Work Text:
Genre: romance, fluffy
Warnings : nothing I can think of
Characters:
Jeon Jungkook
- 23 y/o
- Introvert with social anxiety
- charming young boy
Kim Taehyung
- 25 y/o
- Chill guy
- boyfriend material
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It was February 14 - valentine's day.
Jungkook had no date and no plans as he wandered through Seoul's streets.
Valentine's Day had never been particularly special to him, but the sight of too many couples exchanging gifts did make him feel slightly extra lonely today.
He was just about to cross the street when raised voices caught his attention. Just outside a quiet restaurant, he noticed a couple busy fighting.
He didn't mean to eavesdrop, but their conversation was too loud not to hear.
"I can't believe you, Yuqi," the guy said.
"It didn't mean anything, Tae," the girl responded, in frustration.
"Oh, so cheating on me didn't mean anything?"
Damn, Jungkook thought.
"It was just a mistake-"
"Save it," Tae cut her off. "I deserve better than this. We're done."
And just like that, he turned and began to walk away from her.
Jungkook expected Yuqi to run after him, to say something, to fix it. But she just stood and walked off in the opposite direction.
But then, as Tae walked past him, their eyes met....just for a second.
It was quite a moment for Jungkook.
Tae looked away and kept walking, his figure disappearing into the night.
Jungkook didn't know why, but something about that fleeting eye contact stilled something in him.
****
Jungkook kept walking, the brief eye contact with the heartbroken stranger still played on his mind.
He considered heading home when he heard a familiar voice.
"Are you serious right now?"
He saw the same guy from earlier-Tae as he stared at his unmoving car mumbling to himself.
Driven by loneliness Jungkook was feeling extra social today ,
"Rough night?", he asked.
Tae turned at the sound of his voice, Recognising him "Oh. It's you."
"You say that like we know each other."
"Well, we kind of do. You were standing there, totally not eavesdropping while I got my heart ripped out."
"Ouch. That's a strong accusation."
"So you weren't listening?"
"I mean... you were kind of loud."
"Great. Now a total stranger knows my tragic love life."
"Wouldn't say total stranger," Jungkook shrugged. "I know your name's Tae, you just got dumped, and your car hates you."
Tae let out a breathy laugh, "Wow. That's enough to write my biography.
By the way the name's Kim Taehyung."
He extended his hand to shake hands.
"I'm Jeon Jungkook. And we're on today's episode of Taehyung vs. The Valentine's Day "
Tae hummed, "Mmm... catchy, but kind of depressing. I think we need a plot twist."
"Like what?"
"Like... I meet an annoyingly handsome guy who helps me fix my car."
Jungkook's heart skipped at the word handsome, but he kept his cool. "Annoyingly?"
"Still deciding if it's in a good way or a bad way."
Jungkook chuckled, "Guess I should prove it's in a good way, then.
Need a hand?"
"You know how to fix cars?"
"Not even a little,But I can stand here and look supportive."
Tae laughed, "You know what? I'll take it."
"Okay, so if we just... uh-" Jungkook reached forward and poked at something.
Nothing happened.
He frowned.
"Maybe if I-" Jungkook twisted a random knob. The car made a pathetic click noise and then went silent again.
"Um... are you sure that's how it works?"
"You do realize I have no idea what I'm doing, right?"
"Alright, that's it. I officially give up.
I say we ditch the car and just walk."
"W-Walk? Where?"
Taehyung shrugged. "I don't know. Let's just wander. You busy?"
Jungkook hesitated for a second before shaking his head.
"N-No, I was just... walking around anyway."
"Perfect. Now we can be two lonely idiots wandering together."
Jungkooks smile nearly gave away his fresh feelings.
*****
Fifteen minutes in, Jungkook realized Taehyung was his new favorite person.
They walked down the streets, watching couples go all out for Valentine's.
Each one that passed became their new target.
"Okay, but why the giant teddy bear?" Taehyung asked nodding toward a guy struggling to carry a teddy half his size.
