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Mornings should be banned from existing and executed for destroying otherwise a perfect time system. Along with those dreadful mornings, Friday late night submissions should be convicted for being a complete atrocity. Jungkook managed to devise a very detailed plan, carefully orchestrating how his idea would become a reality. He wandered the streets of Busan mindlessly, his steps unfocused as he contemplated every single decision in his life leading to this single moment. Maybe he should drop out of university and become a pornstar. It definitely sounds easier than putting up with dozens of professors daily, constantly arguing about useless things. What's the point of wondering what the inspiration behind a random photograph taken in 1899 was? It was a portrait of a woman, for heaven's sake, not a lot of philosophy behind that one. Yet, Jungkook's dense professor disagreed, hellbent on insisting that the photograph had a greater goal in mind than just capturing his lover in the picture forever. With Jungkook opposing, his professor dropped his grade to an F, so to pass the class, he needed to create a new project and finish in one week what was supposed to be a ten-week long work. Jungkook somehow managed to start from scratch and finish everything on time, but he was so mentally exhausted that he couldn't fall asleep, making him agitated and even more tired than he ever felt before. Unable to calm down, he ventured into the city, grumbling about the unfairness of students' lives. He didn't pay any attention to his steps, and some part of him worried about returning, but he couldn't stop.
That's how he found himself standing before a small cafe, Magic Shop, wondering whether a cup of coffee might fix him. Then he realised he's a university student, for heaven's sake, and coffee is the ultimate solution to every problem in his life. Jungkook scoffed as he entered the cafe, the shop giving a friendly, cosy vibe, while in the truth, it was nothing but a tool to suck money out of poor defenceless students, making them addicted. But, a cup of coffee might settle down his nerves, so Jungkook begrudgingly approached the counter, and his mouth started unwillingly salivating as he checked the delicious desserts on display there. He pinched his arm painfully, making sure he didn't dream this place into existence. He couldn't stop himself from admiring the fine sweets, wondering how they would taste. He wanted to try them all, but he could never afford them all, so he chose to settle for only observing.
He stood there for at least ten minutes when he noticed the barista, who kept observing him the entire time.
'What a stalker, watching me like some creep.' Jungkook shook his head as he planned to continue with his silent admiration when the barista spoke.
'I'm watching you to see if you're ready to order.' Jungkook whipped his head around, frowning when the other man didn't pay him any attention, not even lifting his head as he arranged some really amazing smelling chocolate cookies.
'So not only a stalker, you're a creep who can read minds too. Great.' Jungkook looked around the room, searching for potential escape routes, while he slowly backed away from the other man vary of his every move. He could take that guy any day, but without caffeine or sleep in his system, his body might betray him, so it never hurts to have a backup plan ready.
'You hurt me. I just try to do my job properly, and you call me a stalker, and a creep. Very rude of you to say all that without at least buying some coffee,' retorted the barista, as he looked up, meeting Jungkook's eyes.
For the love of everything divine
Can this man be more perfect? All possible dangers forgotten, Jungkook leaned over the counter, smiling at the other mischievously. He read the barista's nametag sneakily, saving the name deep into his mind.
'So, Kim Seokjin, I will take back everything I said. Hot people can't be creeps or stalkers, so let's just call you my admirer,' proposed Jungkook as he observed the barista's reaction.
'An admirer you say. Should I try to woo you, so I can be upgraded to a suitor?' The other wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, clearly expecting Jungkook to give up and let go of their little charade. Oh, how much he underestimated the power coursing through sleep-deprived, under caffeinated Jungkook's veins.
'Well, buy me a coffee and call this a date, and we shall see,' followed up Jungkook, proudly watching as the handsome man turned around, his ears reddening abruptly. Jungkook already prepared to apologise for his words and for the discomfort it may have caused the other when the barista turned around, perfectly calm as he walked until he stood in front of Jungkook, only the counter separating them.
'How about I throw in a dessert too, and you stay here and chat me up? It couldn't hurt to have such a pretty face staying for a while,' suggested the barista, completely throwing Jungkook off the rails. Luckily, it didn't take long before his brain processed this offer, already agreeing.
