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“No way!”
“Come on, you lost the bet. You have to do it!”
“Except I didn’t expect to face the consequences of said bet, therefore I shall have some leniency!”
“Jungkook-ie, the entire point of the bet was for you to finally ask out Seokjin-ssi!” Taehyung sighs, nudging the younger’s shoulders. “I won the bet, so you have to go through with it.”
“But he’s him, and I am well…” Jungkook motions to himself self-consciously, hand waving erratically over his baggy clothes with stains and a few holes in what Jungkook claims as fashion. He sighs. “I am me.”
“There is nothing wrong with you!” Taehyung says, patting the younger’s shoulder. “I know! Maybe we should give you a makeover.”
“ Eh ?”
“We make you look hot, you ask Seokjin-ssi out and he will say yes!” Taehyung exclaims excitedly, shaking Jungkook’s shoulder. All of a sudden the cafeteria falls silent, eyes looking in Jungkook’s direction. The younger swallows before realizing they aren’t looking at him. They’re watching a confession go down.
“Oh no, why didn’t anyone warn her?” A voice whispers from behind Jungkook. There stood the new girl in all her glory, hand holding out a letter decorated with hearts and a box of chocolates.
“Seokjin sunbae-nim, will you be my valentine?” She says shyly, lips bitten and red. Seokjin merely looks at the chocolates, glaring right into the poor girl’s soul.
“You’re a bit brazen, are you not?” Seokjin says cooly, his poker face as cold as his tone. It makes Jungkook unintentionally shiver. “You barely know me, so no. I will not be your valentine. Don’t ever ask me again.” He brushes past her, shoulders bumping lightly.
“Yikes!” Taehyung whispers, patting Jungkook’s back. “Don’t worry Kook, after the makeover you should be set to ask him out!”
“I don’t know, Tae.” Jungkook nibbles his lip piercing nervously. “He was pretty brutal with that rejection just now. I’m going to be publicly humiliated.”
“Nonsense.” Taehyung shouts, gaining a few concerned stares from bypassers. “Trust me on this, when have I ever been wrong! I mean look at Hobi and Yoongi, a match made in heaven. And Jimin and Joon! Thanks to me, they are now no longer pining after each other like idiots.``
“I’d rather pine like an idiot than approach him.” Jungkook shoots a glance over to Seokjin’s table, immediately averting his eyes once they make eye contact. “Shit, he’s looking this way. Do I look fine?”
“Well, other than that huge barbecue sauce stain on your metelica shirt, nothing abnormal.” Taehyung says as if it was normal. Jungkook blushes, throwing his yellow hoodie on. “Okay, so about the makeover—
“No, Tae.” Jungkook whispers. “I want him to like me for who I am.”
“That’s the spirit, Koo.” Taehyung grins, squeezing on of Jungkook’s cheeks as he groans and shoves his hand away. “You’ve got this in the bag, just go up to him and ask him out.”
“I’ve got this in the bag.” Jungkook repeats after the older, hyping himself up. “I’m gonna go up to him and ask him out!”
“Yeah!”
“Then I’m gonna wine and dine the shit out of him!”
“Yeah!”
“Then I’m gonna take him to my dorm room!”
“Uh huh, I like where this is going!”
“And show him my iron man figurine collection!”
“Yeah— wait no! Jungkook we are going off track.” Taehyung’s words fall upon deaf ears as Jungkook stands up out of his seat and strides towards Seokjin’s table. His anticipation seems to ease off his shoulders with every step, making it feel like he’s walking with anchors attached to his ankles.
“You’re hot.” Jungkook blurts out once he’s in front of Seokjin. The older male looks a bit startled before his face morphs into something akin to amusement.
“So I’ve been told, Jungkook-ssi.” His voice matches his amused expression as he settles his head in his hands. Jungkook blushes, scratching the back of his neck. He’s noticed the cafeteria going silent once again and feels the glares on the back of his head. It’s now or never .
“Will you… uhh.” He bites his lip, throwing a glance over to Taehyung who has a big boxy grin gracing his face as he throws a thumbs up towards Jungkook. Jungkook breathes. “Will you be my Valentine?”
