Chapter Text
“Hey Kook-ah,” Yoongi says as he spins his chair to face Jungkook, “remind me in a few weeks that I want to tell you something, yeah?”
Jungkook furrows his eyebrows in confusion, looking up from his phone. He is currently curled up in a thick blanket on Yoongi’s studio couch. He’s supposed to be here to help “tweak” some parts of a new track Yoongi is on, but at this point, everyone knows Jungkook just likes Yoongi’s studio. The peaceful, safe, ‘Yoongi-ness’ of it.
“Tell me what?” he asks his hyung.
Yoongi just shakes his head and turns back to the screen, currently displaying the email inbox. “Just remind me in a few weeks. I’ll tell you then.”
Jungkook doesn’t think much of it. Yoongi will tell him when the right time comes. So he shifts back into a comfortable position and listens to the piano melody Yoongi is currently layering. Whenever he comes to the studio, Yoongi always takes off his headphones and turns on the speakers instead so that Jungkook can hear the music too. Jungkook takes a lot of pride for that. It means a lot that Yoongi, a quiet perfectionist, would allow Jungkook to hear all the raw, messy parts of his process.
After a few hours, Jungkook somehow ended up sitting on an extra wooden stool next to Yoongi, currently looking at the layer of a new instrument they just discovered as Yoongi experimented with the different sound settings. Yoongi knows Jungkook is trying to learn about music production and so when he’s experimenting, he likes to call Jungkook over so he can throw in some tips for the younger as well.
Jungkook’s completely entranced by all this new information, but it has been quite a long time so it’s no surprise when his stomach starts growling. Yoongi chuckles.
“Go get something to eat,” the older says.
Jungkook nods. “You want something too?” he asks Yoongi before opening the door.
“Yeah, whatever you’re having.”
Ten minutes later, Jungkook comes back with three cups of instant noodles, one for each of them and one to share. He knows one isn’t enough to fill Yoongi up, but two is much, so Jungkook just gets one for them to share.
Yoongi takes a deep inhale and right away, moves to sit on the couch next to Jungkook. Jungkook passes him the cup with slightly more water, knowing Yoongi likes his noodles a little mushier.
“Hmm,” Yoongi hums in satisfaction as he slurps up a big mouthful of noodles. “Don’t know why it tastes so much better when you make it.”
“I added more water.”
“Hm?” Yoongi turns to Jungkook, cheeks stuffed with noodles and soup. Jungkook wants to squish those cheeks so bad.
“Yeah. Noticed you like softer noodles so I just added in a bit more water.”
“Wow, I’m impressed.” Yoongi observes the noodles and nods. “Can I please hire you to be my personal chef?”
Jungkook laughs, nose scrunched. “Well you’re easy to please. Don’t need to hire me, hyung. I’ll do it for free.”
All seven boys were currently sitting around the dining table in their shared apartment. Jin’s been trying to get them to have occasional dinners together to keep everyone sane and at least interacting with another human being.
“Yoongi hyung, you’ve been busy. I haven’t seen you in weeks,” Namjoon brings up.
Jungkook bites down a grin knowing he’s seen Yoongi at least three times this week. He can’t really explain why knowing that makes him so giddy.
Yoongi replies. “I’ve been in the studio—Oh yeah, speaking of which. I’ve been meaning to tell you guys that IU-ssi and her team contacted me. We’re officially making a collab. Yeah. She’s coming to the building next week.”
A chorus of “what?!” erupts around the table. Yoongi’s eyes immediately find Jungkook and the others follow.
Jungkook’s mouth is slack, face frozen.
IU, the Lee Ji-eun , is going to bless his presence next week.
Scratch that, IU is going to be working with his hyung on a song.
“Oooh, Jungkook-ah, don’t get too jealous,” Jin says. The other members continue teasing him lightly.
Jungkook blushed. Yeah, he was kind of jealous of his hyung, but also in the best way possible because he already knows how groundbreaking a song made by the two most talented artists he knows can be.
“Wow hyung! That’s so cool! I’m so jealous!” Jungkook says once he recovers from the initial shock.
Yoongi’s shoulders relax and he chuckles, eyes not leaving Jungkook’s. “I’ll make sure to introduce you guys.”