'Near the counter shall I stay then. Impress me, Kim Seokjin.' Jungkook smiled at the challenged spark in the other's eyes, promising him something incredible. Without further ado, Seokjin turned around and engaged in a series of complicated moves, running all over the place, holding various items Jungkook didn't recognise. While waiting for the other to finish the mystery coffee, Jungkook brought a chair next to the counter, as he observed the dessert for a while, wondering which one he would love the most. Seokjin interrupted him before he could even make his choice, gently putting down Jungkook's coffee with two pieces of a strawberry cake. Jungkook offered Seokjin one of the slices, but the barista refused, claiming he always gets to taste every cake in the shop. Seokjin focused his eyes on every twitch of Jungkook's face, obviously waiting for his reaction. It suddenly made the latter incredibly nervous, as he hoped he'd love both coffee and the cake, but mostly the coffee. Carefully, not to burn himself, Jungkook took the cup to his hands, slowly blowing cold air on the beverage, as he took in the wonderful smell. He held back a pleased groan as he smelled the familiar scent, the aroma of coffee spreading through the room. He held eye contact with Seokjin as he gently sipped from the coffee, his taste buds exploding immediately. His eyes widened as he looked into the cup, somehow feeling as if it held the secrets behind the creation of the universe, the meaning of life. Drinking a bit more, Jungkook swore he saw infinite stars swimming in his cup.
'How do you like my secret latte macchiato recipe?' wondered Seokjin, smiling softly at the blissed smile on Jungkook's face, already having the answer from it alone.
'It's alright,' muttered Jungkook, sipping more of the heavenly drink slowly, savouring its incredible taste and the feeling it felt inside his body.
'Bet I only like it so much because of the sleep deprivation,' settled Jungkook on, as he subtly checked the barista's reaction. Surprisingly, the man just gently smiled and ruffled his hair before retreating to the back of the shop.
After returning, he didn't get the chance to talk with Jungkook again, seeing as a small customer queue started forming. Seokjin sent an apologetic look Jungkook's way before fully concentrating on the newcomers. Jungkook drank his coffee in peace, watching everyone in the shop speak with Seokjin in a friendly manner, seeming as if they frequented the cafe often. After finishing the cake, which tasted even better than it looked, Jungkook slid a bill on his plate as he pushed it close to Seokjin's side of the counter before leaving the cafe.
Feeling much better than before, Jungkook smiled dreamily his whole way home. When he arrived at his dorm, he invited his friends over, catching up with them. He didn't realise how much he missed them until the day already passed, and they returned to their own dorm. Jungkook watched some YouTube videos about cute animals in his bed as he waited for fatigue to hit him. He didn't even notice when his eyes closed on their own, as he fell asleep quickly, dreaming about a particular cafe, swearing to return.
When Jungkook woke up the next day, fully rested (more than a rare occurrence), he decided to revisit Magic Shop, sure that the exceptional coffee was nothing more than a fluke, a hallucination created by his sleep-deprived mind. He waited till noon, too comfortable in the safe space of his bed to leave quite soon before getting ready. He didn't really do much, except just change from his pyjamas into a fresh pair of sweatpants and shirt as he set off. When he finally found the cafe after a few minutes of hopelessly wandering in the nearby streets, he confidently strode in. The delicious aroma of coffee hit him with full force, and he let out a pleased gasp enjoying the smell. Luckily, there weren't many people waiting for an order, so Jungkook stood in the line, browsing through his phone mindlessly. That is until he noticed only two people were in front of him, so he hid his phone, and looked around the cafe. He had to admit that it seemed incredible and gave off a homely vibe. He certainly wouldn't mind returning, and maybe he could ask his friends to tag along, as they too were university students in dire need of regular caffeine doses.
Jungkook soon reached the counter and ordered from a nice-looking guy with an adorable smile. He instructed Jungkook to step to the side while waiting for the barista to call out with his order prepared. Jungkook made sure to tip the guy as generously as he could afford, with his limited resources before moving, and letting the person behind him order too. Jungkook mused as he looked around once again, recalling how he felt a silly dislike towards the shop, shaking his head at how sleep deprivation can mess up people's perception of reality. Jungkook lost himself admiring the interior design when he heard a voice that can only be compared to a g odlike being.
'Don't gay panic, Jeon, it's just a deep voice. You've heard tons of those before, and there's no need to do some embarrassing shit,' calmed Jungkook partially down as he breathed through the nervousness spreading through his veins. He quickly rehearsed the latest choreography he learned in the class, half-successfully calming himself down. Of course, none of that mattered as he looked up and made eye contact with the divine man behind the gorgeous voice.
'Oh, sweet mother of gays, I'm in love,' thought Jungkook as he desperately tried calming down before walking to the counter.
Unfortunately, every deity of luck abandoned him, as he managed to trip over literally nothing, the path in front of him as he fell, knocking over a table and two chairs. That caused another table (which was over two meters away, how was that possible?) to tumble down, which had, as luck would have it, two big bottles of water on it and somehow managed to fall flat on him. Suddenly unable to hold his balance (as a dance major, this insulted him to his deepest core), and he fell to the ground. Technically a fall to the hard floor should hurt like hell, but Jungkook felt way too humiliated to focus on something as trivial as physical pain. Most importantly, as a thin layer of water cushioned his fall, a sound splash alarmed everyone to the current events after the series of loud crashes.
