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Jungkook wasn’t so sure about the idea of getting a roommate until he actually met his roommate for the first time.
Going into university, he wanted to have the full experience. He wanted a roommate to become friends with, wanted to study with the friends he’d meet along the way, join a few activities for fun, and get drunk on coffee while trying to finish an essay he would wait to write last minute at one AM— okay maybe not that last part .
But he wanted the full experience! He was just a bit nervous about what his roommate would be like and if they’d like him in return.
When he first met him— Kim Seokjin— the first thing he noticed was the fact that they were near the same height and that he looked close to being perfect everywhere . He examined the man in awe, seeing his perfect body proportions and possibly one of the most handsome faces he’s ever seen.
Kim Seokjin.
He had dark brown hair and sharp eyebrows, the broadest shoulders Jungkook had ever seen, along with the reddest and plumpest lips he’d ever seen, and he dressed like a businessman more than a young adult— Jungkook had no idea how old he was either.
In comparison to Jungkook’s loose blue jeans with rips in them and his big black flannel, topped with his black bucket hat, Seokjin looked like he could be Jungkook’s teacher or something.
“Why couldn’t the bicycle stand up by itself?”
Jungkook blinked up at the man, completely bewildered by the sudden question. He was so busy staring and observing Seokjin that he thought he was hearing things. “What..?” What was this guy talking about?
“It was two tired .”
He didn’t get the joke at first, but as Seokjin started laughing out and clapping his hands in the air, Jungkook’s eyes puffed up along with his cheeks, a smile forming on his lips. This guy— Jungkook finally noticed— had just made the most ridiculous dad joke ever.
He loved it.
“I’m Kim Seokjin, by the way. Did you like the joke? You’re not thinking about changing roommates already, are you?” he chuckled.
Jungkook shook his head. “The joke was funny. It just caught me a bit off-guard,” he admitted a bit quietly. “But I’m Jeon Jungkook. And I think we’ll be great roommates, don't worry.”
Seokjin was still smiling, proud of himself.
“Good, good. I chose the right bed—” He pointed behind him at their small room, right to the bed he had put his things on already— “The beds are identical. We’re gonna be trapped in this little dorm for the next four years. How old are you, by the way?”
“Twenty.”
Seokjin hummed. “I’m twenty-one. Guess I’ll be your roommate hyung, won’t I?” He seemed cheeky about it. Jungkook didn’t mind at all. He liked this guy’s easy-going way of talking and the pun he’d made, being their first words to each other. It was something to remember.
Roommate hyung.
“I’m fine with the left bed,” Jungkook said as he pushed his suitcase towards the bed and set his two bags on it. “And yeah. I guess you are my roommate hyung, then. So… how about we go get some food together? I saw the food court on the way here.”
“Oh?” Seokjin picked his jacket up off his bed and immediately put it on. “Are you a food lover, Jungkook-ah?” Jungkook simply nodded, smiling away as he did. Seokjin smiled in return. “Wow. We’re really going to get along then.”
—
As they both like video games and food, the roommates easily got along over playing together and buying several snacks to share. They played games despite school starting next week and they ate away the money they’d just spent that day.
But it was fun.
It was fun, playing games with Seokjin. It was fun for Jungkook to see his roommate’s reaction as Jungkook beat him over and over. It was fun to hear Seokjin’s defeated yell and to see his hands cover his face in pure agony every time Jungkook would kill him in-game. Kim Seokjin was so fun.
At night, they’d give each other space.
Jungkook was a quick and heavy sleeper and Seokjin made sure to let him know that.
“Your alarm! Jungkook-ah!”
A pillow would be thrown in his direction, only waking him up slowly. Jungkook would turn the alarm off— he still wasn’t used to waking up for school at such weird hours— but Seokjin would simply either throw a book at him or he’d get up and roll over on top of Jungkook, forcing the younger to finally get up.
Seokjin wasn’t a heavy sleeper.
There were times that Jungkook would try and sneak out of his bed to go to the bathroom or when he’d try his best to not make any loud noise and wake up his roommate or disturb him— but he’d failed so many times. So many times, Seokjin would let it slide and simply go back to sleep or grumble to himself.
Seokjin could wake up to the sound of a pen dropping and Jungkook would have to silently curse himself for waking up his new precious roommate.
But Seokjin was also a cute sleeper.
