Work Text:
The first time the customer came in, Jungkook almost fell over.
Yoongi stared him down, then almost shoved him over as he made his way over to the register in a huff. Jungkook glared. Yoongi rolled his eyes and greeted the customer. The customer who was breathtaking, and that was just upon first glance.
Jungkook couldn't take his eyes off him. He seemed to notice, in the way he was smirking and meeting his gaze. Jungkook froze, and only unfroze when Yoongi elbowed him, pushing him back and groaning as the register popped open. Jungkook shook his head and stepped aside a little, but not far. His eyes didn't leave the customer in front of him.
"Alright, here's your change-" Yoongi was interrupted. "Jimin."
Jimin. Jungkook swallowed thickly. He looked him up and down. He was dressed immaculately in an all-denim outfit. Jungkook was kind of impressed because there was no doubt he came from the disco down the block; most of the people that trickled in on Friday and Saturday nights did.
Seokjin was a genius, really, with the marketing of the place. Business had been great since Jungkook started and only continued to grow from there. He also did his fair share of job-hopping, but wanted to stay here for a while. Beautiful customers only added to that.
Yoongi cleared his throat, startling Jungkook. He waved a hand in front of Jungkook's face. "Kook-ah?" he asked as his gaze narrowed. Clearly, Yoongi's patience was thin tonight. "Were you listening?" he hissed.
Jungkook stared back with wide eyes.
Yoongi sighed in response. "Two jellies, a classic and a powdered," he grumbled.
Jungkook glanced between Jimin and Yoongi, then turned on his heel to get the donuts. He repeated the order to himself, committing it to his memory, and got the donuts from the display. When he turned around, Yoongi was gone, which he cursed but also thanked. Jimin was still there, patient and waiting. He smiled softly, tilting his head to the side as he waited. Jungkook felt butterflies erupt in his stomach as he took a breath. He clutched the bag of donuts tightly and hoped Jimin didn't notice as he handed it over.
"Thank you," Jimin started, glancing down at the nametag, "Jungkook."
Jimin spoke so smoothly, and Jungkook wasn't sure he could get out a full sentence. He loved the way his name sounded rolling off the other's tongue. Jimin realized Jungkook was frozen and, soon, his laughter filled the shop as he took his order. Jungkook thought it was the most beautiful sound he'd ever heard.
*
It was precisely a week later, and Jungkook hadn't been able to stop thinking about Jimin. Yoongi was a little tired of it, in the way Jungkook would perk up every time the bell rang when the door would open for the next few days. Namjoon thought it was adorable and, meanwhile, Seokjin was encouraging and would scold Yoongi, telling him to let the little one pine in peace!
The second time Jimin came in, Jungkook beat Yoongi to the register, which earned an eye roll, like always.
Jungkook thought he could be more composed this time, but that went out the window the second he opened his mouth. "Two jellies, a classic and a powdered?" Jungkook offered, but immediately regretted it in the way Jimin was caught off guard. He cocked his head to the side, clearly confused. Jungkook's eyes widened, and he started stammering.
"Hey, it's alright," Jimin spoke gently, letting out a little laugh as he held his hand out. "I'm just impressed you remembered."
Jungkook nodded with wide eyes, a little too quickly. He must have looked like an idiot but, little did he know, Jimin was eating it up. Yoongi was cringing from the sidelines, desperately wanting to help in some way, but he knew he would make it worse.
Little did Yoongi or Jungkook know that Jimin dragged his friends here again. He raved about the donuts saying they just had to get them again, but they all knew he wanted to see the cashier with the doe eyes once more - not that they were complaining, because the donuts were pretty phenomenal.
Jimin took the donuts, sparing another glance behind him as he walked over to the corner booth. He greeted his friends with a smile. Meanwhile, they were smirking at him. Taehyung and Hoseok glanced at each other, then behind Jimin at the counter, and then back at Jimin.
"What?" Jimin asked, confused. They couldn't help but burst into fits of laughter. Jimin pouted, elbowing Taehyung as he slid in the booth.
"Nothing, nothing!" Hoseok insisted, but Jimin shot him a look.
