Work Text:
A trail of dust followed Jungkook as he sprinted towards the abandoned car. Hoisting himself up behind one of the old, flat and rusted tires, he tried to stay as still as he could be. The place was quiet, unnervingly so. But his heart was hammering so hard against his chest, it felt like the entire world could hear his shattering gasps.
He couldn’t get caught.
Jungkook noticed movement to his left, where the forest was. He ducked down, lying flat against the ground so he could see under the car. A pair of boots came into view from the trees, stepping cautiously and slowly onto the gravel.
Jungkook swallowed. He was so close. Just a few more steps and Jungkook had his victim.
The boots took another step closer. Jungkook readied his gun, fingers hovering gently above the trigger. In the distance, someone let out a shot and the boots turned around.
“Fuck…” Jungkook whispered. It was now or never – wasn’t it? He inched forward, his fingers gripping onto the gravel as he slid further underneath the car.
He counted down from five… three… one.
Jungkook launched himself up off the ground like a rocket and screamed. He flung himself through the air, gripping the paint gun in his hands. He locked onto his target – and fired.
His victim was caught completely unawares, falling onto the gravel as Jungkook aimed pink paint onto his vest.
“Oh,” Jungkook froze, fingers stalling on the trigger of his paint gun. He thought he was hunting Seokjin. “Namjoon-ssi.”
Namjoon glared up at him, pink paint splatters on his face, a little on his chin and nose. Some of the paint was dripping down his padded vest. “Jeon. You cheated.”
Jungkook had only joined the department just short of two months ago, and he still very much felt like the odd ball, the newbie that no one really bothered about. He had only really agreed about coming out tonight to Jung Hoseok’s birthday party because his boyfriend, Kim Seokjin, had been a very kind and sweet mentor to Jungkook since he had joined.
He didn’t know Hoseok that well, but he seemed nice enough and Jungkook wanted to make a good impression and not disappoint him.
Kim Namjoon, on the other hand, was not so nice.
“I didn’t cheat,” he pointed out as the chime of the bell signaled the end of the game. He took a step back, dropping his paint gun to the floor. “D’you need a hand?”
“Not from you, no.” Namjoon scowled, picking himself up from the ground.
He shuffled past Jungkook, knocking into his shoulder as he made his way back to the basecamp.
Jungkook stared at his retreating figure in shock.
What the fuck was that about?!
It wasn’t exactly hard for Jungkook to understand that he wasn’t very well liked in the office. From his first day it was clear there was a lot of work politics involved, teams had been disbanded and merged. Jungkook felt like an outsider, and he was treated as such.
He wasn’t anyone’s manager, but the team had to send anything through him before it passed up to management. Jungkook was his superior, and Kim Namjoon seemed to resent him for that.
He had tried being polite, smiling as he said good morning, bringing in dunkin donut coffees and waffles. Namjoon had declared he didn’t drink coffee – a complete lie, Jungkook had seen him the day before drinking an iced americano with Min Yoongi in the 6th floor kitchen!
Another time, he had tried ordering fried chicken on a sluggish Wednesday afternoon when the team morale had felt low. Namjoon had said he was a vegetarian. And then Jungkook had seen him eating a cheeseburger.
Jungkook was not an idiot – Kim Namjoon had some childish vendetta against him and he was determined to find out why.
“Is there enough time for a rematch?” Jimin asked. “I didn’t get to shoot Seokjin hyung.”
Jimin (Jungkook’s work bestie, who had come to Jungkook’s time of need when the vending machine had swallowed his 2000 won and had refused to give him his Crunky chocolate bar. Jungkook wished they worked near each other.) had a bruise on his shoulder which he claimed was Hoseok’s doing.
Hoseok had yellow paint fired at his ass – which Seokjin swore was not him.
Yoongi (Jimin’s boyfriend, and Kim Namjoon’s work bestie) had pink paint all over his hair, courtesy of Jimin. “The fuck am I doing that again for another half hour,” he said. “I never want to see paint again.”
“It is my birthday,” Hoseok pointed. “Don’t I get to decide?” Underneath his padded vest he was wearing a Happy Birthday badge, from Seokjin.
“I’m always up for another round,” Jungkook said innocently, sneaking a glance at Namjoon who was speaking to Min Yoongi.
Some of the workers who had joined them paintballing were already leaving, calling out well wishes to Hoseok and saying goodbye.
Mingyu (cute guy, worked with Hoseok) laughed, leaning onto Jungkook’s shoulder. “You’re perfect at everything, Jungkook-ah.”
“No, I’m not!” Jungkook blushed, shaking his head. Out of the corner of his eyes, he noticed Namjoon stomping off to the changing rooms. “I just get a little competitive, I guess.”
“No chance am I risking going up against Jungkook next time,” Jimin muttered. “Did you not see Namjoon-ssi’s face!”
“Maybe I got a little carried away,” Jungkook laughed, still reeling in excitement from winning the game.
Hoseok booed, pulling Jungkook into a hug. “Don’t say that. We won fair and square! I’m never letting Seokjin live this down!”
Jungkook beamed, hugging Hoseok back.
Seokjin grinned at them, fluffing up Jungkook’s hair. “I knew as soon as Jungkook-ah was on the opposing team that we’d lost.”
“Awh, sunbae!” Jungkook blushed.
“That’s hyung to you!” Seokjin warned, grinning. “Hurry and get changed. I think we have to be out of here soon for the next party!”
“Oh!” Jungkook looked towards the changing rooms.
Namjoon was still in there… would it be weird if Jungkook waited for him to come out? Jungkook didn’t want any trouble. But then he didn’t want anyone to think there was something going on between him and Namjoon.
He hated to be in the middle of conflict. But what he hated more was bringing others into conflict. He didn’t want to do that to Seokjin or Hoseok, especially on Hoseok’s birthday.
But they were all waiting for him, and Jungkook felt childish just standing there. He excused himself quickly, rushing to the changing room with sweaty hands. Maybe he was just imagining Kim Namjoon being weird.
He entered just as Namjoon was angrily putting his sage green sweatshirt over his head. He had a thick back, all muscles.
Jungkook squirmed, glaring at the floor as he took the cubby next to Namjoon. He could probably count on one hand how many times he had talked to Kim Namjoon. And none of their conversations had been very pleasant.
He cleared his throat as he began getting changed, sneaking a sideways glance at Namjoon’s broad back again.
“So, how long have you and Hoseok hyung known each other?” He asked, trying to stop his voice from going high. “Hyung said you studied at university together?”
Namjoon said nothing for a moment, he frowned as he put his sneakers back on. “We’re not in the office, Jungkook-ssi.” His voice was a low drawl, it made Jungkook shiver. “You can drop the act.”
“Act?” Jungkook blinked. “What act? I’m just trying to make friendly conversation –”
“And I don’t want to talk to you.” Namjoon countered. “I’ll tolerate you in the office because that’s my job. But don’t for one second think you can try and worm your way into my social life and expect me to be civilised.”
What the fuck?
Jungkook hated confrontation – nay, he despised it. And speaking to Namjoon was making his heart nervously rattle against his chest, the ends of his fingers sweat.
“I’m just trying to understand why you can’t –”
“Don’t act like you don’t fucking know,” Namjoon rolled his eyes. “It’s insulting.”
Jungkook was at a loss for words. Why was it so wrong for Jungkook to try and make amends? For him to be the bigger person here and act like a fucking adult? It was like trying to talk to a porcupine, trying to hold it whilst avoiding getting spiked.
“I’m not – ”
But it seemed that Kim Namjoon didn’t want to listen to anything Jungkook had to say. He picked up his bag and left without a word, the door slamming angrily as he exited.
Jungkook sat there in silence for a few seconds, and then he groaned into his hands and analysed every little thing about that very odd and hostile encounter. Had Jungkook missed something? What the fuck had he done to become Namjoon’s enemy?
“Jungkook-ah!” Seokjin knocked his fist against the door, yelling loudly. “Are you okay?”
Jungkook jumped up from his bench, hurriedly tying up his shoes. “I’m fine, hyung! Sorry, I’ll be right out!”
Seokjin peeked his head from around the door. “Hoseok wants to go to a bar, you coming?”
Jungkook felt his heart sink. He’d been looking forward to spending time with Seokjin and Hoseok, but now after that weird conversation with Namjoon he didn’t feel like he could go back out there and act like everything was fine.
“I don’t know, hyung. I’m feeling a little tired actually.”
“It’s 4pm, Jungkook. On a Sunday.”
“Exactly!” Jungkook sighed, pouting. “I don’t want to be late for work. I like getting there at 8am so I get the desk by the window!”
