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Steam dances from Jeongguk's mug as he blows on the scalding coffee, eyes still heavy with sleep. A creak from the hallway snaps him to attention. It's gotta be Jimin, his partner-in-crime, roommate, and the only other soul inhabiting their tiny apartment.
"How do I look?" Jimin's voice, sweet and lilting, drifts in before he rounds the corner. Jeongguk stifles a gasp as he takes in the sight. A checkered blazer hugs his slender frame, framing a crisp white shirt. Faded denim slouch over his hips, and a jaunty yellow beret crowns his head like a mischievous sunbeam. White sneakers complete the picture, simple yet undeniably Jimin.
Jeongguk fights the urge to wag his tail – no way is he letting Jimin see that. He clears his throat, trying to sound nonchalant. "You look..." Fine wouldn't cut it. You look breathtaking, radiant, prettiest. But that's too much, too soon. Instead, he settles for a gruff, "You look… alright."
Jimin's shoulders sagged, barely noticeable, leaving a pang of guilt in Jeongguk's chest. "Just fine?" His pout is adorable, making Jeongguk's gaze dart involuntarily to those plump, glossy pink lips. He flushes, suddenly engrossed in the intricate swirling patterns of his coffee.
"Yeah," he mumbles, "you look... okay."
Jeongguk takes a long, slow sip of his drink, trying to ignore the heat radiating from Jimin who's sidling up to him like the mischievous cat that he is. His gaze drifts over Jimin's form, taking in the soft curve of his shoulder, the way his t-shirt dips low on his back, and the playful glint in his eyes. Nope, not affected at all.
Suddenly, Jimin's standing right in front of him. "Tell me I look cute," he demands, his voice laced with playful defiance. Jimin's face is tilted up into a challenging smirk, framed by a halo of fluffy platinum blonde hair. But it's his eyes that hold Jeongguk captive. They're not just pretty, they're sparkling pools of honey with flecks of gold that dance mischievously in the dim light. He props his hands on Jeongguk's back, his fluffy white tail swishing back and forth like a metronome keeping time with his teasing.
Jeongguk swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. He's a panther hybrid, dammit, he should have more self-control, should be able to say no to Jimin, but those were things he'd long given up on. But those were battles he'd long surrendered. Jimin, a cat hybrid - a stunning specimen with velvety black head fur contrasting his otherwise snow-white coat, a fluffy tail, and eyes like sapphires in his cat form - was beyond irresistible. Besides, he was a friend, at least Jeongguk clung to that label as he mumbled, "You look...cute. I like your hat."
"Really?" Jimin's smile faltered slightly as he touched his beret, fingers brushing nervously over where his ears peeked through. Jeongguk caught the flash of insecurity that flickered across his face before the smile plastered itself back on.
Jeongguk met his gaze, offering a small, genuine smile. "Mhm. Really cute."
The effect is immediate. Jimin's whole face lights up, his eyes crinkling into crescent moons, and his lips stretching into the most radiant smile Jeongguk has ever witnessed. A hint of pink dusts his cheeks, but is he blushing? Nah, probably just his fantastic skin. The cat hybrid practically vibrates with delight.
Jeongguk knows he should have more self-control, but the truth is, he doesn't. So, helplessly, his ears flick up and his tail thumps against the furniture, so much so that it seems like it might detach. Seeing this, Jimin throws his head back and erupts in laughter.
"Aw, Jeonggukie!" Jimin coos, extending a small hand to playfully ruffle his ears. Jeongguk should resist, his panther pals would undoubtedly scoff and call it submissive behavior. But then again, Jeongguk's never been your typical black panther hybrid. He's a gentle soul with Bambi-like eyes and a kind heart, and yes, okay, maybe a soft spot for his mischievous roommate.
All the fierce, intimidating black panthers out there would likely implode if they saw him now. Leaning into the touch, Jeongguk lets out a barely audible purr as Jimin's gentle scratches reach the perfect spot behind his ears, his coffee completely forgotten.
Jimin's lighthearted giggles pull him back to reality. "You really have a weakness for a good ear massage, don't you, my big softie?"
Jeongguk's face undoubtedly burned crimson at Jimin's statement. He couldn't deny its truth, so he opted for his usual tactic when flustered: changing the subject.