"Definitely cheated at least once."
"Exactly! The bigger the teddy bear, the bigger the cheat."
They walked a little more before they saw their next victims - this time, a guy reciting a pre-rehearsed love confession.
Taehyung groaned. "Oh god. The speech.
I have loved you since the moment we met in third grade when you let me borrow your purple crayon!'"
Jungkook couldn't stop laughing,
"Stop, you're gonna make me die right here."
After that they wandered into the nearest store.
What were they thinking?!
A full-blown, heart-infested, pink-and-red explosion was inside.
"Oh my god."
There were stuffed animals holding glittery hearts, overpriced chocolates, and a whole section of "sexy couple's gifts."
Jungkook asked Tae, "Why is there a whipped cream section?"
Taehyung smirked.
"For reasons, Jeon."
"I already hate this place."
"Come on, let's enjoy the horror."
They moved through the store, passing an aisle where a guy looked stressed trying to pick out a card.
Jungkook pointed at him,
"Look at him. Fighting for his life over there."
"He's gonna end up picking some basic 'I Love You Forever' card, and she's gonna pretend it's the most heartfelt thing ever."
"Bet he just remembered today was Valentine's and is trying to look like he planned ahead."
"Exactly. I give them three more months."
They stopped in front of a giant, ridiculously pink teddy bear holding a heart that said BE MINE? in huge, glittery letters.
Taehyung looked unimpressed,
"This is so ugly."
"Wow. Rude."
"What? You want it?"
"Why would I want that?"
"I did say I'd buy you anything in this store."
"Wait, what?"
"I'm offering, Jeon. Name your prize."
Jungkook didn't know what to respond
"Why?"
Taehyung shrugged.
"Consider it my thank-you gift for being the only decent part of my night."
Jungkook glanced around, thinking, Okay. Don't pick something dumb.
"Don't think too hard about it. Just pick something."Tae said assuringly.
His eyes landed on a wireless earbuds. "These."
"Really? Out of all the useless, overpriced couple-y stuff, you pick earbuds?"
"I just... my old ones broke, and I keep forgetting to replace them."
"See, this is why I like you."
"Whatttt?"
Taehyung took the earbuds from him, examining the box.
"You're practical. No cheesy, meaningless gifts, I like it, Jeon."
"Can you just buy them already before I change my mind?"
Taehyung chuckled, walking toward the checkout. "Anything for you, special someone."
As Taehyung placed the earbuds on the counter, the cashier misunderstood them as couples.
"Ah, Since it's Valentine's Day, we're giving couples a little gift."
Before Jungkook could even process what she just said, she handed Taehyung a single red rose wrapped in clear plastic.
Jungkook : "Oh, we're not-"
Taehyung interrupted smoothly, accepting the flower
"Thanks, that's sweet of you."
"Enjoy your night, lovebirds." She greeted.
As they stepped out of the store, Jungkook complained,
"You could've corrected her!"
"And miss that reaction? No chance."
Then Taehyung tucked the rose into Jungkook's hoodie pocket like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Jungkook froze.
"There. Now you're the pretty one."he said as he was opening the box of earbuds like he didn't just fry Jungkook's brain. "Alright, let's see if these are any good."
"Fine."
"Okay give me your phone, let me play something you would like."
Jungkook unlocked his phone, reluctantly, handing it to Taehyung.
Taehyung scrolled through Jungkook's playlist, scanning the titles.
"Oh, you have taste," he said clicking on a song.
It was one of Jungkook's all-time favorite tracks playing. "No way. You like this too?"
"Love it. Now hurry up and walk before people think we're just standing here romantically staring at each other."
Their shoulders brush as they walked, the music filling the spaces between them.
***
"Hey. You hungry?"Taehyung asked after a while of walking.
"Uh... I could eat."
They went to a cozy little pub, dimly lit and with soft music.
They ordered food and of course drinks.
By the third drink, they were laughing over the stupidest things-some joke about Taehyung's love life, Jungkook's tragic history with blind dates, and the fact that the couple next to them had barely spoken all night.