“But I was right – wasn’t I? I told you everyone would love you. I wanted to be able to spend time with you outside of the office!” Seokjin pouted. “Come on – it’ll be fun.”
“Yeah… okay.” Jungkook forced a smile. “I can probably hang for an hour or so.”
📩
“That Kim Namjoon guy is pretty hot,” Jimin yelled into Jungkook’s ear. They’d just had their second tequila, Jungkook could still taste the bitter lemon and salt on his lips and tongue.
“What?” Jungkook yelled back, pulling a face. They were both huddled by the bar, watching the rest of their group dance (some well, some (3 guesses who) not so well). “Kim Namjoon is not hot! He’s like the sweat off a hot dog when you microwave it.”
Jimin frowned, leaning closer to Jungkook. “What? It’s too loud, I can’t hear–”
“I said he’s like hot dog water!”
“You’re not talking about me are you?”
Jungkook let out a squeak as he turned to Namjoon.
“No –” he rushed to say, 89% sure his cheeks were on fire. Why did Namjoon speak so low and why did his voice send a shiver down his spine.
“Jungkook said you’re hot!” Jimin laughed in Namjoon’s face, and then proceeded to take another shot. “Like hot dog water, all hot and sweaty.”
“Excuse me?” Namjoon frowned. “Is that supposed to be some sort of insult?”
“No –” Jimin giggled, he threw back his head and then suddenly he was falling off his chair and on the floor. “It means Jungkook thinks you’d be a good fu–”
“Don’t listen to him!” Jungkook stammered. “He’s drunk.”
Kim Namjoon was standing very close to him, and his dimples on his cheeks had put Jungkook under some kind of spell. Jungkook was mesmerised. Jungkook’s brain was not working properly.
He was trying to think of a cool and suave comeback. But all he could do was stand in front of Namjoon, his mouth half open like a gormless fish plucked out of the ocean from one of Seokjin hyung’s fishing lines.
“You know – if you're going to insult me you could at least be creative.”
The trance shattered. Jungkook frowned.
“Jimin-ssi!” Yoongi hollered, swaying to the music as he came towards the bar. The ginger lowered down to help a giggling Jimin up off the floor. He whispered something into Jimin’s ear, it looked intimate, endearing. It sent an uncomfortable twist in Jungkook’s stomach.
Namjoon shuffled his feet slightly, clearing his throat.
And then suddenly Jimin and Yoongi were locking lips.
Yoongi lifted Jimin onto the bar stool next to them so ridiculously fast that Jungkook bumped into Namjoon’s side. The only thing stopping him from stumbling onto the floor was Kim Namjoon’s hot and heavy hands around Jungkook’s waist.
Jimin and Yoongi didn't notice, Jimin wound his legs around Yoongi’s middle. Jungkook could see the peaks of tongue and that was enough to shock Jungkook out of his stupor.
“For fucks sake!” He shrieked, gaping at the two of them. “Get a room!”
Maybe they heard his request, or maybe they did genuinely want to be somewhere more private. Jimin slid off the stool and pulled Yoongi away with a devilish smirk, the two of them giggling as they got lost in the crowd.
Jungkook turned around to the bar, and ordered a whiskey.
Namjoon leaned over, brushing against his side. “Make that two,” he said, as he planted himself in the stool next to Jungkook.
“I don’t understand –” Jungkook muttered. “Why are you even wanting to talk to me?”
“You’re pretty funny, you know.” Namjoon shrugged. “When you’re not shitting excel spreadsheets out of your ass.”
Jungkook’s eyes twitched. “Excuse me for wanting to do my job so I can get paid.”
"I just find it funny –” Namjoon hummed. “That they thought you were the best person for the job.”
On Jungkook’s fourth day on the job, he attended an Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Seminar. He had spent the evening lying in his bed, crying. He had wanted to quit. He refused to let Namjoon take all that away, to chip away at his confidence.
Why was Namjoon being so… hot and then cold? What on earth was happening?
Jungkook shivered. “I was the best person for the job, clearly. Since they hired me.”
“Bullshit,” Namjoon shook his head.
He finished the last bit of his drink and, without saying another word to him, left Jungkook sitting at the bar as confused as ever.
And a little bit heartbroken.
📩
“Well,” Jimin pursed his lips as he sucked on the little umbrella in their next set of drinks (some sort of mojito, Jungkook didn’t exactly know what it was). “He definitely dances like a hot dog.”
Jungkook followed Jimin’s gaze. Kim Namjoon was dancing like some sort of bobbing seaweed, his long legs bent slightly, his hands flailing around wildly. Maybe Jungkook was drunk, but Jimin had a point. He did sort of look like a hot dog.
“He’s got zero coordination,” Jimin grinned. “But he is cute, in a sad puppy dog kind of way.”
Jungkook rolled his eyes, turning to his drink. “There’s nothing cute about him.”
“No?” Jungkook could practically hear the smirk in Jimin’s sing-song teasing lilt. “So you wouldn’t care about the fact that he thinks you’re cute?”
Jungkook almost spat out his drink. “Excuse me?” His ears felt hot all of a sudden. “No – he does not!”
“Yes, he does!” Jimin grinned. “Yoongi said so maybe… six weeks ago?”
Jungkook opened his mouth to speak, but he was thinking so hard that all that came out was a squeak. But that made no sense? That would have been around the time he joined the company and the team. Kim Namjoon had never given Jungkook any impression that he thought he was cute? From their conversation earlier it was 100% clear how Namjoon saw Jungkook. Namjoon hated him.
Jimin must have been mistaken, Yoongi had been talking about someone else and there was clearly some miscommunication. Jungkook tried to tell him so, but Jimin was having none of it.
He grabbed Jungkook’s cheeks, talking to him slowly. “Yoongi said Namjoon said you were so cute it was like his heart would burst. That you looked like a bunny, and he wanted to eat you.”
Jungkook pulled away with a squirm. He didn’t know why but his heart was beating nervously against his chest. He felt hot, in a gross and uncomfortable kind of way.
He wanted to go home. He wanted to bury himself inside his feather duvet, wrap himself in copious blankets and drink from a five foot straw and never leave his room again.
Jimin passed Jungkook the mojito drink. They slurped on it, like it was their first drink of the night (and not their fourth).
“Do you want to dance?” Jimin asked.
Jungkook glanced over to where Namjoon was again. He still looked like bobbing seaweed, there was a permanent frown on his face as his body tried to follow the groove of the beat. Namjoon bit his lips as he forced his hips to do some strange sort of hip roll. He swung his hips out and in.
Jungkook’s insides fluttered.
He wanted to say no.
“Yeah,” he said quickly, jumping out of his seat like there were springs in his shoes. “Let’s go.”
Jimin grabbed hold of his sweaty hand and together they wove in and out between a multitude of people. Some dancing, some making out. By the time they had reached the others Jungkook felt like he was being consumed by fire. And it only seemed to get hotter and stronger when he was pushed so Namjoon’s hot and bulky body was pressed up behind him.
On his other side, Mingyu was half pressed up against his shoulder, whooping loudly to the music. Jungkook thought he was going to pass out. Mingyu flashed him a smile and leaned forward, as if he was about to say something.
Hoseok grabbed Mingyu’s hand and Seokjin pulled his other so the three of them could jump and down wildly.
Jungkook turned back around, smiling tightly as Namjoon continued to dance like an inflatable tubeman, blowing in every direction of the wind. When he almost took Jungkook’s eye out, he reached out and grabbed Namjoon’s hand.
“Careful,” Jungkook said, his voice so quiet he wasn’t even sure Namjoon heard him.
Jungkook cleared his throat, worried for a moment that Namjoon might say something rude and mean again. But it seemed Namjoon was too focused on the music, he gripped Jungkook’s hand back and swayed it to the beat.
Jungkook couldn’t help but laugh, copying Namjoon’s odd dance movements for a while. The beat of the song dropped slower. Beside them, Yoongi and Jimin were kissing. On the other side, Hoseok and Seokjin were whispering into each other’s ears.
Namjoon didn’t seem to notice, he shook his head in time with the music and did a shimmy backwards. He stumbled into a group behind them, falling into them. Jungkook lunged forward to grab him and Namjoon sagged towards him, drooping like a wilted daisy on his chest.
“Ooops!” Namjoon giggled, his hot breath blew against Jungkook’s neck. He was swaying now and somehow Jungkook was swaying with him.
Jungkook turned around – it was better that he couldn’t see Namjoon’s face, only feel every curve and muscle.
Namjoon felt clumsy behind him, almost standing on the back of Jungkook’s shoes, stumbling into him so close Jungkook could feel every inch of him.
