Pearliejoy - () - Tumblr Blog

240321 -> baekhyun performing the american and korean national anthems at the mlb seoul series

240317 lonsdaleite in seoul palette / do not crop logo (1,2)

240317 lonsdaleite in seoul FancyBaek (1,2)

[74/547] — until we meet again, jungkook ♡ (cr. heybaetae)

[77/547] — until we meet again, jungkook ♡ (cr. heybaetae)

when worlds collide || series || jjk || 01

☾ summary:  since your mother's passing a year ago, life has been a whirlwind. balancing your passion for ballet with a low-key presence at college, where you’re the top student, was your norm until Jungkook stepped into your world. known for his reputation preceding him, jungkook is the talk of the campus with his casual rendezvous that have the girls buzzing. despite his allure, you're puzzled by his need for your tutoring prowess, especially given his own academic merit. yet, succumbing to his persistent requests, you reluctantly agree, only to find yourself thrust into the spotlight you've always avoided.

☾ pairing: jungkook x fem!reader

☾ rating: 18+ minors do not interact.

☾ w.c: 14k

☾ genre: angst, smut, slice of life, strangers to lovers, college au, fuckboy jk, inexperienced/virgin reader.

☾ warnings: mentions of death, grief, explicit language

☾ author's note: keep in mind that this is all fiction and there's no connection to reality here. some details, traits and personalities may deviate from real life! also, english is not my first language so im sorry in advance for any grammar and spelling mistakes.

taglist: @seoullove96 @heesitation @pearliejoy @ackercute @kissyfacekoo @kooklovee @melissalk31 @geminiml95 @parkinglot-nights @proudnoona @jk97bam @ayoitschannie @junecat18 @tanniesdolls @gwsjungkookie @xonga @sneezedonthebeat @goldentea10 @jahnaviii @whipwhoops @purekestis @tatamicc @buanalesap @secfir @royalguk @httpjeonlicious @jungkooksmytype @coralmusicblaze  @hoseoksluv89

masterlist || next

When the dawn of the new year finally breaks, it's natural to yearn for a clean slate, for all the troubles of the past to dissolve into mere memories. You hope against hope that the cliché of a fresh start could ring true for you too, that it could truly be a "new year, new you" scenario. But reality hits hard. 

How does one simply move on from the devastating loss of a mother? 

Especially when she died on the very first day of the previous year.  It's an ache that doesn't just vanish with the flip of a calendar page. You long to erase the pain, to bring her back home, to rewind time. But these are wishes impossible. 

The memories, refuse to fade away. They cling to you, refusing to dissolve into the oblivion of forgetfulness. Living with the knowledge that she's gone, that you couldn't change the outcome, is a burden no one should bear.  Yet here you are, carrying the weight of grief and longing, knowing that some losses can never be undone.

That's precisely why you found yourself at the ballet studio. Despite it being January 1st, despite having to plead with your teacher for access, despite your dad urging you to stay with him, you couldn't bear the thought of being at home on the anniversary of her passing.

As you gaze into the mirror, the reflection staring back at you mirrors the turmoil within. 

Your skin bears the marks of stress, your frame has lost vitality, it's a stark reminder of the toll grief has taken on you, physically and emotionally.

But as the music swells and fills the studio, enveloping you in its embrace, there's a glimmer of hope. In the graceful movements of dance, you find solace, a fleeting respite from the weight of sorrow. With each step, each pirouette, you draw strength from the rhythm pulsating through your veins. In the midst of darkness, the dance becomes your sanctuary. 

 As you turn the key in the lock of the studio behind you, gratitude floods your heart once more for Harmony, your ballet teacher, and the owner of the space. She's been supportive and understanding the complexities of your situation ever since you returned from studying in Seoul.

The decision to come back home was bittersweet, driven by the urgency of your mother's illness. You treasured those final moments with her, but the transition back to town, to a life without her, has been an uphill battle. 

Loneliness weighs heavy on your shoulders. Despite being surrounded by familiar faces, the ache of isolation persists. Perhaps, in your little brother Khai, you've found a steadfast ally. He and Harmony are your only friends.

As you trudge through the snow, feeling the icy flakes settle in your hair and the biting wind nip at your face, you quicken your pace, eager to escape the cold embrace of winter. Home beckons, a refuge from the frosty outdoors, but first, a pit stop at the convenience store for a simple dinner to thaw your chilled bones.

Standing at the checkout counter, you reach into your bag to retrieve your card, only to come up empty-handed. Panic sets in as you search for your phone and wallet, realizing with a sinking feeling that you must have left them back at the studio.

"Shit," you mutter under your breath, the line behind you growing longer by the second. The warmth of embarrassment flushes your cheeks as you try to maintain composure.

The cashier offers a sympathetic smile, suggesting that you can make the payment via bank transfer. Despite her understanding tone, your insides churn with unease. 

"I can't find my phone either," you admit softly, the words a mere whisper.

"That's okay, I'll pay for hers and mine," a voice cuts through the chaos. The speaker, wearing a hat and a face mask, extends his card to the cashier along with a bottle of Soju and two candy bars.

You freeze, caught off guard by the unexpected gesture. 

"No," you protest, shaking your head firmly. "I can't accept that, I don't even know you!"

A chuckle escapes him as he lowers his mask, revealing a familiar face beneath. 

"Of course you do, Y/N," he says, amusement dancing in his eyes. "It's me."

Jeon Jungkook.

He's in your business classes, a familiar face you often see around campus. So yeah, of course, you knew him; he was well-known. He was an excellent student with a dubious reputation when it came to girls, along with his group of three friends.

Park Jimin seemed inseparable from Jungkook, as if they were practically the same person, sharing the same reputation. 

Then there was Kim Taehyung, another member of the group, but you knew he was calmer. You didn't hear much gossip about him because he kept a low profile, or at least that's what you heard. In reality, you didn't have many friends to provide firsthand gossip; instead, you picked up bits of information in queues or between classes.

The only one you knew a little more about was Min Yoongi, who had a past relationship with your cousin, Minji. Your relationship with Minji had been rocky, and you hadn't spoken in years. However, during high school, the two of them dated, and you knew it took Min Yoongi years to get over her.

As Jungkook stands before you now, you can see his lips adorned with piercings you hadn't noticed before, you can't help but feel a flutter of surprise mingled with curiosity. 

"Thank you, Jungkook, but I can't accept it," you assert, a sense of reluctance in your voice.

Jungkook rolls his eyes.

"Come on, the line is getting longer."

With a resigned sigh, you relent, allowing him to complete the transaction on your behalf. 

Exiting the store together, Jungkook hands you your bag.

"Thanks," you murmur softly, a genuine smile gracing your lips as you meet his gaze. 

With a nod, Jungkook adjusts the strap of his bag, his expression warm and genuine.

"It's no problem," he replies, "Anytime."

"I'm going to pay you back, you know," you murmur softly.

"Don't worry about that," Jungkook replies, his eyes gleaming with warmth. "It's no big deal."

As you contemplate your next move, his question draws your attention back to the present.

"Are you eating here?" he inquires.

You shake your head, the memory of your forgotten belongings weighing heavily on your mind. 

"I need to go back to my ballet studio to see if my wallet and phone are still there," you explain, retracing the steps you've taken in your mind.

"Harmony's studio?" he asks, a playful smile dancing across his lips.

Surprised, you furrow your eyebrows, caught off guard.

"Yeah," you reply, curiosity mingling with intrigue. "How did you know?"

A hearty laugh escapes Jungkook's lips, the sound carrying echoes of fond memories. 

"My sister used to dance there, but it didn't last long," he explains, "It's near and on my way home, so I can walk you there if you'd like."

"That would be really helpful, thank you," you reply, a grateful smile tugging at the corners of your lips.

Jungkook returns your smile with a nod, "No problem at all," he assures you.

Together, you fall into step, the rhythm of your footsteps echoing in harmony with the quiet of the night. As you navigate the snow-covered streets, a comfortable silence settles between you.

"So, how long have you been dancing at Harmony's studio?" Jungkook's question cuts through the quiet night air, sparking conversation between you.

"It's been almost eight months," you reply, a soft smile gracing your lips. "But I've been dancing since I was a little kid."

Jungkook's eyes light up with interest. 

"Are you good at it?"

You can't help but chuckle at his question. 

"I'm okay."

"You sound better than okay."

The warmth of his laughter fills the space between you.

As you and Jungkook approach the ballet studio, the familiar sight of the quaint building in the soft glow of streetlights greets you. 

"We're here," you announce, a sense of relief washing over you as you reach the familiar entrance of the ballet studio.

"Okay," Jungkook replies with a warm smile. "I hope you find your wallet and your phone," he adds softly.

"Thank you for everything."

"No problem," Jungkook responds with a smile, and, with a nod, he continues on his way.

As you watch him disappear into the distance, you feel grateful for the unexpected encounter. 