"He's still staring. It's adorable," Taehyung spoke, and Jimin felt his face heat up. He looked down, before glancing back once again. He smiled once his gaze met Jungkook’s, and the worker shot up, his eyes widening. He quickly glanced every which way, except back at Jimin, as he tried to find something to make it look like he was busy. He failed, though, and Jimin realized and was not able to stifle his laughter. He only watched Jungkook pretend for a while longer.
When Jimin finally turned back around, Jungkook let out a breath and winced. He found it was amazing that he managed to embarrass himself every time Jimin came in, all while only saying a few words, but Jimin just seemed to have that effect on him. He couldn’t help it; the customer would come in and he would immediately become tongue-tied, losing all thought.
He just hoped the customer was as genuine as he seemed.
*
The next few Fridays went the same - with Jimin and his friends coming in after a long night of dancing and laughing. It had become a tradition for the friend group. Each time they walked in, Jungkook would beam and get their donuts. It amazed Taehyung and Hoseok, while warming Jimin's heart. They noticed, too. Jimin started to put a little more effort into going out on Fridays, started being a little more excited than before. When he wouldn't dance with anyone at the disco, but would practically run to the donut shop, they realized why. They thought it was adorable.
Jimin started to test out some lines on Jungkook, too, to see where he would get. Nothing too overt, so he didn't freak the other out, but enough that he felt like he got the point across. Except, he wasn't sure if it was actually working or not. There were only so many ways to compliment someone's appearance stealthily.
He wasn't sure if the compliments were coming across because, each time, Jungkook would respond with a look that conveyed a mixture of confusion, embarrassment, and shyness. Four Fridays and Jimin still hadn't been able to get a good read on the worker, which is why they kept coming back, even if he insisted it was for the donuts.
"Ah, yes, I can see the reason why we come every week is still going strong," Taehyung announced quietly as they strolled in. Taehyung and Hoseok went to their usual place, pressed against each other in a corner booth. Jimin narrowed his eyes at his friends before straightening up and making his way to the counter.
Jungkook watched him the whole way, his heart beating a mile a minute. Jimin looked better each time he came in, he swore, and it managed to catch him off guard every time. Before Jimin could reach the counter, Jungkook turned and went to grab his usual order.
Jimin leaned over the counter, resting his chin on his hand. He watched Jungkook innocently, even batting his eyelashes for effect.
Jungkook almost stumbled as he reached the counter. "H-here you go," he murmured, glancing down as he felt his face burn under the other's gaze. "Same as always," he added, sparing a glance at Jimin leaning over the counter and almost melting on the spot. He heard Namjoon snort at the unfolding scene from behind. Jimin joined and laughed too, which sent butterflies in Jungkook's stomach.
"Same as always," Jimin repeated, standing up and taking the bag from him. He handed him the payment, but lingered this time, unlike the last. He took a good look at Jungkook and smiled softly. "This is a pretty good thing we got going here, huh?" Jimin asked, tilting his head to the side.
Jungkook's mouth formed a little 'o' shape, but he quickly shut it. His brows furrowed together. He was confused, to say the least. Jimin bit down on his lip to keep from laughing. "I'm afraid I don't know what you mean," Jungkook spoke with a blush tinting his cheeks. Jimin wasn't sure if that meant he actually didn't know, or if he was a little oblivious. Either way, Jimin scrunched up his face and shook his head before leaving him with a smile.
Jungkook really didn't know what he meant. Mostly because every Friday, without fail, he managed to make a fool of himself in front of the most beautiful man he'd ever seen. The other enjoyed it, at least, from what he could tell, but he wasn't sure if he was always laughing at him or with him.
"You're cute, Jungkook-ah!" Jimin called over his shoulder with a smirk. Jungkook couldn't look over at the booth for the rest of the time they left. He was an unnatural shade of red, but Jimin loved it. He kept stealing glances until they left, more satisfied with each look.
*
The next Friday, Jimin was feeling bolder. He was practically vibrating as they made the short walk from the disco to the donut shop. He kept hinting at something happening today, which made Taehyung and Hoseok raise an eyebrow, but they didn't question it. They could see he was determined and, when he was, nothing could stop him. So, they trailed behind him, gearing up for a long night at the donut shop.
They were familiar with the bright neon glow of the Bangtan Donuts sign, but Jimin was sure he would never get tired of seeing it. The anticipation of tonight was nearly killing him.