“Wow, can’t believe hyung keeps getting to work with such icons,” Hobi adds.
Jungkook can’t help but think, he can . Because Yoongi is an icon himself. And right now, as he looks at Yoongi’s blushing form, he feels so proud . Yoongi used to be so doubtful of his talent, still is, considering he’s still afraid of reaching out to headline artists. But seeing Yoongi being unapologetic about announcing he’s going to be working with IU is so heartwarming. Maybe Yoongi’s inching a little closer to really believing the infinite times Jungkook’s told him how amazing he is.
After dinner, Yoongi and Jungkook go out for a little walk just outside the apartment. They do this sometimes.
“That was the thing I wanted to tell you,” Yoongi says randomly.
Jungkook doesn’t respond, confused as to what he means.
“When I told you to remind me to tell you something,” Yoongi continued.
Now Jungkook remembers that day in the studio. Yoongi must have noticed his realisation as he goes on, eyes wandering at the sky as they walk side by side, hands brushing. “Yeah, got the email on that day. Wanted to tell you when it was fully confirmed. Wanted to tell you first. Sorry I forgot.”
Jungkook’s heart swells. Yoongi knows Jungkook’s admiration for IU and had the intention to tell him first.
“No reason to be sorry at all,” Jungkook replies. “I feel honoured you wanted to tell me first.”
Yoongi hums, “always want to tell you first.”
IU-ssi is going to be coming to BigHit this afternoon and Jungkook is nervous . Heck, everyone’s nervous. Who wouldn’t be?
But much more nervous than Jungkook is Yoongi.
“Hyung, you’re shaking. Are you okay?” Jungkook reaches out to hold Yoongi’s hand.
Jungkook chuckles softly at how ironic the situation is. Jungkook, number one IU trash, has to calm his media-proclaimed “cold” hyung down because his hyung is going to be working on a song with a petite, female idol.
“Just kinda nervous,” Yoongi says, looking down at their intertwined hands.
“Yeah, I bet she’s even prettier in real-life,” Namjoon adds.
“No, it’s not that. What if she doesn’t like my demo? What if the session doesn’t go well? What if I have no good ideas or—”
“Hyung, stop right there.” Jungkook squeezes Yoongi’s hand. And of course , Yoongi’s worried about the music, about proving himself. “Everything you create is amazing.” Jungkook lowers his voice so only the two of them can hear the next part. “And I’ve been listening to the little snippets of your demo. Trust me, it’s gonna be a hit. I just know it.”
Jungkook flashes Yoongi a soft smile and Yoongi mirrors it.
Taehyung suddenly laughs as he looks at the two. “How ironic is it that Jungkook is trying to calm Yoongi hyung down?”
“Are you not nervous to meet your lifelong crush Kook-ah?”
“Yeah. I don’t even have a crush on her and my heart’s gonna beat out of my chest already. How are you holding up Kookie?”
“Bet he’s really nervous under the calm demeanor.”
“She’s here, oh my god , don’t do something dumb maknae, this is your chance.”
Jungkook knows there’s no way he won’t embarrass himself. Especially not after the insistent teasing. He’ll be honest, he didn’t appreciate the teasing much. He knows it’s harmless, but it’s just making him more nervous. Not because their accusations are true, but because he feels like they’re now either going to tease him in front of IU-ssi or hyper-analyse his behaviour.
IU goes down the line, greeting all the members. Jungkook’s certain she can hear his heart pounding by the time she reaches him.
“Hi, Jungkook-ssi right?” Jungkook manages a jittery nod. “Nice to meet you.” She bows and flashes a smile that has Jungkook melting on the spot.
“N-Nice to meet you too I-IU-ssi. P-Please call me Jungkook.” God, can he please not stutter?
“Okay Jungkook, and same here, please call me noona.” She moves to Yoongi, the last in line.
“Hey Yoongi-yah,” IU speaks casually, not even bowing like she did with the other members. “I got a chance to listen to the demo on the way here. It sounds amazing already.”
Yoongi scratches his head nervously, “thanks Ji-Eun-ah.”
“No honorifics and on nickname terms, better watch out Jungkook-ah,” Taehyung, who’s standing next to Jungkook, whispers teasingly to him.
