cool and no slips. He would try anyway to include him, because Jungkook was stubborn and he wanted to become his friend.

«Have you ever been to Busan?»

Yoongi nodded, taking his sweet time to reply.

«Yeah» he spoke, «My aunt lives here. She has a beauty salon.»

«Where?»

«Suyeong-gu.»

Namjoon stopped abruptly, making the other host once again almost bump into his back.

«Oh» he uttered. «We’re here. We’ll check in and then we can go eat somewhere together, is that okay?»

Jungkook nodded, propping a thumb up with a wide smile. He looked at the two hosts disappear behind the wooden door of the hostel, then glancing at them from the window on the lobby. He took out his phone, quickly typing a message.

Me

NEVERMIND they’re alive

We’re at the hostel, they’re checking in

Park Jimin

What did I tell you?

You were panicking for nothing

How are they??

Me

COOL

I don’t know how I’m keeping my COOL

Wait why is my phone capitalizing COOL

Stop it

Park Jimin

Please tell me you are holding back your stupidity with them.

Me

Namjoon is so smart

I talked a lot but he listened, and understood

I’ve never felt so understood before

Park Jimin

I am taking an Offense

Suga?

Me

Idk

I feel like he doesn’t like me

Park Jimin

What why

Me

He’s super silent, and idk he doesn’t seem as involved as Namjoon hyung

I can see them from the window

Park Jimin

Congrats

Me

No I mean

Namjoon is basically over the counter

He looks dejected

Wait they’re coming back

He pocketed his phone just as the two men walked out the door, wearing more troubled expressions than the ones they’d walked in with. Namjoon sighed, and ran a hand through his grape hair.

«They messed up, and now one of us will have to go sleep somewhere else because there are no more beds.» he spoke, while Yoongi just kept looking down the road.

«It’s okay, Namjoon. I’ll call my aunt.» he said, putting a hand on his friend’s shoulder. The corners of his mouth slightly perked up, and Namjoon gave him a tight-lipped smile. «We can go eat something now. I’m starving.»

They decided to set for a small place just down the block.

Jungkook felt like he was floating. He could sense the strained awkwardness of first encounters still lingering between them, but Namjoon was doing his best to make him feel comfortable despite his shyness.

Yoongi, on the other hand, felt tense and out of place. Basically, nothing out of the ordinary.

After having called his aunt, he walked back into the restaurant, joining the other two men at the table.

He knew he could be hard to deal with sometimes– most times– but since he’d slept barely three hours the night before, and had ate nothing but coffee the previous week, he was cutting himself some slack off forcing himself to seem averagely likable. Plus, he’d already talked to Jungkook, so he hoped he didn’t find his aloof personality too dejecting. He had the feeling the young man didn’t like him that much anyway. He wouldn’t have a problem with that, if it wasn’t for the fact that said young man kept sneaking glances at him, and Yoongi was a sensitive one and couldn’t help thinking that he was judging him. Harshly.

The lunch went ahead smoothly, and Yoongi listened quietly to the conversation between the other two. Jungkook’s voice was pleasant, slightly adenoidal at times, and Yoongi had to check but he had the impression that there was also a slight lisp here and there. He stuttered at times, and he wasn’t sure if it was because he was talking to Namjoon, the man and the legend, or just because he did. However, he spoke excitedly, maintaining a strong eye contact with Namjoon that broke off only when he got shy, his voice lowering in volume and his eyes crinkling in a coy smile.

Yoongi teared his gaze away from the younger, focusing on poking his meat with his chopsticks. He hadn’t even eaten half the dish.

He wanted to talk with Jungkook as well, but he didn’t have the mental strength to join the conversation. He strained his focus, trying to get a glimpse into the little world the two men had created around them.

«Do you have some videos?» Jungkook asked, basically leaning on the table, looking at his friend with sparkly, big eyes. Namjoon hummed. He took out his phone.

«I need to check. I changed phone recently and not all of my media was saved. There should be some videos on YouTube, anyway.»

«Oh, I saw all of those already. I was wondering if you had more.»

Namjoon looked at the boy in front of him with a curious glint in his eyes, his dimples showing, phone momentarily forgotten.

«I have some.» Yoongi interjected, still poking at his dish.

«Hyung» Jungkook spoke, «You were listening?»

He sounded surprised, and that made Yoongi look up at him with raised eyebrows.

«Of course. Why?»

He looked down, shrugging. Yoongi had the feeling he didn’t want to see the videos anymore.

«Ah» Namjoon interjected, turning his phone towards Jungkook. «This is a show we did a few months back, my hair was greenish at the time.»

He pressed play on the screen, and the distorted recording of the concert echoed between them.

«We?» Jungkook questioned, «You have a crew?»

Namjoon cackled then, and patted Yoongi’s back, making him huff in surprise.

«No, not anymore. I’m with grandpa here.»

Jungkook’s eyes widened comically, and he looked down at the phone in his hand. He squinted, trying to see beyond the low quality pixels.

«Did hyung have… white hair?» he questioned, looking up and pointing at the screen.

«Silver.» he corrected. «I’m the sh– I’m the shortest.»

He ignored Namjoon whispering a “ouch, self burn”, focusing instead on the reaction on the younger’s face.

Jungkook looked at the screen until the video stopped, and then he looked up in awe.

«Hyung» he repeated, looking at Yoongi . «I didn’t know you could rap.»

Yoongi smiled.

«What did you think?»

«It was dope as hell» he immediately responded, giving the phone back to its owner. «You’re both amazing at it. Did you also write the song?» he asked Namjoon, who just shook his head in response, nodding towards Yoongi again.

«All him.»

Something clicked in Jungkook’s eyes, but Yoongi’s question got broken off by Namjoon scraping his chair on the ground and standing up.

«How about we pay and walk out of here? I’m afraid I’m going to be tempted to order some Soju, and we really shouldn’t.»

And so they did. Jungkook offered to pay for the meal but Namjoon refused; Jungkook insisted more and Namjoon protested, at which point Jungkook stomped to the cashier but got held back by Namjoon, and they politely started to tell each other off, more entertained by the situation than actually angry at each other. Yoongi took advantage of their distraction to pay for the whole meal; then, he smugly put the receipt in the pocket of Namjoon’s shirt, walking out of the restaurant with both men pulling at his jacket’s sleeves, whining and complaining.

«Hyung, what did your aunt say?» Namjoon asked once they started walking. Yoongi shrugged, adjusting his black cap on his head.

«She doesn’t have room for me. I’ll have to look up somewhere else to stay.» he said unfazed, but Namjoon winced anyway.

«Gosh» he passed a hand through his hair, «Okay, how about you stay at the hostel and I go look for somewhere else?»

«Namjoon» Yoongi warned, giving him a look. Jungkook looked at the two men in front of him curiously.

«Don’t “Namjoon” me, you know it’s better this way.» Namjoon continued, and Yoongi enunciated a dry “no”. «That was the cheapest, come on. It’s two weeks, I don’t want you to go broke again.»

He whispered the last part, leaning into his friend, but Jungkook couldn’t help overhear. Yoongi’s following silence was very telling.

Jungkook felt the urge to say something to lighten the mood again, but nothing came to mind. Was Yoongi financially struggling? And to think he’d just offered them lunch. Jungkook couldn’t help but feel a little bit guilty.

«Hyung» he called, and both hosts turned around to look at him. When he didn’t continue, Namjoon hummed questioningly. Jungkook turned to look at Yoongi. «Do you want to stay at my place?» he uttered before he could stop his tongue.

Oh God, I hope he doesn’t think I’m taking pity on him.

Yoongi stopped, and Jungkook almost crashed into him. The host studied him up and down with a blank expression.

«It’s fine if you don’t want to, I just have a spare bed and I thought– I mean, maybe it could be, uh…» the younger stuttered, feeling particularly small under the man’s gaze. He opened his mouth to reply—

«YES» Namjoon shouted, making both of them jump in surprise.

«Wait, wait, I didn’t even–» Yoongi started, but Namjoon carelessly slapped his mouth shut with his hand.

«You, shut up. You,» and he turned to Jungkook. «Would you really? You didn’t just say this out of pity or something?»

Jungkook shook his head, still a bit taken aback by the host’s outburst.

«I don’t care if you did, I’m asking only because I know he does» he said pointing at his friend, whose eyes were wide open in a disconcerted stare, his lips upturned in bafflement.

«It’s totally fine by me. Might not be the most comfortable bed, but it’s something.» Jungkook reiterated, regaining his composure.  He ignored the pesky voice yelling “slumber party!” in his head, still trying to seem cool and not a fanboy mess.