You ascended to the studio and didn't have to search long to find your phone and wallet lying on the floor in front of the studio's large main mirror. 

You stowed them back into your backpack and decided to tuck inside the paper bag Jungkook had given you, containing your dinner. It was then that you noticed Jungkook had forgotten to take his headphones inside the paper bag. 

Great, just great. 

You found yourself in a dilemma: you needed to talk to Jungkook. Despite your reservations, he seemed like a decent guy. Plus, it had been a year and you didn’t make any new friends, and improving your social life was long overdue. 

Although Jungkook might not be the ideal candidate, returning his headphones and repaying the money you owed him required a conversation.

As the New Year break ended, you made it a priority to locate Jungkook on campus. You remembered his usual spot between classes, where he often engaged in animated conversations with his friends. Although you hadn't paid much attention to him before, you couldn't deny his charm and charisma. With few distractions during breaks, you had ample time to observe those around you.

It didn't take long for you to find Jungkook right where you imagined he would be, engaged in a conversation with his two friends - Jimin, who had his head tilted back, laughing loudly at something the two friends were saying. His gray hair was perfectly combed, very different from Taehyung's, which was purposefully messy and falling on his forehead. The two friends wore the same sweatshirt from the university you studied at. Jungkook had his hands on his face, laughing a lot, with his hair hidden under a cap.

As you approached them, their conversation halted abruptly, and all six pairs of eyes turned to greet you.

"Hi," you greeted shyly, your voice barely above a whisper. "Jungkook?" you addressed him softly, and he simply nodded in acknowledgment. "I want to pay you back and return this," you handed him his forgotten headphones, his friends' gazes burning into you. You felt a wave of discomfort wash over you, wishing you could disappear.

"You can keep the money," Jungkook's tone was far from the gentleness of the previous night, his friends' eyes boring into you. You felt a pang of confusion and hurt. He reached out and took the headphones from your hand.

"Um...," you started, your voice faltering. His expression remained stern, and his friends whispered amongst themselves, their eyes fixed on you. "Never mind," you murmured, lowering your head and stepping away.

What had just happened? Why had Jungkook treated you so differently from that initial night? Doubts and questions swirled in your mind as you wondered if you had done something wrong.

You went to your class and tried to focus, after all, it was the first day back, and Jungkook had given you another reason not to socialize with anyone else. 

You walked with firm steps, feeling somewhat ridiculous and embarrassed by that interaction. He didn't seem like the guy who accompanied you to the ballet studio a few nights ago. Was he a jerk around his friends? It sure seemed that way.

You rolled your eyes, determined to forget about it all, and you succeeded. You focused well on the class, it was easy for you to just ignore everything and switch off. You were upset about what happened with Jungkook, but he wasn't important enough.

In one of the last classes of the day, you were meticulously taking notes as the professor spoke when you were interrupted by tattoo-covered fingers placing a folded paper on your desk. 

You looked up, your eyes meeting Jungkook's, who offered a sheepish smile and whispered, "Think about it, okay?" without waiting for your response, he left the room. He didn't even take that subject anyway.

You took a deep breath and unfolded the paper.

“I'm sorry for the way I treated you earlier, you seem like a nice girl and I was an asshole. Can you forgive me? Do you want to go out to dinner today? My phone is in the back, send me a message.”

You didn't bother to look at his number and just crumpled the paper, tossing it into the trash as soon as the class ended. As if you were going to send him a message. It might have been easy with the girls he dated, but you weren't one of them, and you weren't going to be treated like that by a guy you didn't even know well.

After class, you stuck to your usual routine, making a beeline for the cafeteria to snag a hefty cup of coffee to power through your post-class studies. While waiting in line, you couldn't help but overhear two girls whispering—guess who the topic of conversation was?

Jeon Jungkook, of course. Would that boy ever give you a break?

"Well, I don't care about him," the blonde named Jessica shrugged. She was an American student, if you remembered correctly. "He fucks me so good, and that's about it."

You stifled a low laugh, rolling your eyes in amusement.

"But you know this could go wrong, right?" the curly-haired girl interjected, whose name you couldn't recall.

"Nothing's going to go wrong," Jessica asserted confidently. "We hook up in the fifth-floor renovation room, do each other favors, and it's all good."

Once again, irritation pricked at you. Of course, that's what Jungkook wanted to do with you. Why on earth did you think he was genuinely nice? You knew about his reputation; you shouldn't have let yourself believe he would be nice to you for nothing in return.

As Jessica and the curly-haired girl continued their conversation, you couldn't help but feel frustration and disappointment swirling within you. It was disheartening to hear how casually they discussed their interactions with Jungkook;

As the weight of realization settled over you, you resolved to distance yourself from the drama and gossip surrounding Jungkook. You refused to be drawn into rumors and speculation, determined to focus on your own priorities.

After an afternoon of studying, you returned home, took a refreshing shower, and settled comfortably in the living room. But not before Khai burst in, brimming with energy, and enveloped you in a warm hug.

"I need your help," he grinned, his expression both sweet and mischievous.

"What do you need, little man?" you asked, setting aside your phone and focusing on your brother.

"I need your help with a school project," Khai beamed eagerly, and you couldn't help but smile back. You were great at school assignments and always had a knack for crafting.

"Sure, Khai. What's the project about?" you inquired.

"We have to create a model of the solar system," Khai explained, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I thought it would be awesome if we could make it together."

A smile spread across your face at Khai's enthusiasm.

"That sounds like a fun project! Let's get started," you said, already brainstorming ideas in your mind.

Khai's face lit up with anticipation as the two of you began discussing materials and design concepts for your solar system model.

You both got caught up in the project, and when your father returned from work, he smiled at the sight of you and Khai sitting at the coffee table with glue, cardboard, and construction paper strewn about. His smile may have been faint, but it was there nonetheless. Your father's demeanor had grown stiffer after your mother's passing.

You continued working on the project, engrossed in the creative process, until exactly 6 p.m. when the doorbell rang. In a quick motion, you instructed Khai to head upstairs to his room. Your father was taking a long shower, and you hurried to the door. 

You widened your eyes at the sight of Jungkook standing in front of you, clad in black cold-weather attire, a matching sweat suit, and his long hair casually tousled. You swallowed hard and bit your lip nervously, locking eyes with Jungkook before you. You felt frozen, and before you could utter a word, Jungkook scanned you from head to toe. Before you could say anything, Jungkook spoke up.

"You... look... beautiful?" He said uncertainly.

"I'm not ready," you stated with a tone of obviousness, and he sighed. You wondered if he was an idiot; after all, you were clearly wearing worn-out sweatpants paired with a long-sleeved shirt meant for lounging at home, and your hair was hastily tied up in a ponytail.

"Ah, okay, I'll... wait for you in the car, alright?" Jungkook said, gesturing toward the vehicle with his thumb before turning away.

"I'm not going," you said weakly. He stood still, unsure of what to do. You turned slowly and swallowed nervously.

"No?" he asked.

"No," you simply replied, leaning against the door frame and crossing your arms.

"Why not?" he asked again.

"What makes you think I would get into your car and go somewhere with you?"

Jungkook took a deep breath.

"Okay, I get it," he sighed, looking at you. "Listen..."

"Jungkook,”

"Just listen, okay? I know you're upset about what I did, but I wasn't... having a good day, I mean... I wasn't..." he started to stutter, and you couldn't help but find it amusing, though you didn't react. "It's not that, hold on!" Jungkook pleaded, and you moistened your lips, raising an eyebrow. This was getting interesting.

"I was having a bad day and... well, I enjoyed your company, it made me feel better. I thought maybe we could... I could make up for being rude..." Jungkook explained hesitantly.

You adjusted your posture, looking at him with softened eyes. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just some issues at home, nothing major," he sighed, and you nodded.

"I don't know why you're asking me out, I barely know you, Jungkook," you said, shrugging.

"I don't know, you seem cool to me," he replied simply.

"I was helping my brother with a project," you said, biting your lip in uncertainty and tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. "Today's not a good day."

"But I already made the reservation," he murmured, sounding disappointed.

Jungkook was quite persuasive.

"Alright," you sighed, lifting your gaze. "I'll get ready. Do you mind waiting outside?"

You knew it was cold, but you didn't want to risk him coming into your house and facing an interrogation from your little brother and father.

"No problem," he said quickly, already moving away.

"Okay. I won't take long," you assured him.

You hurried up the stairs and entered your room to try to make the best of it and get ready quickly to go out with Jungkook. You chuckled humorlessly, hardly believing what you were about to do, but you had to admit that he scored some points for effort.

You opted for a pair of jeans and a warm, long-sleeved high-necked blouse, topped with a white winter coat. A quick and light makeup application later, to your surprise, you were ready in twenty minutes.

When your dad asked where you were going, you responded like a typical teenager, saying you were craving something specific and were going to the nearest convenience store, and that you'd be back soon, mentioning you were going with a college friend, which he bought. Khai wanted to come along, but you convinced him it was too cold outside for a little boy, and he reluctantly agreed, pouting a bit.