Seokjin giggles, the sound so melodious that it has almost everyone in the cafeteria in a trance. Jungkook could feel the rejection coming on, but the sound of his laughter calms his nerves a bit. At least he won’t be as harsh as before .
“What, no chocolates and flowers?” He teases, making Jungkook blush an even deeper shade of red.
“It was kind of a last minute approach, Seokjin-ssi .” Jungkook bows his head. Seokjin giggles even more. “Please forgive me.”
“Pick me up from my dorm room tomorrow at noon, then.” The older one says. A series of shocked gasps erupt in the cafeteria along with a shout of glee from Taehyung. Jungkook nods before turning to leave and booking it from the cafeteria, Taehyung following suit.
“Way to go, Kook !” Taehyung jumps on his back from behind, smooshing their cheeks together. “So what’s the plan?”
“I don’t know, I didn’t actually plan to get this far ahead.” Jungkook mutters, still stunned by Seokjin.
“Well, you’ve got a whole night to think of a plan!” Taehyung grins.
💌💌💌
“Hyung calm down, you’re acting like it’s your first ever date.” Jimin says as he watches Seokjin pace around their shared dorm room, throwing clothes around. Seokjin sends him a short glare.
“It is my first date.” He says as he digs through his closet for something to wear. Jimin dodges a pair of shorts thrown his way before standing up and grabbing Seokjin’s shoulders.
“It’s okay to ask for help sometimes, hyung.” Jimin sits him down on his bed.
“I know, Jimin-ah.” Jin sighs, falling on his back. “I’m nervous. Jungkook is an absolute dreamboat, and I am just a snobby, awkward, stiff man!”
“Say that again and I’m going to kick your ass.” Jimin says as he grabs a pair of loose pants and a shirt. Jin watches him, a bored expression on his face. “You are more than that, you’re handsome for heaven’s sake!”
“But that’s all I am.” Jin mutters. “He’s gonna find out I’m not this knight in shining armor. That I’m this socially awkward dork that secretly collects Pokémon cards and plays mario kart in my free time. The only reason people want me is for my looks, but they would definitely leave once they see how weird I am. I will never be as cool as him.”
“He had a damn barbecue sauce stain on his shirt, hyung!” Jimin exaggerates, grabbing a beige sleeveless sweater out of the closet before placing it on the bed.
“Yet he had no shame in it! Nobody batted an eye over his stain.” Jin says. “If I ever pulled a stunt like that, everyone would ridicule me. They would point and laugh.”
“I can’t change the way you think about yourself, hyung. But I am sure that Jungkook would like you for who you truly are.” Jimin responds, his tone soft. Jin runs a hand through his hair. “Now let’s get you ready for that date. It’s Valentine's day, and don’t come back to the dorm too soon. Joonie is coming over.”
“And the moment is ruined.” Jin groans, shoving a giggly Jimin away from him as he goes towards their bathroom. “Just don’t do it on the couch, I will beat you both up.”
“We have decorum, hyung!” Jimin shouts.
“Is the decorum in the room with us?” The older says, dodging a pillow that was thrown at him.
💌💌💌
Jungkook knocks on the door, sweat building up on his forehead as he waits for Seokjin. His hands have a death grip on the flowers as he holds the chocolate covered strawberries under his arm. He's wearing black slacks that hugs his waist just perfectly, paired with a black and white striped shirt and a gray dress shirt. Odd combination of clothes, but they look just perfect on Jungkook.
The door opens and Jungkook has to bite back millions of praises that are about to leave his mouth. Beautiful , is what etches on his heart as he looks the man up and down.
“Happy Valentines day, Seokjin-ssi.” Jungkook says politely, thanking the gods that he had remembered to ‘borrow’ Taehyung’s expensive cologne.
“Thank you, Jungkook.” Jin smiles, confidence engulfing his entire being as he retrieves the flowers and sweets. “You will have to wait until later tonight for your gift. Delivery was delayed.” He says sheepishly, but Jungkook shakes it off.
“No worries.” He gives the older male a polite grin. “Now how about that date?” Jungkook says. Jin nods before placing the flowers in a vase and chocolates on the table before taking Jungkook’s hand in his.
“What’s the plan?” Jin asks as they walk down stairs, skipping the elevator full of overbearing couples.