«Do I have a voice in this?» Yoongi sighed, and Namjoon didn’t even turn to look at him.

«No. Anyway,» he continued, «Would you bring us to your apartment?»

«Do you want to know where he lives because you’re curious or because you want to know where to start looking for me once I disappear mysteriously?» Yoongi joked, and cackled loudly once he saw the look on Jungkook’s face.

«I’ll have you known that I am a very respectable Korean citizen.» he scoffed, before joining him in laughter.

Jungkook’s apartment was small but cosy. Clearly lived in, the walls were of a warm cream colour, which contrasted nicely with the deep wood colour of the furniture. He hesitantly stepped inside, as close to the wall as possible. The living room and the kitchen were open plant, divided only by the thin kitchen island. There was a couch with a colourful knit blanket draped over it, in front of a coffee table littered by pieces of paper, notes and cables.

«Make yourselves at home» Jungkook chirped, walking past Yoongi and gesturing them inside. He quickly skidded to the side, carefully closing what was probably his bedroom’s door. Namjoon walked past Yoongi as well, making a beeline for the bookcase near another door opposite Jungkook’s bedroom.

«Woah, you have quite the collection.» he marvelled at the number of movie DVDs stacked side to side on the shelves. He took one out and- «Oh! He even has your favourite movie!» he spoke to Yoongi. Jungkook walked to him and looked over his shoulder, curious to see what movie he was talking about.

«Tazza, hyung?» he questioned, and Yoongi nodded. «It’s a good movie.» he added, and the conversation died there, much to Yoongi’s dismay. He frowned, mindlessly scratching the surface of the kitchen island. Was he really so difficult to talk to in real life or was Jungkook just tolerating him at best?

«I’m sorry if the place is a bit of a mess» Jungkook apologized as he picked up a loose post-it. «I can clean it up better for Yoongi hyung-»

«Nah» Yoongi said, still stuck behind the kitchen island. Jungkook noticed how awkward he looked. He was about to ask him if everything was okay when Namjoon spoke up again.

«Jungkook, I’ll go pick up Yoongi’s suitcase from the hostel so I can take it here, okay?»

The younger nodded, and looked at the host walking out of his apartment, waving them goodbye.

Once he was out, the awkwardness was in. Both guys stiffly stood in the room, Yoongi still hiding behind the counter, Jungkook fiddling with the post it in his hands.

«So…» Yoongi started, making a move to walk from behind the counter, but Jungkook saw his gears turn in his brain and he moved back to the same position he’d been in. «Where would I sleep?»

Jungkook looked around the room despite knowing where, if anything just to let some time pass.

«My couch, it can open up and it becomes a queen size. Can you help me out?» he motioned to the couch, and Yoongi nodded. He hesitated before actually moving towards him.

They struggled through opening the bed before realizing there were latches they had to unlock. Once they did open it though, Jungkook disappeared behind the door of his room, and Yoongi took advantage of the momentary solitude to lay face down on the bare mattress. It smelled of plastic packaging.

«Hyung» Jungkook called, and he felt the mattress dip under the other’s weight. «Are you tired?»

Yoongi just hummed.

«If you move I can make the bed and you can take a nap.» Jungkook continued, but Yoongi didn’t move. Jungkook scoffed. He stood up, and Yoongi heard him unravel bedsheets. He heard him snicker, and then the soft blanket was carefully laid on top of him. Yoongi smiled into the mattress. Jungkook walked around every corner, to make sure the bedsheet was tightly secured, ignoring the human shaped lump under it.

«Hyung, if you don’t get up I will finish making the bed on top of you.»

Yoongi didn’t budge.

And Jungkook kept his promise; giggling, he laid the duvet on the bed, and a pillow right on top of where Yoongi’s head was.

«Please don’t suffocate.» he chuckled, and the host mumbled something and stirred slightly. Jungkook took out his phone and took a photo of the host’s feet poking out of the bedsheets, sending it to Jimin.

Yoongi mumbled something yet again, and Jungkook hummed questioningly.

«When Namjoon comes back, don’t say anything. If he asks where I am, just say “here”.» his voice comes muffled from under the different layers, and Jungkook laughs at the prospect of how the scene was going to play out.

Park Jimin

ASDKLFJL WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON IN HERE ON THIS DAY

WHAT IS HE DOING

IS THAT SUGA

Me

Ahahah

I don’t know!! He’s just laying there

He’s tired

I think he wants to pull a prank on Namjoon

Park Jimin

Mad lad

Me

Stop saying that!!

I don’t know what it means

Jungkook pocketed his phone, and looked around, seeing if there was anything he had to do. He took out some towels for Yoongi, leaving them on a stool near the bathroom sink. He then walked back into the living room, and having nothing else to do, he decided to join Yoongi on the bed.

«Are you sure you’re not going to suffocate under there?» he questioned, making himself comfortable just next to the host. Yoongi laid in silence for a while.

«…Maybe you could just move the pillow.» he mumbled, «I swear I could fall asleep like this.»

«You could» Jungkook spoke, moving the pillow as requested and hugging it. He stalled, looking at his own socks. «By the way, I’m sorry if I didn’t answer yesterday.»

Yoongi didn’t move, nor did he react.

«I mean– the message. I ended up falling asleep ten minutes into the podcast.»

«So you didn’t listen to it?» Yoongi’s voice still came muffled; Jungkook had to strain his earing to distinguish the words. He shook his head, before remembering Yoongi couldn’t see him.

«No, but I’m going to, eventually. I never miss an episode.»

He thought about every time Jimin had to patiently listen to his friend gush about every single episode, for every week, for months.

Yoongi hummed.

«How long have you been listening to the podcast?» he asked, moving a little.

«Just for a few months. I remember when I had just moved in here and only had a bed and a desk.» he scratched his head, pouting at the thought of the first weeks into his new life. «I didn’t have internet yet, so I could only be on my phone. I remember someone on Instagram sharing a link to your website.»

«Kim Seokjin?» Yoongi questioned.

«Oh, yeah! The model… man. Is he a model? I never really understood what he does.» Jungkook pondered. Jimin had followed the man one of the many times he stole Jungkook’s phone from his hands. He never really bothered to unfollow him after, he was handsome anyway; a pleasure to look at, or how Jimin had put it. Yoongi scoffed.

«I’m not sure he does either.»

«Do you know him, hyung?»

«Somewhat.»

What kind of answer is “somewhat”.

A few silent moments passed.

«Do you have a favourite episode?» Yoongi asked. Jungkook froze, one specific episode coming to mind.

There was that one when RM had been out sick and Yoongi had had to host the podcast by himself. He’d mainly reviewed some ghost stories, putting in his “unbiased opinion” and basically taking apart every narration, clearly enjoying finding logical resolution to supernatural problems.

It was on top of Jungkook’s list of favourite episodes for the following reasons:

-Suga’s husky voice;

-Suga’s random knowledge of many things that could explain ghosts;

-Suga’s tangent on his dog;

-Suga making fun of RM for believing in ghosts;

-Suga going back on his words and praising RM for his attitude towards the unknown;

-Suga downplaying stories to which he couldn’t find an explanation;

-Suga’s ability to make himself laugh over the stupidest things;

-Suga’s laugh;

He’d fallen asleep to that episode many times, to the point where he could recite passages of it in his sleep.

«There is…» he started, shuffling on the bed and laying down. He cleared his throat, and put on his best impression of Suga’s voice. «“Hello, this is Suga. Today RM is out sick, so I will be th–“»

He got interrupted by a wailing Yoongi, the man struggling under the covers and wiggling, trying to drown out Jungkook’s voice.

«Why would you do this to me» he cried, and Jungkook laughed at the sudden change in the host’s voice, from the usual deep and composed to a strident, cute shriek.  «Is that your favourite episode? I am revoking your possibility of making a choice.»

Jungkook tried to defend his pick, almost admitting his see-sawing need of listening to it to fall asleep on noisy-brain days. However, the buzzer made them both jump, and Yoongi immediately crawled his way back deeper into the bed, pushing Jungkook’s thigh and whispering to him not to make a sound. Jungkook silently got up and walked to the door, before remembering that the one to be hiding was the host, and not himself. He chuckled silently with his hand halfway to the handle when he realized so.