He grabbed Namjoon’s big hands and placed them swiftly onto his hips. Namjoon’s fingers curled against his waist, Jungkook’s back hitting the front of Namjoon’s chest.
“You’re comfy,” he whispered into Jungkook’s ear, his voice dangerously low.
Jungkook felt himself melt against Namjoon.
Fucking hell.
📩
Jimin
[sent 09:07]
Jungkook
i h8 u
Jimin
you were pretty funny
Jungkook
i cant remember anything
my head hurts so much
the office lights are so bright
Jimin
you’re already in the office??
Jungkook
unfortunately…
Jimin
why tf did you do that to yourself???
Jungkook
because i hate myself apparently
Jimin
Jungkook
1
Jimin
i myself am feeling a mix of 2 & 9
yoongi is 4
ok i’m now 8.
yoongi just got me a coffee :)
Jungkook
i feel thin, sort of stretched
like butter, spread over too much bread
Jimin
like the way you were spread over namjoon's cheeks last night?
Jungkook
what
the
fuck
???
Jimin
i saw you 2 dancing ;)
Jungkook
we were dancing!
that was it!
Jimin
yeah
but then
i saw you both leave?
Together?
👉👈
Jungkook
what
no we did not omg
you’re so full of shit
Jimin
[1 new unread message]
“Jungkook-ah!”
Jungkook’s phone went flying across his desk as he jumped in fright. He picked his phone back up and turned, his face hot and sweaty now, to Mingyu.
“Morning.” Mingyu smiled, looking like some adonis. What the fuck? Why did he look so gorgeous, like he’d had 13 hours of sleep? His skin looked sparkly – Edward Cullen would have been JEALOUS.
How did Mingyu look so amazing, whilst Jungkook felt like he was dying.
Mingyu smiled, he was holding two coffee cups. “I uh – do you want a coffee? I bought two by accident? Somehow? No idea what happened.”
“Coffee would be amazing right now, actually.”
Mingyu placed the coffee cup carefully on Jungkook’s desk. “It’s a Mocha.”
Jungkook grabbed the cup and took a huge sip. The caffeine hit was sublime. “That’s my favourite go-to order!” He smacked his lips and leaned back against his chair with a happy sigh.
“Oh really?” Mingyu coughed. “Wow – what a coincidence!”
“You’re a lifesaver, really.”
“Oh well, I don’t know about that.” Mingyu blushed. “Have a good day, Jungkook-ah.”
At 10.05 Namjoon staggered into the office like a zombie. He looked every inch like Jungkook felt – at death’s door, hanging on by a thread.
Flashes of last night came back, of Namjoon smiling with his dimples deep. Dancing close to Jungkook, his hot breath against his neck. Jungkook straightened his back against his chair, turning back to the computer as if he’d been intensely focused on working, and not focused on the way Namjoon’s sleeves were rolled up.
“Morning,” Namjoon mumbled to the office floor. He set two coffee cups onto his desk before dropping his bag to the floor.
How was Jungkook supposed to act around him? His mind whirled as he thought back to their multiple conversations last night – every one as confusing as the next.
Namjoon disliked him – hated him.
Didn’t he?
Jungkook cleared his throat, sneaking a glance at the man as he talked about something to another team member.
Jimin had said Yoongi said that Namjoon said he looked like a bunny. Was that a good thing?
Jungkook glared at his blank excel spreadsheet, deep in thought.
Shit – he had felt Namjoon’s massive boner against his ass when they’d been dancing.
“Thirsty?”
Jungkook froze, suddenly feeling extremely called out. “What?” he rushed to say, cheeks heated. “I didn’t –”
But Mingyu wasn’t speaking to him, his question was directed at Namjoon, who had picked up his two coffee cups and was now standing awkwardly in the center of the room.
Namjoon cleared his throat, his cheeks were light pink. His gaze strayed towards Jungkook. He wasn’t used to being so perceived. Jungkook turned back to his keyboard and started typing random letters into his excel sheet to look busy.
“Yeah,” Namjoon smiled tightly. “I needed the extra caffeine. Rough night.”
Mingyu laughed. “Tell me about it. You look like shit.”
Jungkook frowned. That wasn’t a very nice thing for Mingyu to say. Namjoon just looked a little tired, that was all. So what if there were dark circles under his eyes? Namjoon still looked thick and strong. And his perfume smelled of lemon grass and patchouli –
“Jungkook?”
It was incredibly unprofessional of him to keep zoning out and daydreaming! Jungkook coughed, looking up at Namjoon in shock. Was there something on his face? Why was Namjoon looking at him like that?
Jungkook panicked and picked up his own coffee cup, slurping at the now cold dregs to give his body something to do. “Did you need something?”
Namjoon’s face soured, he glared in disgust at the coffee cup like Jungkook was holding shit with his bare hands.
“No.” Namjoon glared and proceeded to gulp down one of his coffees in one go. “Not from you.”
“Okay –” Jungkook blinked, doing a double take as Namjoon gulped down the second coffee in an even quicker succession.
Could a human being even drink that much coffee?
Was Namjoon going to die?
Jungkook opened his mouth, ready to ask Namjoon if he was okay –
“Excuse me,” Namjoon said. “I have some very important work I have to do now.”
📩
The coffee from Mingyu had been nice, but it just hadn’t satisfied Jungkook. It hadn’t hit his spot, given him that sweet escape he so desperately needed.
So – Jungkook ended up in the kitchen just before lunch to get his hands on another coffee.
Kim Namjoon had been acting odd all day (Jungkook supposed he too had been acting odd but that was neither here nor there and he was not the problem here!). After knocking back his two coffees, he’d been strangely… normal.
There was no eye-rolling when Jungkook asked the team to do something.
No sassy email reply.
Was it the caffeine overdose? His hangover?
Whatever it was that was wrong with him, it unnerved Jungkook to no end.
“Still feeling rough?” came Namjoon’s deep voice from the entrance to the kitchen. He was leaning against the wall, a soft smile on his face.
“Yeah,” Jungkook nodded, looking back down at his coffee. “I’ve got the worst headache.”
“It was a fun night though, right?” Namjoon laughed.
Flashes from the bar streamed like a 90’s camcorder tape in Jungkook’s brain. Namjoon dancing close, their hips touching. Hot breaths against skin. Namjoon’s huge boner.
“It was,” Jungkook agreed quickly. He had behaved so unprofessional last night! What if Namjoon filed a report against him? Jungkook had been so wasted. He could hardly remember what had happened after their dance. “But I think it was a mistake on my part.”
“A mistake?”
Jungkook shrugged, apologetic. “It shouldn’t have happened. None of it.”
“I see.” The smile on Namjoon’s face was gone.
A shiver rippled down Jungkook’s spine. “You do?”
“Sure.” Namjoon looked pissed. “Let’s just pretend none of it happened. After all, you get whatever the fuck you want, don’t you Jungkook-ssi?”
Jungkook’s throat felt dry. “What?”
“I can’t believe I thought something was different. You really are just a spoiled brat.”
“What are you even talking about?”
Apparently the wrong thing for Jungkook to ask. Namjoon rolled his eyes, muttered fuck you under his breath and stomped away.
What the fuck was that about?
Jungkook had no fucking idea what was going on?
He frowned, and pulled out his phone to mindlessly scroll on tiktok for a few moments. Only now did he remember Jimin’s unread message. Sighing, Jungkook opened it.
Jimin
you two made out…
did you forget?!
Jungkook immediately locked his phone and threw it against the counter.
Shit.
Shit.
SHIT.
Jungkook put his head in his hands.
Of course. He remembered now.
Namjoon’s hot lips against his own. Jungkook had moaned into the kiss, as Namjoon grabbed his ass and pulled them closer. Somewhere behind them Jimin had let out a WOOOOO!
Jungkook’s hands travelled down, twirling his fingers into Namjoon’s belt loops.
Namjoon tasted like sugared strawberries. He must have had the Strawberry Sunset cocktail.
“You’re a good kisser,” Namjoon kissed the mole underneath Jungkook’s bottom lip. “Not surprising though, with all the practice you have kissing management’s ass.”
Jungkook pulled away, confused. He’d ended up in the stinky toilets, washing his hands as he tried to think about what Namjoon could have meant.
The door to the washroom slid open, the blare of the music ricocheting off every surface.
Everything seemed to happen in slow motion, the way Namjoon walked slowly towards him. The way Jungkook felt frozen, staring helplessly at him, waiting for that secret word to be said so he could have his freedom back.
“I think we can both agree we’re not exactly sober right now,” Namjoon said after a moment. His voice was deep, stirring something hot in the pit of Jungkook’s stomach.
“So you’re using the fact that you’re drunk an excuse to be an ass?”