There weren't many people in the cafe, but Jungkook knew all eyes were focused on him, and as a performance arts student, he never thought he would feel there are way too many eyes on him. But then again, he never thought one smoking hot guy calling out his name would cause wonders to his physical capabilities as a human. Jungkook struggled to get up, face heating up in embarrassment, as he fell back on his face once again as all the water splattered loudly around him, and wow, how could this get any worse. He started considering plastic surgery and moving to Brasil to begin life as a simple farmer, abandoning all he knew to evade ever facing people in South Korea again.
He didn't dare look up as someone helped him off of the ground, tears welling up in his eyes as he accepted the offered hand. When the person hurriedly asked if he's okay, Jungkook wanted to start weeping or combust. Maybe both, because it's him and that deep, husky voice, and Jungkook wondered what atrocity he committed in his past life to deserve this. He hurried to apologise, tripping over his word, but suddenly he stops talking as Seokjin burst into loud laughter, and Jungkook felt mortified but slightly less scared for life.
I guess Brazil can wait for a bit
Seokjin kindly helped Jungkook up and took him to the back as he gestured for the other barista, Yoongi, to take over his spot. He somehow secured a set of clothes in Jungkook's size before he brought him a hot coffee and a slice of a cake. Jungkook profoundly apologised again for making a scene and a mess in the cafe, but Seokjin assured him nothing happened as he sat down next to him.
'Hey, don't worry about that. Before you arrived, I just told Yoongi how bored I was, so thank you for helping me escape the awful situation. Now, be so kind, and tell me your name, pretty boy.' Seokjin handed Jungkook another cup of hot coffee, a warm smile on his face.
'Marry me,' spluttered Jungkook without thinking, and he lived five glorious seconds in peace until his brain finally caught up to his hurried mouth.
'Well, you must forgive me for not referring to you by your name until at least the third date,' retorted the other, a sly grin tugging on his lips, but Jungkook noticed the redness of his ears in direct contrast to his black hair. It made Jungkook calm down as he slowly forced himself to breathe through his gay panic.
'Jungkook, Jeon Jungkook, a dance and photography student, and part-timing and majoring in panicked gay department. Nice to meet you,' corrected himself Jungkook, as he mentally patted himself on his shoulder for somehow managing to form a sentence.
'Well, I'm assuming the panicked gay major must be very taxing on you mentally. How about I let you stay here, and we'll call this a second date?' offered Seokjin as he sipped from his own mug, relaxing in his chair.
'Won't you get in trouble for making me all the coffee for free?' wondered Jungkook as he noticed how Seokjin changed his recipe slightly from yesterday's, and he asked him about that curiously.
'Well, I brewed this coffee espresso-ly for you, so no harm for the shop,' answered Seokjin with a mysterious smile, looking into Jungkook's eyes with a spark of amusement.
'I'll need a refill, refund and repercussions for hearing that terrible joke,' groaned Jungkook as he unsuccessfully attempted to hide his smile.
'Handsome, funny and makes excellent coffee, he's a catch, Jeon, under no circumstance let him go,' reminded himself Jungkook as he enjoyed the drink.
Seokjin stayed with Jungkook for the remainder of his shift, and then some. The latter discovered with great joy that he and Seokjin attend the same university, even though the older (yes older, and he gets to call him hyung, what a blessing ) majored in Films & Acting. Seokjin studied from home, finishing his Master's degree while working as a barista, only present at university for the exams.
As much as Jungkook longed to spend the rest of his day talking with Seokjin, he still needed to return and catch up on his missing assignments and assure his friends he didn't die during the past eight days. So after spending almost twelve hours talking with Seokjin, Jungkook bid him goodbye and returned to his dorm room with a nice cup of coffee in his hands, along with some freshly made chocolate chip cookies. Jungkook smiled the entire way home, his heart beating in a happy rhythm as he wondered when will be the next time he visits the older.
As Jungkook arrived at his dorm, his best friends and classmates waited for him, angry as they noticed what he held in his hands, assuming he ghosted them to enjoy coffee without them. Which technically wasn't a complete reach, but it wasn't his ultimate goal, so he rolled his eyes before attempting to calm them with some of the cookies as a peace offering even though his heart bled at sharing the sweets Seokjin baked especially for him.
