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1.
Jungkook sipped his almost gone water and tapped at the table nervously, averting his gaze from the waitstaff who kept sending annoyed glances his way. He’s denied the waiter taking his order three times already and he’s pretty sure if he says a few more minutes one more time they’re going to ask him to leave.
But he’s still just waiting for his date.
His date who by now Jungkook is certain is going to be a no show, because as much as he doesn’t want to admit it, Jungkook knows he’s been stood up.
Jungkook sighed deeply in embarrassment and waved his waiter over so he could pay for his water and breadsticks and then escape the restaurant as soon as possible.
And while the girl he was supposed to be meeting was cute enough in the photos Jungkook had seen, she had nothing on the insanely attractive guy who suddenly slid into the booth across from him and had Jungkook nearly spilling the rest of his water.
“Uh…”
“Just go with it,” the hot guy whispered and winked at him, causing Jungkook to blush redder than a tomato.
The waiter came over while writing something on his notepad and without even looking up began speaking to Jungkook. “So is your nonexistent date here yet or do you still need a few more minutes?”
Jungkook bit his lip in half embarrassment and half nervousness while the hot guy cleared his throat.
When the waiter looked up and saw the hot guy, his eyes went wide. “Oh—”
“Hi,” Hot guy said with a short wave and a voice deeper than Jungkook’s college debt. “I’m sorry I’m so late but, yes, I am here. Are you ready to take our orders?”
“Y-yes, sir,” the waiter stammered, his demeanor completely changed now that Jungkook was no longer alone and because he’d basically been called out for his behavior. “I’m so sorry. My apologies, sirs.”
Jungkook watched the exchange in wonder and wasn’t ready for the hot guy to turn back to him with a beautiful boxy smile. “What are you getting, babe?”
Jungkook choked on air because babe?
“Uh… I’m, uh, I’m going to have the lamb?” Jungkook cringed and mentally kicked himself for making it sound like a question.
“Of course. And for you, sir?” The waiter asked the hot guy.
“I’ll have the same. And could we get some more bread sticks?”
“Yes sir,” the waiter said, nodding his head quickly. “I’ll have those right out for you.”
The waiter scampered off and left the two strangers staring at each other in complete silence.
Jungkook couldn’t help but appreciate the attractiveness of the man sitting across from him, with his sandy blonde hair, warm brown eyes, and the face of a Gucci model. He coughed awkwardly when he realized he’d been ogling the gorgeous man and downed the rest of his water suddenly dying of thirst.
“Hey, sorry about all this,” Hot guy said breaking the silence and looking a bit sheepish. “You just seemed like you could use some company.”
“Yeah…” Jungkook replied nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “Thanks, I mean. The girl I was supposed to meet, uh, I guess she, uh, um…” Jungkook trailed off and shrugged his shoulders dejectedly.
Hot guy nodded. “I understand, I’ve been there. Don’t let it get to you. Just always remember that the other person is the one who’s missing out. I’m Taehyung by the way.”
Jungkook grasped the giant hand offered to him carefully. “Jungkook.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Jungkook.”
“You too.”
“Shoot,” Taehyung said abruptly, running a hand through his hair. “I really should’ve asked if you were okay with this. I promise I’ll pay for dinner, or I can go if you’d like.”
“No,” Jungkook said a little too quickly. “You can stay. I mean, unless you’re here with someone else.”
“Actually, I’m here alone,” Taehyung replied with shining eyes. “Plus, it really wouldn’t be cool for me to pretend to be your date and then ditch you before the food comes.”
The small talk they made as they waited for their food and throughout the course of the meal really wasn’t all that awkward because Taehyung was so warm, and inviting, and friendly that Jungkook felt himself being drawn to the other man. They talked about things that would normally be talked about on a first date and Jungkook found himself feeling as if it almost was a real date.