Once Namjoon walked inside, Jungkook took the suitcase and brought it next to the bed. When he looked up, Namjoon was looking around the apartment with a puzzled look. He walked to the ajar door to the bathroom and quickly glanced inside, to find it empty. Jungkook tried to avoid laughing nervously by biting his lips. When Namjoon looked at Jungkook asking him where Yoongi had gone to, Jungkook had to turn around and busy himself in the kitchen to avoid bursting out laughing in his face. Just the knowledge that the black-haired devil was hiding in plain sight in that same room was making it hard to breathe. As Yoongi had ordered, he just replied by saying “right here”, and Namjoon looked around again. He muttered a “what the hell” when he couldn’t find his friend anywhere.

«Jungkook-ssi, did you really make Yoongi disappear? Should I call the police?» Namjoon mumbled then, and Jungkook had to lean on the counter to avoid slumping on the ground in laughter. Yoongi started laughing too, a ticking, silent laughter, at which point Namjoon realized what was going on and started to hit Yoongi’s behind from over the blankets. For every hit, he gritted a light-hearted insult.

Jungkook forgot about the first-meeting awkwardness that had quietly plagued the entire day.

Chapter Text

His alarm blared at the usual eight a.m.

He stretched, still laying in his bed. He let his arm fall back on the mattress with a thud, and stared at the too familiar ceiling. The city outside of his window was already bustling with life, cars honking in the distance and the quiet chatter of the morning sounding less annoying than usual.

He was still basking in the high of the previous night. He smiled, content with life, and jumped out of the bed.

He quietly opened the door, doing his best not to make a sound. A soft light was coming through the windows, delicately warming up his apartment. He tip-toed to the kitchen, opening a cupboard to retrieve his coffee powder. He stopped halfway through opening the bag, suddenly wondering how Yoongi liked his coffee.

He looked back, towards the couch, debating if it was worth it to wake up the host just to ask him. He shrugged, thinking that worst case scenario he’d have to deal with a grumpier Yoongi.

The previous night, Namjoon had informed him that the host was not a morning person, all grumpy and grouchy, while the subject of said information was in the bathroom putting on his pyjama. He then more seriously told him that Yoongi had had some rough weeks and he’d need the sleep, and Jungkook had nodded, understanding.

«Wake him up in time to meet up anyway.» he then added.

Yoongi then had come out of the bathroom with a distrustful look and bear themed pyjama pants.

He walked to the back of the couch, freezing on the spot when he noticed the empty bed. The duvet had all been bundled up in the corner of the bed, in place of the pillow that had somehow ended up on the ground. Jungkook scrunched his eyebrows, looking around to see if he could notice anything missing of the host. Maybe he’d left already? Maybe he’d left him a message.

He walked back to his room, retrieving his phone from the ground, but as the screen lighted up, he only noticed a message from his best friend.

He shuffled back to the living room, stopping again behind the back of the couch to send Yoongi a quick message.

Me

Where are you?

He heard a phone buzz, and he stared in disbelief as he saw a pale, thin arm come out of the bundle of covers on the bed. The arm patted around the mattress, long fingers closing on the phone and bringing it back into the cocoon like something out of a scary game.

Min The Suga Yoongi

In yuor apatmwnt

The phone got hastily thrown back out on the mattress.

Jungkook gawked at the scene. He covered his mouth, trying not to make a sound that would disturb Yoongi. What the hell, he thought, that’s so cute. He sneaked around the bed-couch, making sure not to trip on the host’s shoes and bag. He crouched next to it, leaning his head to see if he could spot the man’s face from under the covers. He didn’t have to pry far, because the host’s face was hanging out the duvet, framed by it, and he had his eyes squeezed shut –probably to stop the light from bothering him– and his eyebrows furrowed. Jungkook leaned on the mattress, staring at the sleepy face in front of him.

Me

How do you like your coffee?

Yoongi scrunched up his face even more, and he poked out his tongue to wet his dry, chapped lips. He cracked open one eye and found Jungkook staring at him with a tender smile that widened as he noticed the host waking up. They looked at each other, the younger waiting for Yoongi to regain his natural brain functions as he slowly clicked his just as dry tongue. He then reached with his arm for his phone, and Jungkook turned around to retrieve it and give it back to him. Yoongi looked at the screen while scratching his eyes.

Min The Suga Yoongi

Blsck. No sugar

He looked up at Jungkook, still rubbing his eye. The younger looked at his phone, then back at Yoongi, and he nodded. He made himself busy by making a pot of coffee, cursing himself when he noticed there was nothing else he could offer as breakfast. He wondered if Yoongi liked banana milk when his phone buzzed again in his pocket.

Min The Suga Yoongi

Why arw yoi awake so early

I thought you didn’t have claas

«I guess I wake up early out of habit.» Jungkook softly spoke, fetching two mugs. «We also have to meet with Namjoon, you know.»

Min The Suga Yoongi

Scfrew Namjoon

Namjoon sucks

Your couch sucks

Jungkook giggled, and brought the cups to the bed. Yoongi sat up, still wrapped in the blanket, shaking his head to get some of his black bangs out of his face. He gladly accepted the warm cup with a whispered “thank you”, his eyes puffy and barely open. Jungkook sat on the edge of the bed, slowly sipping from his cup. They sat in a comfortable silence, Jungkook sneaking glances of the half-asleep figure on his bed. For a second, he thought the man had fallen asleep like that, head slightly tilted and cup in his hand, but then Yoongi opened his eyes once and for all, and again wet his lips in a futile attempt to unchap them. He sipped from the cup, and Jungkook giggled.

«What» Yoongi croaked.

«You have the worst bedhead ever.» he commented, and Yoongi reached his arm out of the covers to try and flatten the nest on his head.

«This bed is the worst.» Yoongi commented, trying to change the topic from his messy hair.

«I’m sorry, hyung. It’s all I have.» Jungkook replied, downing the sugary remains on the bottom of his cup, and Yoongi looked at him in amused disgust.

«I take that back, that was the worst.» he muttered. «That was a gross amount of sugar.»

«I need the sugar to feel hyperactive, or I will end up lazing in bed all day.»

«You know, sugar doesn’t actually make you hyperactive. It’s a hoax.» Yoongi matter-of-factly said, shrugging off the blankets. «You’re just giving yourself diabetes.» Jungkook scrunched his face.

«Then why does everyone always say I’m hyperactive? My mom always told me it’s the sugar.»

«Have you ever thought that maybe you just are. Can I use your shampoo? I didn’t bring mine.»

Jungkook stared at the bathroom door close, and then he turned to the mattress. He made himself comfortable on the bed, crossing his fingers on his lap.

«I like this.» he muttered to himself. He liked how laid back Yoongi was that morning. Namjoon had been right then, the host had just needed some sleep to regain the same attitude he put up during the podcast. Which was nice, to know that Suga was the same person as Yoongi. Same humour, same character, same voice. Blunt, dry, very similar to the people of Gyeongsang. He wondered where he was from; he made a mental note to inquiry more on Yoongi’s life. He wanted to know more, and he wanted Yoongi to know more about him. He brought his hands close to him, hugging himself and trying to hold back a smile, overjoyed at the taste of the following days. He shook his shoulders, trying to get a grip on himself.

Park Jimin

Good morning! The sun is shining

 the birds are chirping

my coffee is cheap

and you still have not invited me

to hang out

with your goblin friends

You Are Cancelled

Me

It’s been a day can you calm down

BTW I thought Suga had left

Turns out he sleeps curled up under the blanket

You know like a cat?

Park Jimin

That’s

Me

Cute, right?

Park Jimin

I was about to say “interesting” sarcastically

But I guess you just owned yourself

Me

You are cancelled

Park Jimin

™

He swiped away from the chat with Jimin, opening a new one with the newly acquired number of the other host. He carefully typed a message, asking him if he was awake and when he wanted to meet. Namjoon replied not too later, firstly asking him why Yoongi “that dumbass” wasn’t answering his phone, and then telling him where to meet and to bring his equipment. Jungkook laughed at the “equipment”; he just had a camera and a microphone, so much for an equipment.

The door clicked open, and Jungkook turned to him. Yoongi was poking his head out, droplets falling from his hair to the ground, his skin flushed from the hot water. He pointed at the bag at the foot of the bed.

«I forgot… my clothes.» he mumbled, and Jungkook immediately jumped down from the bed to bring him the backpack. He handed it to him with a smile, and Yoongi took it without even looking. Jungkook kept smiling even when the door closed back in front of him.

When Yoongi exited the bathroom for good, Jungkook was once again on the bed, messing up the settings of his camera.

«Hyung» he called, catching the host’s attention. «We have to meet Namjoon in thirty.»

