Work Text:
Twinkle Lights And Birthday Gifts
Jimin loves working at the library.
It’s quiet, It’s organized.
And you meet some of the most interesting people.
Plus, it tends to be a bit of a safe haven, for people from all walks of life.
A single mom who takes her kids here to read, so they can be out of the house for a while.
A high school kid, who doesn’t have a stable home situation and comes here to study.
College students, slaving away at their thesis.
A kind, elderly gentleman whose wife has passed away.
He comes to the library when the emptiness gets too big, and the silence too deafening.
They all find something here, besides the obvious treasure of literature, knowledge and information.
Jimin often finds there is a sense of togetherness. Silent companionship.
Of course, there are exceptions. Three particularly obnoxious exceptions are currently hogging one of the study pods.
The pods are little cabins, where people can study or work in complete peace and quiet, closed off from the rest of the world.
There’s a desk, a comfortable chair, a good work lamp, and various plugs for electronic devices.
They’re always in high demand, which is why the library works with a booking system. You can reserve a time slot for up to 4 hours.
The three teenage girls that are currently ‘chillin’ in the study pod, are sitting there, with the door open, talking way too loudly.
It was the sound that drew Jimin’s attention, and he was on his way over, to tell them to either close the door or keep it down.
However, when he walks out from behind one of the bookcases, he stops in his tracks.
A few steps away from the pod, is another library regular.
Jimin doesn’t know his name, but he knows his face. It’s not the kind of face one forgets.
He’s handsome. Beautiful, actually.
He also seems deathly shy.
They’ve exchanged glances before, and whenever Jimin greets him by saying hello with a warm smile, the other man ducks his head, ears turning red.
He usually murmurs a greeting in return, before scurrying off.
Jimin might have a bit of a crush on the handsome stranger.
Today, he’s looking unfairly hot in his white button up shirt, black slacks and silver wired glasses.
Right now however, the man looks distinctly uncomfortable.
He’s hugging his brown leather briefcase to his chest, arms crossed over each other.
Jimin frowns.
Something’s off.
Staying out of their line of vision for now, he moves back through a row of bookcases, circling around, closer to the study pod so he can hear their conversation.
It seems the handsome stranger is politely, albeit timidly advocating for them to leave the pod, so he can use it.
When he hears the other man say “Please, be reasonable. I paid for this pod. I really need to use it.” Jimin’s blood boils.
Especially when the girls dismiss him immediately, laughing it off.
They’re being defiant and obnoxious on purpose.
Jimin sticks his head out just in time to see the other man hunch his broad shoulders, hugging the soft leather briefcase even closer to his chest.
Poor guy.
Jimin pulls out his trusty work tablet, and it takes him just a few swipes to see that the pod is indeed booked for the next few hours.
It’s under the name Kim Seokjin.
Huh.
Now he has a name to go with the face.
Well, Seokjin might be too polite or gentle to give these girls an earful. Jimin sure as hell doesn’t have that problem.
He does a little hair flip for good measure, before strutting over.
Seokjin spots him first, eyes widening as he takes half a step back.
Jimin nods silently at him in acknowledgement, before turning his attention to the three girls.
They’ve quieted down significantly since he came into their line of vision. They look at him curiously.
“You three. Out. Right now. Move it.” Jimin says, pointing his thumb over his shoulder.
His expression is steely, a far cry from his usual soft, sunshine attitude. But he can turn up the sass when he has to.
These girls got nothing on him.
“We were here first.” The loudest of the three counters.
The other two glance at her before looking back at Jimin, waiting for his response.
He rolls his eyes for a moment. Bloody teenagers.
“Right. I’m sure you ladies know we work with a booking only system. This gentleman has reserved this particular pod for the next few hours. You’re already on his time as it is. Either move, or have your access to the library denied for misconduct. Your choice.”
“You can’t do that!” The girl replies, indignantly.
Jimin crooks an eyebrow, as he stares her down.
“Watch me. I’m not playing, princess. Last chance. Get lost.” He jerks his head to the side, indicating they should move.
The other two scramble up, gathering their things and hurrying past Jimin. The loud girl scowls for a moment longer, before following their example.
“And stay gone.” He mutters.
Jimin shakes his head. Talk about an attitude problem.
