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"If you don't stop staring, you'll start drooling soon" Taehyung says looking at his best friend and coworker, sitting at the cubicle next to Jimin.
"Huh? What?" Jimin turns to his friend.
"You? Staring at HIM?" , he says pointing towards the young man standing a few feet away from them.
"Shush.. Tae, stop pointing at him. And.. And I'm not staring at him."
"You're still doing it," Taehyung says. "Just ask him out already!" Tae whines.
"Wh-what are you talking about?"
"What am I talking about?" Taehyung says, voice suddenly high pitched but still at a low volume. "I'm talking about you pining after Jeon Jungkook for over a year.. I'm talking about me having to watch you lust after the guy from the IT Department, I'm talking about me having to witness this weird sexual tension for the past 10 months!"
"Tae, you-you’re overreacting.. I'm.. Wait he's coming this way"
The two best friends go back pretending to be working on their computers, bowing their heads down. They wait for the man in question to enter the elevator and make an exit. And once he's gone, Tae comes back to Jimin's cubicle.
"Why can't you just ask him out already?"
"It's.. It's not that easy. He's probably straight."
"You don't know that! He's always turned down offers from the women at the office!"
"Yeah.. But he's never been seen with a guy either!"
"What are you trying to say? Just ask him out.. What's the worst that can happen?"
"The worst? Him turning me down, him rejecting me, me having to quit my job out of the fear of facing him at the office, then me moving out of the country and becoming a farmer in a different country." Jimin rants.
"Wow.. You.. Really are delusional"
"Shut up, Tae."
"I just want you to be happy, Jimin."
"I am happy.." Jimin says, tone soft.
"Hmm" Tae says, not believing Jimin.
"What about you and Yoongi? Did you approach him?"
"I actually did.. And we're going to go on a date next week" Tae confesses, suddenly shy.
"What! Taehyung! When were you gonna tell me this? Who asked who?"
"He did.." Tae says, cheeks red and blushing.
"Wow.. I'm so happy for you.. It's a Christmas miracle!"
"It's.. Just new.. Let's talk about something else.. Are you excited about the family trip?"
"Yeah.. not really, but I am happy to meet them.. It’s been a while since I last met them.." Jimin shrugs his shoulders.
"Reminds me, when's the meeting? The one in Mokpo?"
"Next week, right before Christmas. I'll be heading to the vacation spot with my family, directly from there.. I'm just.. The meeting was such a last minute thing.. Seokjin hyung requested and I couldn't deny.. So yeah.. The clients are important ones"
"This Christmas I will pray you get together with the hunk from IT"
"Tae.. Please.. Let's just.. He's straight.. And I'm.. Me."
"My Christmas wishes come true, Min.. You'll see" Tae winks.
"We really should stop slacking and get back to working. Seokjin hyung’s gonna beat our asses"
********
Park Jimin lived alone in a beautiful apartment in Seoul. He was 26, and had been working as a management consultant in Kim Enterprises for the past three years. Hailing from Busan, the first few years in Seoul were a little difficult for Jimin, but he also thanked the Gods for sending Taehyung to him. They'd met at the office. The brunette with a boxy smile had joined the company 2 years ago, and they've been best of friends ever since. Jimin's had an okayish life, he thinks. Not much drama he's been involved in, not that he wanted any. But he's also not been involved in many relationships.
For the past 10 months though, the blonde had been crushing over the doe-eyed handsome guy from the IT Department. A little nagging and bribery later, Jimin’s friend from the same department, Hobi hyung, had told him that the guy's name was Jeon Jungkook. Since then, Jimin has been secretly observing (or as Tae refers to as drooling) over the man. He's only ever talked to the guy three times.
The first time Jimin came across Jungkook was at their office party. Jungkook seemed to be avoiding everyone, standing in the corner of the room and only talking to two other guys from the office, Kim Namjoon from the HR department and Min Yoongi from the Finance Department. The first time he actually talked to Jungkook was when one morning Jimin had been running to catch the elevator, only to find Jungkook holding the door open for him. The man had asked him which floor he'd get off on, to which Jimin had replied "Yes". A memory which still makes Jimin flushed and embarrassed. He was thankful to Hobi who'd gotten on the elevator on the next floor and introduced Jimin to Jungkook. Jimin, having already made a fool of himself, had avoided eye contact with the man. Therefore he was also unable to witness the sparkle in Jungkook's eyes, secretly stealing glances at him.
He'd since talked to Jungkook twice, once when they'd all gone to a familiar bar to celebrate bagging a big client, and the other time when he'd met the man at a coffee shop. He'd been waiting for Tae and had collided with Jungkook, on his way to his seat. Their collision had led to him spilling hot coffee on Jungkook's presumably new and expensive jacket and him turning cherry red upon discovering that the man he'd collided with was Jungkook. It was as if the universe was having a laugh at his expense. Jimin had, of course, apologized and asked Jungkook to let him pay for another coffee, which the man had kindly declined, stating that it was HE who wasn't watching where he'd been walking to.