Yoongi grunted in response, stalling next to the bed, not sure if he could sit next to the younger or not. He decided to sit close to Jungkook in the end, close enough to spy what he was doing. Jungkook noticed the host curiously peeking at the camera, and imperceptibly scooted a bit closer, turning his hands so he could see better.

«Do you like photography, hyung?»

Yoongi nodded, holding up a hand and motioning for him to hand him the camera. Jungkook obliged. Yoongi turned the setting knob, messed with the ISO, the aperture, he looked through the viewfinder; then, when he seemed satisfied, he turned the camera towards Jungkook, turning the knob to adjust the focus. Jungkook turned away, giggling awkwardly.

«I’m not photogenic.» he complained, but Yoongi clicked his tongue, looking at him through the lens.

«Didn’t your teacher tell you? Nobody is.» he stilled, having found the focus. «The skill is all in the hands of the photographer. Turn around,» and he pulled at Jungkook’s sleeve, «let me see if I still have some of it.»

Jungkook turned his head, just enough to see the camera in the corner of his eye. He smiled shyly, covering half of his face with his sweater-covered hand. He heard the shutter click.

«Not bad. I’m definitely more of a scenery guy, but I think I did you some justice. You look nice.»

He handed him the camera, and Jungkook looked at the photo on the screen. His profile looked the same as ever. Was that nice?

«Where did Namjoon say he wanted to meet?»

«He wasn’t too difficult now, was he?»

Jungkook chuckled, covering his mouth. Yoongi slumped next to him, groaning.

«Oh come on, you say that like I’m the devil in the morning.»

«Not only in the morning, you’re right.»

Yoongi chucked his friend a balled up napkin. It hit Namjoon on his glasses, and he remained unperturbed as he sipped from his hot pink straw. Jungkook watched the scene unfold with wonder. It felt like listening to the podcast, but now there were also visuals. He suddenly felt like his job as cameraman was much more important than what he’d expected.

«Let’s talk business, shall we?» the host put down his cup, taking out of his jacket’s pocket a small organizer. He opened it up, and Jungkook leaned closer to the table in the attempt to get a peek inside. There was a sea of scribbles, ink splatters, doodles; he’d see some lists between pages, but it was mostly a chaotic jumble of Hangul and English.

He landed on a free page, and he took out a pen.

«First off, we need to go to the city hall to get a permit. I already sent an email, so we just need to go there, sign a few things, say we don’t have any malicious intent and we’re going to be set.»

He scribbled that down, the ink bleeding on the paper. It seemed to be of a rougher texture, and Jungkook wondered what it would feel like to touch it. He absentmindedly scratched the wooden surface of the table.

«I was thinking that we should be able to film the episode next week. Monday, perhaps?»

Namjoon kept scribbling, and Jungkook sighed. It looked like it could be a nice paper to draw on.

«Which means that we need to go do a walk there, just to get a feeling of the place.»

He shivered at the idea, while Jungkook kept staring at his hand. Yoongi was staring curiously at Jungkook.

«Me and Yoongi, we were thinking that if you’d like, you can also film some vlogs for your channel.»

The host looked up at Jungkook, waiting for a reaction, but the younger was still staring at the paper, his finger scratching the table. Yoongi was staring at Jungkook with an incredulous smile. Then, Jungkook’s hand hesitantly hovered next to Namjoon’s organizer, under Namjoon’s gaze, and he slowly touched the paper. The hosts stared at it, before Namjoon cleared his throat and both Jungkook and Yoongi snapped out of it.

«Did you two listen to a word I said?» Namjoon asked, and while Jungkook looked down in embarrassment, Yoongi just replied with a chuckled “no”.

«Jungkook was doing a weird thing and I got distracted.» the host said, shrugging.

«I’m sorry» Jungkook apologized. He knew sometimes he could get totally distracted by the most trivial stuff, but he couldn’t help it. «I was just curious about the paper.»

Namjoon repeated that last word, then he sighed and scratched his head.

He started over, making sure that both of his friends were listening to him. Jungkook lighted up in a bright smile when Namjoon told him he could make vlogs, if he wanted to.

«So, I can make videos with you guys? Like, if we do something cool one of these days– I can film it and post it on my channel?»

Of course , both hosts had answered with; it would be our pleasure.

«Keep an eye out for Min Yoongi» Namjoon had also said, before Yoongi had immediately side-tracked the conversation to point out how flavourless the coffee he was drinking was.

«Jungkook, you should show us around Busan these days. Are there some places that are worth seeing?» Namjoon asked, and Jungkook looked up, trying to think of something.

«Well… there’s the beach.» he started, and the two hosts looked at him expectantly. «And, uh…»

He looked at the two men, who were expectantly waiting for more. «Uh… the beach?»

«Wow, Jungkook. You should be a tourist guide.» Namjoon deadpanned. Jungkook hunched over in embarrassment. Yoongi patted his back.

«I only know places where to eat…» the youngest mumbled, and Namjoon hummed.

«That’s a start. Anyway, let’s see how the week is going to go.»

They continued talking about their schedule– well, mostly Yoongi and Namjoon did; Jungkook would only quietly listen and nod when asked a question, mumble when asked to elaborate and smile behind his hand when either of them said something funny. When Yoongi took out from his bag his laptop and they started finishing up the script for the episode, Jungkook found his mind wandering someplace else. The hosts told him that if he wanted, he could go do something else but he refused, not really wanting to spend time away from them. He took out his camera, messing with it just to pass some time.

He wanted to take some pictures of the two men, but he didn’t want to bother them. However, it was supposedly his job to document the behind the scenes of the shooting of the episode, so it’s not like they could get angry at him.

He sunk in his chair, trying to make himself as small as possible so as to not be seen. He sneakily pointed the lens towards them, zooming in and framing them once at a time, without actually taking any pictures. He pressed the record button, thinking that it would be nice to at least start saving up some footage for videos. He recorded them talking, amusing himself by zooming in on Namjoon’s nostrils or Yoongi’s lips.

He felt his phone buzz in his pocket, and he interrupted the sneaky recording to read a message from his best friend.

Park Jimin

[one attachment.]

It was a photo of him almost laying in that same chair, his same camera almost on his chest, and Suga’s same lips on the live viewfinder. Jungkook turned around so fast he got whiplash. There Jimin was, just outside the shop. He vaguely heard Namjoon ask him what was up.

Jimin lowered his phone from behind the glass and waved, a cheeky smile plastered on his face. Jungkook turned back to the two hosts and mumbled something, before carefully putting his camera on the table and then running outside. He hugged Jimin tightly, and then he pinched his arm. He then grabbed that same arm and dragged his friend inside, while Jimin laughed. He brought him in front of the table, where the two hosts looked at them curiously.

«This is Jimin.» Jungkook announced, and Jimin giggled, bowing politely.

«Hi, it’s Park Jimin. Jungkook’s best friend from Busan.»

Namjoon stood up, a delighted and surprised expression in his features, and he opened his arms, dragging Jimin in a tight hug.

«Jimin» he said as he freed the man from the hug. «Our saviour. It’s so nice to meet you.»

Jungkook noticed Namjoon extending a hand to shake Jimin’s, but Jimin got distracted by Suga, who was shyly waving from his spot on the chair. Said hand awkwardly went back to Namjoon’s pocket and Jungkook laughed.

«I was walking back from class and casually saw you guys from the window.» Jimin said, taking a seat between Jungkook and Yoongi. «Jungkook promised to introduce you guys, so I decided to speed the process and here I am.»

Jungkook furrowed his eyebrows. He was pretty sure Jimin hadn’t casually walked a few kilometres because he was coming back from class. Class was all the way to the other side of the district. The thought got lost once he noticed Jimin staring at Yoongi, who was looking elsewhere in clear uneasiness. He elbowed him, and Jimin turned to him with his eyes wide.

«Why are you staring at him?» Jungkook questioned in an accusing tone, and Jimin gave one last glance at the host.

«How are you asking me that?» he whispered in urgency, «Have you looked at him?»

Jungkook looked at him dumbfounded, then leaned towards the table, to sneak a peek of the man. He was hunched over, leaning on his leg and looking at Namjoon, who was pointing at something on the laptop screen. He looked back at his friend, and Jimin huffed at Jungkook’s confusion. He leaned closer to Jungkook’s ear.

«He’s pretty.»