"Jungkook, listen," you said as soon as you settled into his car. "I just want to make it clear: I'm not interested in having sex with you," you blurted out, feeling the need to set boundaries upfront. His eyes widened in surprise at your blunt statement.

"What?" he laughed incredulously. "I'm not trying to have sex with you!" His tone carried a hint of offense, making you wonder if you had crossed a line. "I mean, sure, you're pretty and all, but that's not why I invited you out."

"Oh, really?" you raised an eyebrow, still skeptical.

"Really," he chuckled. "If that were my intention, I wouldn't be taking you out to dinner, I would take you..."

"To the fifth-floor renovation room," you finished for him, and once again, his expression shifted to surprise. "Your reputation precedes you, Jungkook."

For a moment, a flicker of amusement crossed his lips, but he quickly composed himself and tilted his head.

"Do you believe everything people say about me?" he asked, furrowing his brow, his gaze fixed on the steering wheel.

"I mean..." you began, caught off guard.

"Do you even know what they say about you?" he teased, and you quickly interjected.

"No, and I'd rather not," you replied, feeling a hint of embarrassment creeping up.

He chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on you. "Fair enough."

"So, where are we going?" you asked, trying to steer the conversation away from the awkward topic.

Jungkook grinned, his eyes alight with excitement. 

"I thought we could try that new barbecue place downtown. It's supposed to be really good."

You nodded, the corners of your lips turning up into a smile. "Sounds great."

As Jungkook pulled out of the driveway and onto the street, you couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building inside you. 

As you arrived at the restaurant, the inviting aroma of sizzling meats greeted you as soon as you stepped inside. 

Jungkook led the way to a table near the center of the restaurant, and you settled into your seats, scanning the menu with anticipation.

"So, have you been here before?" Jungkook asked, flipping through the pages of the menu.

You shook your head. "No, this is my first time. But I've heard great things about their barbecue."

After a few moments of deliberation, you two decided on a spicy pork belly. 

"Do you really want to know why I brought you here?" he asks as soon as you've placed your food order.

You nod, leaning in with interest, your hands resting on the table as you lock eyes with him. 

"Yes."

"I need tutoring," Jungkook admits, his tone serious.

You can't help but laugh. 

"As if."

"I'm serious," Jungkook insists, his voice softening. "My grades are dropping, and you're one of the best students in class."

"So are you," you shrug, skeptical. "Do you really expect me to believe you need tutoring?"

"Please, Y/N," he pleads, rolling his eyes. "I do."

"Then find someone else to teach you. I can't," you reply simply.

"What do you mean?" he sounds confused.

"I mean I can't," you repeat, enunciating each word carefully. "I don't know how to teach; I just know how to study."

He takes a deep breath. "Can you at least try?"

"How do you know where I live, by the way?" you ask, hoping to change the subject. Perhaps he'll forget about that tutoring idea.

"Harmony," Jungkook replies casually.

"What?" you inquire, surprised.

"Yeah," he shrugs defensively. "My sister danced ballet with her, and when I mentioned you, she gladly gave me your address. She said you need to make more friends," he adds with a playful smile.

Oh, great. 

You sigh in frustration, realizing that Harmony had played a role in this after all.

"About the tutoring," Jungkook begins again, undeterred.

"Look, Jungkook," you interrupt, feeling a mixture of annoyance and resignation. "I really can't help you with tutoring."

He leans back in his chair.

 "I understand that you might not feel confident about teaching, but I really need your help. I've seen how dedicated you are to your studies, and I believe you can help me improve."

You hesitate, torn between sympathy for his situation and your own reluctance to take on the responsibility.

"I just don't think I'm the right person for the job," you insist.

But Jungkook's determination is evident in his gaze. 

"Please, Y/N. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important to me."

You sigh, feeling the weight of his plea. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to give it a try, just this once. But you make it clear that it's only a trial run, and if it doesn't work out, he'll have to find another solution.

"Fine," you concede reluctantly. "I'll give it a shot, but no promises."

A smile of relief spreads across Jungkook's face. 

"Thank you, Y/N. I really appreciate this."

"Don't thank me yet," you warn, raising a finger. "We'll see how it goes."

Jungkook nods eagerly. 

"Of course. I'll do whatever it takes to catch up on my studies.”

The food arrived, and you delved into a conversation about Jungkook's life in general. You're not someone who feels comfortable opening up about your own life. You fear that people might pity you for everything that happened with your mother.

Jungkook shared about his family dynamics, how his father is quite strict, and his sister always excels in academics, so he feels pressured to meet the same standards. You sympathized with his struggles with dropping grades and promised to give your best to help. However, once again, you couldn't make promises because teaching someone was vastly different from your usual studying routine, and you had never done it before. 

On the other hand, it would be nice to have a brief friendship, to converse beyond your brother and your dance teacher. Neither of them could be considered a well-established friendship. 

Your brother, because he only seven years old, and your dance teacher, because, although she was nice, she wasn't really your friend but rather an older person concerned about your well-being.

You both talked animatedly about various topics, and the night was pleasant, to say the least. 

You understood that Jungkook had no ulterior motives with you, even though he sometimes brushed your hair behind your ear and smiled at you while keeping his eyes on yours for a few seconds, making you a little shy. 

But other than that, you didn't mind much, and his presence was quite pleasant. 

He drove you home late at night. It was already a bit late, but you guess it was fine, since you never left the house anyway. 

"Thank you for dinner," you say as soon as he pulls up at your door.

"I had fun," he says softly, a smile playing on his lips.

"Yeah, me too."

"See you tomorrow for my tutoring?" he gives you a mischievous grin, and you sigh, making him laugh.

"Yes, see you tomorrow."

As you entered your house, the sight of your dad cleaning the living room greeted you. He was busy gathering all the mess you and Khai had left behind. His eyes bore deep bags, a constant reminder of the burden he carried since your mom's passing. It seemed as though she had taken the biggest part of him with her.

"Don’t worry, dad, I’ll clean everything," you say, gently removing the glue from his hands.

"Where were you?" he asks.

"With a friend," you reply without even looking at him.

"A friend?" he smiles. He often encourages you to make friends your age, and he’s happy you're socializing. He didn't know it was a boy, but he didn't have to.

"Yeah," you shrug, finally meeting his gaze. "I'm sorry for coming home so late; we had dinner and..."

"I see," your dad responds with a knowing smile. "Well, it's good to see you spending time with friends."

"Yeah," you reply, feeling a twinge of guilt for not being entirely honest with him.

"Who was your friend?" your dad asks.

"Just someone from school," you decide to keep it vague.

"I hope she’s a good influence on you," he says, giving you a warm smile.

After finishing tidying up the living room with your dad, you head upstairs to say goodnight to Khai. As you approach his room, you can hear the faint sound of his voice humming a tune.

You gently push open the door to find him sitting on his bed, surrounded by his favorite toys. His face lights up as soon as he sees you.

"Hey!" he exclaims, his eyes shining with excitement.

"Hey, buddy," you say, ruffling his hair affectionately. "It's time for bed."

"Aww, do I have to?" he pouts, giving you his best puppy-dog eyes.

"Yes, you do," you chuckle, tucking him in and planting a kiss on his forehead. "But don't worry, I'll be right down the hall if you need anything."

"Okay," he mumbles, snuggling into his blankets.

As you turn off the light and close the door behind you, you can't help but smile at your brother's innocence, despite everything that's happened.

In the morning, you arrived at the college campus with your bag slung over your shoulder and your notebook in hand, while your earphones played some upbeat music to energize you for the tasks ahead. You noticed Jungkook and his friends leaning against the stairs, engaged in conversation. You would have to pass by them, so you took a deep breath, mentally counted to five, lifted your head, and walked past them.

No, you didn't make any effort to greet Jungkook first.

You had realized that he was a different person on campus and you didn't want to give him the satisfaction of ignoring you, so you beat him to it. However, little did you know, Jungkook had no intention of ignoring you, but your attitude provided fodder for teasing from his group of friends.

At the end of class, you walked in short steps to the library. You almost always studied there after class. Today was less cold than yesterday, so you put on your comfortable pink hoodie and headphones with instrumental music that helped you focus on your studies. You pulled the hood over your head and began to study. You were focused, and perhaps that was your greatest virtue.

You were paying so much attention to the books that you didn't see Jungkook approaching and sitting next to you until he placed his hand, full of tattoos, over your book, grabbing all your attention. You almost jumped in your chair in surprise.

"Fuck," you cursed, placing a hand on your chest. Jungkook smiled, finding the situation amusing.

"Hey," he said, opening his own backpack.

"Are you stalking me?" you raised an eyebrow. "First at my house, now here."

Jungkook laughed, and the laughter echoed in the library until a "shhh" echoed louder, and Jungkook whispered.

"As if it's hard to know where you are, right?" he said.

"Am I that predictable?" you replied, taking off your hood.