Since that day, Jimin has only smiled and occasionally waved at Jungkook whenever their paths have crossed. He's already made a clown-like impression of himself. He knew that the damage was done. It didn't matter that watching Jungkook with his sleeves rolled up when he'd visit their floor, had him floored. It didn't matter that sometimes he dreamt of the doe-eyed man doing steamy stuff. Nothing mattered because he was pretty sure that Jungkook was straight and even if he wasn't, why would he like him? So anytime Tae mentioned Jungkook staring at him or Jungkook smiling at him, he just ignored it. His friend was rooting for him, he was blind in his dedication.
All in all, his life was simple. He lived alone. Cooked and ordered for one. He loved his family, friends and even coworkers. He shouldn't be greedy. I mean, he'd love it if the universe sent Jungkook his way too, but he was okay with just staring at him for the time being.
*********
The following week is hectic. Christmas is almost here and with the holidays so close, the office was in chaos. On Thursday he leaves for the huge meeting, to Mokpo. He was supposed to present the entire plan alone and he was already nervous. But then the client had made last minute demands for a visual 3-D presentation which had sent Jimin into a state of utter panic.
"Seokjin hyung.. You don't get it.. I have no clue about how to do this, I'm not good with computers" Jimin whines, seated on his plane seat.
"I know Jimin, but I don't know who would possibly be available on such short notice. Most of the staff are already on holiday leaves and this client is a major one. I'm freaking out myself. Had I been in Korea, I'd have gone myself"
"I know hyung, you're in Japan for a family emergency but what do I do now?"
A flight attendant walks up to Jimin, requesting him to turn his phone off. Jimin nods at her, she moves along.
"I can't talk for long, hyung, Help!"
"Wait Jimin, let me see what I can do"
He hangs up the phone. He's nervous, to say the least. This was going to be his first solo presentation and he'd already blown it.
"I'm so screwed" He murmurs.
But then his phone dings. It's a message notification. He unlocks his phone at record speed.
From: Seokjin
Hey Jimin, I found someone. They'll be there with you in Mokpo. Luckily he is already there. So he'd meet you at the airport. Don't worry too much. Look for the guy with the company ID. Do well. Make me proud!
Jimin sighs in relief. Maybe the universe doesn't hate me as much. The plane lands half an hour later and Jimin gets his luggage from the compartment. He hadn't packed much, he'd only be staying a night.
As he leaves the airport and heads towards the arrivals terminal. He notices something, or rather someone. Broad shoulders covered in a sweatshirt, denim jeans, a silhouette he can recognize anywhere. And then the man turns around and walks up to him, the company ID dangling on his neck.
"Park Jimin-ssi? I'm here to help you with the presentation."
But Jimin is frozen on the spot. He cannot believe this is happening.
"J-jungkook-ssi?"
Looks like I am screwed.
**********
"Y-you.. Will you help me?" Jimin asks from the passenger seat, not daring to look at the man beside him.
"Yeah.. I mean.. Do you have a problem with that?"
Jimin shakes his head and turns to look at the man but then his eyes fall on the man's forearms gripping the steering wheel. Jungkook had rolled up the sleeves of his sweatshirt and Jimin could see the veins popping out. He gulps.
"N-no.. It's just.. I didn't expect you to be here on such short notice."
"I got a call from Seokjin hyung this morning.. I was already here, so there wasn't any point in saying no. I drove here from Seoul, and had to meet a few people this morning. So it was convenient to pick you up and drive to the hotel together. I packed myself a small luggage too. It's just for today."
"Yeah.. It'll be alright I guess. Thank you Jungkookssi"
"I- I'm actually younger than you, you can just call me Jungkook" Jungkook says, voice soft.
"Well then you'd have to address me as Jimin hyung."
“Of course, hyung"
Both the men share a smile.
Jimin stares outside the window, it's snowing. Streets are decorated for Christmas too. He's so lost in the beauty of the holiday cheer that he fails to register that they'd reached the hotel, they'd be working in and presenting the plan at.
"We're here"
"Oh.. Okay"
They get down and get their bags. At the reception, Jimin finds a middle aged woman smiling at him upon his arrival.
"Welcome to Arcadia, do you have a room booked?" She smiles.
"Umm yes.. It's been booked under Kim Enterprises" Jimin supplies.
"Umm.. Let me check.." She types something on the keyboard and there's a ding sound from the computer. "Oh. Yes. A deluxe room for the night"
"Yeah.."
"Well I'll get someone to show you to your room. I'm also to inform you that the meeting room has also been reserved for you. The schedule says that the meeting would commence in about 3 hours. Would you like to get a reminder?"
"Umm.. Yeah.. Sure.”