The times when Jungkook had accidentally woken him up, Seokjin’s eyes would narrow at him, still sleepy, and his face would be a bit red and puffy. Sometimes his hair would stick straight up from where he was sleeping against his pillow or his hair would be flat against his face, which was still cute.
However, the times when Jungkook had succeeded in not waking him up by accident, Seokjin would be facing the ceiling or facing Jungkook’s bed, giving him a direct view of the older.
It was odd. Seokjin looked somehow just as handsome even in his sleep. His eyebrows would either be softened or furrowed together, depending on how he was sleeping. His plump lips would either be puckered out a bit or they’d be parted for soft breaths. His eyes would be closed so gently with his lids on full display and his arms would sometimes cutely be holding onto a pillow— just like Jungkook sleeps!
It was times like those where Jungkook could just sit on his bed and admire his new roommate. He couldn’t really stare at him when they’d first met, but when Seokjin was asleep— though it may seem a bit weird— Jungkook liked to follow with his eyes along Seokjin’s shiny locks down to his smooth nose and curve upwards with his delicate lips.
Is that weird?
No. Jungkook had always been a curious person!
He’d never tell Seokjin that he did this, but it wasn’t a crime anyway! Jungkook was just bored and sleepy and there was never anything to do in their small dorm. So, he pulled the blanket up to his face and admired his hyung up until the moment his eyes felt heavy and sleep took over his body.
“Goodnight, roommate hyung.”
—
“Jungkook-ah!”
It was funny, the way the two roommates were happy to see each other after Christmas break.
“Hyung!”
They both held out their arms and laughed away as they hugged each other, holding on tight the moment Seokjin walked into their dorm. It took less than two seconds upon seeing each other again and they were already attached, as if they’d never see each other again.
It was Jungkook that picked Seokjin up by his waist and lunged them both onto Seokjin’s bed, giggling lightly as Seokjin grunted and squealed in confusion below him. They landed side by side on the bed and Jungkook felt so refreshed to not only have his friend by his side again, but to be lying next to Seokjin and feeling the older squirm under his hold.
The funny part is…
“Jungkook-ah, it’s been two days.”
Christmas break lasted only the weekend.
Still, Jungkook smiled in joy of seeing Seokjin. “I know that. Hyung, did you not miss me too?”
“Of course, I missed my little roomie.” Seokjin wrapped his arms back around Jungkook and turned on his side to face him. Jungkook held his breath in awe from seeing Seokjin so close-up. He was just inches away from his own face. Even in this angle, Seokjin looked perfect. “I got you something for Christmas, Jungkook.”
Jungkook’s eyes were already wide, so his lips parting into a gasp was the only thing he could do in reaction. “You what?”
Seokjin unwrapped his arms from him and pulled something out of his pocket. It was a small carton of banana milk. Jungkook couldn’t help the big smile that tugged at his lips upon seeing Seokjin’s proud look.
“Ah, hyung.” He took the milk and held it to his chest. “Did you notice how much I drink these or something?”
Seokjin nodded. “Of course. I’m the best roommate ever, Jungkook-ah. Better get used to it.” He winked dramatically, but then huffed out, “Where’s my present?” Jungkook simply giggled and held his banana milk closer to his full chest.
“I’m right here, hyung.”
—
It felt like Seokjin and Jungkook had been through everything together as roommates — as friends.
They eat together.
Not a day went by where Jungkook and Seokjin ate alone. They were either at the food court together, eating peacefully and sharing food, or they were with their mutual friends they’d met in separate classes, but they all got along. Even with their friends, Jungkook and Seokjin sat side by side and still shared their food, but refused to share with anyone else out of the group. Or if they were too lazy or too busy to go out and eat, they’d order food to their room and eat together there. They always ate together.
They study together.
Every time Seokjin goes to study either at the library or study hall or even simply sitting on his bed, he’d always invite Jungkook. There had been times where Jungkook looked at him and chuckled, telling him there’s no way I’m studying right now, or he’d sometimes go with Seokjin just to be next to him or just to buy a smoothie and watch— But he did study! … Sometimes.
They shop together.
Their dorm room is only one room except for their small bathroom. They have the smallest kitchen ever. It consists of a small fridge and a table; that’s all. And their two single beds took up over half of the dorm. Though it’s a small dorm, it’s big enough for them and they did regular shopping together. Food, cleaning supplies, or just basic necessities. They go to the shop all the time together.