Taehyung and Hoseok snickered as Jimin marched into the shop. It was a funny sight to see. They did their usual, not even glancing at the counter as they made their way to what was now their booth.
Meanwhile, Jimin was trying to swallow the bundle of nerves rising as he walked into the shop. Today was the day. He was going to make a move - or, at least, talk to Jungkook for longer than a minute. He was determined.
Except, Jungkook wasn't anywhere to be found. He was usually right at the register, bright-eyed and eager. Jimin’s heart dropped when he saw one of the other workers. But, he could be on break, outside, maybe. Jungkook had been here for the last five Fridays, every time the group came in. Jimin was counting.
Namjoon offered a warm smile. He was cute, sure, with the dimples, but it wasn't the same as the doe eyes he had grown so fond of seeing. Jimin plastered on a smile, ignoring the pang of disappointment in his stomach. They barely talked; he wasn't sure why he was so disappointed.
"What can I get ya?" Namjoon asked.
Jimin resisted the urge to sigh. He was disappointed, but there wasn't any reason to take it out on the man in front of him. He was usually the one in the back, in the kitchen, so of course he didn't know their order. But, Jimin loved how Jungkook would have his order ready by the time he got to the counter. Jimin chewed on his lip and stood on his toes, glancing behind Namjoon. The worker's brows furrowed as he turned around to look behind too. They only found Yoongi, who smirked as his gaze met Jimin's.
Jimin sank down, sighing.
"He’s off tonight,” Yoongi offered, and Jimin’s eyes widened. He laughed awkwardly, bringing a hand up to rub the back of his neck. He looked at the ground. Yoongi couldn’t help but laugh as he watched Jimin’s face darken in front of him. Namjoon just glanced between them, a little lost.
“I’ll, uh, take two jellies, a classic and a powdered,” Jimin said sheepishly.
Namjoon nodded, collecting the payment he offered before retrieving the donuts.
Jimin sat down in the booth with a huff. He crossed his arms over his chest, staring at his lap as the others eagerly opened the bag. Hoseok piped up, making a face as he looked Jimin over, “Damn, someone’s mood went sour fast.”
“He’s not here!” Jimin whined, sliding down the booth a bit, so he was staring at the ceiling. Taehyung snickered, and Hoseok elbowed his side.
“So, that just means we’ll have to come back.” Jimin sighed as Hoseok spoke.
“As if we weren’t going to anyway,” Taehyung chimed in, wiggling his eyebrows a bit.
A smile found its way to the corner of his mouth as he looked at his friends. Taehyung was continuing his eyebrow movements, and Hoseok joined him. It sent Jimin into a laughing fit. Disappointment aside, it was still a good visit.
*
Logically, Jungkook knew he shouldn’t feel guilty for missing last Friday’s shift but, for the previous five Fridays, he looked forward to the three friends coming in the shop without fail. It was the highlight of his week, and his coworkers knew, had teased him each chance they got. Even if they hadn’t spoken more than twenty words to each other, Jungkook still loved it every week.
Jimin probably didn’t come in anyway, he rationalized, to try and make himself feel better. Except, for the next shift he had, Jimin was the first thing Yoongi mentioned. With a smirk, Yoongi rambled on about how disappointed he looked. Jungkook’s brow furrowed, and he crossed his arms over his chest. He couldn’t help but huff, not believing the older. Yoongi rolled his eyes.
“No, I think he was actually disappointed, Jungkookie,” Namjoon chimed in. Jungkook’s arms fell, and he couldn’t help but pout. He still didn’t believe them. Namjoon elbowed him as Jungkook shuffled to the register, his place for the night. “You don’t understand,” Namjoon started, hopping up on the counter. No one was here yet; they were a bit away from opening anyway. “He was sad. I didn’t understand. He just kept looking around and then kind of dragged his feet to the booth, all very sadly.”
Jungkook’s bottom lip jutted out even more, and his eyes were wide. Yoongi was laughing, and Namjoon was smiling. “He definitely missed you.”
Jungkook shifted awkwardly, staring at the ground. Yoongi snorted. Namjoon reached over and patted his head before jumping down, then took his usual place next to Yoongi.
So, Jungkook waited.