“Was I wrong though?”
“Yes?” Jungkook frowned. “I don't know what your problem is.” He was so confused. Confused about Namjoon, this feud. Confused about why the distance between them kept getting shorter and shorter – why Jungkook was backing up against a wall, Namjoon pressing him in. Like they were always supposed to be this close together.
“My problem is –” Namjoon paused, his gaze so intense Jungkook felt lost in it. “That I really want to kiss you again right now.”
Jungkook blinked and the lights of the grimy toilets seemed darker than they were seconds ago. Namjoon stood before him, closer somehow. His gaze hot and intense. It made Jungkook almost see stars, like the room (Jungkook included) was spinning around Namjoon, the epicenter.
“Fuck you,” Jungkook whispered.
Namjoon stepped forward, their chests bumping into each other. Namjoon’s breath was warm against Jungkook’s neck, he smelled like strawberries.
“Is that a promise?” Namjoon whispered the words onto Jungkook’s skin, sending a shiver down his spine.
Jungkook crashed forwards like an avalanche of his own, kissing Namjoon so deeply that it felt like the ground shook underneath them. Namjoon was quick to follow, kissing back just as hungrily. His big hands snaked around Jungkook’s hips and Jungkook couldn’t help the little moan that stumbled out of his lips.
He allowed himself to be at Kim Namjoon’s mercy, melting into his arms. The hands around his waist grounded him, stabilising against the stormy winds.
📩
From: Jeon Jungkook <[email protected]>
To: Kim Namjoon <[email protected]>
Subject: Hey
Hey.
Can we talk?
Kind regards,
Jeon Jungkook
Please think about the environment and do not print out this email unless necessary
📩
“Kim Namjoon.” Jungkook hated using his bossy voice. But if Namjoon was ignoring his emails then Jungkook had to. Most people were still on their lunch break, the office floor was quiet.
Namjoon looked up from his computer, feigning ignorance. “Yes, Jungkook-nim?”
“Can I speak with you for a moment, please?”
“I’m very busy working right now, actually.”
He had minesweeper open.
Jungkook narrowed his eyes. “It can wait,” he ordered. “Kitchen. Now.”
Namjoon sighed dramatically, but followed Jungkook into the kitchen.
Shit.
What did he do now?
“Uh.” Jungkook wrung his hands together. He’d been so worked up with just getting the courage to start the conversation, he’d forgotten what else he was supposed to say. “I can’t believe I’m saying this but… I had um… temporarily forgotten some – ahh – events from last night which I now do remember.” He paused, glancing nervously up at Namjoon. Jungkook cleared his throat as he carried on. “You had said it was a fun night. And it was. It was.”
“You said it was a mistake."
“I did –” Jungkook admitted. “But I meant just the general overdrinking that has resulted in my splitting migraine. I did not mean us two…”
“Us two…”
“You know what I mean!” Jungkook whispered, embarrassed.
“Yeah, but I want to hear you say it.” Namjoon smirked.
Kim Namjoon was like a ferocious whirlwind, destroying everything in his path. And yet there was something about him that Jungkook… yearned for. He was a puzzle – saying mean things and being incessantly moody whenever Jungkook talked to him as his subordinate.
And yet…
Jungkook couldn’t seem to get him out of his mind. Namjoon’s dimples, his laugh. The feel of him. It was making his chest hurt and his heart ache in a horrid way he hadn’t felt since his stupid crushing teenage years.
“I liked it.” Jungkook said, eventually. “I liked kissing you.”
“I did too.”
Jungkook had assumed so, but hearing Namjoon say the words was like a cupid bow through his heart. He blushed and shuffled backwards against the kitchen counter so he had something to lean against.
Namjoon stepped towards him, and Jungkook fluttered his eyelashes, demure. He allowed Namjoon to cage him in, pulling onto the end of his tie to bring him even closer.
“Maybe we could…” Jungkook cocked his head to one side and flicked his hair, “kiss again?”
It was like a continuation from their night before. Namjoon’s deep but careful gaze, eyes so expressive it felt like he was staring into Jungkook’s soul. Jungkook didn’t care how cliche it sounded, everything around them faded away. There was only Kim Namjoon, standing in front of him.
“Yeah,” Namjoon nodded, swallowing hard. “We could.”
Jungkook breathed out. “Well, come here then.” He tugged on Namjoon’s tie gently and used his other hand to cup around Namjoon’s chin. The kiss was slow, timid almost. Namjoon’s hands moved, slipping from the counter to rest lightly on Jungkook’s shoulders.
After everything that had happened between them, this kiss felt like a lullaby. A gentle, goodnight and sweet dreams kiss. But Jungkook didn’t want gentle or sweet. He wanted to be consumed, ravished.
He pulled Namjoon forwards, their chests bumping into each other. Namjoon’s soft grip on his shoulders loosened, his hands stroking gently down his chest. It felt complete – kissing Namjoon. Jungkook breathed in a sigh of relief, he didn’t want anything else.
Namjoon moved him gently like it was nothing and slipped a thigh between Jungkook’s legs.
Something inside of him snapped, maybe it was his dignity. Namjoon’s body held him captive. But Jungkook did not even attempt to fight it. Somehow it was everything he needed.
Jungkook hardly recognised himself, acting so shamelessly as he grabbed hold of Namjoon’s shirt. And yet everywhere on his body felt hot, desperate for Namjoon’s touch – for his kisses. Jungkook twisted the cotton of Namjoon’s shirt between his fingers, pulling him closer.
Namjoon felt so hot and heavy against him, Jungkook couldn't resist the temptation to rub himself against the thickness of Namjoon’s thigh.
He had no control over the rhythm of his hips. Namjoon sucked a hickey into his neck and Jungkook bit back a moan.
“Don’t hold back on me,” Namjoon whispered, his voice tantalisingly deep. His big hands moved downwards, spiraling around Jungkook’s hips. Namjoon’s big hands were always meant to be there, cupping his waist, Jungkook deduced. His fingers danced, softly pulling onto Jungkook’s belt hoops.
“Let me hear your pretty voice.”
Jungkook rocked forwards, relishing in the authoritative way Namjoon held him down, canting him forwards. The moan he let out was embarrassing, but he had no time to reflect.
The door to the kitchen swung open and they leapt apart from each other.
“Oh.” Mingyu stood awkwardly by the door. “Um – sorry I didn’t realise the kitchen was occupied.”
“Good afternoon, Mingyu-ssi.” Jungkook squeaked, trying to hide his boner with his hands. “Wonderful weather isn’t it.”
“Yeah.” Namjoon coughed.
“I was just talking to Namjoon-ssi about spreadsheets.” Jungkook hurried, shuffling awkwardly to the door. “Okay great talk, Namjoon-ssi. Mingyu-ssi. Good day.”
Jungkook didn’t wait to hear what they would say, he catapulted out of the door. The office was still empty (luckily), so he rested against the outer wall to get his breath back and to will his boner down.
There were murmured voices coming from the kitchen. Jungkook was only half listening.
“ – easy?”
“I don’t know.” Came Namjoon’s muffled reply.
Jungkook frowned. He knew it was bad to eavesdrop but, for some reason he had a nasty feeling.
“Not surprising he’s easy. Considering how he got the job.”
It felt like Jungkook had been consumed with fire. They were talking about him, weren’t they?
Namjoon thought he was… easy? Considering how he got the job? What the fuck did that even mean?! He’d found the job online and applied just like anyone else would have done.
They didn’t think – Jungkook gulped. They didn’t think he’d somehow slept his way here, did they? How the fuck would that have even come into conclusion?
Jungkook heard their footsteps getting closer and closer to the kitchen door, but he was too shocked to move. Mingyu dropped his gaze to the floor, hurrying away to his desk with his tail between his legs.
Namjoon at least had the decency to look guilty. Jungkook only realised he was shaking when Namjoon placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
“That’s what you think of me?” Jungkook seethed, shaking his hand away. “That I somehow slept my way here, so it’s easy to get into my pants?”
“What?” Namjoon frowned, hissing back. “No! That’s not what –”
“I knew something was up, with the childish way you’ve been acting since I joined the team.” Jungkook could barely think or process what was coming out of his mouth, he was that angry.
“I have no idea who started that rumour,” Namjoon admitted. “But it was such a prolific role and then – and then you appeared. You were a lot younger than we were all expecting. What else were we supposed to think?”
“That I’m fucking smart and worked hard to get where I am? What the fuck are you even saying –”
“I’d been on the team for three years, Jungkook. I applied for the job, I thought I had a shot at it.”
“So you acted like some dumb teenager because I got the job and you didn’t? How is this my fault?”
“I resented you for it – yeah. But it wasn't just me, loads of people thought it too!”