"Where are you off to, anyway?" he blurted, then immediately backtracked. "I mean, not that you have to tell me, of course. You can keep it to yourself if you want—"
Jimin's giggles cut him off. "I'm going on a date!" he announced, his grin blindingly bright. Jeongguk tried his best to stop his ears from drooping like a sad puppy's.
They'd been roommates since Jeongguk's freshman year, two years filled with shared laughter and late-night study sessions. It had only been a few months since Jimin started venturing out on dates, usually on weekends when his schedule wasn't too brutal. Jeongguk suspected his best friend, Kim Taehyung, the resident dog-human hybrid, had something to do with it, but Jimin seemed to enjoy the occasional outing, so Jeongguk kept his mouth shut. He wouldn't dare say anything, nor did he have the right.
But Jeongguk had also harbored a secret crush on Jimin since day one, a fact he fiercely denied to himself and anyone who dared to ask. So, watching Jimin dress up in his cutest outfits and head out with random strangers always tugged at his heartstrings. None of the previous dates seemed to go well, judging by Jimin's dejected return each time. This was the fourth one, and no, Jeongguk wasn't counting. Absolutely not.
"Oh," Jeongguk says, chewing his lower lip. "I—okay. Take care, hyung."
Jimin frowns. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, of course. I just remembered I have an assignment due today and I didn't do it yet. I'm doomed." Jeongguk lies through his teeth. He finished all of his schoolwork last night, because he wanted to enjoy the weekend. Now, he thinks he's going to spend the rest of the day moping around.
"Alright," Jimin says, perhaps a little too readily. "I'll see you later!"
And just like that, he's gone. Jeongguk doesn't finish his coffee, he pours it down the drain and walks back to his room, plopping face-down on his bed.
—
Jeongguk isn't sure how much time has passed since Jimin left and he locked himself in his room, but it can't be too long when the door to their shared apartment slams open and shut. Alarmed, he leaps out of bed and runs outside to check if someone has broken in. Thankfully, that's not the case, but he can't say he's relieved. In fact, his heart plummets into his stomach the moment he sees Jimin.
He practically sprints towards him, skin prickling with apprehension. His bare feet slap against the cool hardwood floor as he crosses the distance, eyes fixated on Jimin's slumped figure.
"What happened?" Jeongguk asks, his voice laced with concern.
Jimin jumps in surprise at the sound of his voice, his hands flying up to cover his face once again. Tears well up in his eyes, threatening to spill over. "Nothing," he sniffles, his voice thick with emotion. Each choked sob is a dagger twisting in Jeongguk's heart.
The panther hybrid has always kept his distance from Jimin. He never lets himself get too close, afraid of making him uncomfortable, always mindful to leave space between them when they're together. But it's also because he's terrified of his own feelings. Whenever he's with Jimin, it feels like his heart is trying to escape his chest, pounding a frantic rhythm against his ribs.
Jimin, eyes red-rimmed and teary, looked up. That's all it took for Jeongguk's defenses to crumble. He grabbed Jimin into a tight hug. Startled, Jimin yelped, then melted into it, burying his face in Jeongguk's neck. His heart, a hummingbird trapped in his chest, ignored the usual urge to hide. The need to protect Jimin, to be his safe haven, was stronger.
They stood, lost in the quiet storm of Jimin's emotions. His sobs softened to hiccups and sniffles. Jeongguk pulled away, but Jimin hissed softly, clinging tighter. A question flickered in Jeongguk's mind: was this how cat hybrids reacted to pain? He didn't know. He'd never seen Jimin so vulnerable. But in that moment, surrounded by the quiet echo of Jimin's sadness, Jeongguk knew he wouldn't let go.
Jeongguk gently guided them to the couch, staying close to Jimin like a shadow to avoid startling him further. His breath hitched when Jimin, seeking comfort, climbed into his lap, arms winding around Jeongguk and burying his face in his neck. It sent a jolt through Jeongguk – a mix of surprise and something strangely sweet. Jimin had never been this close, never initiated scenting, a level of intimacy reserved for much deeper bonds. Yet, instead of panicking, Jeongguk stilled. He might have stiffened initially, but he quickly surrendered to the vulnerability Jimin was offering.