'Jungkook, we spent last week worried sick about you after Jihoon told us about professor Lee failing you. You ignored our calls and messages, and when we finally manage to break into your dorm room, we find you enjoying a fancy cup of coffee and some luxurious cookies. You got three minutes to explain yourself, Jeon, or I'll kill you myself,' warned him Jimin, tone deadly serious as he stared at Jungkook as if he murdered his entire family.
'I fell in love with a barista, and I utterly humiliated myself in front of random strangers and flashed a certain man who I love. As compensation, he baked me cookies, so here I am,' answered Jungkook shortly, putting down the paper bag with the sweets as he sunk onto the couch, gripping his hair with despair. Taehyung and Jimin exchanged a complicated series of glances before they suddenly hugged Jungkook from both sides, cooing at him and encouraging him to share more about his encounter with the now infamous barista. Without any more prodding, Jungkook leaned against them, cuddling them as he started talking.
Boy did Jimin and Taehyung regretted giving him free rein of their conversation, as he couldn't seem to shut up about Seokjin's infinite beauty, his incomparable sense of humour and his kind personality. Eventually, they managed to silence the youngest of them, as they promised, swore, to act as his moral and gay support the following day when he planned on taking them to visit Magic Shop. Neither of them noticed the wonderful gift to humanity, as Jungkook described the handsome man who changed his life just by making him a cup of coffee, containing the secrets of the galaxies.
'Well, can't say I'm not pleasantly surprised seeing your pretty eyes again, Jungkook. I assume those two usually save you whenever the need arises,' greeted Seokjin as he held out a cup of warm beverage before handing it to Jungkook. He turned around and introduced himself to Jungkook's friends as he took in their orders before leaving them to marvel at him. It takes the duo circa twenty seconds before they recovered from the shock of being faced with somebody of Seokjin's visuals without any prior preparations.
'Jungkook, how dare you? You must've won a lottery, and you don't deserve such a superior human wooing over you,' complained Taehyung as he pinched Jungkook's ribs, as he stared at the retreating figure of the barista dreamingly.
'I know, right? How did Jungkookie find such a fine specimen of a man? When do I discover a tall, bulky man to fawn over me as I panic over college papers,' sighed Jimin, leaning his head on Jungkook's shoulder, as he played with the variety of his rings, twisting them mindlessly.
Jungkook didn't mind them complaining about the general lack of potentially suitable partners, as he wholeheartedly agreed. Except for Seokjin, who still might be a massive hallucination, the jury is still out. Jungkook would happily spend the waiting daydreaming about the house he could build with Seokjin to retire in together, except the other handsome barista (is this a cafe or a runaway show?) joined their table, looking at Jungkook with a strange spark in his eyes.
'So, what's your game plan here, Jungkook-ssi? Do you plan on draining poor Seokjin's employee benefits by receiving free coffee and a desert anytime you visit?' inquired the man, as he slid a few biscuits across the table, offering them to the boys across him. The trio immediately accepted as they devoured the delicious treats without thinking, as the barista patiently waited for Jungkook's answer, smiling softly at the university students enjoying the food.
'I don't need any freebies, nor am I actively seeking them. Looking at Seokjin's face till the day I die, is much more satisfying than any coffee anyway,' muttered Jungkook around a mouthful of chocolate biscuit, unbashful as he didn't bother to lower his voice. The barista looked seriously amused by the answer, about to reply, but a loud crashing sound near them interrupted him. Jungkook turned around, shocked to come face to face with a blushing Seokjin, who apparently bumped into the counter upon hearing Jungkook's reply.
'Whatever gay deity has been looking over me, thank you for blessing me with meeting this gorgeous human being and for making me able to fluster him whenever my brain-to-mouth filter fails to function .' Jungkook silently sent a prayer as he made eye contact with the barista, making sure to appear more confident than he felt.
'Seokjin-hyung, since when you are so flustered by cute boys who are you actively flirting with?' asked the other barista, as he helped Seokjin distribute the drinks on his tray without asking who ordered what.
'I don't remember snarky comments and being objected to sarcasm being a part of my employment contract, Yoongi-yah. So unless you're willing to find a replacement for a face like mine, I suggest you scramble away.' Jungkook couldn't help but shiver slightly at hearing Seokjin's voice so close.
'See you later, kids. You wouldn't be able to tell I'm the boss here. If you ever have spare time, don't be afraid to visit, it'll be my treat.' With that, the other barista, Yoongi, waved them goodbye before leaving their table and letting Seokjin join them in his stead.
'Don't mind him, boys. Yoongi has been eyeing your friend for at least five minutes, so don't be fooled by his indifferent attitude. He probably left his number on a napkin, the softie he is,' snickered Seokjin as he untied his apron, sitting at the table with his own coffee in his hand.