They even sometimes sleep together.
It would be times when they’d both play games on Jungkook’s bed together, the tiny TV blinding their eyes and the late nights slowly making their eyes droopy. And it would be times like that, that Seokjin would simply set his controller down on the floor and he’d pull Jungkook’s blanket over himself, then cheekily tell Jungkook goodnight.
There was no way they both fit easily on the single-bed, but Jungkook didn’t complain in the slightest. He couldn’t complain.
Seokjin likes to sleep holding something.
So does Jungkook.
At first, they’d just wake up with their arms tangled or they’d share one pillow to hold at sometime through the night. But it slowly turned into more than that. Seokjin was the one who, instead of holding onto the pillow Jungkook had set between them, he snatched the pillow away and scooted forward, sliding his hands under Jungkook’s arms and around his waist.
Jungkook had no clue where to put his hands at first and he felt like he was panicking too much, but Seokjin simply pushed himself further and nuzzled underneath Jungkook’s neck, making it easier for Jungkook to wrap his arms around him and hold on just as tight.
It was then that it became easier to start sleeping with and cuddling his roommate hyung. It was so comfortable from then on and Jungkook almost wanted to do it every night, though he couldn’t.
They were inseparable roommates.
Inseparable best friends, even.
—
They were inseparable. They’d been inseparable ever since they first met. They’d always be inseparable.
So how come Seokjin told Jungkook, “You can eat alone today, right? I’m going out with a friend I met a few weeks ago. Is this too much to wear?” He was wearing black slacks and a sweater. They both fit him well and looked great on him, but..?
“Who’d you meet? What friend?”
“Oh.” Seokjin simply shrugged it off. “Just a friend in class. We’ve talked a lot, especially over messages. He’s funny. You’d probably like him.”
Jungkook almost wanted to scoff for some reason. Maybe it was the way Seokjin spoke as if he should instantly like the stranger. Like he should immediately like him for no given reason. “What’s his name?”
“Ji Sungmin.”
The name didn’t sound familiar at all. And the fact that Seokjin was going out to eat with someone he didn’t know sort of made Jungkook feel nervous. They always eat together. What if this Sungmin guy does something bad? What if something happens to Seokjin?
“Be careful, hyung,” he blurted out but mocked himself as Seokjin was closing the door already and probably didn’t hear him. “Dummy,” he called himself. “He’s a grown man. Be careful? Seriously?” Jungkook laid back on his bed and decided to skip today’s dinner. He wasn’t hungry and if Seokjin wasn’t there, there was no need.
So, he waited.
He waited for what felt like forever.
He waited for three hours. Three hours was how long it took before the door was being opened and Jungkook’s racing, heavy heart could finally feel at ease. He was so close to messaging Seokjin and asking him if everything was going well, but Seokjin himself eventually beat him to it.
What in the world took three hours? Weren’t they just eating dinner? It took them three hours to eat? Did they eat a whole cow or something?
“Jungkook-ah? Are you awake?”
Of course he was. There was no way he could sleep, knowing Seokjin was gone for so long with someone he didn’t know. So, Jungkook merely hummed in response, fearing he’d say something rude by accident.
“Oh.” Seokjin started to strip his clothes off, but Jungkook closed his eyes and ignored the fact that Seokjin was taking his clothes off right next to him. “Did you eat something?”
“No.”
Seokjin tsked at him. “I knew it. Jungkook-ah, you need to have dinner. Sungmin and I ate a lot of meat and we had a few drinks.” The bed next to Jungkook dipped down, Seokjin’s hands pressing down beside him. Jungkook closed his eyes tighter and furrowed his eyebrows at the mention of the stranger. “Do you want me to make you something? A salad?”
“No. I’m going to sleep.” He opened his eyes once he felt Seokjin’s hands pull away, but Seokjin was still standing beside his bed, staring down at him. “I- What’re you doing? Go shower. You smell like alcohol.”
Seokjin huffed out a pout. “I’m naked though..? How can you smell that?”
Jungkook’s lips parted in surprise as he stared up at his roommate. “Naked?” He hadn’t looked down at Seokjin’s lower half yet and he refused to. “Are you—?! Go take a shower!”
“I’m just kidding!” Seokjin chuckled. “I’m wearing my boxers still, at least. And I did plan on showering, but if you want that salad—”
“I don’t. Go shower and go to bed. I’ll eat in the morning.”