He sits, holding Jimin with a delicate touch on his waist, willing his own racing heart to slow. But how can it, with Jimin's warmth against him, his scent filling his senses? It's intoxicating, both sweet and laced with vulnerability. He feels, rather than hears, the frantic thump of Jimin's own heart beneath his palm. This closeness, this level of trust, is uncharted territory, exhilarating and terrifying all at once. He feels like he might combust, yet he wouldn't trade this moment for anything.
Jeongguk's voice was barely a whisper, laced with concern, as Jimin's sniffing ceased and his stillness became a stark contrast to the frantic storm they'd just weathered. He waited, but silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating. Finally, Jeongguk couldn't bear it any longer. He gently pulled away, needing to see Jimin's face, to gauge the depth of his friend's distress.
But the moment their eyes met, Jimin's cheeks flushed crimson, and a whimper escaped his lips. "No, please," he choked out, his voice raw with shame. "I'm so freaking embarrassed."
Jeongguk's heart ached for him. He reached out, hesitantly at first, then with increasing confidence, rubbing Jimin's back in slow, soothing circles. "Embarrassed? About what?"
Jimin's voice was barely above a whisper, each word laden with guilt. "For practically leaping into your arms and… and scenting you without asking. It was so… so inappropriate."
Though he said it with a tremor in his voice, Jimin didn't budge. He tightened his hold on Jeongguk, burying his face deeper into the crook of his neck, seeking solace in the familiar warmth.
Jeongguk's breath hitched. Despite the awkwardness, a spark of something unfamiliar ignited within him. "You didn't jump me," he said softly, his voice laced with a tenderness he hadn't realized he possessed. "We hugged. And… and I'm okay with you scenting me."
The words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, the only sound was the soft, rhythmic thud of their hearts beating in unison. Then, a second whimper, this one tinged with relief. "Still… I'm so sorry. And thank you," Jimin mumbled, his words barely audible against Jeongguk's skin.
Jeongguk felt a wave of heat wash over him, a delicious, dizzying sensation that threatened to send him reeling. He fought to keep his voice steady, the words tumbling out in a rush. "I'm always here for you, Jimin," he rasped, his palms slick with nervous sweat. "Do you want to talk about what happened?"
A minute of silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken emotions. Jeongguk knew better than to push, letting Jimin decide if and when he wanted to share. Still, his mind buzzed with questions. It had to be his date, Jeongguk thought, remembering the string of disappointments Jimin had described before. But this must be something worse, something that brought tears to his eyes. Jeongguk continued his rhythmic strokes through Jimin's hair, careful to avoid his ears, unsure if that level of touch was welcome.
Finally, Jimin mumbled against his neck, his breath hitching with each word, "My date... it went really bad. They said some awful things."
Jeongguk's stomach clenched, but he forced himself still, offering only a soft, "I'm so sorry. You don't have to tell me if it's too hard."
A shaky exhale escaped Jimin's lips. "I... I want to."
Without hesitation, Jeongguk drew Jimin closer, wrapping his arms around him like a protective shield. "Okay," he murmured, his voice a soothing balm. "Tell me everything."
"It was actually going well," Jimin's voice was choked, laced with the sting of rejection. "We talked about books, dancing, everything! I felt genuinely happy, like maybe, finally, things were different. All my other dates, you know how they..." He trailed off, the unspoken failures hanging heavy in the air. "But then... then I took off my beret because my ears were aching, and I guess he saw... them." The word seemed to crack in his throat.
Silence settled again, heavier this time, filled with the echo of Jimin's vulnerability. Jeongguk's fists clenched in anger, his heart burning for his friend. When Jimin spoke again, his voice was fragile, barely a whisper. "His face just... changed. He said I should get surgery, fix what he called my 'missing ear flap'. Said it was a shame because he really liked me, but... my ears, he said they were... ugly."
Jimin's head was always adorned, a crown of hats his constant companions. Not that he was ashamed of his ears, no. He simply craved anonymity, a shield against the whispers and snickers that followed him like unwanted shadows. The first time Jeongguk had glimpsed him bareheaded, Jimin had constructed a wall of defensiveness, weaving a tale of a childhood ear infection so severe his left pinna - a name Jeongguk would later learn with a blush and a smile - had to be sacrificed. Yet, beneath the façade, Jimin was a feline masterpiece. He knew his beauty, carried it with confidence, a swagger in his step and a purr in his laughter. But sometimes, even diamonds have their flaws, and the shadows whispered doubts that even Jimin couldn't completely silence.