"Eh, more or less," he shrugged. "But you're kind of a nerd, so yeah."

"I'm not a nerd, I just care about my grades," you said somewhat offended.

"Nerd isn't a bad adjective," Jungkook said simply.

"Fair enough," you replied, with a slight grimace.

"But have you ever considered dropping your studies and focusing on your ballet career?" he asked, catching you off guard. You hadn't realized he remembered your ballet class.

"No," you answered honestly, "I've told you, I'm just decent."

"I've told you I don't believe that," he smiled playfully. "There's a fine line between modesty and lack of confidence."

You chuckled.

"It's not modesty. For instance, I'm great at math," you said with a smile. "I excel in English, geography, but in ballet, I'm just average."

"Maybe you're just being too hard on yourself," Jungkook suggested, leaning back in his chair. "You might be better than you think."

You shrugged.

"Then, shall we begin my tutoring session?" he says, pulling out a book from his backpack, and you sigh.

"Let's see if I'll be a good teacher for you," you joke.

"I bet you will," he responds simply.

"What are you having trouble with?" you ask, adjusting yourself.

"In international business," he replies.

You nod, flipping through your notes and textbooks to find the relevant material. As you delve into the subject, you realize Jungkook's genuine interest in understanding the intricacies of international business. Despite your initial apprehension, you find yourself enjoying the process. Jungkook listens attentively, occasionally asking insightful questions that demonstrate his eagerness to grasp the material. 

"That's it for today," you say, closing your book.

"Thank you," Jungkook smiles, mirroring your movement. "You were indeed a good tutor," he says, making you scrunch up your nose.

"I'm not so sure," you reply, putting away your book. "I found it difficult to explain; it's easier in my head."

"Hey, no need to doubt yourself," Jungkook jokes, closing his backpack.

"I'm not," you laugh, standing up and slinging your bag over your shoulder. "But you're a good student, that's why you're one of the top in the class."

"Actually, I'm average," Jungkook teases, mimicking your tone of voice and making you laugh.

"Stop that!"

"No, I'm serious," he responds, looking at you.

"There's a fine line," you start, mimicking his tone of voice.

"No, I'm not saying that as if I'm overly modest," Jungkook laughs. "Believe me, I'm far from modest. I know I'm good at many things."

"Like what?" you looked at him with a playful smile on your lips and a challenging look in your eyes.

"How did I guess your favorite ice cream flavor." Jungkook replied simply.

"And what is it?"

"Chocolate." he answered with all the confidence in the world, and for a moment, just from his tone of voice, you almost believed that your favorite flavor was chocolate.

"Well, then you can take back everything you said, because chocolate is far from being my favorite flavor."

"Is that so?" Jungkook raised an eyebrow. "Then what is your favorite ice cream flavor?"

"Strawberry."

"Strawberry?" he asked, mocking.

"Yes. Any problem with my favorite ice cream flavor being strawberry?" you laughed.

"No. None. But don't get me wrong. There are so many better flavors out there," he grimaced.

"Oh yeah? Like what?"

"Like pistachio, for example," Jungkook suggested, with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Pistachio?" You chuckled. "That's a bold choice."

"I like bold choices," he shrugged, flashing a grin.

"I'll stick with my strawberry," you said, playfully nudging his shoulder.

"Suit yourself," he said, laughing. "But I might just have to convince you to try pistachio someday."

"We'll see about that," you replied, rolling your eyes.

You both walked a bit further, and Jungkook kept glancing at you as if your words were the most fascinating thing in the world.

"I'd love to see you dance someday," he said, completely changing the subject, and you grimaced, laughing ironically. "What? I'm serious."

"Well, that's not going to happen," you chuckled.

"Why not?" he said indignantly. 

"Oh, I don't know," you shrugged. "I'm not sure how I'd feel about having you in the audience, and besides, I barely know you!" you replied, biting your lip playfully.

"You know my name, surname, and my favorite ice cream flavor," Jungkook shrugged, indifferent. "And I know yours, and that you do ballet and top the class."

"That's not knowing," you grimaced again.

"I also know where you live," Jungkook said.

"Of course, you're a stalker!" you teased.

"And you're an easy target, then," he joined in the banter.

"I'm not!"

"You are."

"I can't help it if you have enough charisma to convince people to give you what you want, like my address."

"Do you think I got your address through my charisma?" he laughed.

"Or perhaps through your persuasive skills or your annoying persistence!" you exclaimed.

"See? It seems like you already know me quite well, you could list several of my characteristics," he laughed, and you rolled your eyes, laughing along.

"Shut up.”

Paying attention in class was easy for you, even when it was a class with Jungkook. You couldn't help but notice that he glanced at you now and then, as if trying to catch your attention. You remained composed and continued taking notes.

A few minutes passed, and you received a message on your phone from an unknown number.

Unknown number: Can we talk?

You furrowed your brow, feeling puzzled. Who had your number?

Unknown number: Please reply

Unknown number: It's Jeon Jungkook

Unknown number: Please?

You: Yes, but please stop texting me

You: How did you get my number?

You took a deep breath and clenched your fists. Not only did he once again have access to information about you that you hadn't given him, but he was also being extremely annoying.

When the class ended, you gathered your things and headed towards the door, but Jungkook held you back, making you wait.

"Hey," he said with a smile.

"Hi," you replied simply.

"Let's... grab something to eat?" Jungkook nodded towards the cafeteria.

"I think it's better not to," you replied.

"Why not?"

"Because you don't want to be seen with me around campus, right?" you raised an eyebrow.

"I'm here talking to you, aren't I?" he asked, and you nodded. "So!"

He shrugged, wrapping his arm around your shoulder. You frowned as Jungkook guided you to the cafeteria.

As you passed through the door, you felt your legs hesitate, almost ready to bolt. Jessica covered her open mouth in astonishment and began to laugh along with her friends, who didn't seem to find it so funny but followed suit. Oh my God, this couldn't be happening.

Everyone thought you were going to be just another on Jungkook's list.

So, you stepped away, removing his arm from your shoulders. He looked at you curiously, but didn't protest. He chose a table in the corner and pulled out a chair for you, which you thanked with a murmur as you sat down.

"What do you want to eat?" Jungkook asked.

"I'll have a large coffee."

Jungkook went to fetch the coffee while you sat at the table. As he returned with the coffee, he slid it across the table towards you.

"Here you go," he said, taking a seat opposite you.

"Thanks," you muttered, taking a sip and avoiding eye contact.

"So," Jungkook began, "about the tutoring thing, thank you so much and I need more tutoring. You were great, and I…"

As you continued talking, you couldn't help but notice the glances and whispers from other students in the cafeteria. It seemed like the news of you and Jungkook together had spread quickly. You felt a mix of discomfort and irritation, but you decided to focus on the conversation at hand.

"They're looking at us," he commented playfully, unwrapping his sandwich.

"I hate that, hate people staring at me, hate it when they talk about me, and I know they are," you said quickly and sighed, closing your eyes and opening them again.

"And why is that?" he asked curiously.

"Just because," you replied bitterly, and Jungkook looked a little surprised.

"Alright, if you don't want to talk about it, we'll skip that part. Besides, they're going to keep looking and talking even more now..." Jungkook took a bite of his sandwich.

"Hmm... So maybe that's why you didn't want to come here with me." Jungkook pointed at you, and you furrowed your brow, not looking at him. "You didn't want to be seen because then they would talk more about you, and that's why..." He paused for suspense, and you started laughing. "That's why you said I didn't want to be seen with you... BINGO!" he shouted and spread his arms. You chuckled.

"Keep it down," you muttered, and he laughed at your completely red cheeks. 

"Only if you agree to study with me later," Jungkook leaned his forearms on the table and leaned closer to you.

"I have ballet today," you murmured, and he nodded.

"And after ballet?" Jungkook shrugged.

"I finish at 7, and I can't be out too late, so I can't."

"Okay, we'll plan something another day?" You nodded slowly and got up.

"I have to go now." You grabbed your coffee, taking another sip. "Goodbye, Jeon."

"Jungkook," he corrected, and you smiled.

"Goodbye, Jungkook."

"Goodbye, Y/N," he winked.

You returned to your class, and everything went smoothly. Coming in halfway through the semester, you hadn't found it easy to fit in. You missed your friends from your previous college, you missed your old life. You missed going out and attending parties, but the upside of not having such a bustling social life was that it gave you the perfect excuse to focus on your studies. So, you tried to stay positive, or maybe you were just making excuses to keep going.

The routine seemed comforting and exhausting. You endured the lectures, feeling the weight of each passing minute. Afterwards, as you made your way home, thoughts of your little brother, Khai, filled your mind. Despite the challenges you faced, seeing his smile always brought a sense of warmth to your heart.

Upon arriving home, you found Khai engrossed in a drawing at the kitchen table. You greeted him with a soft smile.

"Hey, Khai," you called out, your voice gentle as you approached the table.