Okay, Jungkook won’t lie. Something within him tingles a bit at seeing how much closer IU seems to Yoongi compared to the rest of them. They’re both noticeably comfortable with each other even though it’s their first time really meeting and it’s only been a few weeks since they’ve been in contact with each other. And it’s not like they’ve talked a lot either. Jungkook’s been with Yoongi the majority of the past week and he’s only seen Yoongi calling IU once. Jungkook’s mind wanders to the thought that maybe Yoongi talks to IU when Jungkook isn’t with him and his lungs feel a bit tight.
It’s weird that he’s feeling like this. Jungkook doesn’t have a “real” crush on IU. Yes, she’s very beautiful and talented. That’s why he admires her immensely. But he doesn’t have any real feelings towards her. So why does Jungkook feel a slight jealousy simmering within him?
Jungkook hasn’t been in Yoongi’s studio for over a week now and he’s agitated. Yoongi always seems to be working on the collab and always seems to have IU over. And Jungkook doesn’t want to interrupt their “very progressive” sessions as Yoongi had told the boys over dinner.
“Oooh, Yoongi-yah, are you stealing Jungkook’s future girlfriend?” Jin teased during dinner.
“Hyung, you know I don’t like IU like that,” Yoongi chuckles back, but there’s a slight warning in his tone. His eyes flick to Jungkooks.
The other members chime in on how close Yoongi has got to IU and how he brings her up almost all the time. They direct the teasing to Jungkook, telling him he needs to start making a move. And Jungkook’s starting to get really annoyed. Ever since the announcement, all the members besides Yoongi have had their fair share of teasing Jungkook about IU. At first he lets it slide, but now he’s starting to think all the members really believe he has feelings for IU. Which he doesn’t .
“Would you please stop. I don’t actually “like” like IU-ssi, you know?”
“Sure Kookie, keep telling yourself that. Don’t think we don’t notice you get quiet everytime Yoongi talks about IU,” Jin says. Out of everyone, the eldest had been the worst . Taking every opportunity to jab at Jungkook.
“I’m not jealous if that’s what you guys are thinking,” he says.
Everyone badly suppresses their knowing grin as they hum in unison.
Jungkook is starting to get irritated. Maybe it also has to do with the fact that the internet has also been endlessly accusing him of the same thing after the collab was announced. “Do all of you think I actually want to date IU-ssi?”
“Didn’t say that. Don’t get so flustered, you’re being obvious,” Jimin remarks.
“I don’t like her.” Jungkook’s voice is stern.
“I thi—” Yoongi starts before Jin interjects.
“Sure about that little one?” He wiggles his eyebrows at Jungkook.
“I don’t like her!” Jungkook explodes, standing up abruptly. “Would you please stop treating me like I’m an infatuated fanboy! I don’t like her. I’m not jealous of Yoongi hyung. Okay?!”
With that he leaves. Ignoring the laughs and half-hearted apology from Jin. He doesn’t notice Yoongi’s guilty, worry-ful gaze that follows or Jimin’s thought-filled look either.
Almost another week has passed and there’s noticeably less teasing. Jungkook thinks the others are kind of aware that it’s really starting to piss him off, but it’s probably also because the other members have conversed a little more with IU and gotten to know her in “non-idol mode” a little better. Jungkook himself has yet to have another conversation with the female idol, but he assures himself it’s just because he’s naturally introverted.
One casual afternoon, Jungkook and a few other members were lounging around in the living room, a drama playing on the TV.
Yoongi comes over to sit next to Jungkook before saying, “Jungkook-ah, do you want to come to my studio tomorrow. I have a session with IU and I wanted your input on something.”
Jungkook’s immediate reaction was a straight ‘no’, but he stops himself before replying. He hasn’t been in Yoongi’s studio in two weeks and he misses it. He misses spending time with Yoongi. And it’s completely his fault seeing as he’s been avoiding his hyung, so maybe this would be a nice way to apologise for being distant as well as assuring Yoongi he isn’t mad at him for any reason. Above all that though, is that Yoongi seems to genuinely want Jungkook’s input on the music and if his hyung trusts him that much, then Jungkook sure as hell isn’t gonna let him down.