When they finished dinner, Jungkook actually felt a bit sad and had to lunge for the bill when he saw one of Taehyung’s massive hands reaching towards it. Taehyung insisted on leaving the tip, and Jungkook finally gave in and let him after Taehyung had smiled and batted his eyes enough that Jungkook was left breathless.
They walked outside together and Jungkook shuffled around and bit his lip before speaking. “Uh, thanks again,” he mumbled, scratching the back of his head. “You didn’t have to do that, but I really appreciate it.”
“No problem. I feel like I should be thanking you. It was my pleasure really and thank you for dinner,” Taehyung responded with yet another sparkling smile. “I had a really good time, actually.”
Jungkook smiled back and hoped his blush wasn’t visible in the dark. “Me too.”
“Maybe I’ll see you around some time.”
“Yeah, I, uh, yeah,” Jungkook said lamely. “Yeah.”
“Well, goodnight, Jungkook.” Taehyung sent him once last boxy smile and then he was off into the night.
“Goodnight, Taehyung.”
Jungkook watched him leave with lingering eyes and perhaps he hoped to see Taehyung again a little more than he was willing to admit.
2.
“Jungkook!”
Jungkook scrambled up and retrieved his coffee before scurrying back to the table he’d claimed as he waited for his date and kept his eyes peeled for anyone that looks like a Ji-hoon.
His leg bounced nervously, and he wiped his sweaty palms on his pants as he waited in the small coffee shop for his date. His blind date who he has no idea what he looks like and Jungkook was suddenly left wondering what made him think this was a good idea, but this is definitely the first and last time Jungkook lets Jimin set him up on a blind date.
Glancing at his watch, Jungkook noted it was 30 minutes after the agreed meeting time, but he was more than willing to wait.
And so he waited. And he waited. And waited.
An hour and two coffees later, Jungkook pressed the heel of his hands to his eyes in realization.
He’s been stood up again.
His tongue dug into the side of his cheek as insecurity hit. Maybe Ji-hoon had actually showed up, took one look at Jungkook in the dark red hoodie he promised to be wearing so Ji-hoon would know it’s him, and then decided that rejecting Jungkook face-to-face wasn’t even worth his time. Perhaps that’s why that girl hadn’t shown up at the restaurant. Maybe after seeing his pictures she didn’t think giving Jungkook a chance was even worth it. Jungkook sighed heavily and tried to muster enough strength to get up and trudge home depressed and alone, but his pity party was cut short by a voice calling his name.
“Jungkook?”
“Yes!” Jungkook answered loudly, thanking every god that he’d been wrong, and his date had finally shown up.
He looked up and saw the hot guy who’d saved him from ultimate humiliation at that restaurant a couple of weeks ago. “Oh.”
“Hey,” Hot guy— Taehyung— grinned. “Sorry, did I interrupt you?”
“Um, no. You didn’t.”
“Is this seat taken?”
“Oh. Uh,” Jungkook was about to say yes because he was waiting for his date but then deflated and sighed in resignation. “No,” he mumbled miserably. “No, it’s not taken.”
Taehyung flashed him a big boxy smile and took the seat across from Jungkook. “You look like you’re waiting for someone.”
“I’m supposed to be on another date.”
“Oh. Sorry, I’ll go—”
“I got stood up again,” Jungkook interjected before Taehyung could leave.
Jungkook’s not exactly sure why he admitted that to Taehyung. Maybe it’s because Taehyung already knows he’s been stood up once and Taehyung said he can relate, or maybe it’s because he wants to save face and let Taehyung pretend to be his date again, or maybe it was because of Taehyung’s warm gaze and friendly smile and the fact that Jungkook actually wouldn’t mind his company.
“Their loss,” Taehyung said immediately, and Jungkook knew he’d made the right decision in confiding in the man. “More time with you for me.”
If anyone were to ask, Jungkook would vehemently deny the blush that dusted over his cheeks.
“Same girl?” Taehyung asked.
“No. Some guy. My friend set me up on a blind date.”