“Well your phone numbers are already here, so we'll call you. Feel free to order room service, the number to dial is 99" She smiles and points towards a hostess waiting for them to follow her.
Jimin and Jungkook follow the woman and after an elevator ride to the 5th floor, they find themselves inside a beautiful room.
"The weather is a bit difficult, if you need extra blankets, please let us know" The woman smiles and leaves.
And as the door closes, there's silence. Both the men stand there like statues, neither looking at each other or speaking a word.
A minute of awkwardness later, Jungkook takes the initiative and breaks the silence.
"Let's get to working on the visual presentation then?"
"Oh.. Yes" It's almost as if Jimin had forgotten the main reason why Jungkook was there with him, alone, in a hotel room.
The two men begin working on the presentation and it takes them 2 hours to get everything ready.
"I'm so nervous, I've never presented alone. What if I mess up?" Jimin says looking at Jungkook.
"You won't"
"How do you know?" There's a frown and a pout on Jimin's face.
"Because you won't be alone there, I'll be there with you" Jungkook smiles and Jimin melts.
"I-um.. Let's get ready. We need to look presentable too."
As expected, Jimin received a reminder call on his phone about the meeting. The pair meet the clients and Jimin presents the plan. There were times when he was close to throwing up because of his nervousness but he focused on Jungkook's face instead. For some reason, having the doe-eyed man smiling and rooting for him, calmed him down. The meeting was a success. Seokjin had been ecstatic upon learning the news, promising to treat them both to premium Korean beef when they returned.
But it isn't until Jimin and Jungkook head to the lobby area where Jimin's ready to bid Jungkook goodbye, thanking him for the huge help, when he learns about the heavy snowfall and storm warnings.
"Sir, we cannot let you leave in this weather condition. There's been warnings of storms. All the flights, buses and trains are cancelled. We advise you to remain here for the night" The receptionist explains to Jungkook.
"Well in that case, we would like to book a room for the night-" But Jimin gets interrupted.
"I'm sorry sir, we're currently out of rooms. If it's not too inconvenient to you both, I'd request you to share the room."
"Umm.."
"It's okay.. It's just for the night. We're grown people.. It'll be okay" Jimin says, shocked at his own boldness.
"You sure?"
"Yeah.. Yeah.. Don't worry about it"
"Okay then."
Upon their entry back into the room, Jungkook heads to the bathroom to shower and Jimin takes this opportunity to call Tae and inform him of the pickle he was in.
"Shut up! You're kidding me!"
"No. I'm not. He's here and we're sharing a room" Jimin whisper-shouts.
"For the night" Tae says with a hint of teasing.
"Stop making it into something it's not"
"My Christmas prayers are working"
"Shush Tae.. It's just a night.. We'll have dinner and then sleep. What can possibly happen?"
And at that very moment, the door to the washroom opens. Jimin lifts his head to find Jungkook in nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist, hair wet with a few drops sliding down his naked chest.
"I forgot to take the T-shirt" Jungkook says and heads back with a T-shirt in his hand.
"Jimin- you're there?" Tae screams from the other end of the line.
"Tae.. I'm screwed."
*********
Jimin had ended Tae's call while the other was still screaming from the other end of the line. He'd decided to be focused and had consoled himself. 'It's just for one night... You're a strong man, Jimin.’
He'd decided to take a shower too. But then Jimin soon found out that maybe life was playing a big joke on him. See, he didn't expect to share a room with anyone.. And in spite of the weather being cold, he for some reason, had packed shorts. No pajamas. And now staring at the pink shorts and T-shirt in his hands, he was cursing himself for being so stringent on clothing. 'Less luggage would mean less load to carry.' Man, someone else should start taking his decisions for him, for he was clearly doing a bad job of it.
With a heavy sigh, he left for the bathroom and after 20 minutes, came back out. Luckily Jungkook was still having a phone conversation, so he'd taken the opportunity to grab a blanket and sit on the couch, hiding his naked limbs. Jungkook returns and smiles at him, and Jimin nearly melts.
Both the men sit on the couch and then there's silence. Again.
"So.."
"So.."
"Should we order dinner?"
Jimin nods.
"What would you like to have for dinner?"
"I don't know. You can order anything, I wont mind"
In the end, they opted for simple steak and mashed potatoes for dinner. Their food was delivered to their room 20 minutes later and the beautiful aroma of the freshly prepared meal had both the men leaping out of their seats.
Jungkook heads to the table and turns towards Jimin to offer him a chair but then he stops midway. Jimin is shocked. Why's he staring at me like that? And then it hits him. The blankets are gone. And he's now standing in his pink shirt and shorts.
Jimin gulps. Jungkook clears his throat.
"Um.. Here, Jimin hyung.. Take a seat" He pulls out the chair. Jimin takes his seat and almost swoons at the chivalrous treatment from Jungkook.