Jungkook jerked back, looking at Jimin with a mixture of more confusion and shock. Of all the adjectives he would’ve described Yoongi with, pretty sure wasn’t one of it. Or maybe it was, he thought as he looked back at the host, but he just wasn’t sure men could be considered pretty. Maybe Yoongi was? Pretty, that is.

«Jimin, you’re from Busan, right?» Namjoon asked, and Jimin nodded. «I take it then that you know the city better than Jungkook does. Jimin looked like a deer in headlights, feeling suddenly under the spotlight.

«Uh…» he tried, and Yoongi scoffed. «I know how to get to the beach.»

«Is the beach the only thing worth to see in Busan or what?» Yoongi challenged and Jimin shook his head. He patted a hand on Jungkook’s back, much to his friend’s confusion.

«You’re forgetting Jungkook.»

Said friend looked down, a defeated smile on his face and he sat completely still as the three other men laughed. He missed the slight blush burning on Yoongi’s face. He had the feeling that he’d be the butt of many jokes being the youngest and all that.

In the end, they decided to pack their stuff and head to Gamcheon all together. Jimin and Namjoon hit it off immediately; Jungkook wasn’t even sure what they were talking about, but he knew Jimin liked the host by the way he would innocently lean on him while listening to his words, or by how he would actually grasp at his arm when he laughed so hard he would fall on himself. Namjoon himself seemed enraptured by his friend, if the sparkle in his eyes when looking at Jimin was an indication of that at all.

Jungkook stayed silent next to Yoongi, who was tapping on his knee a repetitive rhythm. He wanted to start a conversation, he wanted to know more about the host, but for some reason he felt embarrassed sitting next to Jimin and Namjoon being all friendly and stuff.

They got off at their stop and Namjoon pulled up a map, with Yoongi pulling at his sleeve so that he’d lower his arm and let him see the screen too. Jimin turned to Jungkook and beamed at him, then catching the hosts’ attention by pulling them towards one of the alleys that led to the main attraction. Jungkook felt a pang of jealousy at how easily his friend was acting around them, but then he remembered that he was the one letting Yoongi sleep in his bed, not Jimin– well, not his bed, but a bed of his. Also, Jimin was like that to everyone, a ray of friendly sunshine warming everyone up.

He ran to his friends, stopping next to Yoongi, who glanced at him offering a small smile. Jungkook grinned.

«Yoongi hyung» he began in a mellow voice, «Why don’t you tell me more about you?»

If a man as small as Yoongi could be able to appear smaller, he would probably disappear, yet Yoongi was still quietly walking next to him, as hunched as ever. Namjoon, walking next to Jimin just a few feet ahead, turned around to sneak them a glance, Jimin still cheerily chatting.

«What do you want to know?» Yoongi asked after a few beats, hiding a chill under his oversized blue sweater. Jungkook hummed in thought.

«Where are you from?»

«Just up north. Daegu.»

«I knew it» Jungkook muttered, and Yoongi gave him a look. They stepped in a wider road, one that fronted onto the vast sea of colourful buildings.

Namjoon looked around in awe, taking out his phone to snap a few photos. Jimin offered to take a picture of him and Namjoon accepted enthusiastically. Yoongi walked to the parapet, Jungkook in tow.

«How did you know?» he asked, and Jungkook shrugged.

«You feel rough. Not in a bad way-» he looked at him, seeing if he looked offended, but Yoongi was still staring in the distance. «Just very home-like.»

Yoongi turned to him, his icy expression replaced by a shy curiosity.

«What do you do?» Jungkook asked again, leaning on the railing and hanging his arms out towards the buildings. Yoongi instinctively grabbed Jungkook’s jacket helping him from hypothetically falling.

«I work at a radio station–» he started, but Jungkook immediately cut him off.

«Holy shit, are you a DJ?»

Yoongi then suddenly laughed, taking Jungkook by surprise. A full-on, breathy laugh. Jungkook took note of Yoongi’s weird gums showing under his stretched lips.

«Why the disdain in your voice?» Yoongi asked. Jungkook made a “I don’t know” sound. «And no, I’m not a DJ. I’d like to be, but I just work behind the scenes.»

«You mean like…?»

«I’m the goblin that chooses the songs and makes them play at the right time»

Jungkook giggled, and Yoongi smiled at him.

«Hyung, you rap and you DJ. What else can you do?»

«He makes a mean bulgogi!»

Namjoon slapped a hand on the host’s back, making him huff. He looked at him fondly, and then turned to Jungkook.

«I can’t cook for the life of me, hyung here kept me from burning up my kitchen many times.»

«Do you live together?» Jungkook asked, following the two hosts down the road. Jimin was a few feet ahead, turned back and taking picture of them with Namjoon’s phone, a wide smile plastered on his face.

«Yes,» Namjoon agreed, Yoongi nodded. «we’ve been for some months now. Yoongi used to live with Kim Seokjin, you know the guy?»

Jungkook gasped, and in the distance Jimin gasped as well. So, that’s what the host meant with somewhat knowing the model… guy. He heard Jimin’s patter as he ran towards them. He stopped right in front of Yoongi and grabbed him by the shoulders, making him flinch. Jungkook noted how Jimin seemed to be slightly taller than the host, if anything just because Yoongi was hunched all the time.

«You know Kim Seokjin?» he half-yelled in Yoongi’s face. «I love the guy, he’s so handsome.»

Yoongi, still a bit taken aback, slowly pulled away Jimin’s hands with furrowed brows.

«He’s a dumbass» he stuttered out, «he sleeps surrounded by Mario figurines.»

Jimin gasped so loudly a few spare tourists turned around to look at him curiously. He started firing questions, one after the other, and Namjoon pulled him away just as Yoongi was slowly looking more and more overwhelmed. He brought his best friend ahead, trying his best to answer some of his pressing questions. Jungkook giggled awkwardly, hoping that Yoongi didn’t find that too much to handle.

He seemed fine.

They kept walking; Jungkook being the one to ask most of the questions. Yoongi answered honestly, and listened carefully to what the other said. Even if they both seemed relaxed, Jungkook couldn’t help but feel a thin veil separating them. Yoongi didn’t open up that much, Jungkook respected that, but when he did he had the feeling he was withholding something important. Sometimes, when asked something, he would lower his head and hide his hands behind his back until the subject of the conversation switched back to Jungkook. The latter was curious to know what was up, but asking would’ve been rude; he just kept his curiosity tucked away.

They walked through the colourful streets of the neighbourhood, chatting about games, movies. Jungkook then asked about music and felt like a door had opened, because suddenly Yoongi couldn’t stop talking. He didn’t look overly excited, he still talked slowly, seriously and with a lot of thought into what he said, but it was clear he cared about music. Jungkook listened happily, only stopping when he took out his camera to take pictures or record little snippets of their adventure. He felt extremely proud when he managed to record Yoongi laughing at something Namjoon had said with the scenery blurred behind him. The day was surely becoming one of the best he’d had in a long while, and he was avidly absorbing every moment.

After thirty more minutes of talking and wandering around, the conversation between Jungkook and Yoongi got rudely interrupted by Jungkook’s stomach rumbling in hunger. Yoongi laughed.

«Is someone hungry?» he asked with a wide smile, while Jungkook blushed in embarrassment. He looked up, and his smile turned into a frown. He looked around, did a spin, and then stopped. Jungkook stopped a few steps ahead, clutching at his stomach and staring at him questioningly.

«Where’s Namjoon?»

Jungkook looked around and then shrugged.

«Let me call Jimin. We probably lost them in the crowd near that gift shop.»

He fished his phone from his pocket and started looking for his friend’s number, before a hand pulled at his sleeve.

«Wait» Yoongi said «Isn’t that seafood market around here?»

Jungkook nodded, and Yoongi seemed hesitant to continue his thought.

«Yeah, Jagalchi market. Why?» he spurred, looking up from his phone when Yoongi didn’t talk.

«Do you want to maybe go eat something there? Namjoon doesn’t like seafood and I haven’t eaten some in weeks.» the host stuttered in a fast pace, «I’m sure Jimin and Namjoon will manage.»

Jungkook studied Yoongi’s expression. He was avoiding his eyes, casually looking in the distance, but Jungkook had spent enough time with him to know that he was nervous. He smiled, thinking at how Yoongi seemed almost more anxious to be with him than he was.

Huh , he thought. That’s weird.

«Sure, hyung.»

Chapter Text

Park Jimin

Where are you guys?

I was so captivated by Namjoon’s stories that I totally lost you

Park Jimin

Jungkook?

Did Suga kidnap you or something

Lol

Park Jimin

Dude for real where are you

Namjoon can’t get ahold of Suga

You okay?