"Hi!" Khai exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he looked up from his drawing.

"What are you working on?" you asked, leaning in to get a closer look at his artwork.

"It's a picture of us and Mom," Khai replied, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

You felt a pang in your chest at the mention of your mother. It was a topic you both tiptoed around.

"That's beautiful, Khai," you said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I miss her too."

Khai nodded solemnly.

"Do you really think she's watching us from heaven?" he asked, and you sighed deeply, never quite sure how to respond when he posed such questions.

"I don't know," you shrugged, looking at the drawing your brother had made.

Your parents were positioned at the center of the drawing, with you next to your father, a smile drawn on your lips and a colorful red dress. Your father had neatly combed hair, as he used to wear before your mother passed away, and she, as always, had a smile on her lips, a ponytail, and her hands held out to Khai, who was smiling. His childish strokes brought comfort.

"I bet she has better things to do in heaven than watch over us," Khai said in a carefree tone, making you laugh.

"Like what?" you raised an eyebrow, taking a seat.

"Like playing with Lion," he said, sliding the pencil across the paper. Lion was an old family dog that had passed away. He had been the family dog even before you were born and had left when Khai was 3 years old, but your brother always remembered him.

"That's true," you agreed, thoughtful.

"I don't think Mom would be checking up on what I do at school," Khai frowned. "Maybe she'd be mad at me," he chuckled mischievously.

"Why? Have you been up to no good?" you asked, amused.

"Maybe," he replied with a grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "But if she's watching, she'd probably be proud of me too."

You chuckled at his response, appreciating the innocence and humor in his words. It was moments like these that made the heaviness of loss a little lighter, even if just for a while.

As you glanced at the drawing again, memories flooded your mind, both joyful and bittersweet.  With a gentle smile, you ruffled Khai's hair affectionately.

"I'm sure she'd be proud of you, no matter what," you reassured him, your voice filled with warmth.

You and Khai continued drawing for a while, lost in the simple joy of creating together. The sound of pencils scratching against paper filled the room, a comforting rhythm that seemed to soothe the ache in your hearts.

However, as the sun began its descent and the clock on the wall ticked closer to the start of your ballet class, a pang of reluctance tugged at your heart. Reluctantly, you set down your pencil and glanced at Khai, who was still engrossed in his drawing.

"Khai, I'll need to take you to Mina's house, okay?" you said, setting aside your drawing. He pouted.

"Is it ballet day today?" Khai grimaced.

Your father was working late, likely trying to cope better with the grief, and that meant you had to drop Khai off at the neighbor's house next door, where his little friend Mina lived. However, the two of them often bickered, and the trip there wasn't always pleasant for Khai.

"Can't I stay home and play with my toys instead?" Khai pleaded, his eyes wide with hope.

"I'm sorry, buddy, but you know the rule. You have to go to Mina's when I have ballet," you explained gently, trying to soften the disappointment in his eyes.

"I don't like Mina's toys," Khai muttered, crossing his arms in defiance.

"I know, but you'll have fun playing with her. Besides, I'll be back to pick you up before you know it," you reassured him, giving him a comforting smile.

Khai let out a dramatic sigh but eventually relented, knowing he didn't have much of a choice.

The brisk air outside felt refreshing against your skin as you made your way to the dance studio. Ballet was your escape, your sanctuary from the chaos of life. As you walked, you allowed your mind to drift away from the worries and stresses of the day.

Arriving at the studio, you exchanged warm greetings with your fellow dancers, and, as the music began to play and you took your place at the barre, all distractions faded away. Every plié, tendu, and arabesque transported you to another world, where nothing else mattered except the beauty of the dance. In those moments, you felt so free.

The class ended, leaving you with a sense that time had flown by faster than you would have liked. Nevertheless, your body felt relaxed, invigorated by the endorphins surging through your veins. With the chilly air outside, you made sure to bundle up before stepping out of the studio.

As you pushed open the door, you spotted Jungkook, standing there, casually leaning against a lamppost. At first, his hood and mask obscured his identity, but his distinctive black phone case adorned with the Avengers logo gave him away. For a brief moment, he seemed almost like a mirage in the dim light of the evening.

"What are you doing here?" you asked as you walked towards him, and he looked up at you.

"Hey to you too," he said in a playful tone.

"Hey," you replied, "What are you doing here?" you repeated, crossing your arms.

"Don't say it like that, or I might think you're not happy to see me," he said, tucking his phone into the black jacket he was wearing.

"It's not that," you shrugged. "But don't get me wrong, I'm not studying with you tonight."

"And who said I'm here to study with you?" Jungkook raised an eyebrow. "I thought we could grab something to eat."

"We already had dinner together yesterday," you raised an eyebrow. "And we had coffee today."

"And you don't need to eat every day?" Jungkook asked with a smile that, even with the mask, you could tell was evident in his lips.

"Fair point," you chuckled, finding his persistence amusing. "But I'm not really in the mood for more food right now."

"Come on, Y/N," Jungkook insisted, stepping closer. "Just a quick bite. We can catch up."

You hesitated, considering his offer. Despite your initial reluctance, you found yourself intrigued by the idea of spending more time with him outside of class.

"Alright, fine," you relented with a small smile. "But it's got to be something light. I have an early start tomorrow."

"Deal," Jungkook grinned, clearly pleased with your agreement. "Let's go."

As you both walked towards the nearby café, there was a comfortable silence between you, interrupted only by occasional comments about the street or the boy shivering in the cold winter weather. Upon arriving at the café, Jungkook took the initiative to order some hot food for both of you, for which you silently thanked him. There was something about him and his presence that made you nervous.

Sure, he was handsome, charismatic, and carried a reputation on campus that you didn't particularly want to explore, as having your heart broken by him was definitely not on your agenda. But you couldn't shake the feeling that he noticed your nervousness around him. Evidence of this was when he reached out to still the frantic tapping of your nails against the table, placing his hands gently over yours.

It was clear he understood that your movements were a result of your anxiety in his presence.

The noise ceased instantly, and you lowered your gaze to his hands resting on yours, feeling the warmth radiating from them. You didn't move, more out of surprise than a desire to maintain the contact, though deep down, you found yourself wanting to.

"So," he spoke up, and you instinctively tried to withdraw your hands, but he held onto them firmly. "How was your ballet class?"

You hesitated for a moment, feeling the warmth of his hands enveloping yours. His touch was gentle, almost reassuring, yet it sent a shiver down your spine.

"It was fine," you replied, your voice betraying a hint of nervousness. You couldn't help but notice how his gaze lingered on you, his eyes searching for something deeper beneath the surface.

"Fine?" Jungkook raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a playful smile. "Just fine? Come on, there must be more to it than that."

You sighed, feeling the weight of his gaze upon you. There was something about Jungkook's presence that made it difficult for you to articulate your thoughts clearly.

"It was... intense," you admitted, choosing your words carefully. "But in a good way. Ballet has a way of pushing me beyond my limits, making me confront parts of myself I'd rather ignore."

Jungkook nodded, his expression softening as he listened intently to your words.

You pulled your hands away from his, finally, and he smiled serenely as you rested them in your lap.

"I can't stay long," you stated.

"Do you always have a curfew?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Something like that," you sighed.

"Is your dad strict?" Jungkook inquired, playfully.

"No, but my brother likes me to tuck him in bed, and I like doing that," you replied simply, shrugging.

"You have a brother?" Jungkook asked with interest.

"Yeah, he's seven," you replied, a small smile playing on your lips.

"That's cool. What's his name?" Jungkook inquired, leaning in a bit.

"Khai," you answered, glancing at your watch.

"That's adorable," Jungkook whispers, "But I promise to get you home safe and sound in time for you to tuck your little brother into bed."

"Thank you," you laugh. "I think he'd like that." you grimace. 

"The thing I like most is when kids like me," Jungkook said in a self-assured tone, and you laughed. 

"Yeah, right!"

"Of course I do," Jungkook settles back in his chair, flashing a confident smile. "A kid's approval is the best kind."

You laugh again and shake your head. 

"I think Khai would love you and your tattoos," you smiled.

"Does he like drawings?" Jungkook asked, tapping the piercing on his lip.

"He loves them, in fact, we were drawing before my ballet class."

"Drawing seems like a fun way to pass the time," Jungkook muses, his gaze thoughtful. "I used to doodle a lot back in high school."

"Really?" you raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of things did you draw?"

"Mostly random stuff," he shrugs, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "Characters from movies, portraits of friends, you know, the usual."

"That sounds cool," you nod, genuinely interested. "Do you still draw sometimes?"

"Not as much as I used to," he admits with a wistful smile. "But I've been thinking about picking it up again. It's a great way to unwind."

"It definitely is," you agree, a smile playing on your lips. "There's something therapeutic about putting pen to paper and letting your imagination run wild."

"Exactly," Jungkook nods, his eyes alight with enthusiasm. "It's like a form of escape, you know? A way to express yourself without any limitations."