“First we are going to a diner just out of town, they serve the best burgers.” Jungkook swings their hands, unintentionally making Seokjin smile. “And if you don’t mind, I would like to take you on a midnight drive on my motorcycle.”
“Sounds fun.” Jin’s voice is soft yet genuine, his hands gripping Jungkook’s a bit. “I have never ridden a motorcycle before.”
“You will love it, I promise.” Jungkook replies. Once they’re out of the building, they walk towards Jungkook's bike. “A little birdie told me that you loved Pokémon, so I put some stickers on your helmet.” Jungkook hands the helmet over to Seokjin as he observes it with wonder. He mentally thanks Jimin, making a mental note to treat him to lunch sometime.
“Thank you, Jungkook-ah.” Seokjin blushes, hiding it with the helmet once he puts it on.
“Keep your feet on the foot-rests and hold my waist. I will drive slowly so you can get the gist of it before gradually picking up speed, ‘ kay? ”
Seokjin hums, following Jungkook’s instructions. Jungkook has to stop the fluttering feeling building up in his chest as he feels the older man wrap his arms around his waist and rests his head on his back. He revs his engine, driving forward slowly as the older’s grip tightens.
It took them about half an hour before they reached their location, Seokjin waiting for Jungkook to park the bike before he hops off. His legs are a bit wobbly but he manages to find grounding on the stony pavement. Seokjin’s heart beats wildly in his chest as he watches Jungkook remove his helmet, his hair bouncing as he shakes the sweat off.
“I’ve been going to this diner since I was a kid.” Jungkook says as they approach the entrance. He opens the door for Seokjin, following in behind him as the older male walks in. “So I usually know what time the rush hour begins and ends. Luckily on Valentine's day the restaurant is almost secluded.”
“Jungkook-ie!” An older woman calls from behind the counter. She's wearing a pink apron with hearts, almost similar to Seokjin’s own mother’s, and her gray hair is tied in a loose bun. “How is your mother?”
“She’s doing well, aunty.” Jungkook smiles softly. Seokjin falls behind him in step, shying away from them. “How’s Mr. Choi, hope he’s just as well.”
“You know that old grump, he’s probably out back reading his newspaper.” She says with a playful roll of the eyes. Her gaze falls on Seokjin and her eyes widen. “My, oh my! Is this a friend of yours, Jungkook-ie?”
“This is… uhh—
“Kim Seokjin.” He bows politely.
“Handsome and polite, he’s a keeper Jungkook-ie.” she smiles, bringing a hand to Seokjin’s face. The younger flushes, twiddling with his fingers. “You’re the first boy that Jungkook has brought here.”
“ Aunty !”
“I guess I’m special then.” Seokjin winks, making the older woman laugh. “I heard that you sell the best burgers in town.”
“Oh, he’s just exaggerating.” Mrs. Choi giggles, slapping Jungkook’s shoulder lightly. “But I promise you, you won’t leave this diner unsatisfied. Now Jungkook-ie, go find you two seats, I will bring your usual.”
“Thank you.” Seokjin bows once again, making Mrs. Choi swoon over him. Jungkook pulls Seokjin across the diner, far out of sight from the older woman.
“She won’t stop bothering us if we are in her line of sight, and she will secretly take photos to send to my mom.” Jungkook explains when he sees Seokjin’s confused expression. “I hope you like double beef burgers.”
“I’d eat just about anything.” Jin smiles softly.
“Can I ask you a question?” Jungkook plays with his sleeves to calm his nerves. Seokjin nods. “Why did you accept my proposal? You are way too out of my league.”
“Want the honest answer or the sugarcoated one?”
“Honest, please .”
“Right.” Seokjin sucks in a breath. “I have actually admired you for a while. You’re funny and kind and all the things I’ve heard about you were good. I was building up the courage to ask you out on a date, but I guess you beat me to it.”
“Wait, you liked me ?” Jungkook asks, watching as the tips of Seokjin’s ears turn pink. He nods. “But I liked you first!”
“What do you even like about me?” Seokjin whispers, feeling awkward. “I’m nothing but a handsome face.”