Dinner is mostly silent with them discussing the meeting and once the food vanishes from their plate, they decide to watch a movie.
"What would you like to watch? Action? Horror? Comedy?" Jimin asks.
"I don't know. Select whichever one you like the most"
"You sure?" Jimin narrows his eyes.
Jungook chuckles and nods.
And so they watched Pride and Prejudice. "God, I love this movie"
Jimin was deeply engrossed watching Darcy's confession getting turned down.
"You're a romantic?" Jungkook asks
Jimin whips his head around to find Jungkook staring at him.
"Why would you think so?"
"You love this movie.. You're reciting the dialogues, so you've already watched it many times before.. You're loving Darcy and Elizabeth's interactions.. And it's an old school love story.." Jungkook shrugs.
"Umm.. Yeah.. But what about it? I mean.. Is it wrong to expect such standards from your partner? I believe when we love someone, we love all of them.. Partial love is equal to no love at all" Jimin gets defensive and almost embarrassed about sharing his opinions on love.
"I agree"
Jimin was about to argue but all his arguments and statements die at his lips when he finds Jungkook easily agreeing. Not many people have done so before. So Jimin is taken aback.
"Umm.. So Jimin hyung.. Has.. Has anyone bewitched your body and soul?"
"Oh my god.. You've watched this movie?" Jimin almost squeals.
"Of course I have.. I've even watched all the TV adaptations of the book, read the book too"
"Wow.."
"You seem shocked," Jungkook chuckles.
"Yeah.. I never thought you'd be the type to watch pride and prejudice"
"Well, there's lots you don't know about me.. But for now.. Please answer my question?"
"What question? Oh.. Oh.. No.. Not really.. I've had relationships but they've been short. No one wants to settle down.. They're all here for the thrill.. But there's a thrill in constancy too.. I wish people knew that"
"Hmm.. I guess."
"W.. What about you? Are you dating someone?"
"No.. Not really.. I'm a bit of a loner.. Socially awkward.. No guy would want that"
Jimin sympathizes with Jungkook, he'd barely seen the younger mingle with people. He's about to say some soothing words when it hits him. 'GUYS'
"Wait.. Guys? Y-youre.. You're into men?"
"Umm.. Yeah.. I thought you knew?" Jungkook looks taken aback.
"I.. I didn't.. I'm into men too.." Jimin doesn't know why he says the last sentence. Why did he have to say that?
"I.. I know.."
And then there was silence.
Both of them watched the movie in silence. Once the end credits started to float on the screen, they decided to head to bed.
The bed was small. Smaller than a king size. Of course it was meant for one person but they didn't know things would turn out like this. So here they were laying on the bed, trying their best to keep a distance between them.
15 minutes pass with no sound but the ticking of clocks.
"Thank you, Jungkook. You helped me a lot"
"Don’t worry about it"
"Hmm.. We should sleep"
5 more minutes of silence pass.
"I hope you get your Darcy soon," Jungkook whispers.
Jimin almost chokes but then instead falls asleep with a smile on his face.
*****
Jimin wakes up. Or maybe he's hallucinating. But he can feel himself being held by strong arms around his waist. He's resting on someone. He tries to wiggle, moaning when his thighs come in contact with something hard. And then suddenly, Jimin wakes up. Actually, wakes up. He takes in the surroundings. He is on top of Jungkook. ON TOP OF JUNGKOOK, who's still asleep. His right leg rests between Jungkook's, his thighs grazing Jungkook's hard member. He's mortified. He tries to move, but realizes three important things. One, he's held tightly by Jungkook. Two, if he moves Jungkook would wake up. Three, he's hard too.
So he does the next best thing and pretends to be asleep, waiting for Jungkook to simply move and roll over. THAT doesn't happen. Jungkook wakes up at the same moment. To Jimin's further mortification, he's staring at Jungkook when the latter opens his eyes. They remain quiet for the longest time, neither moving or speaking. And then suddenly both the men move and Jungkook excuses himself to the washroom while Jimin tries not to drown in his embarrassment.
Unable to actually bear facing Jungkook, Jimin decides to head to the lobby and find out how the weather fared. But then he's informed of the storm and the aftereffect which left most parts of the city inaccessible. The receptionist requests them to stay for another day.
"I know it must be difficult but the flights are suspended today too.. And the roads need to be cleared.. However, this morning a room was made available.. We can offer you the room to make the situation less problematic-"
"NO!"
"Um.. I mean.. There's no need.. It's just another day, right? No need to be spending more when we're doing fine in one.. Thanks for the offer.. You.. You don't have to ask Jungkook.. I.. I'll tell him"
Jimin scurries back to the room, finding Jungkook talking to someone on his phone. Jimin takes the opportunity to head to the washroom and freshens up.
He's welcomed to the sight of pancakes when he gets out.