"They look so in love," Taehyung says sarcastically.
"If love means scrolling through Instagram separately for an hour, then yeah."
"God, we're awful."
"Yeah, but it's fun."
At some point, a catchy beat came up, impossible to ignore. Taehyung dragged him toward the dance floor .
They danced like they'd done this a hundred times before.
At one point Jungkook lost his balance and was falling ..... only to be caught.
Taehyung's arm swept around him, holding him . Their faces were suddenly very close.
"Careful, Jeon."
"I-I'm fine."
"You sure?"
"Y-yeah. Totally."
Taehyung chuckled, finally letting him go, "Good,"
Jungkook didn't know if it was the alcohol, or the adrenaline, or the fact that Taehyung had literally just held him ,but he needed a second.
"Be right back," Jungkook said pulling away from the dance floor.
"Don't take long Jeon."
"Nah."
The restroom was empty when Jungkook entered, He splashed some water on his face , looked at the mirror and going,Get it together Jungkook..
Then, just as he turned toward the door, a tall guy stepped in and came to him,
"Hey there,You're a damn good dancer."
Jungkook tensed .
"Thanks," and moved towards the door.
The guy blocked his way
"Where you headed? No need to rush."
"I'm meeting someone."
"Come on, don't be like that," the guy said before gripping Jungkook's wrist tightly.
"Let go off me."
"Relax, baby, I'm just-"
That's when the door slammed open andthe guy was shoved so hard he crashed against the sink with a loud noise.
Taehyung.
Not the flirty, easygoing Taehyung from earlier. He was furious.
"The fuck do you think you're doing?"
The guy coughed, "Hey, chill-"
Taehyung hit him again.
The man winced, with fear.
"I asked you a question," Taehyung growled.
Jungkook swallowed . He knew he should step in and tell Taehyung he was fine, that it was over..
But he couldn't.Because a part of him liked seeing Taehyung like this.
Possessive. Protective.
Like he would destroy anyone who even looked at Jungkook wrong.
The guy stammered, "I-I didn't mean-"
"Didn't mean?" "Didn't mean to grab him? Didn't mean to put your hands on someone who didn't want it?"
Then, he shoved the man away.
"Get the fuck out, before I make sure you regret it."
The guy ran out of the restroom.
Taehyung turned to him, softening slightly. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I-yeah."
"Did he hurt you?"
"No. You got there before he- "Thanks."
Taehyung scanned him. Then, he brushed his fingers onto Jungkook's wrist, the same spot the guy had grabbed like he needed to erase it.
Jungkook froze.
"You sure you're okay?"
Jungkook just nodded.
"How did you-"
"I missed you at the dance floor..You were gone too long, Taehyung said in a silly way.
"So you... came to check on me?"
Taehyung shrugged, Yeah."
"...Thanks,"
"You good to head back, or do I need to fight anyone else?"
"I don't know,, let's get out of here,"Jungkook suggested.
****
Once outside a street photographer approached them.
Excuse me.. I'm a street photographer.
I've been capturing candid moments around the city tonight. You two caught my eye-mind if I take some pictures?"
Jungkook hesitated.
They were still tipsy, and definitely not looking their best.
"You have good energy together. It'd make a great shot." Photographer insisted.
Jungkook should have said no.
But then he glanced at Taehyung-who looked effortlessly good , and, well... maybe one picture wouldn't hurt.
"Fine,But if I look stupid, I'm hunting you down."
The photographer laughed.
"Noted. Just be natural."
Taehyung turned to Jungkook,
"Natural, huh? So if I, say-"
He suddenly slung an arm around Jungkook's shoulders, pulling him close.
"-did this, it'd be fine?"
Jungkook stiffened but then relaxed in his drunkenness.
"Alright, 1...2...3...cheeseee"
Click.
"Perfect shot, You guys have great chemistry."
Jungkook : "Uh. Thanks."
Taehyung: "Yeah. We do, don't we?"
Jungkook looked flustered .