“That’s too bad. But you know, I bet I can guarantee you that if that guy had known it was you that he was supposed to be meeting, then he definitely would have shown up. Or maybe he did show up but got nervous when he saw you and bailed. Either way, your looks aren’t the problem.”
And just like that, all the insecurity Jungkook had been feeling vanished the instant Taehyung stopped talking.
“You really mean that?” Jungkook murmured quietly, playing with one of his empty coffee cups.
“Absolutely.”
“Thank you, Taehyung.”
“Can I get you another coffee?” Taehyung offered with another gleaming smile and a nod at Jungkook’s collection of empty coffee cups. “It’s the least I can do since you bought me dinner.”
Jungkook knows for a fact that he doesn’t need any more caffeine, but after all the nice things Taehyung had just said, there’s no way he can turn him down. Honestly, he doesn’t know if he could ever say no to Taehyung.
“Sure, that’d be great. Thank you.”
Taehyung got them both ridiculously expensive coffees and then sat and talked to Jungkook for hours, politely ignoring the way Jungkook burned bright red every time Taehyung touched his hand during conversation.
The encounter was fun and nice and to Jungkook, it felt everything like how a successful second date should, even though he knows that’s not what it was, but it was nice to pretend for just a second that Taehyung had been the one he was supposed to meet here.
It was dark outside before Taehyung finally apologized and said he had to leave and Jungkook had to do everything in his power to hide his disappointment. He did end up with one last coffee that Taehyung bought him. ‘To keep you warm, it’s cold outside’ he’d been told, and the kind gesture warmed his heart more than the coffee ever could.
Jungkook watched with a heavy heart as Taehyung waved goodbye and exited the coffee shop. “Bye, Jungkook. See you later.”
“Yeah,” Jungkook called back with slight dejection in his voice. “See you.”
3.
The weather outside the movie theatre was bright and sunny, but Jungkook feels like he has his own personal storm cloud raining down over his head.
He’s been waiting for his date for 40 minutes and despite numerous attempts to reach them, Jungkook hasn’t heard anything back. The movie tickets he bought are burning a hole in his pocket and Jungkook wants nothing more than to slam his face against the wall in shameful realization.
Being stood up once is one thing.
Being stood up twice is another.
Being stood up three times is so humiliating that Jungkook just wants to go home, crawl in bed, and never see the light of day again.
He gave up on waiting and decided to count his losses and just go home with the small amount of dignity that he still has left. He’d almost made it to the exit when someone tapped him on the shoulder.
“Jungkook?”
Jungkook turned and his eyes widened as he blinked in surprise. “Taehyung?”
Taehyung flashed him a smile that rivaled the brightness of the sun. “Hey.”
“Hey. Uh, what are you doing here?”
“I’m here to see a movie. You?”
“Oh,” Jungkook mentally smacked himself. Of course Taehyung came to a movie theatre to see a movie. “Uh, yeah, me too. I’m seeing a movie.”
Taehyung just smiled his same boxy smile. “The cheesy romance one?”
Jungkook nodded and winced a little.
“Same. Hey, maybe we can sit together.”
“Um, here,” Jungkook mumbled handing Taehyung one of the tickets. “I have an extra ticket.” He gave Taehyung his best attempt at a smile and began walking towards the door when a hand shot out and gripped his wrist.
Taehyung’s eyes were wide and curious and oh so welcoming. “You’re not going to stay?”
“Uh, no, um…”
Taehyung’s facial expression morphed into something soft and gentle. “I know I’m probably not who you were expecting,” he said quietly. “but if you don’t mind the company, I’d like to see the movie with you.”
For a moment, Jungkook could only stare at Taehyung. He wasn’t sure what to think or feel, but the longer Taehyung looked at him like that, the less Jungkook wanted to go home. He got lost in Taehyung’s eyes and agreed to stay before he even realized what he was doing.
“Okay.”