Jungkook barked out a laugh. “Oh – that makes me feel soooo much better, thanks.”
“It’s got nothing to do with getting in your pants –” Namjoon hissed, his voice dropping as people started to come back into the office. “Yeah, some think that maybe. But there’s another rumour that you were given the job. There’s someone on the upper management team – Jeon Sowan – everyone thinks you’re her nephew.”
“So either I’m some slut or a nepo baby – that’s it?”
“I’m sorry – alright?” Namjoon stammered. “I didn’t think –”
“No.” Jungkook shoved at Namjoon’s chest, moving him away. “That’s the thing – you didn’t think. At fucking all.”
“Jungkook-ah, wait –”
Jungkook shook his head, refusing to look back. “I’m supposed to be working. I don’t have time for this.”
It was like he was walking on stilts back to his desk, he could feel stares from every direction. Did they believe the rumours too? Both? He didn’t know which was worse. Neither were true, and both undermined the tears and hard work Jungkook had put into the stupid job.
Were they all waiting for him to fall, like vultures?
Jungkook stared at his computer screen and zoned out everything around him. He felt conscious of every little thing he did, itching his nose, scratching his neck, coughing.
He sent an email to his boss, and focused on nothing else but the current spreadsheet that had been a pain in his ass for a few days.
Namjoon tried to send an email, Jungkook deleted it. Min Yoongi sent him an email next – Jungkook deleted it. Next – an email from Jimin. Deleted.
When the time finally came, he pushed his chair away from his desk and walked towards his manager’s office.
“What’s this email about?” His boss, Im Yejin asked as he shut the door.
“I’m handing in my four weeks notice.”
“I see.” Yejin glanced up from her screen, shocked. “I thought you were settling in the role quite well?”
Jungkook shrugged. “I was – but now I’m not so sure.”
Yejin took off her glasses and popped them into her blazer pocket. “Jungkook-ssi…”
“I just don’t think I’m the right one for the job.”
“I disagree.” Yejin shook her head. “Your resume was outstanding. You’ve got a strong work ethic, you’re clever. It’s only natural to have some doubts in yourself and what you can achieve. But if you think you’re not capable then you’re not the person I thought you were.”
Jungkook dipped his head in shame. “I’ve enjoyed the role so much. I really have but –”
“Then perhaps give it some time to think over and process?” Yejin suggested. “Rash decisions tend to be the wrong ones. And I’m not ready to lose my best employee just yet.”
📩
Jungkook had no idea how much time had passed until someone touched his shoulder, breaking him out of his trance. Thinking it was Namjoon, Jungkook shook the hand off and glanced over his shoulder.
“Oh, hyung.”
Kim Seokjin gave a small wave. “Working overtime?”
“Huh?” The office was empty, the golden shimmers of the setting sun breaking through the window. Jungkook glanced at the time on his screen, it was nearing 7pm. “Oh – I didn’t realise it was getting late.”
He vaguely remembered Namjoon passing by his desk, trying to get his attention. But Jungkook was as stubborn as they came, he refused to even acknowledge Namjoon.
“How about a drink or a bite to eat?” Seokjin asked with a smile, as Jungkook logged off and picked up his bag. “Hyung’s treat?”
Jungkook hesitated – Seokjin was giving him the same look from his first day. It was a look of pity or sympathy, like Seokjin was here for damage control per someone else’s request.
And yet, the smile Seokjin gave him was kind. Seokjin had always been kind, wanting to hear about Jungkook’s day, listening to his woes and complaints of the days in the office. Maybe talking about it would be good, and Jungkook respected Seokjin.
“Samgyeopsal?”
Seokjin nodded. “All you can eat.”
Jungkook appreciated Seokjin talking about silly, trivial little things as they walked to a BBQ restaurant nearby. He talked about his recent conquest of Hallasan, and how his legs had felt so much like jelly he had to crawl on the floor a lot of the next day. He talked about Hoseok and how he had recently adopted a new puppy, called Hope.
Once the meat was ordered, and Jungkook worked the grill cooking some kimchi and delicious strips of meat, Seokjin cleared his throat.
“So – are you going to tell hyung what’s bothering you?”
Jungkook shrugged, and put some of the cooked meats onto both their plates. “Don’t act like you haven’t heard the rumours, hyung.”
“I haven’t!” Seokjin poured him a glass of soju. “Whatever rumour it is, it’s very localised to just your departmental team. Me and Hoseok haven’t heard a thing.”
“Namjoon-ssi told me,” Jungkook stuffed two pieces of meat into his mouth, chewing furiously, “that because I’m younger than the rest of the people in the team they automatically assumed I was given the job either through sleeping with management, or through one of them being a family member. None of which are true, by the way.”
“Namjoon called Hoseok up almost in tears, saying he had made a terrible mistake.”
Jungkook snorted, and stuffed some rice into his mouth. “He didn’t seem sorry at all.”
“Did he say that to you?”
“He basically insinuated I was an easy lay.” Jungkook poured them both beer.
“Now I’m not trying to negate Namjoon’s words or actions,” Seokjin said firmly, “I have no idea about the context and anything he was implying. And he and the others on your team should be ashamed of themselves. But Hoseok trusts him, and has known him a lot longer than me. We really thought you two would get along.”
“Yeah well, you thought wrong.”
Seokjin said nothing for a short while, sipping his beer. “I know Namjoon can be a bit blunt with his words sometimes. But he has a good heart. Did he explain his reasoning?”
“Does he need to?” Jungkook scowled. “I didn’t want to tell you – or Hoseok hyung. But ever since I joined the team they’ve all acted like I was some villain. Namjoon included – the first time we basically spoke outside the office was last night at Hoseok hyung’s paintballing party and he didn’t really say very nice things.”
“Did my eyes play tricks on me or did I witness the two of you making out on the dancefloor?”
Jungkook felt his cheeks flush. “We – ahh – might have, yeah.” He ducked his head to almost bury his face in his rice bowl. “But it’s just so messy, hyung.”
“I may be showing my age here. But do you know what’s the best thing to do in a messy situation?”
“Grab my pistol and duel at dawn?”
“Hey! I was born in 1992, not 1792!” Seokjin lifted up his chopsticks as if ready to fight. “Have you actually talked to Namjoon about this?”
“Not really.” Jungkook frowned. “But he’s the one at fault here, not me.”
“I’m not saying he’s not at fault, he’s clearly fucked up big time. You deserve to know exactly what is happening.”
Seokjin was right, as always. Jungkook did deserve that, after all the stupid rumour was revolved around him anyways. Namjoon had been acting so differently, so confusing.
“So you’re saying I should just forgive him and listen to what he has to say?”
“Not at all!” Seokjin shook his head. "I don’t think you should let him off that easily.” He picked up a new bottle of beer and poured some more. “Something tells me that you could have him eating out of the palm of your hand, Jungkook-ie. I think he would do anything to get your forgiveness.”
Jungkook leaned his elbows on the table and widened his eyes. “Oh?”
📩
The next day Jungkook walked into the office with his head held high. He heard people whispering his name, looking at him as he made his way to a desk. He paid no attention to them. The talk with Seokjin last night had healed Jungkook in some ways, he didn’t feel as hopeless.
As soon as he sat down, there was a cough over his right shoulder.
“Um, Jungkook-ssi.” Namjoon stammered, holding two coffee cups. “Good morning. I was wondering if you wanted some coffee this morning.”
Jungkook couldn’t deny he was gasping for some caffeine right about now. But Namjoon looked so worried, so timid like some sad puppy dog. “No.” He turned back towards his computer screen.
“Oh,” Namjoon cleared his throat, Jungkook could imagine the dimples fading in his cheeks. “That’s fine, um have a good day Jungkook-ssi.”
“Actually.” Jungkook called out, eyes still glued to his screen.
“Yes, Jungkook-ssi?”
Jungkook smirked to himself and turned around in his chair. “I’m actually really craving hot chocolate.”
Namjoon nodded quickly, his eyes lighting up. “I can get you that.”
“Really?” Jungkook fluttered his eyelashes and pouted. “That’d be amazing. Can you get me a mint hot chocolate?”
“Oh –” Namjoon’s face paled. “Sure!” he shivered, straining a smile.
“Is there something wrong?” Jungkook asked innocently.
“Not at all! I love mint hot chocolate – it’s so… yummy and minty.”
“Great! Can you get me an extra large one? With extra cream and chocolate peppermint sprinkles on top? Thanks, now excuse me – I am very busy.”
Exactly fifteen minutes later, Kim Namjoon appeared at his desk again. This time holding an extra large mint hot chocolate, his face pale like he wanted to hurl or retch. “Your hot chocolate with extra cream and sprinkles.”