“Are you kidding me?” Jungkook slams a hand on the table, startling Seokjin once again. “You’re that and more. The first time I saw you, you were the most swoon-worthy man ever. You came into the convenience store I worked in at ass o’clock looking for the new stack of Pokémon cards that I had just put on display and bought the entire set.”
“Wait… you were the cashier guy, right?” Seokjin sits up straight. “That was the night I finally found a rare Pokémon card.”
“Yeah, you kind of hugged me over the counter.” Jungkook blushes once more, hiding behind his hands.
“Order up.” Mrs. Choi grins before walking away. They eat their burgers, Jungkook telling stories about his childhood life and how he and Taehyung used to play pranks on poor old Mr. Choi from time to time. Seokjin would listen intently, laughing every now and then as Jungkook re-enacts the stories with his fries.
“How was your food, boys?” Mrs. Choi asks once they reach the counter to pay. Seokjin is absolutely sure he would have to spend the next two weeks at the gym to work the food off.
“As always, it was lovely.” Jungkook says as he swipes his card on the eftpos machine. “Where's that grumpy old man? I want to see him before we leave.”
“That is no way to speak about your elders, Jeon Jungkook.” A gruff voice says from behind them. Jungkook spins on his heel, smiles wide as he hugs the older man. Mr. Choi groans, rolling his eyes but he pats the younger’s back nonetheless. “Have fun on your date.”
“Don’t you want to meet him?” Jungkook tilts his head.
“Introduce me on the second date.” Mr. Choi winked. They bid farewell, Seokjin bowing once more before they left the diner. They step out of the diner, the sky coloured in various pastel shades as the sun sets to dusk.
“I’m going to make a quick stop at the gas station before we continue, is that okay?” Jungkook asks as he feels a nod on his shoulder blade. He pulls up to the gas station, grabbing his wallet out of the seat compartment before walking in. He grabs two banana milks and a few bags of chips and sweets, keeping an eye on Seokjin as he pays for the food.
“Took you long enough.” Seokjin teases, helping Jungkook store the food in the built-in storage compartment. “Where are we headed?”
“It’s a surprise.” Jungkook revs his engine, taking off into the night as the older one feels the wind in his back. An hour goes by and Seokjin is doing his best not to nod off. It’s a little bit after eleven. Jungkook drives slowly up the road, careful not to speed up and cause an accident. He drives off the road and continues on a small track that leads to an opening full of flowers and tall grass.
“Wow, what is this place?” Seokjin asks once Jungkook cuts off the engine. They hop off the bike and leave their helmets on the handles, Seokjin watching as Jungkook pops open the seat compartment.
“This is my secret look out. Accidentally found it when I was driving alone one day.” Jungkook says as he strings the older along to the tall grass to find a place to sit with their bag of snacks. He places his jacket down like the gentleman he is, a few meters away from the motorcycle before settling down and patting the space besides him.
“It’s so beautiful at night.” Seokjin lays back on the grass, staring at the stars above. “You never fail to surprise me, Jeon.” Jungkook lies beside him, an arm under his head.
“I really like you, Seokjin-ssi.” He uttered suddenly. “And before you say anything, I don’t only like you for your looks. You’re open-minded, smart and the most confident man I know. I hope that we can go on another date together, and many more after that.”
“I would really love that, Jungkook.” Seokjin tilts his head to the side before he leans in and kisses Jungkook’s cheek. “I have a very fragile heart, though. Please don’t break it.”
“That’s a promise I am willing to keep.” Jungkook whispers before leaning over to brush the hair out of Seokjin’s eyes. “You are one of a kind, Kim.”
“ Sap .”
“You wound me, beautiful .” Jungkook feigns a hurt expression, holding his heart dramatically. Seokjin bouts out a laugh, slapping Jungkook’s elbow.
“You’re such a child.” He giggles between breaths, turning his gaze back to the sky. Jungkook could live in this sweet surrender for as long as Seokjin would allow him too. His side profile is just as mesmerising as his normal appearance.
“Can I be honest with you this time?” Jungkook mumbles, turning over to his stomach to pick at the grass. Seokjin hums. “I only ever asked you out because I lost a bet.”
“You what? ”
“Now hear me out.” Jungkook butts in quickly before the older one becomes angry.