And waited, impatiently and anxiously. He couldn’t ignore the way his heart dropped the closer it got to closing. His eyes darted from the clock on the wall to the door, his hopes dashing each time. It started after their usual time passed, but he thought maybe they decided to change things up. The others could tell he was getting more anxious as the night went on. They felt bad but didn’t know how to help other than offer sad smiles every so often.
Jungkook let out a heavy sigh as the last customer of the night left. He turned around, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed. A deep frown was etched into his face. It was met by an exaggerated one from Namjoon, and Yoongi followed behind him.
“Hey, it’s okay, little one.” Jungkook rolled his eyes at the nickname from Namjoon. He patted his head again, causing Jungkook to glare. “They’ll be back next week, I’m sure.”
Jungkook nodded in reply as he stared down at his feet.
He felt ridiculous almost, but wasn’t sure why. They weren’t friends. They didn’t have an official thing. But, Jungkook wanted to be friends, at least. Realistically, he wanted to be more.
*
Jungkook managed to bury his anxieties over the next week in preparation for the following Friday. It would be the 7th Friday since Jimin started coming in. He just hoped he would actually see him this time. He wasn’t sure how to play it off if he didn’t. Like always, he perked up when he heard the bell chime, and his face fell when it wasn’t Jimin walking through the door.
“Oh, god, if this kid doesn’t come back, I think it’s going to kill business,” Seokjin grumbled from behind. “They hate the sad eyes!” he continued.
Yoongi snorted, and Jungkook whipped around and met him with the sad eyes. Seokjin couldn’t help but return his frown. He waited for Jungkook to help the customer and then walked forward and hugged him from behind. Jungkook sighed and leaned into him, enjoying the contact. “He’ll come in, don’t worry.” Jungkook just nodded dejectedly.
Jungkook whined when Seokjin didn’t let go and, when the bell chimed again, he froze. It seemed like time froze, in fact, because it was finally the beautiful face he desperately wanted to see. Jungkook’s eyes widened, and he shoved Seokjin off him. He straightened up as Seokjin grumbled behind him and took his place next to Yoongi, who was laughing so hard that he almost fell out of his designated chair. Jungkook ignored them, putting on his bravest face.
Jimin laughed as he walked up and watched the whole scene play out. That was one of the things he loved about the place, the chaos of it all.
The funny thing was that, now that Jimin was here, walking in, looking gorgeous, Jungkook had no idea what to say. It felt like his brain was short-circuiting. Jimin set his sights directly on Jungkook, smiling as he walked up, and the worker’s brain was definitely short-circuiting.
“You’re-” Jungkook stopped, glancing back and around as Jimin approached the counter, “alone?”
Jimin’s smile grew, and he nodded.
“Oh okay.” Jungkook turned around but then quickly went back to facing Jimin. “I actually don’t know what to get you then.” His brow was furrowed, and Jimin couldn’t help but giggle.
“Just a powdered, please,” Jimin started as he leaned on the counter, “and something for you.”
Jungkook blinked. It caused Jimin to laugh again.
“You heard me right,” he assured. “Do you have a break soon?” He blinked again.
“Yes, he does!”
Jungkook glanced behind him upon hearing Seokjin’s voice, his face a little panicked. Namjoon was smiling, Yoongi was smirking, and Seokjin was giving him a thumbs up.
“I-I guess I do.”
Seokjin called out again that the so-called break was right now. Jungkook didn’t know whether to thank them or hit them. Realistically, he’d probably thank them later because whatever was happening wouldn’t have gotten this far without their encouragement.
Which is how he found himself sitting on the curb out back next to Jimin. They were close, but there were still a few inches between them. Jungkook was sure that was the only reason his heart hadn’t leaped out of his chest. They were sitting in silence, which was only about half-comfortable, picking at their donuts. Jungkook stole a glance every so often and, when he was met with that smile, his cheeks would darken.
They both managed to try and break the silence at once. “You-” Jungkook stopped himself, realizing the other was talking. They both laughed, Jimin hiding behind his hand. Jungkook took a longer look at him, trying to commit the way his eyes turned into crescents to memory. Jimin tilted his head as if to encourage Jungkook to talk.
“That outfit is bomb,” he spoke shyly.
Jimin smiled while biting his lip. He was wearing a pair of bell-bottoms, paired with a bomber jacket, with his hair slicked back. Except there was a piece that fell onto his forehead, which had to be perfectly placed. “So is yours.”