It’s also to prove to himself that he isn’t jealous of Yoongi. He has no reason to be. Right?
“Yeah, sure hyung. I’ll go.”
By the time IU arrived, Jungkook and Yoongi had already continued on with the track, Jungkook still familiarizing himself. The song is coming along extremely well. If he thought those raw snippets were going to be a hit, hearing an entire verse with IU’s angelic voice overtop it assures this is going to be the next biggest song on the charts.
“Hey Yoongs! Oh, hi Jungkook!” IU greets them brightly. Yoongs .
“Hi, Yoongi asked me to help. Sorry for the disturbance.” Jungkook says.
“Oh no no, not at all. Yoongi here keeps talking about how much he needs your input because he’s really stuck. Apparently, I’m not much help,” she self deprecates.
“Oh, shut it Ji-Eun,” Yoongi places his hand softly on her shoulders, “your amazing. It’s just, Jungkook’s always heard the things I don’t. Usually need him when it comes to tweaking my work.”
IU just hums, squinting her eyes at Yoongi like she knows something.
They’re not even five minutes in and Jungkook’s really starting to regret agreeing to this. He knows that making music, especially when it’s a personal and intimate piece will no doubt make people closer to each other, but the two interact like they’ve known each other for years. Complimenting each other, touching shoulders, giving knowing looks .
They work for a few hours and the longer Jungkook stays stuck in the room with Yoongi and IU, the less certain he is that he isn’t jealous of the pair. They look so comfortable with each other. They look good with each other. Yoongi on the keyboard with IU standing to his right singing into a microphone.
Jungkook’s stomach rumbles at such a bad time. It’s dead quiet in the room as they all try to figure out what sounds off in the bridge. Yoongi breaks into a laugh which triggers IU’s and leaves Jungkook with his cheeks flushed.
“Think someone’s hungry. I kind of am too. You guys wanna get something to eat?” Yoongi asks.
“Yeah, that would be nice,” IU added.
“Kimbap?” Yoongi suggests.
“Ooh yeah. That sounds really nice.”
Yoongi takes out his phone to order a delivery. He finishes typing in his order and turns to IU. “Ji-Eun, wonjo kimbap with no cucumbers?”
“Aaw, you know me so well,” IU nudges at Yoongi’s side and Yoongi smiles fondly back at her. Suddenly Jungkook’s not that hungry anymore.
“And—” IU starts, “extra kimchi,” they both say in unison. IU laughs and Yoongi finger guns at her.
It’s flirting. There’s no other explanation for it. Jungkook decides there’s no reason for him to stay any longer. He’ll just be a disturbance. It’s not like he’s been able to focus and give much critical feedback.
“Jungkookie?” Yoongi turns to ask him for his order.
“I-I forgot I had dinner plans with Jimin hyung. Sorry. I better get going.”
He doesn’t wait for a response as he jumps off the couch and scurries out of the studio. Leaving the other two dumbfounded.
Jungkook doesn’t have dinner plans with Jimin. But he knows Jimin’s off schedule today and is probably just chilling at home so he’s a safe excuse.
Once Jungkook arrives home, he goes to make himself a serving of instant noodles. His favourite one. He tries not to think about how it’s the one he would eat with Yoongi at the studio. He ignores the thoughts that creep into his mind when he makes it with a little more water than he normally would prefer himself.
As he slurps the noodle hastily into his mouth, he wonders if Yoongi would know how much water to put in Jungkook’s cup noodle as well as he knows IU’s kimbap preference.
What does it matter? He thinks to himself. He obviously likes IU, of course he would pay attention. Why would Yoongi pay attention to how Jungkook likes to eat?
He huffs out a breath and quickly finishes his food, not at all enjoying the taste like he usually does. He tries to play games but he can’t even focus. He’s so agitated, mind running wild with flashes of Yoongi and IU smiling lovingly at each other. He goes on the internet and aimlessly scrolls around. He stops scrolling a bit when he comes across a fanart of him and Yoongi cuddling. He hesitates before clicking into the fan account.
Jungkook can’t explain why the Yoonkook fanart is making his heart flutter, or why he’s imagining what it would actually be like to be in those situations. He can’t help but think that this feels very wrong. Like he’s violating himself, and even more so, like he’s violating his hyung.