"I ordered breakfast. Looks like we might have to stay for another day"
Jimin takes his seat while Jungkook serves Jimin.
"Hmm.. It's okay.. There's not much we can do."
They have breakfast in silence. They call Seokjin after breakfast, informing him of their situation.
"It's okay, all costs are on the company. You've already done so much. Stay safe, you two" Their senior says and hangs up.
The pair don't do much in the morning, just packing and repacking their stuff, catching the news and informing their friends of their current predicament. Neither look at one another or mention the incident from the morning.
Jimin informs his parents about him joining them late to the vacation and tells them to leave without him. He also texts Tae informing him about the extra day to be spent and about Jungkook being into men. Jimin receives 23 messages, back to back. All in screaming caps from his best friend about finally asking the guy out, making a move and his Christmas prayer working. Jimin smiles reading them. With the revelation, Jimin can ask out Jungkook but there's still a part of him that's afraid of rejection. So he decides to just enjoy the opportunity of spending the time he has with him instead.
They have lunch in the hotel's restaurant and head back to their room to watch Home Alone.
"I'd have totally kicked that guy's ass," Jungkook comments.
"No you wouldn't have" Jimin laughs and almost falls down the couch.
They had been constantly commenting on stuff from the movie which made them laugh every now and then.
"I totally would"
"Well we'll have to try that then.. But we have to go back to when we were kids.. Would you agree?" Jimin asks. But then he notices Jungkook going still and the light in his eyes dulling.
"Umm.. Did I say something wrong?"
"No no.. I.. I just need to go to the washroom for a minute" Jungkook leaves, and Jimin remains seated, confused.
In the evening, the guys decide to order wine and waste the company's money.
"Brilliant idea" Jimin had commented when Jungkook had proposed it.
They sip on expensive wine and sit on the couch.
"Jungkook.. You never really said what you're doing here in the first place.. I didn't know your home is in Mokpo"
The pair had had dinner an hour ago, they were now sipping on wine while enjoying the warmth from the heated room, taking in the light snowfall through the large glass window.
"I.. I grew up in an orphanage. I never knew my parents"
Jimin stills.
"So.. I visit the orphanage every year and give the kids stuff.. I don't really have a home.. I.. Moved to Seoul after college and have been there for a few years now"
"Oh.. I didn't know.. I'm.. I'm sorry"
Jungkook chuckles.
"Am I being pitied now?"
Jimin turns to look around at the younger man, straight into his eyes.
"No, Jungkook.. I think I respect you more now"
"Huh?"
"You didn't have the best environment or opportunities growing up but.. But look where you are now.. And you're giving back to the people..All I feel right now is a sense of respect.. And pride to have known you.."
Although both the men were a bit inebriated.. Jungkook knew Jimin meant every word he’d spoken.
"So.. What are your Christmas plans?" Jungkook tries to divert the discussion.
"Umm.. I'll be joining my family for a vacation, directly. I'm a day late already.. I'm not too excited but it's nice to be around them this time of the year.. What about you?"
"Not much.. I'll stay in."
"Huh why? I mean you can call your friends.."
"Don't have many.. And the ones I do, spend it with their families, away from Seoul.. It's fine.. Don't worry"
"It's not okay.. No one should have to spend Christmas alone" Jimin states, a bit tipsy now. He stands on his feet, wobbly and manages to keep his balance.
"Jimin.. Why do you have to be like this?"
Jungkook slurs and stands up.
"Like what?" Jimin slurs back.
"Cute and adorable and so so good.. Too good for me or for anyone.."
Jimin almost chokes. This must be a hallucination.
But then in the next second, he's in Jungkook's arms and he watches Jungkook close in on him but then everything blurs and both of them hit the bed, letting sleep take over.
******
Jimin wakes up late the next morning. He's disoriented the first five minutes. But then he notices the empty space beside him on the bed. Jungkook wasn't here. He slowly gets up, still trying to rub away sleep from his eyes, when he remembers it. Last night. Drunk Jimin. They were almost gonna kiss. Suddenly, his heart begins to race. Is this why Jungkook disappeared from the room? Does he remember everything too? And how would they act around one another now..?
Jimin takes his time in the washroom, taking a long shower. When he comes out, he finds pancakes on the table and Jungkook, eating from his plate. Jimin avoids eye contact. He takes a seat and then Jungkook gives him three pancakes on a plate.
"Umm.. I went to the lobby to see if the weather was any better.." Jungkook says after chewing a piece of the pancake.
"What did they say?"
"They said it's better now. We can leave today. Jimin, do you have any medicine for headaches? I've been suffering from one all morning.. How much did we drink last night? I can't remember shit"
"Oh.." Jimin says suddenly.
"Oh.. I mean I have some.. Wait.." Jimin would be lying if he said he wasn't disappointed. Yes, he was scared and maybe he was hoping for a less awkward encounter but Jungkook, not remembering anything, made him a bit sad. Maybe that's for the best. He consoles himself. He grabs the tablet and offers them to Jungkook.