The photographer promised to send them the pictures before heading off.
***
They walked in comfortable silence for a moment, then without really thinking, Jungkook spoke.
"My parents met on Valentine's Day."
Taehyung turned to him, surprised "Oh?"
"Yeah. Some cheesy college romance. Dad saw Mom at a bookstore, she dropped her coffee, he helped her clean it up, they started talking like a shitty rom-com."
"Are they still together?"
Jungkook smiled .
"Yeah. Happily married. They celebrate Valentine's like it's some sacred holiday.
It's cute, I guess. Just... not for me."
"why not?"
"No I mean, I like romance, but real one is hard to find. I do love my people, though.My friends, my family-I'd do anything for them."
"Tell me more."
Jungkook started talking-
About his childhood.
His older brother.
His mom.
His friends....his small circle ....
how they hyped him up.
Taehyung listened, watching the way Jungkook's face light up.
And Taehyung felt something shift inside him.
Jungkook wasn't JUST fun.
He wasn't JUST attractive .
He was genuine.
And Taehyung liked that.
They were still talking when
Jungkook's phone buzzed in his pocket. He knew who it was before even looking- his mom.
She called him every night-whether he was busy or tired.
"Hi, Mom."
"Jungkook-ah..Did you eat?"
"Yes, Mom. Just now."
Taehyung, watched him with softness.
" Are you drinking?"
"Uh...maybe a little?"
"Aigoo, my son, always causing trouble."
"Mom, I'm fine.
Anyway, I was just walking around the city. It's way too full of couples tonight."
"Oh, that's right! It's Valentine's Day. Did you spend it alone?!"
"Mom-"
Before he could stop him, Taehyung snatched the phone from his hand.
Jungkook: "Wait, what-"
Taehyung :"Hello, Mrs. Jeon."
Jungkooks mom: "Oh my, who is this?"
Taehyung: "I'm Taehyung .I've been keeping your son company tonight."
Mom: "Oh, really? I was just about to scold him for being alone on Valentine's."
Taehyung: "No need ...I made sure he had a great time. We danced, drank, judged every couple we passed-classic evening, really."
Jungkook covered his face "Oh my god, stop talking."
His mother laughed. "You sound lovely, Taehyung."
Taehyung : "I try."
Mom: "Ah, finally, someone with manners. You should call me more often. Unlike a certain someone, who only ever calls when he needs something."
Jungkook : "That's not true-"
Taehyung : "Don't worry, Mrs. Jeon, I'll make sure to keep him in check."
Jungkook : "Mom, stop encouraging him."
"I like him, Jungkook." his mother stated.
Taehyung : "I like you too."
Jungkook snatched his phone back. "Okay, that's enough bonding for tonight."
"Alright, alright. Have fun, sweetheart. And Taehyung-keep an eye on him for me, will you?"
"Of course," Taehyung promised.
Jungkook hung up , "You're so annoying."
"Your mom has great taste."
Jungkook hit his arm playfully.
****
Soon they stopped in front of an apartment building.
Taehyung turned to Jungkook
"Well ..This is me."
His voice was too casual when he said, "You can come in if you don't mind. Stay over, you know."
They were drunk, it was late, Taehyung had an empty apartment...it made sense.
But Jungkook forced himself to take a step back.
"Nah..I should head home."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. I had fun, though."
Taehyung didn't say anything then after a while he smiled and said,
"Me too.Alright then, Jungkook.
I'll see you around?"
"Yeah."
Taehyung looked at him one last time before going inside.
****
Jungkook lay in bed, unable to sleep. His body was exhausted, but his mind wouldn't shut up about whatever had happened.
He reached out to the earphones Taehyung had bought him. ... holding them felt like holding onto a piece of Taehyung.
He plugged them into his phone, keeping one into his ear, the other beside him on the pillow....where Taehyung would've been if he had stayed.
He played the song they listened to together.... But now they reminded him of Taehyung.
****
Jungkook was naturally someone who thought reaching out to others meant bothering them
He was a certified introvert too.