Jungkook hears the apartment door close softly and sounds of shuffling footsteps. Yoongi’s back. It’s almost 11PM at night. Yoongi must’ve really enjoyed the session to go this much overtime.
The footsteps come to a stop right in front of Jungkook’s bedroom door. He stays silent. Still, Yoongi knocks softly, twice . It’s kind of their thing. Most people knock three times, so when there’s a two-time knock, they know it’s each other.
“Come in,” Jungkook says hesitantly.
The door creaks and a tired Yoongi comes into view. It’s the ‘I had a progressive session but I overworked myself so now I’m exhausted’ look.
“Hey, Kook-ah. Can I talk to you for a bit?”
“Yeah, sure. Is there something wrong?”
“I just—you left kind of abruptly this evening. Were you, like, nervous around IU?”
Of course it has to do with IU. “Hyung, I’m not a teenage fanboy. I’m not nervous.”
“Yeah, yeah. I understand. Sorry that came out that way. It’s just, you seemed a little uncomfortable? Distracted throughout the session?”
“It’s nothing. Just felt weird giving my unfiltered critique in front of a famous idol.”
Yoongi giggles. “Jungkook, I think you’re forgetting that you’re a famous idol too. And also, you know that in the studio, we aren’t “idols”. Same applies to her. I mean, sure, at first I was nervous around her too. I mean, she’s amazing . But if you spend some more time with her outside of all the idol formalities, I think you’ll fall in love with her even more.”
Jungkook’s blood is boiling. “I’m not “in love” with her!”
“J-Jungkook, I didn’t mean it literally like that. I-I meant you’d admir—”
“Why does everyone think I’m infatuated with her?! I’m not !”
“I know, I know. I’m sorry. It’s just, I think you’d really like her, like, even as a friend. She’s very easy to open up to, you know? Even I got into comfortable conversation with her really easily,” Yoongi tries to explain himself.
It isn’t helping. All he does is compliment IU. IU this and IU that and Jungkook’s over it.
“Yeah, cus’ you’re so good with the girls,” Jungkook mumbles. He regrets it the second the comment leaves his mouth.
Yoongi takes a sharp step back. “What’s that supposed to mean?” He sounds hurt.
“Look hyung, I don’t like IU-ssi. If you want to make a move on her, just do it.”
“W-What? Jungkook, I told you. I don’t like her. Where is this coming from?” Yoongi now looks betrayed. Defensive.
“Don’t lie, hyung. I can tell you have feelings for her.” Jungkook doesn’t look at Yoongi, knowing that Yoongi is trying to read his expression right now.
“W-Wha—” Yoongi lets out a pained chuckle. “ You of all people should know how it feels to be accused of something that isn’t true. I always believed you, still do , when you say you don’t like IU, but now you’re accusing me of liking her? Even when I’ve told you guys multiple times that I don’t?!”
Jungkook looks up to see Yoongi’s watery eyes. “I—”
“No. Don’t even try.” Yoongi’s expression is hard, closed-off. Jungkook feels like he’s been ripped in half.
Yoongi leaves the room, slamming the door loud enough to make a statement.
Jungkook runs a hand through his hair in frustration. He’s fucked up again. He doesn’t even know what’s going on in his head but somehow he’s managed to lose Yoongi in the process. Yoongi, the one stable ground Jungkook always hangs on to when he can’t seem to understand his feelings.
Jungkook doesn’t get much sleep that night. He even wakes up earlier than any of the other members which is incredibly unlike him. As he’s pouring himself a bowl of cereal in the kitchen, he hears someone approaching. He turns around to see Jimin.
“Hey Jungkookie,” Jimin’s morning voice breaks the silence.
“Hi,” Jungkook answers weakly.
“Last night Yoongi hyung came to ask me about my “dinner with you”. I told him it was good, but considering I ate dinner alone last night, I’m guessing you’re lying…?”
Jungkook just nods.
“Wanna tell me why?” Jimin speaks softly as he ruffles Jungkook’s messy hair.
“Just didn’t want to be in the studio with hyung and IU-ssi.”
“Why’s that?”
“I don’t know hyung,” Jungkook says, exasperated. Not at Jimin, but at himself. “I-I’m not jealous of Yoongi hyung, you believe me right?”
