Chapter Text
"Kookie, you need to finish your food faster. We don’t want to be late."
Namjoon encouraged Jungkook to eat more quickly. It was his son’s first day of kindergarten, and he was moving unusually slow.
"Appa, are you leaving me there?" Jungkook asked with wide puppy eyes, clinging to his fork like it might save him.
"I’ll be there, hun. Don’t worry. Besides, you’ll meet new friends. It'll be fun!" Namjoon replied, hoping his smile was as reassuring as his voice.
"Okay then!" came the cheerful reply, followed by a bunny-toothed grin and the final bite of pancake.
Once dressed in his tiny coat and boots, they stepped out into the crisp spring air. The bus arrived on time, and Namjoon snagged two seats—a window for Jungkook, an aisle for him.
He mentally reviewed his schedule: drop Kookie off, grab coffee, get to work, pick him up later... maybe hit their favorite diner...
"Appa, I want ice cream!"
Namjoon blinked. "Kookie, it’s still cold outside. Maybe something warm?"
But the boy was already deploying his secret weapon: teary eyes and a pout only Yoongi would have taught him. Damn you, Yoongi.
"Alright, bun. No crying in class means more ice cream, deal?"
A squeal of joy burst from Jungkook, drawing amused glances. Namjoon chuckled and gently hushed him.
At the kindergarten, Jungkook suddenly clung to him, anxiety peeking through his excitement. Mrs. Choi, the warm, silver-haired head of the kindergarten, greeted them with a smile, alongside a bright-eyed teacher.
"Mr. Kim! And you must be Jungkook—welcome!"
Jungkook peeked out shyly before burying his face in Namjoon's shoulder. "He’s a little shy," Namjoon said apologetically.
"Totally normal," Mrs. Choi replied. "This is Mr. Jung—he’ll be Jungkook’s teacher. He’s wonderful with new kids."
"Call me Hoseok," the man said, offering Namjoon a cheerful handshake before crouching to Jungkook’s level. "Hey there! Is that a bunny coat? I love bunnies, too."
It worked. Jungkook peeked out. "I have Mr. Bunny at home… but Appa said I can’t bring him."
"You can next time. Want to meet your new playmates today?"
Jungkook hesitated. Namjoon gently reassured him.
"I’ll be just outside. Hoseok-ssi will take care of you, okay?"
And just like that, Jungkook nodded, took Hoseok’s hand, and beamed back at his appa.
"I want mint choco, Appa!" Namjoon melted on the spot.
From the hallway, he peeked through the classroom window with Mrs. Choi, smiling as Jungkook started warming up. He handed over the forgotten bag and waved goodbye.
"He’s in good hands," Mrs. Choi reassured him.
Namjoon spotted a café beside the school. Rustic interior. Earth tones. Plants. He smirked—Yoongi would love this place.
He ordered an iced Americano, a sandwich, and a chocolate muffin, taking a seat by the counter while waiting.
His coffee arrived, and just as he turned to leave—
[moments earlier]
"Yes, Dad. I’m in the café right now. Yeah, I already dropped Taehyung off at kindergarten 30 minutes ago. He’s going to be fine. Jimin’s in the same class—you know how close they are. I’ll call you again later. I’m running late for my—"
Bump.
His phone slipped from his hand. And his iced coffee? All over the floor. And—God help him—probably all over the tall man he’d just collided with.
Oh no. Not today, he winced internally. Grabbing his phone and rushing to the counter for a clean cloth, Seokjin turned—then stopped cold.
Tall. Blonde. Honey-skinned. Sharp dragon eyes.
Is he real?
He didn’t feel fear. Just awe. Borderline romantic awe.
Before he could overthink it, a warm hand gently wrapped around his wrist, pulling him back to the present.
"Hey, are you alright? S-sorry… I’m s-so… c-clumsy…" the man stammered.
Seokjin blinked.
"Y-your phone… It’s… uhm… screen... broke." He checked. Yep—cracked. Still working. Barely.
"No... Nooo. I should be the one apologizing. Look at your coat—it’s stained." He began dabbing at the fabric with the cloth, knowing it was hopeless.
"It’s okay. I have a spare coat in my office," the man replied with a small smile— dimples flashing.
Cute, Seokjin thought.
He wanted to ask his name. Maybe sit down. Maybe make it more than just spilled coffee. But the clock behind the bar glared back at him.
He scrambled to pull a business card from his wallet and handed it to him.
"I have to go. Just contact me if you need help with the coat or anything."
He turned to the barista.
"Please make him another iced Americano. It’s on the house," he added with a quick smile before hurrying out the door.
He didn’t look back.
‘Jin, you idiot! You forgot to ask his name!’