While Seokjin started chatting with Jimin and Taehyung, Jungkook realised how greatly the barista fitted into his friend group immediately, connecting with both of them without a problem, bonding over their shared hobbies and interests. Jungkook wondered if Seokjin ever were interested in having a relationship with him if they would be a good match together. Nobody could deny the incredible chemistry between them, and Jungkook certainly enjoyed their light-hearted banter. Even though they only met three times, Jungkook swore he felt a spark between them, and he wanted to show his best side to the older. However, somehow Seokjin managed to ignite a response in his brain, making him more brazen and confident, having a need to pick a fight with the barista, just like in that moment, when the older told a lame coffee pun.
'I bet your coffee is only good enough because of the machines here, and you're only an average barista,' snorted Jungkook as he finished his drink, ironically the special coffee from Seokjin, challenging the older.
'Well, Jungkook-ah, if you wanted me to invite you over to my apartment for some homemade coffee, you could've just asked,' retorted Seokjin, leaning in closer, raising his eyebrows at Jungkook, waiting for his answer.
'If you wanted to get into my pants, you should've invited me to your home without any pretenses, hyung .' Jungkook just loved whenever Seokjin became flustered, his ears glowing a bright red colour while the man managed to school his features into a controlled expression, pretending not to be affected by Jungkook's blatant flirting.
'Seems like we're interrupting something here,' noted Taehyung bitterly as he sipped his hot cocoa, smirking as the duo snapped their heads at him, looking shocked at the accusation.
'Mind your own business, Kim, or I'll make you,' threatened Jungkook as he hissed at his friend, kicking him under the table as a warning.
'Another Kim,' exclaimed Seokjin as he reached over the table, wrapping an arm around the younger's shoulder as he hugged him leisurely. Jungkook swore Taehyung's life flashed before his eyes when the two made eye contact, the younger glaring as a sharp ping of unreasonable jealousy flared through his gut.
'Well, as much as I enjoyed meeting Seokjin and tasting his glorious coffee, we should head back to our dorms, as we need to go to university tomorrow morning,' interrupted Jimin as he moved for his wallet, attempting to pay for their coffee. Seokjin waved him off, assuring him he already took care of their bill as a treat to Jungkook, who had to hide his satisfied embarrassed smile behind his hands as he thanked Seokjin.
'I still need to take you up on the offer to taste the homemade coffee, Seokjin-hyung,' reminded Jungkook as they began to leave, a surge of confidence striking through him suddenly.
'How about we meet here, Friday at noon? I have a morning shift, and afterwards, I can take you to my place,' offered Seokjin, an unsure smile on his face as he awaited Jungkook's reply, impatiently playing with his fingers.
'Add some chocolate, and we'll call it the fourth date,' offered Jungkook, feeling remarkably bold as he leaned over, pressing a light kiss into Seokjin's cheek before quickly bolting, leaving his friends inside as he stepped outside. He cursed at his low resistance to temptations, especially considering handsome men with broad shoulders and charming personalities.
'Who are you, and what have you done with Jeon Jungkook and his inability to confront any man without making a fool out of himself?' inquired Taehyung when they joined the youngest. He gently patted Jungkook's shoulder, probably aware of his growing panic, making sure to reassure Jungkook of his presence and support.
'Don't worry, neither of us will survive this disaster. Make sure to play some Panic! At The Disco at the funeral, and ensure there are male strippers everywhere, and I mean everywhere,' whispered Jungkook in a stage whisper, putting a hand over his heart, as he looked to the sky, a solemn expression on his face.
'Can't deny a dying man his final wish, can we?' cooed Jimin, ruffling Jungkook's hair as they started walking back to their dorm, a friendly banter accompanying them. The youngest stayed silent, thinking about his conversation with Seokjin as his brain caught up to their planned encounter ( a date, they called it a date!), sending him into another fit of panic.
'You're supposed to be my friends! How could you let me humiliate myself in front of so many people?' groaned Jungkook, as he once again contemplated moving to Brasil and completely erasing any traces of his existence in South Korea, in Asia even. As he shared his genial plan with his friends, it earned him a hard smack to his head and shoulder, respectively, as they berated him for always overreacting.
'You just landed a date with the hottest dude I have ever known, so consider yourself lucky, and go buy some fancy underwear,' recommended Jimin helpfully as he unlocked Jungkook's dorm, pushing the latter inside. He and Taehyung immediately began planning Jungkook's outfit for his date and even going as far as searching for an ideal wedding venue.