Jimin nods understandingly. “Jungkook, I’ve been observing for a while now and, forgive me if I’m reading this all wrong but…” Jimin hesitates. “I’ll just say this. I believe you when you say that you’re not jealous of Yoongi-hyung, but that doesn’t mean you’re not jealous of them .”
“What?” Jungkook asks in confusion.
“There are two people in the situation here.”
With that, Jimin ruffles Jungkook’s hair one last time and leaves.
It takes a few spoonfuls of cereal in his system before it clicks in Jungkook’s brain what Jimin is suggesting. W-Was he jealous of IU?
Oh shit.
Everything made sense now.
He hates that IU now gets to spend more time in Yoongi’s intimate, personal space. When it used to only be him. And even though he’s sure IU doesn’t know Yoongi’s studio code like he does, it still irks him that she gets invited into Yoongi’s studio.
He hates that Yoongi pays so much attention to IU’s life. Enough to casually know what plans she had the previous night or what she doesn’t eat.
He hates how Yoongi always smiles fondly when talking about her and how amazing she is because it used to be him that Yoongi would praise that way.
He just hates that it used to be Jungkook and now it’s IU. But it’s even worse because Yoongi probably actually likes IU, unlike how Yoongi probably just viewed him as a younger brother.
God . Jungkook has no idea how to deal with this new discovery.
So he doesn’t.
He continues to avoid Yoongi unless they’re working, albeit for a different reason now. It’s not that hard, considering Yoongi also doesn’t seem to want to talk to Jungkook much.
‘Eight’, the IU x SUGA collab song comes out and is a huge hit. Jungkook isn’t surprised. Everyone congratulates Yoongi on it except Jungkook. He knows he should. He has to . But Jungkook’s always been flight rather than fight in these situations so he’s just been avoiding thinking about it entirely.
That is, until IU’s team invited them, as in all of BTS, for a congratulatory dinner. Yoongi goes around telling all the members with the exception of Jungkook. Jungkook instead, is told by Hoseok one afternoon in their living room.
“I’m not going.” Jungkook says.
Hoseok blinks in surprise. “What? But—”
“Yes you are,” Jin says sternly. “Jungkook, I don’t care what internal conflict you have going on, but not going looks incredibly rude and unprofessional. You are going.”
Jungkook is about to start finding an excuse when Namjoon cuts.
“I agree with Jin hyung. Jungkook, you really should go. And it’s gonna be a big dinner, no need to be nervous.”
Here it is again. Jungkook’s had enough.
“For the love of god, I’M NOT NERVOUS! I DON’T HAVE A STUPID CRUSH ON IU-SSI. I just don’t feel good.” Jungkook’s voice startles everyone in the room.
“Bullshit, Jeon Jungkook. You are going and that’s final.” Jin concludes and walks out.
Jungkook knows that when Jin says something’s final, it’s final. Jungkook might be really pissed at how his hyungs are treating him right now, but he will always respect and listen to his hyungs. So all he does is let out an annoyed huff and mumbles a “fine”, walking back to his room to get ready.
On the ride to the restaurant, Jungkook plugs in his earphones and refuses to talk to anyone. The members know better than to strike a conversation.
Once they arrive, he tries to pull his best fake smile, an idol trait he has learned through the years. Considering IU is also an idol, Jungkook’s sure she sees right through him, but still greets him nicely anyways. He knows she’s trying her best, but honestly it just annoys Jungkook how people-pleasing she is.
Jin glares at him, Jimin looks a little sympathetic, and Yoongi immediately looks away when they lock eyes.
Jungkook pretends not to notice Yoongi avoiding the seat right next to IU, instead coaxing Taeehyung and Jimin to sit beside her. IU looks a bit confused at the bad attempt of subtly shifting and Jungkook swears he sees her eyes flickering to Jungkook.
Jungkook eats mostly in silence. He gives one word answers when IU asks him how he’s been doing or when she compliments the clip of him singing ‘Never Not’. He occasionally inserts a lazy laugh when the rest of the table does. Other than that, Jungkook just observed.