“Thank you so much.” Jungkook grabbed the cup and gave it a big slurp. “Delicious!” He smacked his lips.
“Um – Jungkook,” Namjoon hesitated. “I wanted to see if you had some time to talk?”
Jungkook put down his cup, but immediately picked it back up to take another big sip. “Talk ?”
“Yeah – I…” He brought a hand to the back of his neck. “I’m not proud about what I said yesterday and I’d like to explain myself.”
“What you’re really saying there is, you feel bad and want to explain so that you make yourself feel better.” Jungkook said, leaning back against his chair.
“I…” Namjoon shuffled his feet a little awkwardly. He looked up to meet Jungkook’s gaze. “I guess?”
“You’re not even concerned about my feelings at all,” Jungkook rolled his eyes. “You’re just so focused on you and what you want to get off your chest.”
“That's – that’s not true at all!” Namjoon frowned, shaking his head, “I really am sorry and I care. I just want to talk –”
“Well I’m busy right now trying to work. Because I got this job on my own merit, without sleeping with someone or getting it handed to me. You would have known that if you’d tried to get to know me at all.”
“Right, I deserved that,” Namjoon said quietly. “I’ll leave you to your work.”
“Thanks.” Came Jungkook’s reply, a little harsher than he had planned.
“Oh and Jungkook-ssi. Sorry, you’ve got a bit of –” Namjoon pointed to his own nose, lips and chin.
“What?” Jungkook’s cheeks reddened, raising a hand to his own face.
“You have a cream mustache.”
Jungkook wiped his sleeve over his lips. “Thanks.”
“Ah you’ve still got just a little bit on your nose –” Namjoon reached over, and wiped a tissue over Jungkook’s nose. He moved back just as quickly, a little blob of peppermint cream on the tissue. “There, all done.”
Jungkook tried not to squeak.
📩
When it was nearing lunch time, and the office was emptying, Jungkook felt someone linger behind his desk. He turned slightly over his shoulder.
“Can I help you, Namjoon-ssi?”
Namjoon looked like a deer in headlights. “I – ah – was wondering if you were getting lunch?”
He seemed so cute and helpless, Jungkook couldn’t help but smile at the awkward way he wrung his hands together and twisted his fingers. “No – I’m in the middle of something and I’ll lose my train of thought.”
“Right, of course.” Namjoon nodded. He didn’t move, just bounced up and down on his feet for a moment.
“Was there something else?” Jungkook sighed, putting down his pen.
“No! I’m sorry –” Namjoon hurried to say. “I don’t want to disturb you.”
As good as Jungkook was at his job, he could sometimes have terrible time management. It was one of those days, when he had last looked at the time after Namjoon had left it had just turned 12:05. Slowly, people had returned to the office, delicious wafts of takeaway food making Jungkook’s stomach churn in hunger.
Jungkook was so focused on the spreadsheet he hadn’t even checked the time. His limbs were aching from sitting so still so he allowed himself a quick 5 minute toilet rest break (not recommended, make sure you give yourself at least 15 minutes break of screen time every hour or so!).
He checked his phone and the time was suddenly 15:09. Where had the time gone? It was like his stomach was furious, grumbling and screaming at him for being neglected for so long. Jungkook staggered back to his desk, he was starting to get a headache.
As he sat he noticed something looked different on his desk. The longer he stared, the more his head pounded with the oncoming migraine. Jungkook blinked and his gaze drifted to the bag that had definitely not been there when he left.
Curious, he opened it slightly to take a peek.
Jungkook-ssi –
Don’t work too hard 🙂
Underneath the handwritten note was two bottles of banana milk, a packet of spicy shrimp crackers and four tuna gimpbaps.
He tried not to cry as he picked up the bag. He supposed he could allow himself twenty minutes or so to eat before he continued working. He sent Jimin a quick message and made his way to the sixth floor where his best friend worked.
“I realised I might have an armpit kink,” Jimin said casually as he stole one of Jungkook’s shrimp crackers.
“I am trying to eat!” Jungkook choked in disgust.
He blocked his ears, trying not to screech as Jimin described his and Yoongi’s delightful night.
📩
The next day Kim Namjoon brought doughnuts into the office. Jungkook tried to not look too keen, too hungry at the box. After all, he was still mad and Namjoon hadn’t quite earned his forgiveness yet.
“This one is mint choc-chip,” Namjoon murmured, sliding a doughnut on a napkin onto Jungkook’s desk.
Jungkook took the doughnut, stunned and oddly endeared.
“Thanks.” He took a small nibble and ended up inhaling it under five seconds. It was delicious.
“Did you like my gift?”
Jungkook looked up from the coffee machine to Mingyu.
“Huh?”
“Yesterday, I left a gift for you on your desk.”
“There was nothing on my desk –” Jungkook started, frowning as he tried to think. He paused, realisation settling uncomfortably at the pit of his stomach.
The food – the banana milk and his favourite snacks. He had secretly assumed it had been Namjoon’s doing, some sort of sweet gesture as he still tried to show how sorry he was. Jungkook hadn’t admitted it but butterflies had been swirling around his stomach as he’d imagined Namjoon running to the convenience store to get them for Jungkook.
“Ah…” Jungkook faltered, putting down his coffee in case he dropped it. “Um, thank you. That was really kind of you.”
Mingyu shrugged. “It was no biggie. It had been lying on my desk for ages.”
That made no sense. The food tasted fresh to him. “Right…” he frowned.
“It was mostly to apologise,” Mingyu began to explain, a sheepish smile on his lips. “On your first day here I saw you and thought you were really hot. And then I realised you were on our team, and that you had gotten the managerial position. I don’t know why but I just automatically assumed you must have got the job somehow.”
“So it was you who started the rumour.”
“Not intentionally,” Mingyu shrugged. “It made sense at the time. I didn’t realise Namjoon had some feelings. It wasn’t some dumb ploy to have him hate you.”
“What the fuck are you even talking about?”
Mingyu looked around the kitchen before turning back to Jungkook, dropping his voice to just a whisper. “Namjoon had been talking incessantly about this super cute guy he’d just seen at reception, who had this adorable bunny smile and really wide, doe eyes.”
Jungkook stared at him, not entirely sure where this was all going.
“You.” Mingyu added, rolling his eyes. “He came up to our floor and couldn’t stop talking about you. Meanwhile, at the same time we knew the manager position in our team had been filled and we all had some sort of idea about how this infamous Jeon Jungkook had got the job. When you came out of the elevator and the boss said it was you who was Jeon Jungkook and the new lead, fuck – it was like the little lights in Namjoon’s eyes went out.”
“Oh –” Jungkook had no idea what to say, what to think. He opened his mouth, but closed it. His brain was full, trying to process every little bit of information.
“So anyways, that was why I put the pen on your desk.” Mingyu continued conversationally. “Truce?”
“Pen?”
Mingyu stared at him, confused. “Yeah… the pen I left on your desk? My gift?”
Come to think of it – Jungkook had noticed a second pen on his desk that he had no idea where it had come from. But he’d been so drawn into the bag of food and snacks, he hadn’t really given the pen a second thought.
The food. It wasn’t from Mingyu.
It was like Jungkook had just sprinted a marathon and had finally reached the finish line. His legs buckled underneath himself, a breath catching at the back of his throat.
Oh – OH.
Maybe it had been Namjoon?
Jungkook excused himself quickly, forgetting his coffee and ignoring Mingyu’s call that they should hang out soon.
He hurried back to his desk, looking around carefully to see if he could find Namjoon. He wasn’t at his desk. Had he gone to the toilet? Jungkook waited five minutes, twirling around on his chair as he waited, eyes like a hawk on the toilet door.
After ten minutes, Jungkook gave up. Where had he gone?
His brain was too haywired to focus on work, so he decided maybe going outside for some fresh air would help. He could walk to the nearby coffee shop, maybe get himself a matcha latte and try to sort out his thoughts.
Determined, Jungkook set off. He was almost salivating by the time he got to reception, already thinking about how yummy the matcha latte would be when –
A stranger’s laugh interrupted his thoughts rudely. Jungkook looked up, just in time to see Namjoon hugging a random man Jungkook had never seen before.
Jungkook froze, moving quickly to the side of the wall so he was hidden behind one of the big potted plants. What was Namjoon doing? Why was he petting this guy’s hair, giving him a sweet dimpled smile?
“Thanks for the lunch, Namjoonie hyung!” The man said, giggling.
“It was nice, Tae.” Namjoon smiled. “We should do it more often.”
Namjoon had gone out to lunch with this guy and now he looked so happy, his smile so bright. Who the fuck was this Tae? With fluffy blonde/brown hair and cute chubby cheeks?