Jungkook rolled over and pulled his blanket over his body, ignoring Seokjin as the older mumbled to himself all the way to the bathroom. He didn’t want to hear about Seokjin’s little dinner date with his new friend and he sure as hell didn’t want Seokjin’s pity-salad.
So, he closed his eyes and kept them closed until he fell asleep forcefully.
—
Sleeping didn’t make Ji Sungmin disappear though. In fact, it seemed to only make things worse.
It was Sunday and Seokjin woke up a bit later than he usually does. Jungkook didn’t question it until Seokjin yawned and stretched out, being a little too loud as he made weird noises to himself.
“Wow, I slept for so long.”
“You did,” Jungkook confirmed. “You slept a lot longer than you normally do, hyung. Why’s that?”
He shouldn’t have asked. Seokjin cheekily responded, “I stayed up texting Sungmin all night long.”
Jungkook was sitting on his bed organizing files on his laptop, but he paused and stared at one of the yellow files on the screen upon hearing that name for the second time within twenty-four hours. Ji Sungmin was so suddenly a part of Seokjin’s life and Jungkook wouldn’t lie to himself; this Sungmin guy sure is taking up Seokjin’s time, and he doesn’t really like it.
He didn’t like the sudden rush to his heart every time he heard that name. He didn’t like that some random guy was now Seokjin’s friend— he’d never even mentioned him before! But now Seokjin is smiling as he talks about staying up all night texting him?
That’s…
“Why did you stay up all night texting someone like that?” Jungkook asked, his eyes still set on anything other than his roommate. He quickly went back to sorting out his files, holding back a sigh as he accidentally moved the wrong one. He wasn’t paying attention.
“We were talking about a bunch of things,” Seokjin told him as he scrolled through his phone— was he looking at their messages? Only then did Jungkook glance at him, raising his eyebrow as he saw the smile on Seokjin’s face. “We mostly talked about class, though. We have a project and we’re partnered together.”
Of course, they are.
“You sure are blushing over there, hyung,” Jungkook teased, hoping Seokjin would laugh it off.
“Ah, no I’m not!” Seokjin threw his phone into his blanket and covered his cheeks. Jungkook watched in shock as Seokjin’s ears turned red. “You’re crazy, Jungkook. We’re just friends.”
Something about the way Seokjin was blushing made Jungkook freeze and stare at him. It was almost as if… “Hyung, do you actually like this Sungmin guy? Why are you blushing—?”
“I’m seriously not! I swear!” Seokjin was quick to say. “You just caught me off-guard. I wasn’t blushing until you said I was, you dummy.”
“Why are you blushing at all?”
“Because you’re looking at me.” Jungkook simply blinked, still frozen as Seokjin got up from his bed and straightened the blanket out. “I’m going to work on the project with Sungmin. I’ll be back for dinner this time, but make sure you eat something, Jeon Jungkook. I mean it.
Jungkook had already eaten. He ate breakfast because he skipped dinner last night. He ate because Seokjin wanted him to, though he didn’t feel like it last night. He ate as Seokjin slept away because he’d stayed up talking to Ji Sungmin.
Ji Sungmin.
Jungkook needed to meet this guy and see what's so special about him.
—
Jungkook met Sungmin in the worst way possible: in an unexpected way.
He came back from his afternoon class one day and he’d almost forgotten about Seokjin’s new friend because he was too busy with school, but as Jungkook opened the door to an unfamiliar face sitting on Seokjin’s bed, sitting a little too close to Seokjin, Jungkook knew almost immediately that it was the famous classmate and project partner of Seokjin’s.
Jungkook closed the door quietly, but when he turned to face them, they were both looking up at him.
“Oh, you’re here!” Seokjin called out.
But Jungkook wasn’t paying attention to his roommate for once. Instead, his eyes landed on the other person sitting there.
It was without a doubt Ji Sungmin. His jaw was as strong and sharp as his dark eyebrows, but his hair was dyed blond in contrast. He had his dark eyes set on Jungkook, following up and down his body, examining him just like Jungkook was doing to him. Jungkook didn’t miss the way the corner of Sungmin’s lip curved up into a smirk.
He felt like he was being taunted by a mere smirk.
“I’m guessing this is Jeon Jungkook?” Sungmin turned to Seokjin, asking. He had no idea that Seokjin had mentioned him before, but Seokjin simply nodded to his friend as if it was nothing special.