He won’t lie, he's starting to feel a lot of guilt towards being jealous of IU. Yoongi wasn’t wrong when he said she really is sweet, even in non-idol mode. But it’s not the same sweet as when she is on TV. It’s a lot more natural, a lot more real. Taehyung and Jimin seem to be in a very enjoyable conversation with her and even the people who aren’t talking seem entirely entertained.
Even though he’s letting go of his dislike towards her, Jungkook is still annoyed. The fact that she can make everyone like her is annoying. The fact that she can make Yoongi , who’s sitting considerably far from her, look at her for the majority of the dinner is annoying. God , Jungkook is so pathetic. All he can do is stare at IU with jealousy, knowing he will never be able to compete with her.
This dinner pretty much confirmed that Yoongi has feelings for IU. It’s still a natural habit for Jungkook’s body and eyes to gravitate to Yoongi and even though they’ve been actively avoiding each other for the better part of a month, Jungkook keeps catching glimpses of a jittery Yoongi who’s eyes constantly flicker between IU and Jungkook. And if Yoongi really doesn’t like IU, if he really doesn’t have anything to hide, why would he be so hyper-aware of when he acts mildly interested in IU.
Finally , after what feels like a lifetime, the dinner is over and everyone goes on their way, full and happy. Taehyung and Jimin can’t seem to shut up about how lovely IU is while the older members just smile fondly at the two’s rambling.
Jungkook, who’s walking behind them, lets out a scoff. Everyone turns around and Jungkook pretends to look like he doesn’t feel immediately guilty.
The mood after that turns into something much more tense. And it’s Jungkook’s fault again.
Jungkook steps out of the car and is ready to lock himself in his room for the rest of the night when Yoongi speaks. “Jungkook. I want to talk to you. Alone.”
It’s not a request, it’s a statement. So Jungkook stops. The rest of thee members quicken their pace into the apartment, leaving just the two of them outside.
“That was really immature of you.” Yoongi says, standing directly in front of Jungkook.
“What was?” Jungkook responded, avoiding eye contact. If he looks at Yoongi right now, he might actually break into a million pieces.
“Don’t act like you don’t know. The whole time at dinner. She tried to include you in conversations and you kept giving one word answers. You scoffed at the members when they were— rightfully so —complimenting IU. You’ve been avoiding me since that time you accused me of liking IU even when I keep telling you I don’t. You’re acting like a jealous child.”
“I’m not . Fucking. Jealous.” Jungkook clenches his fists. Yoongi doesn’t understand.
“Well it sure doesn’t look like it,” Yoongi scoffs. “ You keep denying that you like IU and at first, I really believed that. But all your actions the past month keep assuring me that you do like IU. You’re jealous of me because you like her.”
“I don’t like her. And I’m not jealous of you.”
Yoongi’s face is turning noticeably red even under the lowlit front garden. “Then tell me why you’re like this!”
“It’s none of your business.” Jungkook grits through his teeth.
“ It is if it means I have to deal with this Jeon Jungkook for the rest of my life. It is if it means I don’t even get to spend time with you anymore,” Yoongi almost pleads . His voice sounds choked and if Jungkook wasn’t broken before then he definitely is now.
He’s still hurt though. How can Yoongi claim he plans to spend “the rest of his life” with Jungkook? Why does Yoongi get to say he wants to spend time with Jungkook so easily when his heart is clearly with IU?
So Jungkook keeps himself closed off. “What do you care? You have I—” Jungkook stops himself from saying the name. “You have plenty other people.”
“See?” Yoongi throws his hands up in the air. “It’s always back to IU. Stop fucking lying to yourself. If you like her then man the fuck up and make a move on her. Don’t sit from afar glaring at me because you're jealous.”
“I’M NOT FUCKING JEALOUS OF YOU!”
“BULLSHIT JUNGKOOK. YOU ARE JEALOUS OF ME!” Jungkook stumbles backwards. Yoongi never raises his voice.
He inhales shakily. “Don’t you dare tell me how I’m feeling. You don’t know shit about how I feel!”
“THEN FUCKING TALK TO ME! IF YOU’RE NOT JEALOUS OF ME THEN WHY ARE YOU ACTING LIK—”
“BECAUSE I’M JEALOUS OF HER!!”