You find yourself nodding in agreement, appreciating the depth of his perspective. 

“Do you know what else is therapeutic for me?” he asks and you raise your eyebrow.

"What?"

“Music” he says.

"Music?" you echo, intrigued by his response.

"Yeah," Jungkook nods, a soft smile gracing his lips. "There's something about music that just speaks to me on a different level."

“It can be so powerful, right? Like, it has the ability to evoke emotions and memories, sometimes even more than words can."

"Exactly," Jungkook agrees, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "It's like a universal language that everyone can understand, no matter where they come from or what language they speak."

"Do you play any instruments?"

"I dabble in a few," he admits modestly. "Guitar, piano, a bit of drums. Nothing too fancy, just enough to enjoy myself."

"That's impressive," you comment, genuinely impressed by his musical talents. "It must be nice to have that outlet for creativity."

"It really is," Jungkook agrees, his expression thoughtful. 

You both finished your coffee and walked together to your house, which wasn't too far away, just a few blocks. Jungkook shared about the time he gave up on pursuing a career in the music industry because all the responses about him or the band he had been part of in high school were negative.

"I can't believe it, that's... ridiculous," you shook your head, feeling indignant on his behalf. He smiled, amused by your reaction. "They should have given you a chance, seriously, don't laugh," you said, looking at him, who chuckled even more. "You..." You shrugged, moistening your lips. "Have you ever tried looking for an agent?" you asked, but he just looked at you, and with so many thoughts swirling in your head, you didn't even realize how close you were.

"It could... be better," you said awkwardly, swallowing hard. "Right?"

Before you could process it properly, he leaned in and kissed you lightly on the lips. It was brief, and your lips barely met before he pulled away, looking at you as if seeking your approval, but you were just staring at him, lips parted in shock.

For a moment, the air between you crackled with unspoken tension, the weight of his action hanging palpably in the air. You tried to gather your thoughts, to make sense of what had just happened.

Finally, you found your voice, though it emerged in a whisper, hesitant and uncertain.

"Jungkook, I..." You faltered.

He watched you intently, his gaze searching for any sign of your feelings.

"I... I don't know what to say," you admitted, your voice barely above a murmur.

Jungkook nodded slowly, his expression tinged with a hint of regret. "I'm sorry," he said softly, his voice tinged with a touch of uncertainty. "I shouldn't have..."

"No," you replied quickly, "It's not that, I liked it, it's just that..."

You began, but then he leaned in again, and once more, his lips met yours. Your eyelids fluttered, and your uneven breaths brushed against his lips. Jungkook placed one hand on your neck, and you squeezed your eyes shut. He brushed his thumb against your cheek, and you parted your lips, allowing for a deeper kiss. Jungkook's tongue slid against yours, and you remembered that you shouldn't be doing this the moment his lips moved against yours.

But fuck, he kissed so well.

As the kiss deepened, you felt a rush of conflicting emotions swirling within you. On one hand, there was a sense of exhilaration and excitement coursing through your veins, fueled by the intensity of the moment. On the other hand, there was a nagging voice of reason in the back of your mind, reminding you of the complexities and potential complications of getting involved with Jungkook.

As the kiss lingered, you found yourself momentarily lost in the sensation, savoring the warmth of his touch and the electrifying connection between you. But as the initial rush began to subside, a wave of uncertainty washed over you. You pulled back slightly, breaking the kiss, and looked into Jungkook's eyes.

"I really need to get home quickly," you said, stepping back and walking.

"I'll walk you home," he replied, walking alongside you.

The journey was quiet, and you felt like saying many things, yet nothing at the same time. Your cheeks were flushed, and you tried to steal glances at Jungkook, who had put on his mask. You sighed and quickened your pace, eager to get home. Jungkook kept pace, and for a moment, you really wished to be alone to sort out everything you were feeling at that moment.

Nothing made sense to you.

As you reached your house, you turned to him and said quickly, "Thank you, Jungkook," smiling. As you prepared to enter the gate, he held your arm and once again pressed his lips to yours, kissing you.

Your tongues tangled easily this time, and you both seemed a little more used to the whole situation. Jungkook's hands went down your waist and you grabbed the back of his head. You were hoping your father wouldn't see that scene.

Jungkook tilted his head slightly to the side, deepening the kiss, and as it happened, you felt your body ignite like a fire. You pressed your mouth against his even more firmly, while he did the same, causing your teeth to clink and the kiss to break with a mutual laugh from both of you.

"Okay, goodnight," you say, stepping back and laughing.

As you wake up, a sense of excitement courses through you at the thought of seeing Jungkook at college. It's a conflicting feeling because you know you shouldn't be feeling this way. You don't want to draw attention to yourself, especially not the kind of attention that comes with being associated with someone like Jungkook. 

Yet, despite your reservations, you can't deny the flutter of anticipation in your chest.

The memory of last night plays like a vivid reel in your mind – the unexpected kiss, the warmth of his smile, the way he made you feel in that moment. It's all too consuming, and you find yourself unable to shake off the lingering thoughts of him. 

As you get ready for the day ahead, you try to push those thoughts aside, reminding yourself of the importance of keeping your distance. But deep down, a part of you can't help but long for another glimpse of him, another chance encounter that sets your heart racing.

But, despite the flurry of thoughts about Jungkook, your morning routine must go on. You make your way to Khai's room to wake him up for school, finding him still buried under his blankets, his small frame barely visible.

"Hey, sleepyhead, time to get up," you say with a gentle shake, coaxing him to start his day.

Khai groans, his voice muffled by the pillows.

"Do I have to?"

"Yes, you do. Come on, we don't want to be late."

You chuckle softly.  As he reluctantly gets out of bed, his eyes still heavy with sleep, he looks up at you with a hopeful expression. "Can we have hot chocolate for breakfast today?"

You pause for a moment, considering his request. Despite your usual insistence on healthy breakfast options, you can't resist his pleading gaze.

"Alright," you relent, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips. "Hot chocolate it is, but only if you promise to eat a good lunch later."

Khai's face lights up with excitement as he eagerly agrees, his enthusiasm infectious. 

You and Khai bundle up in warm coats, scarves, and hats before stepping outside into the crisp morning air. The chilly breeze nips at your cheeks as you walk hand in hand towards the local cafe.

As you approach, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries fills the air and Khai's eyes widen with excitement as he spots the colorful array of treats displayed in the window.

"Can we get marshmallows on top?" he asks eagerly, his breath forming small puffs of vapor in the chilly air.

"Of course," you reply with a smile, ruffling his hair affectionately. "Let's make it extra special today."

Entering the cafe, you're greeted by the inviting warmth and the sound of soft chatter from other patrons. Khai's eyes light up as he takes in the sight of the steaming mugs of hot chocolate being prepared behind the counter. You two sit together, savoring the comforting warmth of the hot chocolate in your hands.

You and Khai leave the café, carrying the remaining hot chocolate in a portable container while holding hands, feeling the light snow falling on your hair strands, and Khai's laughter echoing in the street. 

He was happy. 

He had happy days even after your mom died. Perhaps because he didn't understand the complexity of it all and didn't witness her suffering like you did, or grasp how much your dad and you were shattered by it.

As you drop Khai off at his school, you watch him skip off happily to join his friends, his laughter lingering in the crisp morning air. Despite the lingering sadness of your mother's absence, seeing him joyful brings a warmth to your heart.

With a soft smile, you head towards your college campus, the bustling streets already alive with students hurrying to their classes. 

As you arrive on campus, your gaze catches Jungkook in the distance. He smiles warmly at you, and you notice him striding towards his group of friends, Taehyung and Jimin, who are gathered a few meters away. However, instead of joining them, he veers towards you, his arms open in greeting, a smile playing on his lips. You return the gesture timidly, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside you. Unsure if it's the effect of Jungkook or simply a wave of personal introspection washing over you, you brace yourself for the unexpected encounter.

"Hey, how's it going?" Jungkook asks, his voice casual as he approaches.

"Hey, Jungkook," you reply, trying to keep your tone light despite the slight flutter in your stomach. "I'm doing okay, thanks. How about you?"

"Can't complain," he answers with a grin. "Just trying to survive another day of classes."

"Yeah, I feel you," you nod.

"Listen, I was thinking..." Jungkook starts, his expression thoughtful.

"Yeah?" you prompt, curious about what he's going to say.

"Can I walk you to your class?" he asks, his tone hopeful.

Your heart skips a beat at the invitation, but you try to play it cool. "Sure, that sounds nice."

"Okay, I'll just grab my bag from Jiminie," he smiles and strides quickly over to his friends, who seem unable to take their eyes off you both.

Maybe they're surprised that you're friends.

Because that's what you are, right? Friends. You'd kissed, but it wasn't serious. After all, Jungkook wasn't the type to have flings with girls. And you definitely weren't going to be another name on his list. 