He turns his attention back to the other man, letting his face and his demeanor soften immediately.
Seokjin swallows nervously, although he looks relieved as well.
Jimin bows lightly. “I am so sorry for the inconvenience, Seokjin-ssi.
Please know that you can always come to me or any other member of staff, if someone is giving you trouble like this. We’ll gladly assist you.”
“Thank you.” The other man says quietly, relaxing his grip on his suitcase as he stands up a little straighter.
Jimin whips out his tablet again.
“I am reimbursing you for the first hour of the use of the study pod.” He says, as he quickly flicks through the steps needed.
“Oh no, please, that's.. That’s really not necessary.” Seokjin protests, but Jimin merely smiles brightly at him.
“Already done. I hope you’ll enjoy your time here.” He bows again, turns around to leave.
“Wait.” The other man says softly, and Jimin turns back. “Yes?”
“Uhm. What’s.. What’s your name?” Seokjin asks shyly, and Jimin melts inside, but manages to keep somewhat of a poker face.
“I’m Jimin.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Jimin. And uhmm. Thank you.” Seokjin says softly.
Jimin smiles at him, way more warmly and gently than is probably considered appropriate.
“It’s nice to meet you too. You’re welcome. Let me know if you need anything.”
They both bow lightly, and Seokjin hurries into the pod, cheeks red.
He closes the door behind himself with a quiet click.
Jimin shakes his head, as he walks away.
The tiny smile that finds its way to his face, stays there for the rest of the afternoon.
And if he tells his bestie Tae all about meeting Seokjin, when he comes home from work, no one has to know.
📚🧁
Jimin sees Seokjin again. Sooner than he’d expected, and not where he expected, either.
It’s a few days after the incident at the library, and Jimin wanders into the cozy little corner café just a few blocks from his apartment.
It’s December, and the wind is particularly unforgiving today.
Jimin sighs in relief as he steps into the warmth, and peels himself out of his thick winter coat, gloves, scarf and hat.
He wanders over to the counter and Yoongi, one of his oldest friends, greets him with a gummy smile. The cat eyed man’s love for coffee, serves him well during his job as a barista.
“Jiminah! I didn’t think I’d see you out and about today. It’s so cold! Want a hot chocolate?”
“Of course I want a hot chocolate. What else would I leave my home for, silly?” He grins, as he plops down on one of the barstools.
They make easy conversation, catching up on each other’s lives.
Yoongi tells Jimin about the surprise trip around christmas he’s planning for his boyfriend Jungkook.
The librarian adores the maknae of their friend group, he really is a perfect fit for Yoongi. So Jimin is more than happy to help his friend plan their surprise getaway.
While Yoongi is helping a customer, Jimin glances around the café.
His heart skips a beat when he spots Seokjin in a far corner booth, by himself.
The man is dressed in an oversized pink sweatshirt, and light blue jeans today. Pink looks amazing on him.
Jimin loves it when men aren’t afraid to wear bright colors.
Yoongi returns and Jimin tries to pay attention to the conversation.
He really does.
It’s just that his eyes keep getting pulled back to the beautiful man in the corner booth.
“He’s single, you know.” Yoongi says, and Jimin whips his head around, just in time to see the shit eating grin on the elder’s face.
“First of all, fuck off. Second of all.. You know him?”
Yoongi nods. “Seokjin hyung is a friend of Kookie.”
Jimin quirks his eyebrow. “Really?”
Seokjin seems really shy, and Yoongi’s boyfriend is one of the most introverted people Jimin has ever met. How on earth did those two become friends?
“Yep. They met through online gaming. Been friends for years.
Seokjin looks out for Jungkookie. Makes sure he’s on the right path.
He’s a good hyung.”
Well, that makes sense.
“He’s older than you?” Jimin asks, surprised. Seokjin has a youthfulness about him.
Though there is something ageless about his face, he supposes.
In that way that Korean superstars usually have ageless faces.
He could be 18 or 40. Both are believable.
Yoongi nods. “Just by a few months. But yes.”
Jimin hums, glancing over at the beautiful man again. “I’ve seen him around the library a few times..” He pauses. “He’s pretty, right?”
Yoongi chuckles. “Yes. Very handsome. And single. And gay. You know, in case you were wondering.”