Park Jimin

[3 lost calls.]

Me

OMG sorry dude me and Yoongi got into a market and there was no reception

We totally didn’t realize how much time had passed

We were eating

Park Jimin

Each other?

Me

What?

Seafood

Park Jimin

Don’t worry about it. Maybe next time

We’ll see you at Jagalchi in 20?

Me

What the hell are you on about

All right

Park Jimin

Maybe when you’re older, Jungkook

Jungkook scoffed at his phone, and Yoongi perked up.

«What?» he called, and Jungkook shook his head, putting his phone back in his pocket.

«Jimin is incomprehensible at times. Half the time he talks to me I just nod but I don’t listen.»

Yoongi chuckled, focusing back on the street in front of them. They were sitting on the sidewalk in front of a closed shop, just enjoying the sea air and the traditional market feel of being surrounded by chatter and strong smells.

«That doesn’t sound too nice of you.»

«Believe me, if I tried to listen to half the stuff he talks about I would’ve already lost my last brain cell.»

«Which is hanging by a thread, I suppose.»

«Absolutely.»

They stared at the people walking in front of them, strolling from stand to stand.

Then, Yoongi just lost it, covering his face with his hands and laughing silently, his shoulders shaking. Jungkook turned to him, a smile growing on his face. It was impressive how spending time by themselves could change things.

Yoongi seemed much more relaxed with him, despite there not being any Namjoon to hide behind. He’d still looked nervous when they sat at a table to eat, mostly avoiding Jungkook’s eyes and listening more than talking. However, when they finished their food, the host had seemed much more serene, laughing more at Jungkook’s attempts at humour and even opening up a bit more about his life.

«I wanted to become a famous artist» he’d told him while munching on a shrimp roll. «But I had to drop out of college to help my family with finances.»

«Do you regret it?» Jungkook had asked, a bit afraid of Yoongi closing in on himself again, but the host just shrugged.

«Nah. Not anymore. I learnt that the only thing I can do is keep going forward.»

He’d gotten to know many sides of the Suga he already knew from the podcast.

In real life, Min Yoongi was much noisier than Suga, he screeched and made cute noises and weird voices every once in a while, without even realizing. In real life, Min Yoongi’s voice was higher than Suga’s, but it got deeper and hushed when he talked about serious things. In real life, Min Yoongi was much more than Jungkook could’ve ever imagined.

When the host had gotten lost on another one of his tangents about today’s music and the industry, Jungkook had gotten completely side-tracked, too lost in Yoongi’s features to really listen to him. He thought that it had to be weird the amount of time he was spending just studying him, but Yoongi didn’t seem to notice or care. Mind you, Jungkook had to still get used to actually having a face attached to the voice he loved so much. A soft face, a pair of cat-like eyes circled by tired purple, a cold-red fleshy nose (almost as big as his own, he noted), a messy black fringe; the artist-perfect cupid’s bow of his lips.

«Ah, Namjoon tried to call me?» Yoongi said all of a sudden, catching Jungkook’s attention. «I didn’t realise.»

«Yeah, Jimin told me they’re coming here to Jagalchi in a while.» Jungkook said, and Yoongi nodded in understanding.

«Are you and Jimin very close?» he asked, and Jungkook smiled sheepishly.

«Yeah, he’s my best friend. My only friend here in Busan.»

«Don’t you have old school friends?» Yoongi asked, stretching his legs. Jungkook’s smile died down.

«Not really. Never really had those.» he muttered, and Yoongi nodded. A few silent beats passed, the space between them filled by the chatter of the market crowd and the distant music of a shop a few windows down.

«University friends?» Yoongi asked again.

«It might come as a surprise to you,» Jungkook started, turning towards Yoongi and leaning on the wall, «but cinema majors are incredibly annoying.»

Yoongi smiled slyly, mirroring Jungkook and leaning on the wall as well.

«Tell me about it. Aren’t you one of those?»

«Yes,» Jungkook continued, ignoring the teasing tone in Yoongi’s words, «but the cinema majors in my university are even worse.»

«Oh yeah, you said something to Namjoon about your school being…» he moved his hands, trying to recall the words. «”a useless dump”.»

«Jimin is the only reason I haven’t moved to the countryside to farm sweet potatoes.»

«He’s also the only reason you and I are talking right now.» Yoongi pointed out. «I think you owe a lot to him.»

«I’ll make him best man at our wedding.»

Yoongi’s eyes widened.

«Our wedding?»

Jungkook shrugged, mindlessly playing with a thread hanging from his jeans.

«Yeah, why not. Isn’t that how it works?» he questioned, completely unaware of the red tinge spreading from Yoongi’s ears. «The best man is usually whoever made the two people meet, right?»

Yoongi stayed silent for a while, for a moment too long, and when Jungkook turned to him questioningly, he had a sudden, horrid realization.

«Oh my god,» the younger muttered, «please don’t tell me you’re homophobic. I was joking–»

«No, no, no» Yoongi immediately interjected, waving his hands frantically. «I was just– our wedding?» he repeated, a hint of something Jungkook couldn’t recognize behind his words. «I’m not homophobic, not anymore. That’d be ironic—»

«Not anymore?» Jungkook shrieked in laughter, «What do you mean not anymore?»

Yoongi hid his face in his hands, slouching down and bringing his knees to his chest. He then huffed.

«I used to be kind of stupid about it, you know how it is growing in South Korea. But then Namjoon made me realize how disrespectful I was and that changed my worldview. He kind of changed my life.»

«Wow, Namjoon seems like such a forward person.»

Yoongi smiled.

«He is. He’d be our other best man at our wedding, that okay with you?»

Jungkook smiled wide at Yoongi, a blinding beam adorned by lots of happy creases and sparkling eyes.

They kept talking about this and that –the marriage chat left behind– until Jimin sent a message to Jungkook, telling him that they had arrived at Jagalchi, and they kept chatting on their way to the stop where their friends were waiting. Yoongi was exceptionally cheerful, and when they could see Namjoon not too far on the opposite sidewalk, the host took Jungkook’s wrist and sprinted funnily towards them, much to the younger’s surprise.

«Jungkook-ah!» Jimin called as he recognized the two idiots jaywalking across the street. Namjoon waved at them. Yoongi stopped in front of him, took Jungkook’s hand in his and brought them up in front of his face.

«We’re getting married!» he announced with a mischievous sneer.

Jimin shouted a dry “WHAT” as Namjoon’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, while Jungkook hastily pulled his hand away from the host’s grip, feeling extremely embarrassed by Yoongi’s comment. He immediately regretted the action, feeling his palm immediately freeze at the lost contact and watching Yoongi’s hand fall down almost dejectedly. He was still smiling wide, but Jungkook couldn’t help but wonder if the action upset him.

«Hyung—» Jungkook whined, «that was a private conversation–». Jimin cut him off with another loud, dry “WHAT”.

The oldest started snickering, laughing like a ticking clock; Namjoon looked away dumbfounded, searching for answers in the shops across the street.

«Jungkook, I left you and Suga hyung alone for less than two hours and you already professed your undying love to him?» Jimin teased, getting punched on the shoulder in response.

«Why would you think I asked him? Why not the opposite?» Jungkook grumbled, and Jimin scoffed.

«That’d be surprising, since he’s known you for less—»

«I wouldn’t be surprised at that, honestly.» Namjoon interjected, making all three of them turn to him. Yoongi immediately reacted by shouting indignantly, Jungkook just looked at the two hosts in confusion. He heard Jimin mutter a “what the hell” next to him.

They started walking together towards the general direction of Jungkook’s apartment. Namjoon shortened his step to walk next to Jungkook, asking him if perhaps Yoongi had drank. Not to my knowledge, Jungkook had admitted, and Namjoon apologized for the other host’s unusually wired behaviour just as said host started singing out of tune and way too loud, holding Jimin by the arm. He seems to be on some kind of high, Namjoon had commented, sighing; the sea air must be too much for him. He’s not used to this much oxygen.

Park Jimin

Hey Kook

Can I talk to you about something?

Me

What did I do

Park Jimin

For once in your life, you did nothing

I just noticed something

And I wanted your input on it

Me

Oh thank god I was already about to cry

What is it?

Park Jimin

It’s about Yoongi hyung

Me

[1 missed call.]

Park Jimin

Don’t call me you dumb

I know you’re still next to them

Me

[1 missed call.]