Taehyung’s boxy smile was back full force and Jungkook had to remember how to breathe when his hand was unexpectedly engulfed by one of Taehyung’s own and he was dragged over to the concession stand.
“What would like to drink? You want any candy?”
“Oh no, that’s okay. I’ve got it.”
“No, let me. You basically paid for my ticket.”
Taehyung ended up getting them both large drinks, multiple boxes of candy, and the largest tub of popcorn Jungkook’s ever seen.
They found some seats in the very back on the top row where they wouldn’t be disturbed by other people seeing the movie, and Jungkook tried not to read into it too much when Taehyung lifted the armrest between their seats and scooted closer to him. “Here, Jungkook, have some popcorn.”
Their fingers brushed every few seconds when they both went in for more popcorn and Jungkook almost coughed up a piece when the lights dimmed and the sappy Romcom began playing on the big screen and Taehyung shifted that much closer to him.
Jungkook tried to pay attention to the movie instead of the fact that Taehyung’s entire leg was completely pressed up against his own, but he lost all focus when he heard Taehyung clear his throat and then one of his long arms was suddenly thrown over Jungkook’s shoulder where it stayed for the duration of the movie.
When the movie was finally over, Jungkook sighed in both relief and disappointment. He was relieved because if Taehyung’s arm laid across his shoulder for any longer, Jungkook was sure he was going to combust, but he was also disappointed because that meant Taehyung was leaving.
They walked out of the theatre together and Jungkook found himself standing awkwardly and stalling Taehyung’s eventual departure.
“Thanks for the snacks,” he blurted without preamble.
“Of course. Thanks for the ticket,” Taehyung flashed him his signature boxy smile. “I had a really great time,” He took a few steps closer and Jungkook fought the urge to step back. He was frozen in place while Taehyung’s gaze was focused on his mouth and then the other man was leaning in close enough for Jungkook to feel Taehyung’s breath on his lips as he spoke. “But next time, it’s my turn to pay.”
“U-Uh…”
“Until next time, Jungkookie.”
And then Taehyung was gone and Jungkook was left wide eyed and touching his lips as heart threatened to pound out of his chest and he whispered quietly to himself. “Next time.”
4.
Jungkook stared at his now warm beer as he sat alone and waiting at the bar where he and his date had agreed upon.
By now, Jungkook feels like he should know better than to agree to meet someone for a first date because right now all signs are pointing towards Jungkook drinking alone because wouldn’t you know it’s happened again. Oh yes. That’s right, you’ve guessed it. Jeon Jungkook has been stood up for the fourth time in a row.
But honestly, Jungkook couldn’t find it in himself to be too upset about it. Instead, thoughts of a certain tall, funny, dirty blonde-haired beauty filled Jungkook’s brain and he found himself wishing the man would just so happen to show up again.
He sat at the bar for a while longer, no longer waiting for his date, but just sitting and thinking.
Throughout the night he’d turned down a few girls and a couple of guys who tried to talk him up, but Jungkook just didn’t feel any attraction. There were no butterflies in his stomach like there were whenever he was talking to a certain someone.
After shooing off yet another girl with the same excuse he’d given everyone else ‘Sorry, I’m meeting someone’, he slouched over and propped his head on his hand as he daydreamed about how this date might have gone if it had been planned with someone who he was actually interested in.
Someone whose familiar deep voice was suddenly behind him and improving Jungkook’s night significantly in a single second.
“You look like you could use a drink.”
This time Jungkook but help but burst into laughter as his wish actually came true and he’s once again run into Taehyung after being stood up. “Taehyung.”
“Jungkook-ah,” Taehyung smiled back brilliantly. “You here by yourself?”
“Yep,” Jungkook downed the rest of his beer to calm the butterflies that were quickly filling his stomach as if they knew Taehyung was near. “I’m obviously cursed and destined to end up alone because I got stood up again.”
Taehyung took the seat next to him and called out to the bartender. “Hey, can we get a couple of shots?”