Jimin rolls his eyes playfully at the barista.
“Do you think I’m his type?” He asks, feeling his cheeks flush a bit.
“Jiminie, you’re everybody’s type.” Yoongi deadpans. “But yeah.. Pretty sure you are.”
He leans over the counter, and Jimin knows he’s about to get an inside scoop.
“You know, it was his birthday yesterday.”
Jimin smiles at that. “Really?”
“Uhuh.”
“I can work with that.” Jimin grins slyly.
“Never doubted you, darling.” Yoongi winks at him. “I’ll get you his favorite drink. And some cake maybe?”
“Reading my mind, hyung. That’s why I love you.”
Yoongi snorts at that, but doesn’t comment.
Soon enough, there’s a perfect latté and a triple chocolate cupcake on the counter.
When Yoongi sticks a little candle into it, Jimin coos at him.
“Ahww hyung, you’re such a soft touch.”
The elder grins, and flips him off.
Jimin just giggles in response.
When he goes to take them off the counter though, Yoongi stops him.
“Jimin, just.. Be gentle with him, okay? He’s shy, and he’s been through some shit. His ex boyfriend was a nasty piece of work. It’s not my place to say much more but.. Yeah. Seokjin is a really good person.”
Jimin smiles softly at his friend. “I promise I’ll take it easy on him.”
He pauses. “Do you have a sharpie, hyung?”
Yoongi nods, hands it to him without questioning it.
Jimin scribbles something on the paper cup, before handing the sharpie back to his friend.
Yoongi slides a lighter over the counter, and Jimin smiles at him, before putting it into the pocket of his jeans. He picks up the drink and the cupcake.
“Good luck. Be nice.”
“I’m always nice.” Jimin sasses over his shoulder, before walking away.
He has an outline of what he wants to say, but he’ll largely base his responses on Seokjin’s reactions. Last thing he wants, is to scare the elder off, or make him uncomfortable.
The beautiful man is engrossed in a book. An actual book, not a kindle. Jimin’s heart flutters.
It’s clear Seokjin doesn’t notice Jimin approaching. So he speaks as gently as he can, not wanting to startle the older man.
“Hello Seokjin-ssi.”
The older man’s head shoots up, and his eyes widen slightly when he sees Jimin. To his credit, he recovers quickly.
“Oh. Uhh. Hi.. Jimin, right?”
The younger gives him his most disarming smile, the bright one that turns his eyes into crescent moons.
“That’s right. It’s sweet that you remember. Uhm.. Can I sit for a moment?”
“Yes! Yes, of course. I’m sorry..” Seokjin is a bit flustered.
He quickly closes his book, pushing it to the side, and gestures to the open seat opposite him.
Jimin nods, and puts the drink and the cake down on the table, before sliding into the booth.
“Thank you.”
He feels a bit silly, but pushes through that feeling and carefully slides the coffee and cupcake across the table, until they’re in front of Seokjin.
The older man raises his eyebrows in response.
“These are for you.. A little kitty told me it was your birthday yesterday.”
Seokjin glances at Yoongi for a moment, who’s doing his very best to look like someone who isn’t looking.
Jimin giggles and Seokjin snorts.
He looks back at Jimin, his expression shy but a bit more relaxed.
“Thank you. That’s very kind. And thanks again for your help the other day.”
Jimin waves his hand dismissively. “Don’t mention it. I’ve seen you around a few times before that. Are you studying?”
Seokjin shakes his head. “Working. My neighbors are remodeling at the moment, so it’s way too noisy. I usually work from home. But I like the feel of the library, anyway. It’s nice.”
Jimin hums in agreement. “It is. What do you do?” He asks, resting his chin on his hand.
“I write screenplays. Working on a K-drama right now, so.. Yeah. Deadlines..” He sighs. “But thanks to you, I’m pretty much caught up now. So thank you.”
Jimin shakes his head.
“You don’t have to keep thanking me. I was more than happy to help. I mean.. I help people all the time.. But they’re rarely as pretty as you.” He says the last part coyly, looking up at Seokjin through his eyelashes.
The older man laughs at that, turning red. But it’s not a negative response. Jimin can tell.
Seokjin is shy, but not necessarily uncomfortable.