So, Jimin cried again, hot tears soaking through Jeongguk's favorite white sweater, a casualty he barely noticed. His heart ached for Jimin, for the pain etched into his friend's eyes.
"I think they're cute, though." The words tumbled out, tinged with nervous hope. Jeongguk held his breath, his own anxieties mirroring the tremor in Jimin's body as he froze in the embrace. What if his clumsy attempt at comfort only deepened Jimin's wounds?
For the first time that night, Jimin pulled away, his emerald eyes searching Jeongguk's face. "W-What?" he stammered, his voice a whisper against the quiet symphony of the room.
Jeongguk's cheeks burned. The urge to flee was a siren song, but he swallowed it, forcing himself to meet Jimin's gaze. "Your ears," he repeated, his voice firm despite the tremor in his hands. "They're cute. I...like them." The words felt clumsy, inadequate, but they were all he had. He held Jimin's gaze, a silent plea for understanding. "Whatever he said was a lie. I think—I think you're beautiful, no matter what."
Tears welled in Jimin's eyes, shimmering like shattered diamonds against the moonlight filtering through the window. His bottom lip trembled, a silent apology already forming on his tongue. Jeongguk's heart lurched, fearing he'd said something cruel, something that had ripped Jimin's already fragile state even further. But before he could stutter a word, Jimin did the unexpected.
He leaned forward, a whisper of hesitation in his movements, and pressed his lips against Jeongguk's. The world tilted on its axis. Jeongguk's eyes widened in stunned surprise, then fluttered closed as he surrendered to the unfamiliar sensation. The softness of Jimin's lips, the weight of his body on top of him, it was all so intoxicating. He tightened his grip on Jimin's waist, his other hand tracing the curve of his neck, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss.
If someone had told Jeongguk a week ago, a day ago, even an hour ago, that he'd be here, entangled with Jimin in this feverish kiss, he'd have scoffed and called them delusional. All the days spent pining, the ache that followed each mention of another guy, the nights spent moping after Jimin's dates - all of it seemed to melt away with the taste of Jimin's cherry lip balm. It was as if every shattered fragment of his heart had been gathered, pieced together by the warmth of their connection.
"I'm so sorry," Jimin mumbled as soon as he pulled away, his breath hot against Jeongguk's cheek. Panic flickered in his eyes, a stark contrast to the lingering embers of their kiss. He scrambled off Jeongguk's lap, putting an agonizing distance between them. The joy that had just bloomed in Jeongguk's chest wilted, replaced by a familiar ache. He lowered his head, ears drooping like a defeated puppy.
"You're...sorry for kissing me?" he croaked, his voice thick with confusion and a hint of hurt.
Jimin winced, his shoulders hunching inward. "Yes," he whispered, his voice barely above a sob. "I messed up. This wasn't supposed to happen. I...I just..."
He trailed off, his cheeks burning with a mixture of shame and regret. The unfinished sentence hung heavy in the air, a deep gap between their hearts that Jeongguk yearned to bridge.
Jeongguk's chest felt like a vise had clamped around it, squeezing the air out of his lungs. Tears welled up in his eyes, blurring the room around him. "Do you regret it?" he croaked, his voice barely a whisper.
He wasn't sure why the question tumbled out like that, raw and vulnerable. The echo of Jimin's lips on his had ignited a spark, and the sudden possibility of something more had swept him up in a whirlwind of hope. Now, that hope threatened to crumble around him.
Jimin, face etched with concern, rushed to his side. "Oh, Jeonggukie, no, no, no! Not like that!" he exclaimed, his voice tripping over itself in its haste. "I mean, I'm so sorry I kissed you without asking. I just... everything has been so chaotic lately, and you've been this rock, always there for me. I just…"
His voice trailed off, leaving them both hanging in the charged silence. Jeongguk felt a wave of relief wash over him, the crushing disappointment receding slightly. Still, a pang of self-consciousness lingered. He'd let himself build castles in the sky on shaky foundations, and the fall had been a harsh one.
He managed a small nod, unable to meet Jimin's gaze. Shame burned his cheeks, hot and prickly. "I'm glad you're feeling better," he mumbled, and he truly meant it. Jimin's well-being had always been his priority, even if it meant putting his own feelings aside.