Jungkook didn't listen to them, as he focused on the university work, making sure to recheck his every assignment thoroughly as he needed to ensure nothing would bother him on Friday. Before Jungkook even realised, the days blended into one as he went through his closet, looking for an ideal outfit, even though Jimin and Taehyung already chose from him. As much as Jungkook wanted to defy their selection, he couldn't help but agree with their pick, seeing as both of them possessed more fashion style than he ever did.
So come Friday, 10 AM, Jungkook dressed up, made sure to style his hair properly as he debated what to bring to Seokjin, unsure if opting to buy flowers or chocolate would be too big of a step. Texting his friends proved to be an enormous mistake as they suggested wildly inappropriate approaches, so he chose to ignore them. He decided to get Seokjin a small bouquet of roses, and while it was something slightly out of his monthly budget, it felt right.
While Jungkook mulled over the decision, inwardly panicking, but the moment he reached Magic Shop , he saw Seokjin standing outside, smiling into his phone, not noticing him yet. He couldn't possibly explain the sensation but seeing Seokjin brought out a spark inside him, making him feel like discovering something extraordinary each time he looked at the older.
'Hey, hyung!' called out Jungkook, elevated as Seokjin made eye contact, his heart jumping as the older gently smiled and waved in his direction. He held something small in his hands, covered in a fancy wrapping paper, and suddenly he thanked the deity looking over him for making him buy the flowers.
'Wow, Jungkook-ah, flowers on a first private date. You are a charmer,' mused Seokjin as he bashfully accepted the roses, his cheeks coloured a soft red colour as he handed Jungkook the package he brought. The younger suppressed a squeal as he unwrapped it and revealed a bunny plushie holding some chocolates, and Jungkook thanked the older as he carefully held the bunny close to his chest, blood rushing to his face.
Seokjin offered Jungkook his arm, leading them towards his apartment as they lost themselves in a conversation about popular movies, as they discovered they shared love for superheroes and action movies. While walking, they argued about the most powerful Avenger (Seokjin was older, so Jungkook decided not to pursue the argument out of respect), they passed over many historical buildings, and Seokjin always said something about them.
Jungkook wondered how he could remember the random historical facts about them, in awe of Seokjin's memory and ability to turn any boring ancient story into an exciting tale of old time. Seokjin's apartment was located almost three-quarters of an hour from the cafe, yet the road seemed to last few seconds and an eternity at the same time.
When they arrived, Seokjin opened the door for the younger, letting him come inside first, a classic gentleman. Jungkook wouldn't admit it to anyone, but it made his heart swoon as he smiled at Seokjin shakily, unable to hide his inner nervousness. The older's apartment was at the top of the building, the only one on the respective floor, which made Jungkook wonder how could Seokjin afford it while working as a barista.
'Welcome to my humble abode, Jungkook-ah,' welcomed Seokjin, the younger inside, as they entered the not so humble apartment, fancy paintings hanging in the hallway, looking like a castle from a fairy tale.
Jungkook followed the barista further inside, in awe as he took in the intricate details of the decorations, marvelling at the colour scheme. Suddenly he wondered if Seokjin would allow him to have a photoshoot inside his apartment, older as the primary model. He resisted the urge to ask the older, wanting to wait for the better timing as not to seem overly invasive.
'So, whichever caffeine beverage shall you choose? I'm very flexible with my skills, and I don't doubt that any drink will astound you,' promised Seokjin. Jungkook gasped at the number of mugs on display when they entered the kitchen, making the barista chuckle at his wonder.
'I didn't choose the mug life, Jungkook-ah, the mug life chose me,' whispered the older, a curious smile tugging at the corners of his lips, waiting for Jungkook to recognise the pun.
When the younger grasped the joke, he groaned as he jokingly turned around, pretending to plan to leave the apartment as Seokjin burst into laughter. The barista carefully chose two matching mugs as he started explaining to Jungkook how he bought individual mugs for specific beverages.
'Now, I'm a little hesitant to try to teach you the delight of caramel flavour, but I decided to give it a shot,' admitted Seokjin as he started moving around in the kitchen, opening cupboards taking out ingredients and utensils Jungkook couldn't recognise. The younger observed Seokjin performing what he could only describe as magic, silently watching him as he created something incredible out of nothing.
Jungkook couldn't stop his heart from fluttering as Seokjin threw many lame jokes as they began learning about each other more. The younger shared many stories about his photography and even attempted to show Seokjin some parts of his choreographies. In the limited space of the older's kitchen, all Jungkook managed to do was bruise his hip and knock over a glass of water, making a mess.
'Hey, don't worry about that, Jungkook-ah,' assured him Seokjin as he handed him some paper towels to dry the spilt water before telling Jungkook about his first days working as a barista.