“Explain, now .” Seokjin says sternly, now sitting up with his arms crossed. Jungkook swallows nervously as he hoists himself up and sits back on his knees, fidgeting with the grass he had plucked.
“So, Tae and I made a bet that if either one of us failed to make it into the top ten on our last exams, we had to ask you out.” Jungkook lets out a shaky breath. “I purposely failed because I didn’t want Tae to be humiliated by your rejection.”
“Is that the only reason?” Jin asks, suddenly unsure of himself. Jungkook shakes his head profusely, a pout on his lips as his eyes widened.
“I also didn’t want to see my best friend flirting with the guy I like.” Jungkook says, swallowing his pride as he finally looks the older in the eye. Seokjin is quiet, still trying to process the information.
“ Wait — you purposely failed your exam for me ?” The older asks, recieving a silent, ashamed nod in return. “You realise that could jeopardise your future.”
“What can I say?” Jungkook does finger guns towards the older as he clicks his tongue in annoyance, clearly unamused.
“Don’t ever do that stupid shit for me again, understand?” Seokjin says as the younger one nods. “But, I can’t say that I’m not flattered. You really outdid yourself, Jeon .”
“Thank you.” Jungkook bites his lips. The conversation dies out, both of them too immersed in their snacks to break the comfortable silence. It wasn’t until the older yawned that Jungkook decided to finally call it a night. They reach the dormitories by half past three in the morning, sneaking past the security guard as they hold hands.
“Tonight was amazing, Jungkook.” Seokjin says once they reach his dorm room. He holds Jungkook’s hand a bit tighter, swinging it side to side. “This was the most fun I’ve had in a while, thank you.”
“I could say the same to you.” Jungkook whispers, drunk off happiness. He slips his hand into his pocket before pulling out a stack of Pokémon cards. “Here, for you.”
“You’re the sweetest.” Seokjin mumbles, leaning in to kiss the younger’s cheek for the second time that night. Jungkook’s cheeks burst into the most violent shade of pink, dimples showing as he smiles like a fool.
“Wait, before I forget.” The older hurriedly unlocks his door, praying that Jimin and Joon aren't butt naked on the couch before he pushes the door open. Prayers answered, he grabs the package left on his table before handing it to the younger. “Happy Valentine's day.”
“What is it?” Jungkook shakes the package, hearing nothing. Jin chuckles, placing a light kiss on his cheek.
“Goodbye Jungkook-ah.” He shys away, closing the door on the stunned boy. Jungkook stands there for another minute before robotically walking away.
Once he was in the comfort of his dorm, he takes hsi shoes off and jumps on his mattress, giggling into his pillow. He rips open the package and giggles even more, kicking his feet as he stares at the new edition to his iron man figurine collection.
🎀🌸🎀🌸
6 months later…
“I think it’s time, hyung.” Jungkook says, holding the older’s hand. The older is nervous, sweat building up on his brow. After valentines day the two went on a few more dates before calling it official, both men being sappy and gross on and off campus.
Their friends were equally as disgusted by their public displays of affection, ditching them whenever they start off with the terms of endearments.
“I’m scared, Kook. What if I mess everything up?” Seokjin wipes his free hand on his trousers. Jungkook bites his lip, shaking his head.
“You won’t.” He reassured him, gripping his hand tighter. “You ready?” After a few moments of contemplating, the older one nods. Jungkook sighs a breath of relief, opening the door and leading the older one in.
“ Wow .”
“Amazing, isn’t it?” Jingkook smirks. “Real cool, right hyung?”
“I’m dating the biggest dork ever, my god !” Seokjin stares at the iron man figurine collection. Jungkook slaps his shoulder lightly.
“This is nothing compared to your Pokémon Collection!” Jungkook pouts. “You literally have a mario kart bed at your parents house!”
“Fine, we are both dorks.” Jin smiles, pulling his baby in for a back hug. He smiles into the younger’s neck. “But I’m the handsome dork.”
“No sex for a month!” Jungkook says, smirk adorning his features as the older groans.
“Baby…”
“No.”
“I love you.”
“Aww, still a no.” Jungkook giggles, pecking his boyfriends nose. “I love you too.”