The bartender slid them their shots and Jungkook practically inhaled his as soon as he saw what it was.
“I love Soju,” he told Taehyung, setting the shot glass down.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“Two more shots please,” Taehyung hollered to the bartender with dazzling grin. “And keep ‘em coming.”
Five shots of Soju later, Jungkook and Taehyung were talking and giggling with each other like idiots.
“You have the cutest nose,” Taehyung said all of a sudden and Jungkook nearly fell off his bar stool.
“What?”
“Your nose,” Taehyung said, tapping Jungkook’s nose lightly. “I like it.”
“I like your everything,” Jungkook confessed using his liquid courage. “You look like a model.”
Taehyung’s answering laugher was like a ray of sunshine that brightened Jungkook’s darkest days and he found himself smiling so big it hurt. Then without warning, one of Taehyung’s golden arms was linked with his own and he was being pulled towards the dance floor.
“Come on, Kook, come dance with me.”
And Jungkook followed despite the heart palpations that had him threatening to fall over.
That’s how they ended up with Jungkook’s back pressed to Taehyung’s front. Taehyung’s large hands grasped his hips as they danced and Jungkook couldn’t suppress the thought that his hands seemed to fit on Jungkook’s body perfectly.
Jungkook shivered at the hot feeling of Taehyung’s breath on the back of his neck. Their bodies moved as one and Jungkook felt like they were the only two people in the world. He turned until he faced Taehyung and they were breathing each other’s air, both pairs of eyes fixed upon each other’s lips.
Jungkook is almost certain their lips were about to meet before they abruptly pulled apart, surprised and brought back to the world around them by the loud announcement that the bar was now closing. He licked his suddenly extremely dry lips and focused on his breathing as he allowed himself to be led out of the bar by one of Taehyung’s massive hands on the small of his back.
They stood outside the bar for a few moments just staring at each other and then Jungkook’s mouth was overtaken with alcohol and adrenaline and he was speaking before his brain could catch up with him and talk him out of asking.
“Can I get your number?”
Taehyung’s smile was so intense and radiant that Jungkook was almost blinded. “I thought you’d never ask.”
5.
Jungkook felt awkward and out of place as he stood alone at his designated cooking station and watched all the couples interacting and being cute around him.
He checked his phone one last time and rolled his eyes at his boss’s responding text apologizing for the girl who backed out at the last second and stood up him. Jungkook shoved his phone back in his pocket and started to leave until he froze and pulled his phone back out, opening it to his text chain with Taehyung.
Something about going on this date hadn’t felt right to Jungkook. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was somehow betraying Taehyung by going on a date with someone else even though he and Taehyung haven’t actually gone on a real date with each other. Jungkook also feels guilty for being grateful that his date hadn’t shown up, but he had no interest in her and right now he wouldn’t have been able to focus on her anyways. The only one who was on his mind was Taehyung. But then again, Taehyung always seemed to be on his mind.
Jungkook sighed and debated with himself whether or not to invite Taehyung, but he’s already paid for this class and he needs a partner and if Taehyung shows up, he knows it will be fun. Not to mention the fact that he’ll get to spend more time with the beautiful, alluring man and that was all the encouragement he needed. Jungkook typed a quick message to Taehyung pressed the send button before he could chicken out.
Jungkook: Hey :) Want to hang out? I’m at this address.
He got a response less than a minute later that had him sighing in relief, happiness, and nervousness all at the same time.
Taehyung: Be there in ten ;)
Sure enough, Taehyung strolled in ten minutes later and Jungkook chose to pretend that he didn’t trip over his own feet when he went to greet him.
“Hi, Kookie,” Taehyung said with his signature boxy smile, drawing him in for a crushing hug, even lifting Jungkook off his feet. It’s safe to say that Jungkook nearly melted.
“Hey, Tae.”
“So what are we doing?” Taehyung asked as he placed Jungkook back on the ground.