Park Jimin

STOP IT
WHAT DO YOU WANT

Me

I can’t type I’m editing

Answer me

Park Jimin

No I’m shy

Me

??!???

You. LOL

Park Jimin

What’s that supposed to mean.

I was talking about something serious btw

I just don’t want Yoongi or Namjoon hyung to overhear

Me

It’s okay they’re far

[1 missed call.]

Answer me

Answer me Jimin

JIMIN

«By god, you are a pain in the ass.»

«But you answered.» Jungkook pointed out, keeping his attention partly on the screen in front of him.

After saying farewell to Jimin as the afternoon slowly darkened, Jungkook and the two hosts had walked back up to Jungkook’s apartment, ready to go back to work on bureaucracy and ghosts. Jungkook was laying on Yoongi’s bed, checking out the clips he’d filmed earlier in the day; there was a lot of Yoongi in them. Meanwhile, Namjoon and Yoongi were sitting at his kitchen island, both pairs of eyes fixed on the screen of Namjoon’s battered laptop. He’d overheard them mutter multiple insults at the city hall’s impractical website.

«Yes, because you wouldn’t stop call–»

«What was it that you wanted to ask me?» Jungkook cut off, yet finding amusement in irritating his hyung. Jimin sighed on the other end.

«I think Yoongi likes you?»

There was a long moment of silence as Jungkook’s hands stopped messing with the keyboard. Jimin could faintly hear Namjoon’s voice from the receiver.

«What do you mean?» Jungkook questioned, and his flat tone made Jimin regret all of his words up to that moment in his life.

«I mean like– I don’t know. Gut feeling?»

There was another moment of silence. Then, with the call still open, Jimin received a message.

JungKookie

You mean like

Like me?

Like, like like me?

Like, like in the gay way?

«The gay w– Uh, yeah? I mean, I don’t know.» he giggled nervously. «It’s just– I was joking at first, you know, with him letting you follow him on Instagram, then him following you back-»

«That means nothing.» Jungkook hesitated. Jimin made an unsure sound in response.

«I mean, I think in this case it kind of does? Did Namjoon hyung follow you back?»

«I don’t think I even followed him in the first place.» Jungkook noted as Jimin commented with yet another “fake fan”. «But you shouldn’t assume he’s ga–»

«Jungkook, I can hear them in the same room as you–» Jimin blurted out, trying to avoid what he’d feared in the first place. Jungkook slapped a hand on his mouth, and sneakily turned around to see if the two hosts were still focusing on the computer. Yoongi was typing away, focused on the screen, but Jungkook almost had a syncope once he locked eyes with Namjoon. They stared at each other for a never-ending bunch of seconds, then Namjoon stretched his lips in a smile, his eyes turning to slits. Something about it told Jungkook that he knew exactly what he was talking about on the phone, despite it being impossible on all fronts. Jungkook waved at him shyly, then turned around, silently breathing out air he hadn’t realised was holding in.

JungKookie

I said you shouldn’t assume he’s gay just because he followed me back on ig

«Dude, how many people is he even following?» Jimin quipped, and Jungkook spluttered.

«Well, that doesn’t mean–»

«Do you realize you basically had a date with him today?» Jimin exhaled, sounding exasperated by his friend’s blindness.

«A DATE?»

Jungkook yet again slapped a hand on his mouth, whipping his head around so fast he felt a muscle contract painfully in protest.

Both hosts were looking at him this time, one curiously, the other wide-eyed. Jungkook flashed a repertoire smile, then he carefully got up from the bed under their piercing gazes, afraid to make any more sudden noises. He pointed at his bedroom door, then at his phone, mumbling incomprehensible words. He gave up on trying to enunciate something logical, letting his arms and head fall in defeat and embarrassment and hurried to his room.

«Seriously, if anything what made me realise something was off is Namjoon hyung.» Jimin continued as soon as Jungkook closed the door behind him. «It’s like he knows something.»

«Since when have you been so perceptive?» Jungkook scoffed, «But I rest my case, I think you shouldn’t come to such conclusions.»

Jimin sighed again.

«Dude, seriously, trust me on this one.»

«Why? What exactly tells me you aren’t just— I don’t know, trying to pull a prank on me? Is this a prank? Did you and Namjoon think of this while me and Yoongi were–»

«Why would it be a prank, you moron?» his friend snapped, «It’s just the vibes I’m getting, I called because I wanted your input– why are you so hypersensitive?»

«I’m not hypersensitive» Jungkook retorted sharply, and yet deep down he knew he was definitely being weirdly nervous. «I just don’t want you to ruin this for me!»

«Ruin?» Jimin growled, and Jungkook gasped, suddenly feeling weak, hyperaware of the bullshit his nervous mind was spewing.

«No, wait, let’s rewind. I didn’t mean ruin– It’s just that I feel like you have no basis to come out with these assumptions, we haven’t even known them for a week! And– vibes? What the hell, dude. I feel like you wouldn’t know what goes on in hyung’s mind, so you shouldn’t–»

«Jungkook, I’m gay.»

Oh .

«Oh.»

The silence slowly stretched, Jungkook becoming hyperaware of every small noise second by second. He could hear Jimin’s breathing deepen on the other side of the call, the two hosts still talking in the living room, the traffic outside his bedroom window; his own deafening heartbeat.

«That’s how I would know.» he whispered, and his voice cracked at the end of the sentence. Jungkook took a deep breath.

«Jimin» he exhaled, «I’m sorry, I was–»

«It’s okay.» it clearly wasn’t, if the soft sniffling coming from the receiver was of any indication. «I got to go.» he hastily added, closing the call right on Jungkook’s face.

It didn’t take long for Jungkook to dart out of his room and basically jump on his shoes, putting them on as fast as he could and falling on his butt in the process. Yoongi leaned into the entrance almost immediately.

«Jungkook-ah? Everything okay?»

Jungkook grunted, fighting with his shoelaces. Namjoon mirrored Yoongi and poked his head in the scene.

«Where are you going?» Yoongi asked again, just as Jungkook jumped on his feet and put on his jacket as fast as he could.

«Jimin’s. Don’t wait for me. Make yourselves at home… and stuff.» he emphasized with a vague gesture towards the rest of his apartment.

The two hosts stared at the youngest as he ran outside, letting the door slam behind him loudly. Namjoon turned to Yoongi questioningly, but the latter just shrugged in response.

Jungkook knew for a fact his friendship with Jimin wasn’t going to shatter because of a small argument. They’d argued many times in the past: at times because Jungkook just wasn’t having Jimin’s clinginess, other times because Jimin just couldn’t deal with Jungkook’s stubbornness. However, they always knew they had each other’s backs, and no petty quarrel could pretend to dent their relationship.

Nevertheless, as Jungkook power-walked through the cold streets of the district –shoulders huddled, hands buried in his pockets and a slowly reddening nose–, he couldn’t help but worry more and more about his friend. Heck, he couldn’t care less that his best friend was gay. If anything, that opened up a lot more possibilities for jokes and teasing.

What worried him was what he was feeling in that moment. He supposed he hadn’t actually planned on coming out to him by phone, that it had just been a spur of the moment decision provoked by the irritation and the subject of the discussion. Though, if it had been a thought that had weighed on him for a while, Jungkook worried he wasn’t feeling his best. And Jimin always deserved to feel at his best, in Jungkook’s eyes.

He slowed down near the bus stop, jumping on his feet in an attempt to warm his body and stared down the road expecting for his bus to just appear out of thin air.

He attempted to call his friend again;  straight to voicemail. He sent him another message telling him he was coming over.

He zipped his jacket all the way up. He checked for the bus again.

No answer, no bus. He sighed, then he started running. How bad could a bit of exercise be with cold muscles in the freezing evening anyway?

«Jimin» he wheezed, «Answer your stupid phone–»

He slumped on the front door, trying his best to inhale oxygen as fast as he could and not freeze his throat in the process. His legs were slowly but surely giving out.

He’d managed to catch a metro train on the way, running all the way from the closest stop to where Jimin’s dorm was. He’d sneaked past the security without a hassle and had stopped with the last of his breath in front of Jimin’s building. He tried to call him again, but to no avail; so, obviously, as any person with any smarts would do, he stepped back, searching for a specific window on the fourth floor. He cleared his throat, ending up just hacking a barking cough for a full minute, until he forced some saliva down. He cupped his hands next to his mouth and took a deep breath.

«PARK JIMIN» he yelled with every fibre of his being, his voice cracking on the last syllable and sending him into another fit of wheezy cough. When he looked up again, a few faces were looking at him from behind the windows, but still no trace of his best friend. He put aside the embarrassment growing every second more in favour of taking another deep breath.