So, they seem to be teasing Jungkook about something, which you don't quite understand. But you roll your eyes and try to look away from the group, feeling a bit uneasy as some people start to stare at the two of you together. You didn't like that kind of attention, but you weren't sure what you could do to avoid it.

Jungkook walks toward you, adjusting his bag on his shoulder and wearing a big smile and, before you can even begin to walk, he interrupts you by giving you a quick peck on the lips. 

That gesture catches you completely off guard, and you inhale sharply, blinking a few times to process what just happened. It irked you a bit, especially since now a few gazes were burning into you.

You glance at Jungkook's friends, who seem to be chuckling, and you take a deep breath before locking eyes with Jungkook. 

"Don't ever do that again," you say, and Jungkook furrows his brow, seeming not to understand what you're talking about.

"Do what?" he asks, puzzled.

"Kiss me in public," you reply, "never do that again." You repeat yourself once more. 

Jungkook takes a moment to process what you just said, and after a while, he speaks softly.

"Okay, I'm sorry."

Jungkook's apology feels sincere, but you can sense the tension lingering between you. The attention from his friends and the curious glances from others around you only add to the discomfort of the situation.

You take a step back, feeling a mix of frustration and embarrassment. 

"I need to go," you murmur, avoiding Jungkook's gaze.

He nods silently, his expression reflecting regret and confusion. Heading towards your next class, you can't help but replay the moment in your mind, trying to make sense of it all. 

As you try to focus on the lecture, a wave of nausea washes over you, causing your stomach to churn uncomfortably. You shift uneasily in your seat, trying to push aside the unsettling feeling that seems to have settled in the pit of your stomach.

At first, you attribute the sensation to nerves or perhaps something with Jungkook. But as the discomfort persists, you can't shake the feeling that something else is at play.

As the minutes tick by, you realize that the sensation in your stomach isn't the fluttery excitement of butterflies—it's something entirely different, maybe the hot chocolate.

As the nausea intensifies, you realize that you might need to excuse yourself from the class. The discomfort grows unbearable, and you feel a rush of heat flooding your cheeks as you struggle to keep your composure.

With a sense of urgency, you gather your belongings and make your way towards the door, hoping to reach the restroom before it's too late. Each step feels like an eternity as you navigate through the rows of desks, trying to avoid drawing attention to yourself.

You can sense the curious glances of your classmates as you pass by, but your sole focus is on reaching the restroom in time. The sound of your own heartbeat echoes in your ears, matching the rapid pace of your footsteps.

Finally, you push open the door to the restroom and rush inside, relieved to find it empty. You make a beeline for the nearest stall, barely managing to close the door behind you before the wave of nausea overwhelms you.

As you lean over the toilet, your body convulses with each heave, and you can feel the tension slowly ebbing away. After what feels like an eternity, the nausea begins to subside, leaving you feeling drained and exhausted. You take a moment to catch your breath, leaning back against the cool tile wall as you wait for the dizziness to pass.

Eventually, you gather enough strength to stand up and rinse your mouth with water from the sink. As you splash your face with cold water.

You pull yourself together and leave the restroom, but to your surprise, you find Jungkook in the hallway. His brows furrow with concern as he notices your pale complexion and the distress evident on your face.

"Hey, are you okay?" Jungkook's voice is laced with genuine worry as he steps closer to you, his eyes scanning your features for any signs of discomfort.

You try to muster a reassuring smile, but it falters under the weight of your discomfort. "Not really," you admit, your voice wavering slightly. "I felt sick in class, and I had to leave."

Jungkook's expression softens with empathy as he reaches out a hand to gently rest on your shoulder. "Do you need me to call someone for you? Or maybe I can help you get home?"

"B-but I... I can't... my dad would kill me!" you stammered, looking down. Jungkook gently tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, pulling it away from your face.

"But you're not feeling well," he pressed.

"My dad wouldn't like it," you replied in a childish tone, meeting his gaze. Jungkook moistened his lips and sighed.

"Do you want to come to my apartment?" he asked, his tone careful to avoid any misunderstanding. "You can rest there. I don't have a roommate, so there wouldn't be anyone bothering us," Jungkook chuckled, and you joined in. "I'm worried; you look pale."

"I think it was the hot chocolate I had," you grimaced.

"You'll be okay," he reassured calmly. "Grab your things, and we'll head to my place."

"Okay." As you arrived at Jungkook's apartment, he led you inside with a sense of urgency, his concern evident in every move he made.

"Make yourself at home," Jungkook said, gesturing towards the living room. "You can lie down on the couch if you want. I'll get you some water."

You nodded weakly, feeling grateful for his kindness. Sinking into the plush cushions of the couch, you closed your eyes, trying to calm the queasiness in your stomach. Jungkook returned moments later with a glass of water, which you accepted gratefully.

"Thank you," you murmured, taking a small sip.

Jungkook sat down beside you, his presence a soothing balm to your frazzled nerves. He didn't press you with questions or demand explanations, but his silent support spoke volumes.

"If you need anything else, just let me know," Jungkook said softly, his eyes full of genuine concern.

You offered him a small smile, appreciating his understanding. Despite the unexpected turn of events, being in Jungkook's apartment felt oddly comforting. It seems that the chocolate was indeed what made you feel unwell, but your brother appeared to be perfectly fine without any signs of discomfort, at least, that's what his teacher told you when you called the school just to check. So perhaps it was just heavy for you. Or maybe it could have been that cheese you grabbed a piece of before leaving home, even though your father told you not to eat it.

"I can make some mint tea for you if you keep feeling unwell. My mom used to make it for me, and it always helped," he offered, looking at you with concern.

"You're a whiz in the kitchen, huh?" you chuckled, taking a sip of water.

"Oh, you have no idea," he replied with a smile, getting up. "I'll get a blanket to make you more comfortable."

He left the living room. Jungkook's apartment was just the right size for one person. Neatly organized and cozy. In the living room, there was a huge TV, and the black couch where you were seated was incredibly comfortable.

It didn't take long for Jungkook to return with a blanket and hand it to you.

"But what about your classes?" you asked, placing the empty glass of water on the coffee table.

"Hmm, what classes?" He replied in a playful tone.

You chuckled at his response, wrapping the blanket around yourself.

"Thanks," you said softly.

Jungkook settled back onto the couch beside you, his presence a reassuring presence in the midst of your discomfort, as he reached for the remote.

"I hope I'm not causing too much trouble," you said, your voice tinged with concern.

He shook his head, his expression sincere.

"Not at all. I'm just glad I could be here for you."

After a moment of silence in the room, Jungkook was busy browsing through Netflix, trying to decide on a movie. Feeling a bit queasy, you excused yourself and headed to the bathroom, hoping to alleviate the discomfort. You splashed some water on your face, the cool sensation providing a brief respite from the unease. Removing your thick hoodie, you tied your hair back before returning to the living room.

Jungkook glanced up as you reentered, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer than usual.

"What's up?" you raised an eyebrow, noticing his prolonged stare.

"I've never seen you without your hoodie," he remarked casually, though his eyes lingered on you a bit longer, causing a faint blush to rise to your cheeks.

"Are you checking out my boobs or something?" you teased, breaking the silence.

"No," Jungkook replied quickly, his cheeks flushing at your playful comment.

"Oh, I see how it is," you grinned, taking a seat on the couch beside him. "Admiring the view, huh?"

Jungkook chuckled, shaking his head.

"You wish."

Rolling your eyes playfully, you nudged him with your elbow. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about your secret admiration."

He laughed, shaking his head.

"Kind of funny when it's you who doesn't want to be seen with me," he grimaced. "Twice now."

"It's not like that," you pouted. "I just don't like drawing attention, and you're always the center of it," you shrugged.

"Well, maybe it's time you get used to being in the spotlight."

You rolled your eyes, "I'd rather stay in the shadows, thank you very much."

He grinned, "You know, you're not so bad in the spotlight yourself. Maybe you'll get used to it."

"I doubt it," you replied, shaking your head.

His eyes continued to follow you as you settled back onto the couch.

"Are you going to watch the movie or stare at me the whole time?" you teased, breaking the tension.

He smirked. "Can't I do both?"

You rolled your eyes but couldn't help but smile.

"What are we going to watch?" you asked, turning your attention to the screen.

Jungkook scrolled through the movie options on Netflix, his brows furrowing in concentration. After a moment, he turned to you with a mischievous grin.

"How about a classic horror movie?" he suggested, his eyes glinting with amusement.

You chuckled nervously, feeling a shiver run down your spine at the thought. Horror movies weren't exactly your favorite genre.

"Sure, why not?" you replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

You glanced sideways at Jungkook as you both watched the movie, him reclined on the sofa, not sitting completely upright, his eyes fixed on the film and the glass of water he sipped held between his slightly parted lips, completely absorbed. You smiled and returned your focus to the movie; he was attractive, and you couldn't deny it.