“It’s a, uh, couples cooking class. I’m sure this will come as no shock to you, but I got stood up again.”
“You were going on another date?”
And something in Taehyung’s tone, something that sounded almost sad, had Jungkook scrambling to explain himself. “I, yeah, but it’s not serious! My boss set it up for me even though I asked him not to, and the girl didn’t even show up, and I only agreed because he’s my boss and, seriously, I really didn’t want to do this—”
“Jungkook,” Taehyung said, stopping his chaotic rambling. “It’s okay. You don’t have to explain yourself to me.”
“Oh. Well, um. I mean, yeah, but I promise it really was nothing, and the girl is a no show,” Jungkook rocked back on his feet and tried to steady the shaking of his hands. “But I already paid for this class and it, uh, sounds fun, but I need a, um, a partner. I need a date.”
“So you thought of me?” And there it was. Taehyung’s warm gaze and boxy smile were back and shimmering with happiness and Jungkook could breathe again.
“I thought of you,” he confirmed, carefully taking one of Taehyung’s hands into his own.
They gazed at each other for a few seconds and then Jungkook’s vision was completely filled with Taehyung as the other man pressed their foreheads together, their lips a hairsbreadth away from each other. “Then let’s get to cooking.”
Before Jungkook could even begin to form a coherent response, Taehyung pulled away and began fiddling with their aprons. Jungkook breathed heavily and had to lean against the counter of their station for support with impossibly wide eyes and a hand against his heart in an attempt to calm its violent pounding.
Next thing Jungkook knows, Taehyung's thrown an apron over his head and Jungkook was failing fantastically at trying to tie the rest of the apron behind his back with trembling hands.
Taehyung stepped into his space until their noses were touching. “Here, let me tie that for you.”
Jungkook didn’t dare breathe as Taehyung’s long arms wrapped around his front in an almost hug and tied his apron in the back for him.
“T-thanks,” he stammered out in an embarrassingly high-pitched, squeaky voice when Taehyung was done.
“Sure thing, babe.”
Jungkook choked on his tongue. “Babe?”
“Yeah?” Taehyung asked, seemingly oblivious to Jungkook’s suffering. “Oh hey, I think we’re starting.”
Jungkook sputtered but tried to pay attention to the class instructor who made her way to the front of the room.
“Good evening and welcome to “Love Muffins Cooking Class”, she said. “I am so happy to have you all here. Tonight, we’re going to make a classic: guksu. When everyone is finished, I’ll taste your creations, and chose a winner. So, get you ingredients ready, take a look at the recipe, and, most importantly, have fun on your date!”
Taehyung pressed his front to Jungkook’s back with his hands leaning against their station, effectively caging the Jungkook between himself and the counter as they read the recipe (or, more accurately, as Taehyung read the recipe and Jungkook tried not to explode).
They decided Taehyung would be in charge of the sauce while Jungkook took care of the noodles and vegetables. While they were cooking, their shoulders brushed the entire time and sometimes Taehyung got cheeky and bumped hips with Jungkook, causing a light blush to run down his neck each time.
“Here, try this for me,” Taehyung held a spoonful of his sauce up to Jungkook’s mouth. “How’d I do?”
Jungkook tasted it and tried not to cringe at the saltiness of it.
Taehyung’s resounding laughter told him he failed. “That bad, huh?”
“It’s, um, a little salty.”
“Hm. Did I put too much soy sauce? Two teaspoons, right?” Taehyung asked, pointing at the utensils he’d used.
Jungkook sucked in his lips and tried not to giggle. “Those are tablespoons.”
“Oh. Oops.”
They gazed at each other for a moment and then burst into laughter.
“It’s okay,” Jungkook told him when they’d calmed down. “I think I burnt the noodles.”
“Here,” Taehyung poured in the sauce and covered the noodles with the cut-up vegetables. “Look at that. It’s perfect!”
It was a total failure. Jungkook’s pretty sure if the someone from the Food and Health Administration tried their food it would be labeled a health hazard.