“Yes. Jungkook-ah, this is Sungmin.”
Sungmin, who was eyeing Jungkook as he placed his hand behind Seokjin and leaned closer to him. Sungmin, who was good-looking and would totally intimidate Jungkook if it weren’t for the fact that Jungkook could only hum carelessly in return to Sungmin’s smirk, not caring how he looked or eyed him. Sungmin, who Seokjin seemed so close with lately.
“Ji Sungmin?” he questioned, then huffed out a fake chuckle right at the man’s face. Sungmin’s attitude was nothing to him. Two could play that game.
“Yes! He's here so we could work on the project,” Seokjin told him, “but we ordered some food. Your’s is on the counter.”
They had papers, notebooks, pens, and also their plates of food set out on the bed in front of them. It was very clear and Seokjin didn’t have to tell him, yet he did. Jungkook simply ignored his own plate of food and went to his bed, glancing back and forth between the two.
“Yeah, I bought the food,” Sungmin announced as if Jungkook really cared. What Jungkook did care about was the way Sungmin picked up some meat and vegetable from his plate and held it up to Seokjin, who wordlessly opened his mouth and let the guy feed him. “Taste good?”
Seokjin nodded happily, his cheeks full.
Jungkook found it hard to breathe.
He didn’t understand. He couldn’t understand. Why was his chest rising and falling so harshly with each breath and why was his heart racing as he watched Sungmin press his napkin to Seokjin’s lips? Since when did Seokjin get so close to this guy? Since when did Seokjin start having dinner without him and with Sungmin instead?
But it was when Seokjin said something next that really threw Jungkook off his balance.
“Hey, Sungmin-ah? Why couldn’t the bicycle stand up by itself?”
Jungkook furrowed his eyebrows as he recalled this same joke being told to him the first time he ever met Seokjin. He narrowed his eyes and his lips puckered up as he thought about the answer to that question. Seokjin was recycling the joke and for some reason it made him feel a bit weird. Irritated.
“Two tired,” Jungkook answered, breaking off Seokjin’s joke. “It was two tired.” Seokjin pouted as his joke was ruined and Sungmin eyed Jungkook, furrowing his eyebrows in return.
“Way to ruin the joke.”
“Well—” Jungkook shrugged— “He already told me the joke a long time ago. Sorry, I guess.” He felt proud of himself for knowing the joke first.
Sungmin hummed. “Okay. Did he tell you the joke about Google?”
Google? Jungkook hadn’t heard any joke like that. Not from Seokjin.
“Um. No..?”
Seokjin hid his face, seeming to realize what Sungmin was talking about. Not only did Jungkook feel left out of the loop, but as Sungmin smirked again, he felt like he was being one-upped.
“ Is your name Google? Because you have everything I’ve been searching for, ” Sungmin said loud and proud. “That was the first joke hyung ever told me. He told me that because I was helping him search for things for our project. I swear he has a joke for every situation. He's so hilarious.”
Joke…
That’s a pick-up line, if Jungkook’s ever heard one. Was Seokjin flirting with him? Why did Seokjin hide his face? Is he blushing? What’s going on?
“Uh. Yeah, I guess he does.”
Sungmin successfully left Jungkook speechless. It wasn’t meant to be like that. He wasn’t meant to win this battle. He wasn’t meant to come in and one-up Jungkook like that in his own dorm room, with his own oblivious best friend right beside him.
He won’t let it happen again.
I refuse to let you win.
—
The next time Seokjin mentioned that guy’s name, Jungkook scoffed almost immediately, rolling his eyes as well.
“Oh?” Seokjin sounded a bit surprised and confused at the same time. Jungkook didn’t realize that he was so obvious with his expression, but of course it was caught by his friend. “Do you not like Sungmin? I thought you two were getting along pretty well?”
That must be a joke.
“No,” Jungkook answered truthfully. “I don’t like him.”
Seokjin tilted his head, still confused. “Why not?”
Why not? Because— Because…
Suddenly, that question hit Jungkook like a truck. What was his reason for not liking Sungmin? Did he have a valid reason to not like him? He didn’t like him before he even met him, either. Why?
Sungmin was clearly nice to Seokjin and it wasn’t like he’d done or said anything to Jungkook to purposefully harm him. Sure, his face was annoying and the way he one-upped him didn’t feel great, but why would he one-up Jungkook anyway? Why would they so obviously fight over Seokjin— because that’s what they were doing, right?