Jungkook breathes out a heavy breath, eyes staring straight into Yoongi’s, like he’d just finished a performance.
Yoongi’s eyes are blown wide. He opens and closes his mouth a few times.
“W-what?” Yoongi breathes out, barely audible.
“ Fuck ,” Jungkook mumbles to himself. “I-I’m sorry hyung. Ju-just forget about it okay?”
Jungkook turns to head inside when Yoongi blinks, seemingly returning to reality.
“No—wait!” he calls out. He grabs Jungkook’s wrist tenderly, but forcefully enough that it stops Jungkook. “Y-you’re jealous of IU?”
“ Hyung . Please just forget about this. I’m going to bed.” Jungkook tries to wiggle out of Yoongi’s grasp but Yoongi refuses.
“No. We’re not doing the not talking thing anymore.” He cups Jungkook’s cheek, forcing Jungkook to turn towards him. “Jungkook,” he starts softly “why are you jealous of IU.”
Yoongi leaves another painfully long pause. “Are you—do you—”
“I like you hyung,” Jungkook decides to confess. There’s nothing to lose now anyways.
“I saw you getting closer with IU noona and I hated how happy you always looked talking about her or when you’re with her. And you guys have inside jokes and you know her food order and she gets to spend time with you in your studio and I know how much of an intimate space your studio is to you.
And I just hated that she gets the same treatment as me. Or even, more so than me because you probably actually do like her. And I-I” his breath is shaky. “ I didn’t realise until Jimin-hyung pointed it out that the person I’m jealous of might not be you and then it just clicked. I-I’m sorry hyung. I get it if you just want to forget all about this.”
Yoongi’s grip loosens and Jungkook slips his wrist out.
His hand reaches the door knob when Yoongi speaks softly from behind him. “W-what if I don’t want to forget about this.”
Jungkook whips his head around. Yoongi has his eyes trained on the ground.
“What?”
Yoongi looks up and takes a step towards Jungkook, head tilting upwards slightly. The tip of their toes are touching each other and it’s so close . He can feel his hyung’s jagged breath and it’s too close . Jungkook’s heart is about to burst out of his chest. He unconsciously licks his lips out of nervousness.
“H-hyung?” he breathes out.
“C-can I kiss you?” Yoongi stutters out. Jungkook can tell he’s just as nervous.
Jungkook wants to say ‘yes’ but the words seem to be stuck at his throat so instead, he just nods.
Yoongi inches closer and closer and closer . Jungkook’s eyes flutter shut as he feels soft lips meeting his own. He can feel Yoongi’s pouty upper lip between his and he closes his lips on it, sucking at it lightly. Jungkook feels his head spinning so he steadies himself by grabbing onto Yoongi’s waist. Yoongi’s hands snake behind his neck to pull him down slightly and Jungkook grins into the kiss.
Jungkook tilts his head to capture Yoongi’s lips even more, pulling and sucking lightly on his lips, taking in the sensation.
After a while Yoongi pulls away but keeps his hands hooked at the nape of Jungkook’s neck.
“I like you too. I think I’ve kind of known for a while now but just always excused it as me having a soft spot for you. But I also kind of realised my feelings were much more than that during this time since you stopped coming to my studio, even when I wasn’t working on the collab. And I really miss you cooking cup noodle for me and miss seeing you fall asleep on the couch in my studio and miss talking to you and cuddling and watching movies with you.”
They both breathlessly giggle, lips brushing against each other in a way that has Jungkook legs weak. His eyes fall back onto Yoongi’s lips, now bright red and swollen. Yoongi seems to have noticed as he bites his lips nervously. It emphasises the plumpness even more and Jungkook can’t resist swooping down for another kiss. This time a much deeper kiss.
Yoongi opens his mouth, allowing Jungkook’s tongue to wander and discover the new territory. Jungkook hums out a sound of satisfaction when their tongue’s meet and it’s warm and sweet and entirely Yoongi .
They pull away from each other, once again breathless and blushing.
“Well, this wasn’t how I expected the confrontation to turn out,” Yoongi says.
“Yeah, me neither.” Jungkook is still breathless and dazed.
The older shrugs, gummy smile in full display. “Not the worst possible outcome though.”
“Yeah, definitely not.”