Jungkook’s heart sank. But – he had thought Namjoon liked him? After all the confusing roller coaster rides his heart had been on for days… Namjoon didn’t even like him?
Tae gave Namjoon a quick wave and walked out of the building. Namjoon waved back and then rummaged in his bag to find his work pass.
Jungkook hurried to the stairwell, watching in misery as Namjoon waited happily for the elevator.
Namjoon seemed far too happy at his desk. Clearly this Tae guy had lifted Namjoon’s spirits.
Jungkook hated seeing him so content with life, whilst he was sitting there suffering.
“Namjoon-ssi!” Jungkook barked, after he had enough.
Namjoon turned around, wide eyed and pale. “Yeah, Jungkook-nim?”
“I want your time sheet as soon as possible.”
“My time sheet?”
“Yes. Is there a problem?” Jungkook glared.
Namjoon shook his head. “Not at all. I’ll do that now.”
From: Kim Namjoon <[email protected]>
To: Jeon Jungkook <[email protected]>
Subject: Kim Namjoon, Timesheet
Good afternoon, Jungkook-nim :)
I hope you are doing well.
Please see attached my timesheet :)
Kind regards,
Kim Namjoon
Jungkook frowned at the email, rereading every single word. Kim Namjoon had the AUDACITY to wish Jungkook well?
Now he was stepping over the fucking line.
Why wasn’t he asking if they could talk? Why wasn’t he begging for Jungkook’s forgiveness? Had Namjoon given up already? He clearly hadn't liked Jungkook that much if he had given up that easily.
Twenty minutes later Namjoon asked if anyone wanted something from the coffee shop.
Jungkook relished in every painful shiver that erupted from Namjoon’s body as he asked for a mint chocolate chip hot chocolate again, with extra cream and peppermint sprinkles.
📩
The next day at lunch time, Namjoon logged off a little bit earlier than he normally did. Jungkook stared at him as he left his desk, happily whistling while he waited for the elevator.
Jungkook narrowed his eyes, observing Namjoon’s body language. He was wearing a nice fresh cotton blue shirt, perfectly ironed and tucked into some smart looking navy blue trousers. It was like he was dressing up for something.
Jungkook’s stomach tensed. Or… some one.
He jumped off his chair, hastily logging off just as the elevator doors closed. He rushed towards the fire exit, thundering down the stairs like there was fire pumping through his veins. By the time he had gotten to the ground floor his feet felt numb and he was out of breath.
It felt weird (and fine, he would admit it was just a little bit creepy) to spy on Namjoon as he exited the elevator. But Jungkook had to know what was happening. Because he deserved to know – didn’t he? After the past few tumultuous days, he needed to do this in order to protect himself and his heart.
Jungkook just wasn’t expecting how badly it would hurt.
The Tae guy was already waiting at the reception, and waved a hand in the air. Namjoon waved back, lightly jogging towards him – his dimpled smile on show.
Jungkook squirmed as he watched.
Tae said something, and then from a bag he was holding pulled out a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Jungkook’s heart catapulted up his stomach and threatened to escape through his throat. Why was Tae giving Namjoon flowers?
Why was Namjoon ACCEPTING the flowers? Smiling at Tae and then the bouquet? Was he telling Tae thank you so much, these are so beautiful – just like you. Was he declaring his undying, unwavering, never ending love to Tae right now?
Jungkook bit back a sob. He had seen enough.
He couldn’t watch anymore.
📩
Jungkook heard when Namjoon came back onto the office floor. He was loudly chatting to someone else from the team, being very disruptive with his happy puppy laugh that sent annoying jolts down Jungkook’s back.
Jungkook got so much work done, he zoned out the entire world around him for what seemed like hours.
An email from Namjoon popped up but Jungkook ignored it, deleting it without even looking at the subject line.
If Namjoon was in a happy and healthy relationship with this Tae then Jungkook could accept that. Yes, it made Jungkook feel a little shitty and upset inside but he would have to deal with that on his own time.
But it gave Namjoon no right to try and make Jungkook feel worse, flaunting his presence when he had already made it clear he didn’t want to be with Jungkook.
Jungkook breathed in angrily, slamming his keyboard as he typed.
“Uh – Jungkook-ssi.”
Jungkook’s hands felt like they were seizing up. He cracked his knuckles, turning sideways at Namjoon. “Yes?”
“It’s um, getting quite late. Will you be leaving soon?”
It was almost 7pm, how did Jungkook keep working so late? The office was empty, the lights dimmed.
Jungkook yawned, shocked at how much time had passed. “I should do, yeah. I didn’t realise the time.”
He finished his work, saved his files and logged off. All the while, Namjoon stood behind him, shuffling about on his feet. Jungkook sighed as he stood up, knees clicking from sitting down so long.
“What do you want?” Jungkook asked, as they walked to the elevators.
Namjoon took a deep breath. “I’ve been trying to work out how to apologise to you – properly like you deserve.” He was fiddling with a bag in his hands, staring at his fingers as he spoke. Shakily, he took out a bouquet of flowers.
Jungkook couldn’t breathe.
“These are for you.” Namjoon hesitated, thrusting the bouquet into Jungkook’s hands.
Jungkook stared at them, horrified. He had seen them before, because only hours ago had he witnessed the Tae guy handing them to Namjoon. They were beautiful, bloomed red carnations with gypsophila twirled around the edges.
“How dare you?!” Jungkook gasped.
Namjoon’s smile fell. “I –”
He shoved them back into Namjoon’s chest. “I don’t want your dirty, cheating flowers? What the fuck do you think you’re trying to pull?”
“Wha –” Namjoon shook his head. “I don’t know what’s –”
“Your boyfriend just gave those to you!” Jungkook seethed. “And now you’re trying to go against his back!”
“My boyfriend?”
“UGH – YES!” Jungkook shouted. “The one I saw you with at reception. You went out to lunch yesterday! You disgusting, two timing cheat!”
“No no no – that’s my brother.”
“What?”
“That was my brother,” Namjoon said carefully. “Kim Taehyung. He recently moved back to the area so we met up for lunch. He was helping me…” he spluttered, cheeks red. “He was helping me out because he works at a florist. I wanted some flowers to give to you.”
“To me?”
“Like I said, I wanted to apologise properly.” Namjoon murmured, handing the bouquet back to him.
This time Jungkook took it, trembling. There was a little note stuck onto one of the red carnations, my heart aches for you.
“Oh…”
“I’m not proud of what I said to you. Nor with how I’ve treated you these past few months.” Namjoon started, fumbling with his coat. “You’re right – I should have attempted to get to know you better. Instead I was just consumed with some stupid rage thinking you didn’t deserve the role. But every day that I saw you I was just so… so transfixed and enamored with you. It doesn’t make what I did any better, in fact it makes it worse. And… Well, I’m sorry.”
“Did you buy me that food that was left on my desk?”
“Yeah,” Namjoon nodded, blushing. “I asked Yoongi hyung to ask Jimin-ssi what kind of snacks you liked. Jimin-ssi said banana milk was a good candidate.”
Jungkook felt heat rush to his cheeks. “Ah, he was right. Thank you, that was really kind of you.”
“It was the least I could do.” Namjoon shook his head. “I know some tuna kimbap and a bunch of flowers aren't magically going to make everything better. But I like you. And… yeah that’s it.”
“That’s it?”
“I'm not going to force you to say you like me back,” Namjoon shrugged. “I’ve been a fucking jerk and you don’t owe me anything. So yeah, that's what I wanted to say. Sort of – more or less. I’m so fucking nervous I sort of forgot what I had planned on saying so I had to improvise.”
“You wrote a speech?” Jungkook’s heart was doing somersaults.
“There was a lot more that I wanted to say,” Namjoon admitted. “But maybe I should stop there. In case I make even more of a fool of myself.”
“Hang on –” Jungkook called out, as Namjoon was turning away. “So you get to say your piece and you don’t even want to hear what I have to say back?”
Namjoon paused and turned back around. He dipped his head down, bunching his hands into his coat pockets. “You’re right. Okay. I’m all ears.”
“Alright…” Jungkook chewed on his bottom lip, deep in thought. “Firstly – what you did and said really fucking hurt my feelings. And you’re right – tuna gimbap, although it was delicious and I ate it so fucking fast I got indegestion, and a bunch of flowers doesn’t make it right.”
Namjoon nodded solemnly.