“Well, I have never been rescued by such a handsome man, either. So, that makes two of us.”
Jimin hums, pleased with the response. Seokjin is flirting back. This is going well.
“I’ll gladly be your knight in shining armor, any time you need it.”
Seokjin just nods in response, closes his eyes for a moment with a small smile.
He’s so pretty. God, Jimin wants to kiss him.
“I apologize if this seems forward, but.. I’d like to get to know you better. Can I take you out sometime? Would that be okay?”
The younger asks, softly.
Seokjin looks at him, and Jimin sees his nerves. A flicker of hesitation in his eyes.
“You can say no. I promise there will be no hard feelings. You can still come to the library, I won’t bother you, so please.. Don't worry about that.” Jimin assures him.
Seokjin smiles shyly, something in his expression relaxing.
“I’d like to go out. That.. That would be nice.” He says, his cheeks rosy.
Jimin relaxes as well, smiles brightly.
“Great! In that case..” He turns around the coffee cup, showing Seokjin where he’s scribbled down his number. “Call or text me any time, and we’ll set something up. Okay?”
Seokjin actually laughs at that, low and soft. “That’s really cute.”
He pauses. “Call me hyung, Jimin.”
The smaller man nods. “Okay. I’ll let you get back to your book. We’ll talk soon?”
The elder nods as well. “Of course.”
Jimin gets up, pulls the lighter from his pocket. He lights the candle, and sees how the flame reflects in Seokjin’s eyes.
“Belated happy birthday, hyung.” He says softly.
Jimin kisses him on the cheek, soft and chaste, before walking away.
When he glances over his shoulder, Seokjin is staring at the cupcake, cheeks red and his fingertips touching where Jimin just kissed him.
The younger smiles behind his hand. So cute.
Yoongi seems thrilled, and assures Jimin that he thinks they’ll be a good match.
It makes him giddier than he’d like to admit.
📚🧁
Seokjin texts him the next day. He’s probably even more reserved over text message, but Jimin doesn’t mind.
They set up a date for that weekend, to go to the winter fair together.
Jimin spends too much time figuring out an outfit, especially since he’ll probably be wearing his coat the whole time. But hey, who can blame him?
He’s excited.
They meet at the fair, and Jimin can’t help but smile big when he sees the elder.
He pulls Seokjin into a gentle hug. The elder stiffens slightly at first, but then relaxes, hugging Jimin back.
The younger tries not to think about how well their bodies seem to fit together.
They take their time, walking around, looking at the many stalls that sell everything from Christmas decorations, to cakes and scarves.
The sun is going down, and soon they’re enveloped by darkness, twinkle lights lighting their path.
Though they’re both a bit nervous and Seokjin is indeed shy, conversation flows quite easily between them.
They talk about their lives, carefully getting to know each other a bit better.
It helps that they have Jungkook and Yoongi in common as friends. Jimin wonders why they’ve never met before. When he voices his thoughts, Seokjin shrugs.
“I don’t do too well with new people. When I see them, we usually just hang out at their apartment, or mine. We play games, listen to music. Eat a lot.”
He pauses, looks at Jimin with a small smile. “They’re good people.”
“Yes they are. They’re very dear to me as well.” Jimin says easily.
“I asked them about you.” Seokjin admits, when they end up in a slightly quieter corner of the fair.
Jimin looks at him with a small smile. “Oh?”
“They speak very highly of you. Jungkookah adores you.” Seokjin pauses.
“I.. I guess I was just looking for reassurance. It’s been a while since I’ve dated. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t doing something stupid.”
Jimin gives him a soft smile. “I get that.”
A rather rowdy crowd of young men passes them, and Seokjin takes Jimin’s hand, pulling him closer, so there’s more distance between them and Jimin.
He doesn’t let go, even after they’re long gone. Jimin doesn’t mind one bit.
They get some food from a stall, and some mulled wine.
Seokjin clearly loves to eat, forgetting his shyness when he loudly expresses his appreciation for the food.
“Want to ride the ferris wheel?” Jimin asks, when they’re done eating.
Seokjin gives him a small smile. “Sure.”
Jimin goes to buy their tickets. But Seokjin won’t hear of it.
“Hyung will pay.” He says decisively, after Jimin tries to argue.