All he did about his feelings for Taehyung was- Nothing.
He sat day dreaming about Taehyung and making fake scenarios where they hung out but he wasn't the kind of person who'd go out there and act it out, even if he could.
He knew exactly where Taehyung lived, yet he didn't go renew the friendship or whatever more they seemed to share.
"*****
One evening weeks later as Jungkook was walking...
He heard a familiar voice, mumbling in frustration.
It was Taehyung standing in front of his brokedown car.
It all felt like deja vu again.
You need help?" Jungkook asked
"Well well if not my valentine...
Oh,So you do exist."
"Tae-"
" I thought maybe I imagined you,....You know, since you knew where I lived and never even tried to reach out."
"I'm not good at approaching people."
"Yeah?"
"I always think I'll be... bothering them."
"Bothering me?
Jungkook, you do realize I invited you over that night, right? You think I invite people I don't want to talk to?"
"I don't know... I just figured-"
"Figured what?
That I'd regret meeting you?"
You know, I waited for you to show up again.
Something. But you just disappeared."
"I'm... not good at this kind of thing."
"Yeah. I figured.
You must be the kind to sit back and do nothing.Just like this thing."
He gestured at the car.
"What?"
"See? It's not working. Just sitting here, waiting for something to change. And I'm supposed to just stand here and hope it magically fixes itself?
Anyways now I give up.
I should call someone for this before it gets too late."
Taehyung pulled out his phone. Jungkook wasn't sure what he expected-maybe for Taehyung to ask for him to stay.
But instead, Taehyung walked a few steps away.
Leaving the choice in Jungkook's hands.
It was Taehyung's way of saying, I won't push you. But will you do something this time?
Jungkook could let him go.
That would be easier.
That would be safer.
His body screamed to let Taehyung go, to tell himself it didn't matter.
But his inner self couldn't.
Wait," Jungkook said, his voice coming out rough.
"Yea?"Taehyung stopped and turned back as Jungkook ran a little ,catching upto him.
They started walking Jungkook alongside Taehyung,
"So why are you following me ,don't you think you're bothering me?"
" I think I want to bother you." Jungkook said before looking at Tae lovingly.
And just like last time they started walking...Side by side.
~EPILOGUE ~
Valentine's day next year:
"Ugh. I hate this holiday."
Jungkook hums in agreement, biting into the corndog Taehyung bought him. "Same."
They stroll down the same path where, exactly one year ago, they had bonded over their mutual hatred for all things Valentine's. Back then, they were strangers, judging every couple they passed.
Which they still did by the way. 🤷🏻♀️
Taehyung pointed at a couple-this time one of them was feeding the other a bite of cake.
"Ugh." Taehyung made a face. "Disgusting."
"Didn't you literally feed me fries earlier?"
"That's different, I was making sure my baby doesn't starve."
"Your what?"
Taehyung grinned, bumping their noses together. "My baby."
They continued walking, while Taehyung kept on complaining.
"Look at these people. So clingy. So desperate to show off their love.
Why do people act like this?"
Jungkook rolled his eyes. He looked down..at Taehyung's own arm, which is currently wrapped tightly around Jungkook's waist, practically pulling him into his side as they walk.
"Uh... babe?"
"What?" Taehyung says, still glaring at the couple.
Jungkook gestures between them. "You are that couple."
"Excuse me?"
"You're literally walking around with your arm around my waist ."
"Oh my god.Jungkook. We've become them."
"This is karma!" Taehyung exclaims.
"What are you gonna do about it? Break up with me?"
"Are you insane?! I would never breakup with my baby."
Jungkook laughs wrapping his arms around Taehyung's shoulders. "I think it's time to accept that we're disgustingly in love."
Tae hummed,"But Jungkook it's different when we do it."
They kept walking, judging everyone around them for being in love while being worse.
_
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And Jungkook,
who had spent last year pretending that he wasn't a lovesick fool on this street,
because he's weak for Taehyung in the worst way,
leans in and kisses his cheek.
THE END.