They stood giggling with each other over their disaster of a dish until the class instructor clapped her hands and made an announcement.
“Alright, everyone, it’s time for our couples to feed each other. Pick up some noodles and please feel free to do the scene from the Lady and the Tramp.”
Jungkook blanched but Taehyung was already getting their noodles ready, stuffing one end in his mouth before shoving the other end in Jungkook’s, essentially connecting them to one another.
Their eyes locked as their lips traveled down the noodles, inching closer and closer to each other until they were close enough to touch, but just as their mouths were about to meet, the noodles ripped and Jungkook pulled away before he could do something extremely embarrassing.
When he finally glanced back up at Taehyung, the other’s eyes were zeroed in on his lips.
“You have some…” Taehyung’s thumb reached up and swept across Jungkook’s lip. And as if that didn’t have Jungkook blushing enough, Taehyung then sucked his thumb into his mouth while looking him dead in the eyes.
That’s when Jungkook momentarily forgot how to function.
“Oh, you two are adorable. Absolutely precious,” the class instructor told them when she stopped at their station to try their creation. “You make such a lovely couple.”
“Thank you!” Taehyung positively beamed while Jungkook struggled to remember how to form words.
Somehow, the two of them ended up walking out of the class with the first-place ribbon and a bouquet of flowers.
Jungkook insisted Taehyung keep the ribbon and the flowers, both of which Taehyung hugged to his chest as if they were priceless gifts that Jungkook had bestowed upon him.
“Thank you for tonight, Jungkook. I had such a good time.”
“So did I,” Jungkook said, hoping the flush of his cheeks from the cold winter air was hiding his blush. “Thanks for doing this with me.” But then his face absolutely burned when Taehyung stepped into his space.
“What would you say if I wanted to take you out for a real date?” Taehyung asked, brushing a strand of Jungkook’s dark hair behind his ear and looking at him with those warm, sincere, intoxicating eyes of his. “I definitely won’t stand you up.”
Jungkook grinned like a mad man. “I’d say I’d like that.”
+1.
Jungkook stood waiting by the Ferris wheel in the center of the carnival for at least fifteen minutes before the familiar feeling of dread began to slowly spread through his body.
‘Taehyung’s just late,’ he reassured himself. ‘He is not going to stand you up. He’s not like that.’
But as the minutes passed, more doubt began to seep into his thoughts.
His mind began to think the worst. Maybe he’d misread Taehyung’s signals and asking him out had all been in the heat of the moment, or maybe Taehyung had changed his mind and Jungkook really is cursed when it comes to first dates.
He was close to tears when Taehyung suddenly appeared and came running over to him with two giant swirls of cotton candy filling his hands.
“Jungkook!” Taehyung greeted him, a little out of breath. “Hey! I’m so sorry I’m late. I got lost up by the gate and then I figured I should bring cotton candy to make up for it.”
Jungkook flew towards Taehyung and wrapped him in a hug, hiding his face in the expanse of Taehyung’s chest. “It’s okay,” Jungkook mumbled into Taehyung’s shirt. “I’m just so glad you’re here.”
“Of course I’m here. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
Jungkook abruptly pulled back from the hug and peered down at the ground. “Taehyung, I have to apologize.”
“For what?”
“I began to doubt you. I started to think you weren’t going to show up. I’m sorry, I—”
He was cut off by a kiss being pressed to his cheek and he started at Taehyung in shock.
“Sorry,” Taehyung said with his boxy smile. “I couldn’t help myself.”
Jungkook blinked at him.
“You don’t have to apologize for anything, Jungkook,” Taehyung continued. “I don’t blame you for starting to think that. After all you’ve been through, I would’ve thought that to. But I’m here now, and I’m not going anywhere.”
Jungkook laughed wetly as Taehyung pressed a kiss to his head and thumbed away the few stray tears that escaped Jungkook’s eyes and pulled him in for another hug.