The sureness in his voice makes butterflies erupt in Jimin’s stomach.
He lets the older man pay.
The benches are comfortable enough. The ferris wheel turns slowly, the tickets buy them a fifteen minute ride. It gives them plenty of time to look out over the fairgrounds.
The view is breathtaking, all the twinkling lights making it seem almost magical.
“Beautiful.” Jimin breathes, and Seokjin hums in agreement.
“Thank you for taking me here. For asking me out. I was attracted to you as well, but.. I never would have had the courage.”
He pauses, and Jimin can tell there’s more that he wants to say, so he keeps quiet.
“I think it’s only fair to tell you now, that.. I come with a bit of baggage. My last relationship was.. Troubled. I.. I loved him. I did.
But he was not a nice person. He could act like one. He’s an actor, after all. He could be the most charming guy in the world. But it wasn’t real. You know?”
Jimin nods, carefully reaches out and holds his hand. Seokjin squeezes it in acknowledgement.
“He enjoyed playing games with people. Toying with their emotions. And he always wanted things his way. He had a way of.. Spinning things. Making something my fault. He was gaslighting me. He made me feel like shit about myself.”
Seokjin’s voice starts to tremble as he speaks.
“At a certain point he became verbally abusive, and I was in too deep to break free easily. It took him getting drunk and putting his hands on me, for me to wake up.”
He says quietly, and Jimin has a hard time not showing the murderous urges he suddenly feels towards Seokjin’s ex, on his face.
This isn’t about him.
“I’m doing a lot better these days. But I haven’t dated since that relationship. So.. Yeah.” Seokjin mumbles, gazing out into the night.
“I’m so sorry that happened to you.” Jimin says softly, squeezing his hand.
“Thank you for coming on this date with me. I get that this is probably scary. But.. We can take it slow. There’s no rush. I just want to get to know you. Is that okay?”
“I’d like that.” Seokjin says, softly.
They sit in silence for a little while, both taking a moment to process everything. The silence isn’t uncomfortable.
The wheel comes to a stop when they’re a little more than halfway up.
They both jump in response. “Shit.” Jimin curses, and Seokjin grips the safety bar a little tighter.
Jimin glances down. “It’s okay. They’re just stopping to let people on.”
Seokjin sighs. “Good. It’s probably for the best that it’s dark. I’m not great with heights.”
Jimin giggles. “Me neither, but.. The pretty lights make it worth it. And the pretty company.” He nudges the older man playfully.
“Oh, please.” Seokjin snorts in response.
The wheel starts turning again, until they reach the very top.
It jerks to a halt again, there.
They both jump a bit, at first. But the view is so beautiful, they quickly recover.
“Wow.” Seokjin breathes, taking it all in. Jimin turns to look at the beautiful man beside him instead. “Yeah.” He murmurs.
Seokjin looks at him as well, and smiles shyly.
Jimin can feel the pull, the crackle of electricity between them. Normally he’d just go for it, but with Seokjin’s history..
“Hyung?”
“Hmm?”
Jimin reaches up, softly strokes Seokjin’s jawline with his fingertips.
The elder’s eyes widen slightly, but he doesn’t flinch or back away.
“Can I kiss you?” Jimin whispers.
Seokjin swallows hard, but nods.
Jimin feels a giddiness in his tummy. He glances down at the other’s full lips.
He cups the elder’s cheek with one hand, settling the other on his waist.
The older man doesn’t touch him, just looks at Jimin.
The younger leans in slowly, and softly presses his lips against Seokjin’s.
He feels how they tremble slightly beneath his own.
Jimin strokes his cheek gently, trying to calm him down, as he very softly, chastely caresses the older man’s lips with his own.
Seokjin relaxes, a hand sliding into Jimin’s hair as they kiss.
The jolt that goes through the ferris wheel as it starts up again, breaks them apart.
They both laugh, the sound ringing out into the night.
Seokjin pulls the smaller man close and Jimin happily snuggles up to him, fitting perfectly underneath the elder’s arm.
“Best belated birthday gift ever.” Seokjin murmurs into Jimin’s hair.
Jimin’s laughter sounds like fairybells, reminiscent of the twinkling lights below.
“Happy belated birthday again, Hyungie.”