Jungkook continued, his heart beating fast. “Secondly and in relation to my first point… none of my family had gone to university before me. My parents saved up so much money so they could give me access to an education that they never had. They sacrificed so much for me. My hometown is Busan, my grandparents were fishmongers. And my auntie is not some hotshot manager at this company, although I’m sure whoever she is is a lovely and headstrong woman. My auntie owns a small, independent furniture shop. And I’m fucking proud to be called her nephew.”
“I’m sorry.” Namjoon murmured.
“And thirdly –” Jungkook said sharply. Namjoon hung his head again, ready to listen. Jungkook licked his lips, thinking over what he should say next. “I like you too.”
Namjoon made an odd sound – like a squeal mixed in with a gasp. He lifted his head up quickly, eyes wide. “You do?”
“Yeah. I do.” Jungkook nodded, feeling jittery as he stared into Namjoon’s eyes. “I thought that much was obvious after…” he hesitated. “After what we did in the kitchen.”
“Oh –” Namjoon paused, smiling coyly. “You liked that?”
Jungkook had definitely liked it – more than liked it. He had been unable to think about nothing else for hours afterwards. His brain had been plagued, only capable of replaying the image of Namjoon so close against him, his hot and heavy thigh moving Jungkook up and down in rhythm.
Someone cleared their throat behind them. “Excuse me – this building is closing soon for cleaning. Please leave the building.” One of the security guards said, looking at them suspiciously like they were about to rob the place.
“Sorry!” Namjoon stammered, pressing the down button on the elevator. “We were just leaving.”
Ten seconds later came the ding! of the elevator and the two of them wobbled in, Jungkook shakily hit the Ground Floor level and they both bowed in apology to the security guard as the doors closed.
The jazzy elevator music filled the stunned silence between them.
Jungkook stared at the floor, analysing intently the state of his shoes. He really needed to give them a good clean or scrub. Or maybe it was high time to invest in a new pair? He’d had them for a few good years at least. They didn’t look as new as they once did.
Namjoon coughed and Jungkook felt his warm hand slowly slip into his own. Jungkook smiled down at his shoes. He gripped Namjoon’s hand back, lacing their fingers together.
The elevator doors opened, revealing the reception area. Cleaning was already in process, they hurried over the floor, apologising profusely as they exited the main doors.
It was cold out, there was a slight chill in the late February air. But Jungkook didn’t seem to notice, as he held Namjoon’s hand. Every inch of his body felt warm, happy.
“I’m still angry,” Jungkook clarified softly as they set off walking with no destination in mind. “But I’m willing to give this a go… us a go.”
Namjoon pulled them to a stop, lifting Jungkook’s hand to kiss his knuckles. “And I’m going to make sure you know how much I care about you. If you’re willing then so am I.”
Jungkook’s heart fluttered. “I am.”
“Okay.” Jungkook adored Namjoon’s smile, those deep dimples that sunk between his cheeks. It made his insides feel all jelly-like. “So – what do we do now?”
There was a lamppost just behind Namjoon, encompassing him in a golden light. Jungkook stepped forwards and leaned on his tiptoes. “Whatever we want,” he grinned. “But for starters – how about a kiss?”
“Yeah, that sounds good.”
Their lips met in a sweet kiss. Namjoon was soft, tantalisingly so. Warmth blossomed inside Jungkook’s chest as he parted his lips slightly and closed his eyes.
His hands softly gripped onto the shoulder pads of Namjoon’s coat, moving them towards the wall so they didn’t block the sidewalk.
Namjoon kissed him back deeply, his own hands encircling his lower back. His kisses were refreshing like the summer rain.
Jungkook pulled back slightly, pecking Namjoon’s lips in a quick kiss. “Is your place nearby?”
Dazed, Namjoon blinked. “It’s around a ten minute walk, give or take.”
Jungkook pushed back from the wall, tugging Namjoon forwards. “Lead the way.”
“Are you sure?”
There were a few things Jungkook was sure about. That samgyeopsal was delicious. That mint chocolate chip was underappreciated and deserved more love. That no matter how gloomy winter felt in its coldest, iciest depths – spring was bound to come eventually, just around the corner.
“Yeah – I’m sure.”
📩
“We fucked for hours –” Jungkook sighed dreamily. “We did it in the kitchen against the fridge, in the shower –”
Jimin groaned and buried his face into the table. “I’m so happy for you, I really am. But I do not need to hear every single detail.”
“Really?” Jungkook popped another shrimp cracker into his mouth. Namjoon had bought them for him as they walked to work together, holding hands. “Because I had to listen to you waxing poetry about Yoongi’s –”
“Okay!” Jimin hushed, blushing furiously. “You won’t hear me talking about Yoongi’s… you know what ever again.”
Jungkook giggled and picked up his banana milk (also a gift from Namjoon – Jungkook was spoiled). “You have a deal, Jimin-ssi.”
📩
“So –” Im Yejin said, leaning back in her chair. “I take it that you have given your four weeks notice some thought and consideration?”
Jungkook nodded. “I think I acted too hastily before, Sajangnim. I’m sorry. If you would allow me to – I’d very much like to stay here.”
“Consider it done,” Yejin smiled. “Do you feel more settled now? I’ve noticed you’re working very well with the team, they respect you.”
“It’s not without its challenges, that’s for sure.” Jungkook answered honestly, “but I’m growing to love it.”
🎉🛼🪩🕺💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
March 9th
Jungkook skated against the smooth hardwood floor, turning in a half circle as he stopped on the breaks.
There were disco lights illuminated on the floor, on the back wall in bright letters were the words DYNAMITE. They had rented out the skating rink for a few hours, just the seven of them.
There was a flash of red in front of him. Kim Taehyung wobbled like Bambi, arms flapping dangerously as he tried to keep himself upright.
“Are you okay?” Jungkook skated towards him, laughing.
“I swear my life just flashed before my eyes,” Taehyung groaned, flailing again. His left leg slipped and the skates had a mind of their own – pushing his legs out as if he was about to do the splits. “Don’t leave me Jungkookie!”
“I’ve got you!” Jungkook smiled, pulling Taehyung up. “Come on –” he started to skate and Taehyung shook his head, gripping onto Jungkook’s back. “It’s just like walking – straighten your back and use your legs to push your body forwards!”
Jimin skated up behind them, arms landing securely onto Taehyung’s waist. “I’ve got you!”
Hoseok whizzed past them, Seokjin guiding him from behind. “Watch out!” Hoseok stumbled, almost folding in half as he skated into Jungkook.
“I think I’ve got it – I’ve got the hang of it!” Taehyung skated flawlessly for two steps and then fell backwards, into Jungkook’s waiting arms.
Namjoon skated towards them, grinning. “Everything okay?”
“Why didn’t I go with you when you took skating classes?” Taehyung sighed, legs flailing again.
“You took skating classes?” Jungkook giggled, heart fluttering as Namjoon twirled around them effortlessly.
“Baby, I didn’t just take skating classes –” Namjoon winked. “I won skating competitions.” He took Jungkook’s hands and skated them around in a circle, one hand landing softly on Jungkook’s waist.
Jungkook smiled, leaning in to kiss Namjoon’s soft lips. He glanced over to make sure Taehyung was okay and not in a heap on the floor. He was fine, Yoongi and Jimin were by his side, holding onto him and guiding him as they skated.
“They’re cute together,” Namjoon smiled, turning to watch the three of them. “Taehyung likes them. I think it’ll work out.”
“As long as they don’t go skating,” Jungkook said, moments before the three of them ended up on top of each other in a pile.
Seokjin and Hoseok skated over to them, all of them a giggling mess as they tried to regain their balance.
“Happy birthday Yoongi!” Hoseok cheered. “Many happy returns!”
“How much time do we have left?” Jimin asked, glancing at his watch.
“About forty minutes or so.” Seokjin answered. “Hey, did everyone see the ice cream machine over there? The ice cream is really good.”
Jungkook’s neck snapped in the direction Seokjin was pointing to. “Ice cream?”
They all skated over to the small machine, pouring out the yummy whipped ice cream into crispy wafer cones. Jungkook went back for seconds, and then thirds.
Afterwards, when their bellies were full and they still had a few minutes left, the seven of them skated in a conga line, swaying to the hit BTS song: Dynamite.
They sang Happy Birthday Min Yoongi into the air, dancing around the birthday boy.
“What are we doing after this, hyung?” Jungkook asked.
“How about a Just Dance battle at ours?” Jimin asked, grinning. “The night is still young, gentlemen.”
Jungkook leaned his head on Namjoon’s shoulder, snuggling into his boyfriend’s comfy and muscled chest. “I love you,” he murmured, kissing Namjoon’s neck.
Namjoon kissed the top of Jungkook’s head, hugging him tight. “I love you too.”
And they all lived happily ever after.
🛼🪩🕺💜💜💜💜💜💜💜