«PA–»

«What the hell are you doing?»

Jungkook choked on his shout under Jimin’s perplexed gaze. He doubled over and kept coughing until a water bottle entered his field of vision. He accepted it gratefully and gulped down the remaining contents in it.

«Slow down, sweetheart, or you’ll end up choking again.» Jimin commented dryly. Once Jungkook screwed the cap back on and took a few deep breaths, he turned to look at his friend. He had his gym bag hung on his shoulder.

«You were…» he started, motioning at the bag.

«…still in the studio, yeah. Did you run all the way from your apartment?» Jimin questioned, retrieving his bottle from Jungkook’s hand. The other boy nodded, still trying to even out his oxygen intake.

«I took the two line at one point, I don’t know, it’s all a blur.» Jungkook clarified with a chuckle.

Jimin looked at him deadpan. He then walked past Jungkook, towards the main door. When he realised Jungkook wasn’t following him, he turned back around, gesturing him to follow.

«Come on, dude, what is going on? If you stay there you’ll end up catching a cold.»

Jungkook smiled and quickly caught up to him.

The ride up the elevator was unusually quiet. Jungkook had run all the way to where Jimin lived to talk to him, but when it came to the actual chance, he found himself completely out of words. Was he supposed to apologize? Hug him, perhaps? Maybe he wasn’t feeling too comfortable. Maybe he hated him now.

He waited patiently for his friend to unlock his room door, and once inside he awkwardly stood near the entrance.

«Where’s your roommate?» he asked in an attempt to interrupt the silence.

«It’s Friday, he’s probably out.»

«Why aren’t you?» Jungkook asked again, lightly kicking some dirty clothes out of his way.

«Wasn’t really feeling it, you know.»

The younger appreciated Jimin’s attempt at seeming natural, but Jungkook could’ve picked up the scissors left unattended on the floor and cut the tension like a slab of pork meat.

 He rocked back and forth on the tip of his shoes, waiting for Jimin to change into his pyjama. Once he did, he dropped on his bed and stared at Jungkook.

«Jungkook» he called, and Jungkook mh?’d innocently. «If you’re not here to tell me that I am right about Yoongi, the door is right there.» and then he smiled mischievously, fetching a pillow and hugging it. Jungkook opened his mouth to retort, but then he closed it and looked down in mock defeat.

«You’re wrong.» he then exhaled dramatically. «I only have eyes for Namjoon hyung.»

Jimin started laughing, hitting the pillow in glee.

«Come on,» Jungkook continued, looking in the poetic distance. «have you seen his thighs? Sculpted by god himself.»

«Oh, shut up» Jimin bubbled. «You are so right.»

Jungkook smiled tenderly at his best friend. He then took off his jacket and climbed on the bed next to him. Jimin put an arm around his shoulder and they laid on the bed in silence.

«Were you surprised?» Jimin asked after a while. Jungkook shrugged.

«Nah.»

«Did you already know?» Jimin asked again, and Jungkook turned to him with furrowed brows.

«How? You told me an hour ago.»

Jimin smiled.

«Are you okay with it?»

«Are you okay with me making fun of all of your future boyfriends?»

Jimin hit him on the shoulder at that, making Jungkook huff. When an answer didn’t come, Jungkook scrunched up his nose.

«I didn’t hear a no–»

«I don’t think I’ve made it clear,» Jimin asserted through gritted teeth. «If you aren’t here to tell me I am right about Yoo–»

«Shut up, shut up!» Jungkook whined. «Just because you’re gay doesn’t mean you know if anyone else is–»

«Uh, yes it does.» Jimin quipped. «And I’m not saying he’s gay, I’m saying he just has gay feelings for you.»

Jungkook shut his mouth and puffed his cheeks.

«My rational brain tells me he just likes you a lot, but my gay brain says he’s got the hots.»

«Your gay brain.» the younger echoed, and Jimin nodded solemnly.

«Don’t sound so sceptical. At least I’m sure I do have a brain.»

They ended up brawling on the floor immediately after that, attacking each other with tickles and proper bites to incriminated hands. Once Jungkook ended up pleading for oxygen with his wheezy voice, they stopped and laid there. Upon deciding to heat up some water and eat a cup of instant noodles, Jungkook felt compelled to flood Jimin with questions: how long have you known? Who was your first crush? Do you think I’m attractive? Do your parents know? Can I please have another cup noodles?

«Oh wait, what about that crush you told me about? The one from Seoul?» Jungkook asked at one point, still carelessly talking with his mouth full. Jimin sent him a glare.

«…what about it?»

«It’s a man?»

His best friend rolled his eyes, smiling shyly.

«Yes, it’s a man.»

«Oh, cool, cool.» he said, still chewing on his noodles. He lingered for a few seconds, a question still on his mind. «And… who is he?»

«I am not telling you.» Jimin said as he hid his face in his hands, an apparent blush spreading on his cheeks.

«Jimin-ah, I’m your best friend» Jungkook said in a deep voice, putting down his noodles as if to emphasize his point. «You should tell me»

«You are my best friend, and that’s why you’re going to respect my decision in not telling you who he is.» Jimin asserted, and Jungkook stilled. He then went back to eating his noodles in respectful silence.

Once it got too late, they parted with a tight hug and unwanted words of advice from Jimin.

«Keep Yoongi in your radar.» he’d told him, then retreated into his room. He stepped out again immediately before closing the door. «Also, if I’m right you’ll treat me to dinner.»

Jungkook didn’t reply, opting to wave with a smile instead. Sure, I’ll do he was trying to convey.

The walk back was definitely calmer than before, Jungkook enjoying the night air despite every appendage of his body slowly freezing to gangrene. He was happy that Jimin had been calm about it all; not that he’d expected less of him.

However, a different person was swimming in his thoughts.

He wasn’t sure how to feel about the whole Yoongi thing, mainly because he didn’t believe Jimin. Or, precisely, he didn’t want to believe Jimin. His insides were currently in turmoil, torn between feeling sorry for the host and guilting himself over actually liking the idea of the attention from one of his favourite people. He tried to drown the thought by focusing on thinking about which songs would be better used as background music in the podcast episode, but inevitably his mental image of Yoongi would pop back up to the surface, disgruntled and confused.

Jimin is barking up the wrong tree , it would tell Jungkook, but he knew, deep down, that he had noticed something weird as well.

Well, now you’re just getting swayed by what Jimin told you , it would sneer, and maybe it was right; you’re just hopeful now. And why is that?

In the end, as he was approaching his flat, he decided that he would just ignore the situation altogether, trusting that it would just be quietly swept under the rug.

As he turned the key into the door, he made sure not to make much noise, as it had gotten pretty late into the night and he knew Yoongi would probably be sleeping. He stepped inside and silently took off his shoes, hanging his jacket on the coat rack. The apartment was immersed in darkness, the only lights coming from the windows overlooking the street down below. He tiptoed to the couch, where the crumpled-up bundle of his fluffy duvet suggested him the host was already deep in sleep. He smiled, and then turned around towards his room, but he froze once he heard the faint sound of music coming from where the other man was sleeping.

He bent over, carefully extracting Yoongi’s phone from his hand, pulling the earphones along. Once successfully retrieved the device without the host waking up, he pressed the home button and proceeded to feel his heart drop into his stomach.

The song was titled Paper Hearts, and Jungkook knew that song very well. What he didn’t expect, however, was for the song to be a cover: Jungkook’s cover, the one he’d posted on his YouTube channel just a few months back. He stared at the screen for long enough to feel his eyes start to burn. And then, he stopped the song.

The other man mumbled in his sleep and rolled over, making Jungkook’s heart do another scared somersault. He stayed still until he was sure Yoongi was still fast asleep. He sighed, failing to help himself from smiling wide at the thought that Yoongi fell asleep listening to his voice. On one side, he felt extremely embarrassed about it; on the other side, how many possibilities were there of the both of them to listen to each other’s voices to fall asleep?

He pressed the home button once the screen dimmed down, with the intention of making sure he hadn’t dreamt it, but the phone unlocked instead.

Who the hell doesn’t have a keycode in this day and age? he thought, sending a cautious look at the bed. That was such an old man thing to do. He smiled at the idea of pranking the host some way, just to teach him a lesson, but when he looked at what was on the screen, the grin died down.

It was their chat, his and Yoongi’s, and there was a message left in the typing box.

Me

When are you coming back home? [unsent.]