'I just received my Acting degree, and imagine my family's surprise when I announced I'd be joining Magic Shop as a barista,' laughed the older,' and please remember they knew me my whole life. These people saw me burn tea repeatedly and stood there when I got fired from McDonald's after yelling at the customer. Safe to say, while they supported my career choice, their belief wavered.' Seokjin smiled gently as he reminisced about the past, sharing some embarrassing stories about his beginning as a barista. Jungkook listened attentively and watched closely as Seokjin brewed their coffee, the beverage already looking and smelling great.
In less than five minutes, Jungkook was forced to admit his defeat as he absolutely melted at the divine taste of Seokjin's coffee. As they sit down, Jungkook noted how he thought about making Seokjin the main subject of his following photography project, and luckily the older accepted the hidden proposal. They both agreed to meet twice per week so that Jungkook could gather enough material and shoot in various places. At first, Jungkook worried about Seokjin's potential discomfort in front of the camera, but the older acted like he was born to stand there.
One of the benefits of working on a project with a skilled barista was undoubtedly the unlimited supply of coffee and pastries Seokjin provided them both with regularly. The older always seemed to bring enough for Jungkook to share with his friends, the fact not connected with his friend slash boss who had been seeing Taehyung on his free evenings. Luckily, Jimin found a suitor for himself too, as it turned out Seokjin's younger brother, Namjoon, also majored in psychology, so the two bonded over their shared career goals and soon started to date.
So somehow, Jungkook (who discovered Magic Shop, mind you) stayed the last person single in his friend group, as neither he nor Seokjin progressed with their friendship, both satisfied.
Or that's what Jungkook liked to believe whenever he visited the cafe and witnessed Seokjin jokingly flirting with customers who reciprocated. Jeon Jungkook considered himself a lot of things; however, coward wasn't one of them, so when he realised the depth of his feelings for the older, he decided to act upon them. After all, if Seokjin could handle chatting up random people on a daily basis, nothing would change if Jungkook joined the group. He was still a customer, just not a paying one, but Taehyung with Jimin encouraged him to go with it, almost dared him.
So Jungkook started making subtle hints whenever he visited the cafe, always dressed to impress (or to kill, mainly depended on his mood) as he spent hours by Seokjin's side. With Yoongi's blessing, Jungkook was allowed to study and learn Seokjin's technique, with no ulterior motives, as Jungkook applied for a job in Magic Shop. Everyone but Seokjin knew Jungkook never intended to work in the cafe, same as Yoongi wouldn't employ the younger, but they both made sure to convince Seokjin.
The barista couldn't handle Jungkook before, becoming bashful whenever the younger let himself show Seokjin the slightest bit of affection, so to nobody's surprise, the older quickly turned bright colour whenever Jungkook brought his A-game in flirting. He enjoyed watching Seokjin scramble for his words, trying to retaliate and fluster the younger back, mostly unsuccessfully.
Jungkook wouldn't admit it if somebody held a gun to his head, but he started spending hours on the internet, searching for coffee-related puns, ready to dazzle the barista. Seokjin seemed to enjoy their little competition where they both shooted various jokes at each other, waiting for the other to crack up and later wash the dishes as a punishment. As much as Jungkook tried to remain expressionless, Seokjin's face whenever he told a joke made him laugh so hard. Soon he earned himself a nickname at Magic Shop, as many customers and all employees started to call him Seokjin's sweetheart because of their closeness.
Yoongi even started marketing them a bit, naming his unique recipe of bitter-sweet iced coffee Bickering Sweethearts after the two of them. Many regulars fell in love with the beverage and often inquired the duo's opinion on it, strange sparks in their eyes as they waited for the reply. Jungkook admittedly never tried it, as he demanded to drink only what Seokjin made, and the older claimed not to know the Bickering Sweethearts recipe.
Jungkook tried discovering the secret ingredient making the beverage so great and unique many times, and many baristas helped him by offering their thoughts and teaching him how to make regular coffee. However, nobody came close as Yoongi only disclosed the complete recipe to three people, or so he said. When Jungkook found that Jung Hoseok, the permanent baker in Magic Shop, knew, he tried his best to bribe him, offering to set up a website for the man. But nothing could persuade him, so Jungkook was stuck with guessing until he made Yoongi cave.
As time progressed, the deadline for the photography project Jungkook focused around Seokjin neared, and the student started spending more time holed up in the dorm room, editing whatever mistakes he found. Jimin and Taehyung always brought him coffee and cookies Seokjin sent him, wishing him luck, and Jungkook swore to confess to the older the moment he turned in the project.