"So.. Will you return to Seoul today?"
"Umm.. Yeah. How will you get to your family?"
"I'll.. Book a car from the rental or something.."
"Oh.."
"We should pack our stuff then.."
"We should."
****
Jimin had called his parents informing them of the new developments. His parents had booked him a car which was supposed to be here soon. Jungkook hadn't talked since and he felt uncomfortable with all the silence.
It's 10 minutes later and they're at the parking spot, where Jungkook has already put his luggage in and was waiting for Jimin's ride to arrive.
"You.. You can leave.. My ride will be here soon"
"That's okay.. I can wait.."
"Hm.."
"Do.. Do you remember anything from last night?" Jungkook says, voice soft and low.
Jimin turns to look at the younger.
"Umm.. Why?"
"It's just.. I.." He steps in front of Jimin. One step closer.
"I have these flashes of certain moments.. I don't know if those are real or.. Just hallucinations" Jungkook confesses.
"Wh.. What do you see?" Jimin says, taking one step closer. They're now inches away from each other. Toes, touching each other's. If Jungkook bends a little, they'd be in each other's faces.
"Um.. I.. Saw us.. Like this.."
"And?"
"I was about to ki-" The words die on his lips as the sounds of a blaring car horn jolts them apart. Jimin's ride has arrived.
Jimin turns to the driver, who's walked up to Jimin to carry the little luggage. He tells the man that he'd be leaving soon. But when Jimin turns back, Jungkook's gone. He can see the black SUV leaving him behind. Jungkook left.
*****
"You sound horrible, Jiminie"
"I feel horrible too.. I think he was gonna kiss me, Tae.. The butterflies in my stomach are rioting right now. They want me to do something about it, to not let them die" Jimin says through the phone.
He's seated in the backseat.
"Well.. Then do it"
"Do what?"
"Take a step. Jungkook probably thinks you're not interested. If you take a step, maybe he'll take one too"
"And what if he doesn't? What if it's all in my head?"
"Then I take you to a counselor"
"Taeeee.." Jimin whines.
"You gotta try, Jiminiee.. Plus my Christmas wishes never go wasted.."
"I don't know, Tae.."
"Think about it.. Merry Christmas, Jiminie"
"You too, Tae"
He hangs up.
Jimin takes a deep breath.. And with shaky hands he dials a number on his phone. After two rings, the call gets answered.
"Hi, mom.."
*******
Jimin takes a deep breath and knocks on the door. As he stands in front of the door, there are a million thoughts running inside his head. 'What am I doing here?' 'Is this a form of stalking?' 'What if he kicks me out?'
When the door doesn't open in the next few minutes, he starts second guessing more. 'God, this was a stupid idea' 'I should just go back'
And he's about to, when the door opens, and he finds himself facing a very disheveled Jeon Jungkook. He looks shocked, like he's seen a ghost. There's a minute long silence.
"J-Jimin hyung?" Jungkook even sounds surprised.
"Hmm"
"What are you doing here? Wait.. Come in.. It's cold outside" Jungkook moves aside, leaving space for Jimin to enter his apartment. Jimin takes a deep breath and many tiny steps. He couldn't go back now. It's too late.
"H-hey.. I brought you some food.. I.." He places the boxes on the kitchen counter and stands, fidgeting with the loose threads on his shirt. He takes off his jacket and hangs it on the coat hanger, all the while, avoiding Jungkook's gaze
They head to the couch, where they maintain a safe distance from one another.
"Umm.. I don't understand Jimin hyung.. Wha- what are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to be on vacation?"
Jimin nods slowly. "Then why? What?"
"No one should have to spend Christmas alone, Jungkook." Jimin said with such finality, which left Jungkook speechless.
"I'm.. No one's ever done something like this for me before.."
"You did too.. You went out of your way and helped me.." Jimin says.
"So you're paying me back?"
"NO! I'm just spending Christmas Eve with you.. If.. If you don't want to.. I.. I can go. I mean.. I don't wanna impose myself upon you.. Y- you might have plans.. I didn't really inform you" Jimin keeps mumbling, head down and voice low.
"No.. Please no.. I.. I just meant I didn't want you to waste your valuable time on me.. I would love for you to be here.."
Both of them share a smile.
"So.."
"I rented a few DVDs.. It's still a thing apparently.. I mean, everyone streams stuff, I didn't think they'd have them at the local store but they did.. So I got a few.."
"Wait.. How'd you know where I live? Hobi hyung?"
Jimin nods.. "Is it creepy?"
"On other people, yes.. But when you do it, nope"
Jimin blushes so hard, he thinks his cheeks have caught fire. He's pretty sure Jungkook can see him looking like a tomato.
"So.. What are we watching?"