After they separated, they smiled like dorks, sneaking glances at each other the entire time while they sat huddled together and ate their cotton candy. When they were finished, Jungkook’s hand was then captured by Taehyung’s, their fingers interlocking and molding together so perfectly it was like they were made for each other.
“You’re incredible,” Jungkook whispered to Taehyung, like it was a secret. “You know that?”
“You’re the incredible one, babe. I don’t know how I got so lucky meeting you and running into you all those times.”
“I’m so glad you did. I like you a lot,” Jungkook confessed quietly. “I’ve liked you from the beginning.”
“Me too,” Taehyung replied, swinging their joined hands. “I saw you at that restaurant and just couldn’t take my eyes off of you. Then every time I ran into you afterwards it felt like fate was bringing us together.”
“Yeah. You’re kind of like my own personal hero,” Jungkook professed with a soft laugh. “It’s like whenever I need you the most, you show up at just the right time and make everything better.”
This time it was Taehyung’s turn to blush. He pulled on Jungkook’s hand as they began walking around then carnival, but they stopped momentarily when Jungkook shivered.
“Man, it’s freezing. Here, take my hat,” Taehyung said, shoving his stocking cap on Jungkook’s head. “Oh, wow.”
“What?”
“My hat looks really good on you.”
Jungkook could only blush and duck his head.
“You’re so cute when you blush,” Taehyung chuckled, tickling Jungkook under his chin. “I love it.”
Jungkook just blushed some more and giggled at Taehyung’s insistence to play every game and take them on every ride, his long fingers threaded through Jungkook’s the entire time.
In his other hand, Jungkook clutched the overstuffed, pink bunny plushie Taehyung had won for him after countless attempts at one of the ring toss games, but the blonde had been adamant that he wouldn’t give up until he’d won something for Jungkook.
They made their way around the entire carnival, playing games, going on rides, looking at different booths, and feeding each other bits of food before ending up back where they started at the Ferris wheel.
“Come on,” Taehyung said, tugging Jungkook towards an empty passenger carriage on the Ferris wheel. “This is the only thing we haven’t done yet.”
Jungkook bit his lip anxiously, but followed Taehyung nonetheless. Everything was fine for the first few minutes, but as soon as their carriage started to rise, Jungkook’s leg began to bounce nervously and his palms began to sweat.
“You okay?” Taehyung asked, looking at him with a touch of concern.
“I, uh, I don’t really like heights,” Jungkook admitted.
His body was then pulled towards Taehyung’s and he was thoroughly snuggled. “Aw, I’m sorry, babe. I wouldn’t have dragged you up here if I’d known.”
“No, no. I wanted to come up here. I’m, um, just a little nervous.”
“I’ve got you,” Taehyung promised, pressing their cheeks together.
And after that, Jungkook honestly felt better as he was sheltered and protected in Taehyung’s warm grasp.
When they reached the very top of the Ferris wheel, Taehyung turned his face towards Jungkook and he smiled his ever so stunning boxy smile. “You know, I know this is our first official date, but I feel like I already know you.”
“Yeah,” Jungkook agreed with a smile of his own. “I feel the same way.”
“Can I be honest with you?” Taehyung asked with a sheepish grin that reminded Jungkook of the first time they meet. “I brought you up here for a reason. I have to ask you something.”
“What is it?”
Taehyung’s eyes flickered towards his lips. “Can I kiss you?”
Jungkook gasped quietly and then nodded rapidly and met Taehyung’s mouth halfway.
Their lips pressed together sweetly, matching each other’s movements perfectly, and sending sparks of electricity through Jungkook’s body. When they pulled apart, they rested their foreheads together with glittering smiles of pure happiness.
“Wow. You're even an incredible kisser. So,” Taehyung whispered against his lips. “When’s our next date, stand-up guy?”
And Jungkook couldn’t help but burst out with laughter and kiss Taehyung harder.