Rising to leave, he turned away, but a gentle hand on his wrist stopped him. "Wait!" Jimin pleaded, his voice laced with urgency.
Jeongguk's heart skipped a beat as Jimin cupped his face, his touch surprisingly warm and comforting. "Look at me, please," he whispered, his eyes searching Jeongguk's with an intensity that sent shivers down his spine.
Jeongguk blinks the tears away, his gaze lingering on Jimin's face.
"I've wanted to kiss you for so long," Jimin confesses, his voice a soft whisper that sends shivers down Jeongguk's spine. A small smile curves his lips, yet a hint of vulnerability flickers in his eyes, like a candle flame caught in a gentle breeze. "I don't regret kissing you. I didn't mean it to sound that way. I was just... terrified you didn't like it. Afraid you didn't want it as much as I did."
Jeongguk's breath hitches. "I do," he blurts out, his cheeks flushing crimson as the weight of his words settles in. He doesn't understand the sudden boldness, but maybe it's the primal purr of his inner black panther urging him to claim the captivating feline who's stolen his heart. "I like you, hyung. More than just a friend."
Jimin's face morphs into pure shock, his disbelief slowly melting into radiant joy. "Fuck," he stutters, a rare curse slipping from his lips. "You do? Is that for real?”
Jeongguk leans in, his lips brushing Jimin's forehead in a feather-light kiss. "I really, really like you," he confesses, his voice barely a whisper. "I think I have since the first day we met."
Jimin's eyes widen, then crinkle at the corners. "I like you too! Oh my god," he groans, burying his face in his hands. "I was so convinced you didn't even look my way, that I never stood a chance. I've been going on dates, trying to move on."
Jeongguk's mind feels like a record skipping, stuck on the word "dates." "W-What?" he stammers, heart hammering against his ribs.
"You're really nice, the best roommate. But I guess I wanted more than that, and I wasn't sure you felt the same. Sometimes, I feel like you distance yourself from me, like you don't want to be around me. And my ears... you've always been so kind and never said anything, but no one really takes me seriously because of them. So I thought..."
"I was scared I'd make a fool of myself in front of you and scare you off," Jeongguk interrupts, his voice laced with vulnerability. "I didn't want you to feel like I'm imposing myself or making you uncomfortable. I guess I just wanted to make a good impression. I'm so sorry." He takes both of Jimin's hands, his thumbs gently tracing the knuckles. "I love your ears, Jimin. You're beautiful. Really, really beautiful.”
The sweetness of Jimin's smile has Jeongguk wondering if he saved the universe in a previous life. Then, on tiptoes, Jimin steals a kiss, not once, but twice, his lips lingering like promises. Each kiss is a spark igniting in Jeongguk's chest, leaving him breathless and wanting more. Crimson blooms across his cheeks, sending him burying his head in Jimin's shoulder like a bashful kitten. His arm snakes around Jimin's waist, fingers just grazing the soft fur under his shirt.
Jimin's tail brushes against Jeongguk's arm, sending a spark through his body. He trails a kiss down Jimin's neck, feeling the shiver that ripples through his body. "I like you, Jimin hyung," Jeongguk mumbles, his voice barely a whisper. The blush rises further, reaching his ears. He can't believe he dared to say it, let alone to Jimin.
Jimin raises his gaze, eyes sparkling with laughter. His smile widens, turning his face into a masterpiece of sunshine. "I like you too, Jeongguk," he answers, his voice a melodic purr.
Jeongguk's heart threatens to burst from his chest as he cups Jimin's face and kisses him fiercely. Swirling his tongue against Jimin's lips, he swears his soul leaves his body for a breath as Jimin lets out a small, delicious moan. A final peck lingers before he pulls away, but Jimin chases after him, their lips reconnecting in a whirlwind. Jeongguk can't help but pinch his cheek playfully.
Jimin entwines their fingers, the warmth stealing through Jeongguk. "Sleep together?"
Jeongguk flushes a delightful crimson.
"Not like that, silly!" Jimin bursts into laughter. "Just... tired. Can we cuddle? Please?" he adds, batting his eyelashes with a practiced innocence. Those pretty eyes are doing dangerous things to Jeongguk's resolve.
Jeongguk smiles, kissing his cheek before whispering, "Anything for you.”