Jimin offers the DVDs and they decide to rewatch Pride and Prejudice. Jimin had bought pizza for both of them, so they had dinner while watching the movie.
"Not the most traditional Christmas, is it?" Jimin chuckles.
"It's still special for me" Jungkook says looking at Jimin, straight in the eye.
Once they're done eating, they get back to the movie and continue commenting on the clothes, the hairstyle and the architecture from that era.
The movie ends soon and then they're left with nothing but silence for a while. "Should.. Maybe I should go? I mean I'm still intruding.."
"You're not.. I'm.. Happy you're here.. Do- do you want to watch another movie?"
And so they did. This time they watched Persuasion.
"Tell me again, why are we watching all period dramas and romance movies?"
"Because I love them."
"Okay then"
They laugh. By the time Persuasion ends, Jimin is in tears.
"I love Anne.. And the moment the truth is revealed.. It breaks my heart but then it's so beautiful.. So many misunderstandings but they manage to get together in spite of them" Jimin says, staring at the TV screen, where Anne and Captain Wentworth were sharing a kiss.
Jimin doesn't notice the silence or the way Jungkook had been staring at him. But as the end credits begin to roll, Jimin turns to Jungkook and finds the man still staring at him.
"Wh-why are you looking at me like that?"
"You looked so beautiful talking about them.."
Jimin gulps. "It's fiction though.. In real life, things aren't so easy.. Misunderstandings keep piling up"
"Yeah.. So what do you think people should do?"
"I'm no expert, Jungkook.. But I think communication is always the key in relationships.. How will a person know how someone feels about them, if it's not conveyed to them?"
"Y-you're right.. Jimin hyung.. We.. We should do that too?" Jungkook says, not looking at Jimin, choosing to stare at a photo frame on the table.
"Huh? Do what?"
Jungkook takes a deep breath.
"Jimin hyung.. I really like you"
Now if this were a period drama, this would be the part where the person receiving such a confession cries softly and then kisses the other, telling them they love them too. All in a graceful manner. But this wasn't a period drama or movie. This was Park Jimin's life. So yes, he wasn't expecting Jungkook to say that. He was busy drinking water from a cup.
But then Jungkook confessed and the next thing Jimin knew, he was having a coughing fit. He'd choked on the water. And then spit some of it out too. Jungkook had immediately rushed to him, calming him down. 'Wow Jimin, look.. Another embarrassing incident' his mind supplied, the moment he was calm enough.
"You okay?" Jungkook asked, eyes filled with concern.
"Y-yeah.. Umm.. I think.. I misheard something and it shocked me.."
"You heard it right. I.. Like you" Jungkook confesses again.
"H-how? Since.. When?? What?" Jimin spits out a bunch of words.
"Almost a year now.. Please I thought you knew.. I mean.. I kept trying but nothing worked."
"Wait.. Wait wai.. Hold up.. You're saying YOU liked ME for a YEAR??"
Jungkook nods.
"But I've had a crush on you for nearly a year too!" Jimin squeals.
There's a minute of silence and then both break out into laughs.
"How could you not know, Jimin hyung?"
"What do you mean?"
"I am from the IT department. I have no job or anything related to management. I used to keep going to your floor with lame excuses of meeting Seokjin hyung.. I just wanted to see you" Jungkook says, shy and soft.
"But how? I mean, I clearly remember making a fool of myself so many times.. You still like me?"
"What are you talking about? It was me making a fool of myself.. I remember meeting you for the first time in the elevator.. When I held the door, I didn't know it was you.. So I asked you the floor number but turned to find an angelic face staring at me.. And I blanked out"
"What? So you didn't hear my response?"
"No! I was so flustered and then I turned back around. I was so thankful for Hobi hyung, he got on the next floor and introduced us.. But I couldn't look at you, I made a fool of myself.. Why are you laughing? I'm being serious here.. "
"I'm laughing because had you heard my reply, you'd know why I said I'd made a fool of myself.. When.. When you asked me which floor I'd get off on.. I.. Replied 'Yes'" Jimin laughs again, tears threatening to escape from his eyes. "I was so embarrassed.. O my god.."
Jungkook joins in on the laughter.
"What about the cafe incident, I was so clumsy," Jimin says.
"Please.. It was me who collided against you, all because I had suddenly spotted you and lost my balance"
"What?"
Jungkook nods, in between smiles.
"I used to wait for you to come down to our floor with your shirt sleeves all rolled up," Jimin confesses, cheeks flushed.
"I found out from Hobi hyung about your strength kink, he was the one who suggested me to roll my sleeves up"
"That son of a.."
"I guess we were just both scared.."
"I know I was.. I thought you were straight!"
"What!"
"Yeah.. I mean.. I never saw you with a guy"
"You never saw me with a girl either.."
"Yeah.. But consoling myself that you're straight made it easier for my heart to not hope"
"I.. I really like you Jimin hyung.. So much that I volunteered to help you"
"You-you did?"