Fighting over Seokjin.
Seokjin is his best friend and roommate. Of course, Jungkook would be protective over him. But where was Sungmin’s place to fight over him? Sungmin was nothing other than a friend to Seokjin. Not even a close friend, either. So why were they fighting over him?
“Maybe you should just hang out with him to get to know him better,” Seokjin told him, breaking him from his train of thought. “Maybe it was too sudden for you. I’m sorry. Maybe you’d like him better if it wasn’t so sudden?”
—
Jungkook really didn’t like Sungmin.
It was a normal day. Normal lunchtime. Jungkook, Seokjin, and their five friends were sitting around their table as usual. Nothing was out of the ordinary. Their friends were all the same. Jungkook and Seokjin were both the same.
Except that was a lie.
The only out-of-the-usual was the fact that Seokjin had invited Sungmin over to their table to eat. Their table was already small enough with the seven of them, but it seemed a lot smaller as Sungmin joined them, having to squeeze his way right in between Jungkook and Seokjin. He was leaning in Seokjin’s direction, not even glancing at Jungkook or the others.
The part that Jungkook didn’t like was this: Sungmin was offering Seokjin his food every once in a while and Seokjin would also pull some food from his own plate and offer it to his friend, setting it down onto his plate with a generous smile.
Jungkook thought that they had a silent deal to never feed anyone else other than each other. What happened to that deal? Was it just Jungkook? Clearly not, right? Because even their friends eyed Sungmin and gave Jungkook questioning looks.
Ridiculous.
“I’m leaving.”
The scrape of his chair was loud as he stood up and only then did Seokjin or Sungmin really look at him for the first time in ten minutes. He wouldn’t last another twenty minutes with Sungmin by his side, stealing his best friend; his precious roommate hyung. He wouldn’t put up with it.
“Jungkook-ah, where are you going?” Seokjin asked, grabbing onto his wrist to keep him there. “Sit down. I bought extra meat just for you. You’re gonna let your hyung’s money go to waste?” He gave Jungkook a smile, but Jungkook scoffed.
“Extra meat for me? ” he asked. The meat that Seokjin was talking about was the meat that he’d been letting Sungmin have. He knew that Seokjin usually buys him extra food for them to share, but Sungmin was helping himself to it and Jungkook wouldn’t bother. “I’m going now. I have to go study.”
Seokjin frowned as Jungkook pulled his wrist away. “You don’t study, though..?”
But Jungkook was already walking out of the food court before Seokjin could question him any further. Something was wrong with him. He didn’t like the feeling in his gut, being there with them anymore.
It’s jealousy, his mind told him as he finally got back to their dorm. He was lying on his bed and pouting up at the ceiling all to himself. He was left with his thoughts in the silence of their room and he hated it because usually at this time of day, he’s being fed by Seokjin and cheekily smiling about it.
He hated it because it should be him that Seokjin was having lunches and dinners with. He hated it because it should be him that was being fed that extra meat. Hated it because it should be Jungkook that Seokjin stays up all night with, texting or in person. Hated it because he wasn’t the only one that Seokjin told lame jokes to, and hated it because the joke he told Sungmin was a pick-up line and was definitely flirtatious.
He hated it because Seokjin wasn’t blushing over him.
That’s it. You’re jealous that your roommate hyung is being flirted with.
The way Sungmin would so casually place his hand on Seokjin’s lower back. The way Sungmin would feed Seokjin and wipe at his bottom lip with his thumb. The way Sungmin would whisper something into his ear and make Seokjin either laugh or his ears would turn red, and Jungkook had no idea what he’d said that would make Seokjin blush that way.
The way Sungmin flirted.
Jungkook was jealous of Ji Sungmin.
Oh my—
“Jungkook?” Seokjin’s voice suddenly chimed loudly in the room and Jungkook jumped up in surprise, sitting up on his bed dizzily as his eyes met his roommate’s.
Seokjin followed him?
“Hyung,” he called out. He wasn’t sure of what to say, but the curious look in Seokjin’s eyes made him stutter, “W-Why did you follow me? Didn’t you eat?” Or maybe he was stuttering because of his sudden realization.
Seokjin sat down next to him and frowned. “You seemed upset, so I wanted to make sure you were okay. And you’re not studying. Why are you just laying here? Is something wrong?”