So after two weeks of hard and diligent work, Jungkook invited their little friend group over to celebrate his temporary freedom from any pending assignments, catch up with everyone and tell Seokjin he hoped they could become more than friends. As everyone arrived, Jungkook dreamily noted he never felt more sated than when he watched over the six people sitting all around the living room, arguing over the best Marvel movie.
'Jungkook-ah, congratulations! I hope your professors are so astounded they offer you a job position immediately!' exclaimed Seokjin as he congratulated the younger once again.
'Well, I wouldn't want that. After all, I was promised to work with the love of my life after I finish university. Magic Shop is waiting for me, hyung,' reminded Jungkook, as he let the older embrace him with a heartfelt hug.
'I don't think you should decide your entire future based on my job, sweetheart,' whispered Seokjin into his ear, smirking as the younger jumped from the sensation.
'I wouldn't dream of spending my entire life working there, hyung. Somebody has to take care of the house after all.' Jungkook felt everyone in the room watching them intensively, waiting for either one of them to back out, but this time the atmosphere was different. They all sensed it and knew nobody would give up to leave the other with an upper hand; no, they would play till the last man standing.
'Well, I'm not the photographer in this relationship, yet I can picture us together,' retorted the older, and Jungkook's heart stopped for a second as he tried to recover from the shock. Damn Seokjin for using a cheesy pick-up line with photography as a subject.
'Hyung, you made me forget my pick up line! I demand repercussions!' called Jungkook, dramatically feigning dizziness as he purposefully swayed on his feet, falling into Seokjin's arms.
'And now I fell for you, hyung. What are you gonna do about that?' Jungkook blinked at the older innocently, watching the blush spread on Seokjin's face quicker than one could say latte.
' How about I tell you about the secret ingredient to the Bickering Sweethearts and then take you on a proper date?' mused the older, amused as Jungkook gaped when he revealed his knowledge about the infamous beverage.
'You knew the entire time and said nothing!' Jungkook pouted in betrayal, turning away from the older as he contemplated the meaning of life.
'Of course, he knew, Jungkook-ah. It's his recipe after all,' quipped Yoongi from his seat, smiling at the chaos created afterwards. Taehyung and Jimin started screaming in happiness, demanding Namjoon and Hoseok paid up since they lost a bet, and Jungkook fisted the front of Seokjin's shirt before dragging him into his bedroom slamming the door shut.
'What's the secret ingredient?' whispered Jungkook as he pressed Seokjin against the door, leaning against the older, breathing heavy.
'Honey,' answered Seokjin, as if he just didn't reveal a secret Jungkook spent weeks trying to discover, acting like the younger was supposed to know already as he studied his features. When he saw that Jungkook didn't follow his thought process, he sighed and smiled at him before holding his hands gently, thumbing over his knuckles.
'Spending time with you showed me things I used to read about in books or watch in movies. All the romance and love suddenly weren't just a fantasy, and it became real. You are like honey in my life, Jungkook-ah. I never knew I needed you but now that I found out what is it like to be with you, I can't imagine my living without you,' confessed Seokjin with his eyes focused on Jungkook's features.
'I guess I have to made a coffee of my own, and add a cheese inside, because you're so cheesy,' choked up Jungkook as he tried to come up with an answer.
' Bickering Sweethearts, Yoongi named it right though. Can't imagine a better name for something representing us, Jungkook-ah.' If Jungkook teared up and wiped his face into Seokjin's shirt, nobody would know for sure.
What everyone knew was when the duo emerged from the room ten minutes later, they held hands and exchanged loving gazes without shying away whenever the other looked their way. Yoongi burst into a wide smile before pulling them both to a hug, where he gently reminded them to regulate the PDA at Magic Shop while he handed Jungkook a special benefits card so that he could drain Seokjin's employee bonuses even when none of them was around. Then he pulled Jungkook aside, to quote: 'share all dirt he had on Seokjin, for future blackmailing purposes he might need as his boyfriend' as Seokjin tried to stop him.
Jungkook's life changed to something incredible after he started dating Seokjin. Suddenly he had somebody to share all his worries and joys with, no matter the hour. He could visit the Magic Shop, kiss the older quickly and enjoy frustrating him as he called him yeobo until his shift ended, or the older took him to the back to make out a bit, whichever came first. Seokjin blended perfectly into his life and made it so much better simply by being there, and he always found ways to make Jungkook swoon at him. Whether it was a long love-filled letter to encourage him while he prepared for his finals or daily 'good morning's and 'good night's messages, Seokjin showered his boyfriend with love, and Jungkook never hesitated to do the same.
No matter the challenges or troubles that waited ahead, they faced them together as it brought them closer and made them better people. With the person they loved the most by their side, Seokjin and Jungkook were able to live life to its fullest potential, together.