"I've done a lot of weird things these past few days, I'm not really proud of"
"Huh? But then.. We were about to kiss and you left.. What happened?"
"I felt kinda guilty," Jungkook says, head hanging low.
"About what?"
"Jimin hyung.. Did you ever think that.. had the storm not raged on that day, where I'd have spent my night? Because I wasn't gonna sleep at the orphanage"
"N-no.. I really didn't think about it.." Jimin muses, still confused.
"Hm.. I had a room reserved for myself.. At the Arcadia.." Jungkook says, looking at the floor, avoiding eye contact.
Jimin is taken aback. "W-what?"
"Yeah.. I had a room.. But then you offered me to stay with you.. And I just.. I was selfish.. The room you were in was under Kim Enterprises and since it was for you, they didn't ask me for my documents or ID. Had they done so, they'd have found that another room of their hotel was booked by me"
"Why-why did you do that?" Jimin asks, voice dripping with curiosity.
"I.. I just.. I have been so socially awkward and I just thought that maybe it would give me some time to spend with you, maybe I'll confess and.. I don't know.. But the two days were so beautiful and I realized that my crush was no longer a crush, I.. I liked you.. I liked talking to you, watching movies with you, eating with you, waking up next to you.. I liked you"
"Umm.. I.."
"When you were about to leave, I was gonna confess.. We were about to kiss but it suddenly made me feel so guilty.. I'd already acted so weird.. I just didn't want you to think of me as a creep.. But it was too late, so I left."
"Jung-"
"You are so beautiful and caring.. And so easy to talk to.. I just didn't think you'd like anyone like me. I.. "
Jimin gets up from his seat and stands in front of Jungkook. He takes Jungkooks face in his hands and stares at the younger, soft warm eyes.
"I really like you, Jeon Jungkook. It took me an entire year to find the courage to tell you that. I am not gonna be like Anne Elliot and wait years to find what I can have now. Yes, you staying with me in spite of having a room to yourself, was weird but your intentions were good, not malicious.. And.. Maybe it was just meant to be.. I don't know.. I'm just rambling now.. I do that a lot" Jimin keeps rambling, when Jungkook softly caresses the older's cheeks.
“And I haven’t been a saint either,” Jimin confesses.
“What?”
“The second day I visited the reception and found out that there was a room available.. Bu..But I told them I didn’t need it and I told them to not inform you either” Jimin confesses, cheeks all red and head bent low.
Jungkook chuckles.
“Why are you laughing?” There's a frown on Jimin’s face and a pout which Jungkook finds adorable.
“The room they offered was the one I’d cancelled that morning.. I’d called them and asked them to cancel my booking” Jungkook shares.
“I can’t believe this.”
Jimin is shocked. He’s confused and most importantly he feels happy.
"Jimin hyung..?"
"Hmm?"
"Look up to the ceiling" Jimin is confused but he does. And there hangs a mistletoe, right above them.
Jimin stares at Jungkook and both of them laugh.
"No.. Tell me, how there's not a single Christmas-related thing in this entire apartment.. No lights, no tree or stockings. Yet there's a mistletoe placed conveniently above the couch..? Explain, Jeon Jungkook"
"I.. When you were doing the dishes.. And I told you I was gonna throw the trash out.." Jungkook scratches his neck, looking guilty. "I went to the local shop, got back and hung it while you were in the washroom"
"You knew we'd get to this point? So confident?" Jimin asks, teasingly.
"No.. Not confident.. But I'm hopeful.. I mean it was supposed to be a joke.. I.. You don't have to kiss me Or anything"
"Shut up and kiss me" Jungkook smiles and then kisses him.
.
The kiss is long and hard, like they'd been starving for one another. In a way they really were. After what feels like ages, they pull away from each other, both panting. They stare at one another, smiling, eyes soft and filled with such adoration that their hearts could burst. Jungkook's about to lean in and kiss Jimin again when the older pushes him back.
"Jimin hyung.. What-" Jimin is already scrambling to get to his jacket.
"You-you're leaving.. Should we have not kissed? You asked me to" Jungkook says, voice raspy, but filled with urgency.
Jimin reaches inside the pockets of the jacket and takes his phone out. He walks back to Jungkook, rises on his tiptoes to press a kiss on Jungkook's lips. When Jungkook looks at Jimin, there's a sparkle in his eyes. Jimin takes the phone and heads back to the living room
"Wh-what happened?"
"I need to make a call.. An urgent one"
"Huh? You need to make a call.. And you remembered it while we were kissing? Who are you calling?"
Jimin nods, all smiles.
"Tae"
"Kim Taehyung? Your colleague? Why?"
“He needs to know..”
“Huh? Know what?”
“That his Christmas prayer worked!”, Jimin says, dialing the number of his best friend.