Jungkook snorted. “I’m in an apron and a silly shirt,” he deadpanned.
“But, you wear it well.”
Jungkook immediately lost all coherent thought. “I, uh-“ He laughed awkwardly, glancing down. He shifted a little, but closer to the other, not knowing what to say. “Thank you,” he decided on. He realized it was a terrible response, but his words were all jumbled in his mind. They were centimeters from each other now, which didn’t help.
“How long have you worked here?’ Jimin asked. He looked so serious, interested, as he spoke. Jungkook was thankful he didn’t seem to mind his…everything.
“Six months,” he started. “I’ve worked at most of the restaurants in town at one point or another, but this is by far my favorite place.”
It was the perfect question to get him to open up. He started by saying he got the job through Namjoon, who knows his brother, so he’s known him forever, and he’s loved it ever since.
“That’s sweet,” Jimin said earnestly.
Jungkook started to dive into everything he loved about the place, from annoying Yoongi and Seokjin to goofing around with Namjoon; he was happy where he was. Most businesses, he dreaded going into work but, at the donut shop, each shift was better than the last.
Jimin listened to Jungkook ramble on about the shop contently. It’s exactly what he wanted, for the other to feel comfortable to him like this, to get to know him like this. He loved how animated he was when talking, with his eyes widening and hand motions every so often. Jimin was eating his donut now, continuing to listen to the stories.
Jungkook was talking, but abruptly cut himself off. Jimin tilted his head to the side, looking at him innocently while waiting for him to continue.
“You, uh,” Jungkook laughed nervously and pointed to Jimin’s face. He was staring at his lips, a line of powdered sugar perfectly placed. Jimin hummed, pointing at himself. “Have something,” Jungkook murmured. He bit down on his lip and felt the air change slightly. It wasn’t tense, but it was more serious now.
Jimin batted his eyelashes in response, mostly for effect, but he was still confused.
“Something-” Jungkook repeated and brought his hand up to Jimin’s face. He brushed his thumb over Jimin’s lips, the powder falling off easily. Jimin flushed under his touch, even more so when Jungkook left his hand to cup his cheek. His thumb still grazed Jimin’s lip, almost as if he was feeling it out, playing with it.
Jimin smirked, not being able to contain it. “Did you get it all?” he asked, playing it up with an innocent tone. He was treading lightly, in fear of ruining the fragile comfortableness they found. Jungkook nodded quietly but didn’t take his hand away. Jimin’s eyes roamed his face, taking in every inch of it before landing on the other’s lips.
Meanwhile, Jungkook was trying to talk himself out of running away. He didn’t know what he was doing. He didn’t really mean to touch Jimin’s lips like that, he didn’t mean to keep his hand there, and he certainly didn’t mean to start thinking about kissing him. But, once it started, it didn’t stop. He was somewhere between frozen and wanting to jump forward and consume him.
But he’s called you cute at least five times; you can do this. Jungkook thought, and that was all it took.
He leaned forward, not giving himself another chance to think about it. Jungkook pressed his lips to Jimin’s. It was soft but short. Their lips barely touched and, if Jimin blinked, he would have missed it. But the second Jungkook pulled away, the older wanted more.
The younger pulled back, his thumb gently stroking the other’s cheek. Jimin was breathless already. His bottom lip jutted out, and he glanced at Jungkook’s lips, then back at his eyes. His fingers twitched at his side, with him wanting to reach out and do anything, but he resisted the urge. He wanted to go at the worker’s pace.
“Can I?” Jimin murmured and maintained his gaze. His hand found its way to the back of the other’s neck, and he played with the hair there, waiting for an answer. Jungkook nodded slowly, his heart beating a mile a minute.
Jimin leaned in this time, and Jungkook took a shaky breath as he did so. Their eyes fluttered shut this time and, the next thing they knew, they were kissing again.
Jungkook lost himself in it. He was still feeling it out, their lips moving softly together, tentative, and gentle. It was even better than Jimin imagined.
Jungkook had to pull away when he felt the other lick at his bottom lip, not able to handle it anymore. He was as red as he’d ever been, he was sure of it. He scrunched his face up before leaning forward and burying his face in Jimin’s neck. The other just giggled and wrapped his arms around him, holding him close.