It was Jungkook’s turn to frown.
He wasn’t so positive before, but the more he thought about it, it was so obvious. The reason he didn’t like Sungmin was because of jealousy. But why would he be jealous if someone flirts with Seokjin? He doesn’t… like…
Those soft brown eyes. The gorgeous way his face was sculpted; the way his eyelids look so pretty in his sleep; the way his lips look so cute when they’re set in a pout; the way Jungkook loves every portion of his hyung’s body— always tells Seokjin he has the perfect body. Everything about him is perfect.
The craziest and most random dad jokes; the way he gets so into gaming and it’s sometimes cute; the way Seokjin cares silently and knows every little detail about Jungkook— even things he didn’t know. The way Seokjin likes to cuddle into his chest, the soft breaths against Jungkook’s skin, and the way he sleeps better in his hyung’s arms. The way Seokjin plays along with Jungkook and how they’ve been so inseparable for so long now.
His friend, his roommate hyung.
“Hello? Jungkook?”
Jungkook didn’t realize that his eyes were wide, not once blinking. He didn’t realize until he finally blinked a million times, the sting bringing tears to his eyes, but he wiped them quickly.
“Are you crying?”
“No!” Jungkook quickly told him. “My eyes were just burning. You- You didn’t have to run after me or anything, hyung. I swear I’m okay. I just… didn’t want to be there any longer.”
“Why?” He frowned deeper as Seokjin placed his hand on his knee. But Seokjin’s next words made his lips part, “Are you jealous of Sungmin?” Once he asked, Seokjin tilted his head at Jungkook’s reaction. “Um. Jimin said you kind of looked jealous. I didn’t know you wouldn’t like me having other friends like that. Don’t worry about that. You're my best friend. I’ll never have a friend like you, Jungkookie.”
Jungkook sighed as Seokjin scooted closer and wrapped his arms around Jungkook’s waist, pulling him into a hug. “Hyung… That’s not the reason I’m jealous.” Seokjin’s fingers curled into Jungkook’s sweater, but he didn’t say anything. He simply kept his chin rested on Jungkook’s shoulder and waited. “I- I think it may be something more than that, hyung.”
It was slow, Seokjin’s fingers releasing his clothes and the way Seokjin pulled away from the hug.
He settled his hands back to his lap and he gazed back into Jungkook’s eyes, his own wide. “What?” he questioned, his voice nearly too quiet. Jungkook’s head fell low as his stomach twisted and turned in anxiety.
“He’s obviously flirting with you,” Jungkook began quietly. “He stays up with you all night texting you, he was trying to one-up me when he was in our dorm, he holds you like you’re his or something, and he even feeds you and wipes your lip with his thumb when nothing’s there. There’s no friendly way to do that, hyung. I swear, hyung, he’s flirting with you.”
Seokjin chewed at his inner cheek as Jungkook spoke. He couldn’t tell if Seokjin was realizing it too or if Seokjin knew all along and was simply listening as he was being told.
Or neither.
“Why do you care if he flirts with me, Jungkook-ah?”
Jungkook held his breath.
Curiosity and uncertainty was written all in Seokjin’s eyes, but Jungkook was almost certain of the answer to that question. He just wasn’t sure how to know for sure. He wasn’t sure how to test his feelings.
Slowly, as he looked down at Seokjin’s hands that were still laid between his thighs, the younger inched his heavy-feeling hand towards his and only paused halfway to look back at Seokjin. But Seokjin’s eyes were on his hand now and there was no going back unless Seokjin said so. Not unless Seokjin told him to stop.
He didn’t.
Jungkook’s hand felt numb as he grabbed ahold of Seokjin’s. His hand was light and it was clear that Seokjin wasn’t backing out, so Jungkook simply held his hand in his and met his eyes, squeezing Seokjin’s hand to urge him to do the same. Seokjin peeked back up, still uncertain.
“Hyung,” he whispered. His heart felt a bit stiff, terrified of mentioning anything or going so far, but he had to or else it would swallow him whole for the rest of time. “I don’t think the jealousy you’re thinking of is the right kind.”
Seokjin’s thumb pressed gently into the palm of Jungkook’s hand as he gulped. “Jungkook…”
“I think I’m jealous because I like you.” He felt that if he held his breath or if his heart felt any heavier that he’d end up falling apart. So, he sighed out all of his worries and closed his eyes. “I don’t know. I’m sorry,” he mumbled, but Seokjin took his hand further into his.