Scenes unfolded, and you let out quick gasps at unexpected moments, Jungkook merely smiling in response. His eyes wandered over your face, analyzing you, and when you noticed, you smiled sheepishly and bit your lip. Jungkook moistened his lips and leaned in a little closer. You didn't hesitate, merely tensing your fingers on the blanket covering your legs. He smiled and brought his face inches from yours, his breath brushing against your lips. Then, in an almost involuntary move, your hands found their way to the back of his neck, delicate and hesitant.

Jungkook lifted his face a little higher, gazing at your lips. Before you could think of anything, he kissed you.

Your tongue seemed a bit hesitant at first, but he encouraged it gradually with his own until both were engaged in slow, intimate movements. Your hands roamed through his hair, intertwining among the strands, and sensing that you didn't mind, he placed one hand on your shoulder, resting his forearm on the sofa's back, and brought the other to your waist.

You pressed your lips a bit firmer against his as he slid his hand from your waist to your back, trying to pull you closer, but you, still apprehensive, leaned back, not allowing him to do so. He could feel how tense you were, and he knew he had to address it.

With the hand that was behind your shoulders, he caressed your hair, gently twining it between his fingers, massaging your head and neck with his fingertips until he felt you starting to yield in his arms, bringing you closer. Your knees touched, and he placed his hand back on your waist, attempting to turn you to face him, though he knew it wouldn't be that easy.

Then, you broke the kiss and looked at him.

"The movie," you said, nodding towards the screen with your head.

"Shhh," he whispered, brushing his nose against yours, and you swallowed hard.

"It's just that..." you began, but his gentle touch silenced your thoughts.

With your legs unfolding to rest on the couch, he drew closer without breaking the connection between your lips. His thumb traced slow circles along your waist, skimming beneath the hem of your shirt, teasingly revealing a hint of skin. You tugged at his hair, eliciting a shiver that rippled through him, a silent confirmation of your pleasure, letting him know you were enjoying every moment.

Jungkook let his tongue trace your lips before returning to kiss you again. He could feel your breath hitching, and your hands were no longer content with just running through his hair—they grasped at large strands, pulling involuntarily.

Breaking the kiss, you kept your eyes closed, perhaps feeling a bit shy. Jungkook brushed your hair aside and moistened his lips before placing the first kiss on your neck, eliciting a heavy sigh as a shiver ran down your spine. Your hands were on his shoulders, clutching at his shirt. Your restless legs brushed against his, and Jungkook was on the verge of turning you completely over, but perhaps if he did, you would resist.

Stroking his hair, he continued to kiss the curve of your neck, his fingers trailing down your back, daring to feel your skin beneath the thin shirt. You squirmed slightly, an uneasy sigh escaping your lips just before you tilted your neck back and pressed your body forward, meeting Jungkook's. With free access, he slid his parted lips across your throat, leaving one hand resting in the center of your back, supporting your body that was almost lying on the couch.

Your legs were draped over one of his, your calves nestled between Jungkook's. In a favorable position, he stretched out his hand and touched your knee, trailing up your thigh, and your ragged breath betrayed how vulnerable you were to his caresses, cursing him inwardly for it. Where was your self-control?

You swore you wouldn't be just another one on his list.

Jungkook pressed his lips against your ear, tracing it slowly with his tongue, and you ran your nails over the thick shirt he wore, now lying on the sofa with him between your legs.

Damn, it was too easy.

You were enjoying it, and if he continued, you would certainly allow him to go further, but then he stopped.

The movement gradually slowed down, and when it finally stopped altogether, you felt embarrassed. You didn't want to go beyond that, but why did he stop?

You sighed and placed your hands on his chest, pushing him so you could get out from under him, then sat on the sofa, feeling a bit small in the corner. You heard him sigh too, pulling the blanket and pillow onto his lap. You could hardly look at him. You were upset, and you didn't exactly know why.

"What did I do wrong?" You asked in a low tone, avoiding his gaze.

"Nothing, you didn't do anything wrong, why?" He asked.

"Nothing," you shrugged, feigning indifference, but your voice was a little weak.

Jungkook sighed softly and shifted closer to you on the sofa.

"Hey, talk to me."

You hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to articulate your feelings. "I just... I don't know, Jungkook. Everything was going so fast, and I... I." Your voice trailed off, and you looked down, feeling a wave of vulnerability wash over you.

He reached out and gently lifted your chin, urging you to meet his gaze.

"I'm sorry."

"Why are you apologizing?" you asked, confused.

"Because I let things escalate too quickly, and that's exactly why I stopped," Jungkook explained, his voice soft.

"And isn't that how it usually goes with your girls?" you raised an eyebrow.

"You're not like them," he said quietly, avoiding your gaze.

You rolled your eyes, "Oh, it's not like I'm special either."

"I don't know why, but I care about you... It's different," Jungkook confessed.

"Stop it, Jungkook," you insisted, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside you.

You knew you weren't special, in fact, you knew you shouldn't even be there, and that it was all just nonsense that you had fallen for like a duck to Jungkook's undeniable charm. But deep down, you were enjoying it, and he was a good distraction. The fact was, you weren't foolish enough not to see what he was up to. Jungkook sighed and leaned back against the sofa, running a hand through his hair in frustration. You could sense the tension between you two, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.

"I'm sorry," he said finally, breaking the silence. "I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable."

You remained silent for a moment, trying to process your own thoughts and emotions.

"You didn’t," you replied, your voice softer now. "I just... wasn't expecting things to go that way."

Jungkook nodded.

"Can I rewind the movie so we can watch the part we missed?" Jungkook asked softly, and you nodded.

"What are you doing?" you asked sleepily as you opened your eyes and saw him sitting on the edge of the sofa. You hadn't even realized you had fallen asleep.

"Waiting for you to wake up," Jungkook smiled, and you sat up, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Sorry for falling asleep," you said.

"It's not a problem at all," he replied sincerely, and you smiled. "How's your stomach?"

"Fine," you yawned, "I'm hungry, what time is it?"

Jungkook chuckled. "Well, it's lunchtime," he replied gently, "And about that..."

"What?"

"My parents are in town and I was wondering if you'd join me for lunch with them," he said quickly, and you needed a few seconds to process the information.

"Me? Lunch with your parents?" you furrowed your brow.

"Yeah," Jungkook shrugged.

"And they won't mind?"

"I always bring friends to lunch," he shrugged again.

“Friends," you said ironically.

"Friends," he repeated affirmatively.

You open your mouth to agree with him, but reason returns to your body. I mean, what would you do at lunch with his parents? Nope, there's no way.

"I can't, I need to stop by the ballet studio to talk to Harmony," it was the first lie that came to your head. The studio was exactly halfway between his apartment and your house. It's convenient for you to walk there.

"Bullshit," he says immediately, "But okay, I won't force you to come with me, I know it's..."

"Weird."

"Not the word I was looking for, but okay," he says, looking at you.

You watched the words spill out of Jungkook's mouth as he tried to convince you to join him for lunch with his parents, but you didn't think it was a good idea. Not at all. Then, a wave of regret washed over you. The first kiss you shared was undeniably great, unexpected, and felt natural, but you didn't want a boyfriend, and you definitely didn't want to date Jungkook.

You had no idea if you should have let him kiss you like that just now, and as much as he was a good distraction, he was dangerous. Very dangerous. Because he was charismatic and convincing. He could talk you into anything, you felt. He could easily make you fall for him because he was great company and kissed really well.

Then it dawned on you: you couldn't let it escalate any further, and it was already escalating because, when he smiled, your heart raced, and it was all happening too fast, way too fast, and it could end very badly. But his eyes were so irresistible, and the way he gestured to convince you that his parents would be nice to you and wouldn't assume anything bad.

No, no, no. 

You couldn't get lost in the beauty of his eyebrows and the way his lips formed a completely charming pout at the end of each sentence.

No, you were going to nip it in the bud. 

And you were going to do it now. You took a deep breath, mustering all the courage in your body, moistened your lips with your tongue, and cleared your throat.

"Listen here," you said, rising to your feet, and he looked up at you. "Let's get one thing straight, okay? This," you gestured between yourself and him, "is not happening ever again."

Jungkook for Calvin Klein Spring 2024 Campaign behind the scene

dancing to guilty by taemin. ♥ (cr. sensible k)

TAEHYUNG IU 'Love wins all' MV (2024)

[46/547] — until we meet again, jungkook ♡

[29/547] — until we meet again, jungkook ♡

240109 baekhyun_inb100 twitter update

2024 BAEKHYUN FANMEETING

[ SEULGI ] 'Monster' @ BGC 2024 NYE COUNTDOWN 240101 (cr. sensible k)

jungkook showing and talking about some of his tattoos ♡

[11/547] — until we meet again, jungkook ♡

231209 baekhyunee_exo instagram story update

he's so cool and fine ♡

[ SEULGI ] 'Chill Kill' (231124)

just jungkook skipping in happily 🥹

my everything ♡

JUST JUNGKOOK GETTING OUT OF THE SHOWER