“Sorry,” Jimin murmured as he kissed the man in his arm’s temple.
“All good here!” Jungkook squeaked out, causing Jimin to laugh again. Jungkook joined in, and they were laughing in each other’s arms. Jungkook thought it had to be the best feeling.
“But, that was good?” Jimin asked once they calmed down. He didn’t mean it as a question, but that’s how it came out. He was nervous about the exchange now, much like Jungkook had been (and still was).
“Yes.” Jungkook felt like he finally found his voice and spoke confidently. His hand dropped from the other’s cheek. “Very good.”
He pulled back, and now the older was the one blushing. “We should do it again,” Jimin broke out into a grin at those words, and Jungkook surged forward and captured his lips again.
They were so caught up in each other they didn’t realize any time passed. They were too busy laughing, kissing, and smiling, that it wasn’t until the door behind them swung open that they realized how long it had been. The door hit the wall, making a thud sound, and it sent both of them scrambling. They both startled, Jungkook jumping back from the other. He glanced between the door and Jimin, who was laughing wildly. Jungkook brought his hands up and hid behind them. Seokjin was at the door. He burst out laughing when he realized what was happening.
Seokjin walked over and plopped down on the curb, throwing an arm around each of them. “I cannot tell you how sad I am to break this up, but,” he started, and Jungkook let out a sort of embarrassed noise from behind his hands. Meanwhile, Jimin couldn’t contain his laughter. “You’re still on the clock!” Seokjin insisted, poking Jungkook’s side to try and get him to come out. He peeked out and, at the sight of a smug Seokjin and happy Jimin, he couldn’t contain his smile.
“Five more minutes?” Jungkook asked, using the best puppy eyes he could.
Seokjin sighed before agreeing. He rarely could resist Jungkook, let alone when he was using his puppy eyes. He ruffled the worker’s hair before standing up and walking back inside.
The pair immediately burst into laughter as soon as the door shut. “Five more minutes, huh?” Jimin asked with a smirk. Jungkook nodded eagerly and leaned forward and stole another kiss. The other laughed into it but leaned back before it could go any further. “Hey, I wanna ask something.”
Jungkook sat up a little fast and stared at him with wide eyes.
“Nothing bad!” Jimin emphasized. Jungkook couldn’t help but smile again at the reassurance. “I’d really like to take you out.”
With that, Jungkook beamed. He nodded eagerly, his face blooming with red at the idea.
“Yeah?” Jimin asked and tilted his head to the side with a lopsided grin. “I think you’d be fun at the disco.” He said it so earnestly, but Jungkook couldn’t help but scrunch his face up and then snort at the idea.
Although Jungkook had gained some semblance of confidence, he still struggled to navigate whatever was happening. “I think it would only be fun because I was with you,” he murmured. Jimin was caught off guard and raised an eyebrow, but he quickly recovered and brought both hands up to the side of Jungkook’s face. He leaned forward and kissed him slow and deep, different from the others.
Jungkook could count at least four different kisses they shared tonight, and he couldn’t help but wonder how many more they could share.
Jimin pulled away first, which left Jungkook chasing his lips. The younger grew embarrassed and hid his face again once he realized. Jimin wrapped his arms around him again, wholly endeared. “I’m serious. Let me know when you have a night off,” Jimin spoke as he threaded his fingers through the other’s hair. Jungkook let out a soft sigh and nodded.
The five minutes went by even faster than the time before. Jimin stood up first, leaving Jungkook to whine on the curb. “I don’t wanna,” he stretched out his words and frowned as Jimin offered a hand to help him up. He took it but didn’t stand up. In response, Jimin yanked him up in a swift motion. Jungkook let out a noise of surprise but happily settled into his arms again.
“I’ll be here until you get off, don’t worry,” Jimin dipped forward after he spoke and kissed the tip of the younger’s nose. Jungkook stole a kiss instead.
They walked inside the shop hand and hand and, before they could object, it earned a chorus of cheers from Yoongi, Namjoon, and especially Seokjin. Jungkook hid his face in Jimin’s shoulder in response. He spent the rest of the shift with flushed cheeks and bouncing around the shop, excited as ever. Meanwhile, Jimin sat in his booth, watching with a fond smile, grateful he came into the shop all those weeks ago.