“Jungkook, look at me.”
He obeyed, opening his eyes again. Seokjin had inched closer already and before Jungkook knew it, Seokjin cupped the sides of his head and forced the younger to look him in the eyes.
“Hyung—?”
“Shh.” Seokjin leaned his forehead against Jungkook’s. He thought that he was holding his breath before, but as Seokjin’s eyes fluttered closed and he simply sat with his forehead rested there, Jungkook felt like he’d pass out. Like Seokjin was being imagined in his head or he was frozen in time.
Seokjin’s hands fell back to his lap and he lightly pushed his nose towards Jungkook’s, their skin brushing against each other.
It was silent, but Jungkook was not ignorant to the way Seokjin was waiting for him. So, Jungkook gradually lifted his hands to Seokjin’s face, fingers tingling as he cupped his roommate’s cheeks. He gulped as Seokjin merely let him do so. It was new, but it was Seokjin’s permission.
Jungkook tilted his head and as he inched closer, he fluttered his eyes closed and his shoulders raised in anticipation as his lips found Seokjin’s, breaking the barrier and taking his friend’s lips against his own.
The pads of his fingers dug into Seokjin’s hair as Seokjin kissed back, those soft, plump lips of his feeling so delicate against Jungkook’s. The heavy feeling on Jungkook’s heart was swept away instantly and it turned into something like feathers or clouds. Soft, safe, comfortable, happy.
He parted his lips against Seokjin’s and they both deepened the kiss, humming at the unfamiliar feeling, but not once complaining about it. Seokjin’s hands landed safely on Jungkook’s arms and Jungkook pulled him in closer, begging for more. He needed more of his friend’s kisses.
However, Seokjin was the one to pull away, his parted lips taking in sharp breaths of air.
“Jungkookie?”
Jungkook removed his hands and frowned, so positive that Seokjin was about to yell at him or something. But Seokjin didn’t. Seokjin took his hand back in his and squeezed gently.
“Do you really like me?”
There was no denying it. After getting lost in everything Kim Seokjin had to offer, there was no way that Jungkook didn’t like him. He never realized or thought twice about it before— before Ji Sungmin came in and rocked his world— but he likes his best friend so much. He likes him so much that it almost hurt, seeing him with someone else.
It did hurt.
“I’m sorry,” Jungkook mumbled.
That was his confirmation. Seokjin didn’t seem to like it. “Don’t apologize to me, Jungkook. It’s okay.” Is it okay? Why is it okay? What were they supposed to do now? “Stop worrying so much. I can see it on your face.” The older cupped his cheek to gain his attention. “I realized it too, you know. I like you too, you know…”
Jungkook blinked his thoughts away a billion times, his lips parting into a small gasp at Seokjin’s words.
He likes me too.
“Does Sungmin make you jealous?” Seokjin teased, smiling at him. “I should’ve made him come around weeks ago, then. I can’t believe it took jealousy for you to realize this.”
“What? How long have you known?” Jungkook asked, frowning. “How long have you liked me, hyung? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Seokjin shrugged. “Around Christmas break.” Christmas break?! That was before they even became best friends! “You didn’t look at me in that way. How could I tell you when I knew you didn’t like me back?”
The heavy feeling hit Jungkook’s heart again, realizing that Seokjin had liked him all this time. “I’m so sorry.” He leaned forward and caught a glimpse of Seokjin’s red ears before he closed his eyes and pecked the older’s cheek. When he pulled away, Seokjin grazed his fingers against the spot he kissed. “Hyung, will you be mine? Please? And get rid of that Sungmin guy?”
Seokjin chuckled. “I can’t get rid of him, but I’ll be yours, Jungkook-ah. I’ll be yours and you can kiss me and hold my hand in front of him if it makes you feel any better.” He laughed lightly as Jungkook’s eyes lit up and he immediately leaned into Seokjin again, capturing his lips with his.
Jungkook never thought he’d have such a light feeling in his heart, yet such a full, fluttering feeling as well. Seokjin was the perfect person for him and his sweet, delicate heart. His best friend and roommate hyung knew him better than anyone else. Jungkook truly never thought he’d like someone like this, yet he’d liked him all along.
It just took a little jealousy to figure it out.
~