Chapter Text
"Ready? Okay!"
At the blow of a whistle Jungkook was performing - a smile covered his face and every movement had an underlying bounce. His hair was long enough to bounce with him, jumping as he ran into place, throwing a girl over his head before he skillfully caught her ankle to hold her in place. As one of the more muscular and taller members of the team, he often acted as the base, supporting the flyer as they carried out their stunts.
His timing had to be impeccable to assure everything went smoothly. So he counted to the beat meticulously in his head, never forgetting to smile as he caught the flyer in time and moved into his next position.
Routinely, his eyes would be forward, on the audience, but today something else caught his attention. Not their coach off to the side and scrutinising their smiles. Or their Captain, Dae, stood before them, clapping her hands and calling out steps. No, it was the basketball team practice occurring behind her.
More specifically, Park Jimin.
It wasn't that he wanted to watch, no, it wasn't that at all. He had no desire to look. Jungkook was watching Jimin because the very man kept watching him. He knew why, he always knew why.
"Jungkook! Toes forward, back straight!" Dae called out sternly, though a smile was tracing her lips when he met her eyes instead.
He mouthed a quick sorry before he refocused his attention, correcting his posture and trying his best to clear his mind. The captain shook her head, laughing under her breath as she turned to someone else. Pointing, she instructed, "Soojin, smile, you're not being tortured."
"It feels like it!" Soojin yelled back breathlessly, never ceasing her movements and making everyone laugh.
Dae laughed along, shaking her head in disapproval though she blew her whistle, an action everyone knew was an indication to stop. "Okay, okay. Five minutes and then we'll pick up from the third lift."
She checked with the coach who nodded wordlessly, holding up a hand and spreading out her fingers to show how long they had.
Generally having brilliant stamina, Jungkook only looked to the ground, shaking his head to make sure his hair wasn't sticking to his forehead from sweating too much - it was exceptionally sunny today - and then he was looking up. Once he did, small breaths leaving his lips and his chest rising and falling, he found Jimin's eyes. The man had been looking at him. Again.
Though he looked away, it took too long, was too purposeful. Jungkook rolled his eyes.
"You okay?"
At the voice, Jungkook turned to his side to find Taehyung lying on the floor, limbs spread out in a show of his exhaustion. Jungkook spoke through laughter as he assured, "I feel like I should be asking you that."
"Nah, I'm great." Taehyung waved him off, exaggerating his movements as he hauled onto his side to grab his water bottle and take a gulp. "Want some?"
Wordlessly, Jungkook took the water from him and took his own sip - he always forgot to bring his own to practice. Usually, on Mondays, he was rushing to afternoon practice after his photography class, almost forgetting to change into his uniform most days. Luckily his saviour was always here to rescue him.
Handing the drink back to the blonde, who sat up and ran a hand through his hair, Jungkook confessed, "I just can't focus today, maybe it's the heat."
"The heat." Tae echoed, taking another sip, eyes shifting to the side, to nothing in particular. "Somethings definitely got you hot, that's for sure."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Jungkook challenged, looking down at the man and raising an eyebrow. Before he got a response, another voice was interrupting them, a shadow covering Tae and making him sigh in bliss, thanking the girl for the shade.
"Are we still on for tonight?"
"We wouldn't miss it."
At Jungkook's uncharacteristic words, Dae narrowed her eyes. Reevaluating his own eagerness, Jungkook tilted his head from side to side as he adjusted, "Well, okay, maybe I would miss it." Shrugging, and smiling softly, he added, "But I promised, so I'll be there."
"I am so happy you never break a promise Jeon Jungkook!" She beamed, smiling brightly and lifting her shoulders, like her body couldn't contain her excitement.
To be fair, this was something that required significant levels of excitement. Jungkook had not been to a party since the very first one he had attended at college - one that Taehyung had dragged him to and one that went bad enough to strengthen his already strong hatred of parties. Dae had been the greatest advocate against Jungkook's hatred of parties. It wasn't just the obnoxiously loud music or the large crowds that put him off, it was the odd convulsion that came over everyone to touch and kiss and talk to each other like they were the only ones in the room. If it were up to Jungkook, he would be the only one in the room.
"Only because it's your birthday." He pointed out with a playfully stern glare, making Dae subside her excitement to nod seriously. "Don't think this means I'll be attending every party you throw."
"If we did that, we'd never leave her dorm." Taehyung muttered from the floor, whining when Dae purposefully stepped aside so the sun was shining in his eyes again.
She tried not to laugh as she watched Taehyung chase her shadow, talking as she moved around. "I promise, Jungkookie! One party."
Jungkook finally let his stern glare melt away, a smile taking its place as he then remembered, "And Happy Birthday."
Smiling, she wrapped her arms around the younger in thanks. Quietly, before she pulled away, she assured, "If you need to leave, just tell me. I won't mind, Kookie."
With the reassurance, Jungkook squoze Dae just a little tighter, taking solace in her words. He was thankful that if he was being forced to attend any party, it was Dae's.
As he pulled away, he only nodded, sharing one last soft smile with the girl before her expression entirely changed. Voice louder, she now called, "Times over! Asses up!"
Despite the chorus of groans that echoed around their small area of the field, all of them quickly returned to their position. Afterall, this was University cheerleading and they all held the sport deer to their hearts, enjoying it thoroughly even if it was exhausting at times.
As Jungkook found his own position, pushing a hand through his dark, long locks, his eyes once again fell on Park Jimin. And once again, the other was staring right back at him.
▪︎☆▪︎
When practice finished Jungkook was dripping with sweat but he didn't have a moment to catch his breath. Immediately, he had to grab his bag and run back to the locker room, changing before he had to attend his filmography class. No matter how much Tae tried to convince him he looked incredible and the class would be thankful, Jungkook refused to attend his lessons in his cheer uniform.
In competitions, Jungkook didn't mind the white and baby blue ensemble. The blue shorts or pants never bothered him and the tight, long sleeve crop top, embellished with the intricate design of the two colours only led him to blush a little bit. A few times Dae or Taehyung had caught him shyly trying to cover his midriff, lifting his arms to wrap them around himself or uselessly tugging on the crop top, only to realise every time it didn't give at all. But that didn't really matter, Jungkook loved to exercise and practice and that often kept him confident within his body, it was more the attention that caused him to grow timid. In matches and competitions it was easier to focus, his mind always cleared of any thought but the next step, his next position and Jungkook loved the way that felt. Loved listening to the shouts and screams, meeting his teammates in the perfect combination to seamlessly carry out their routine and raise everyone's spirits. As much as they energised the crowd, he was always energised too.
However, in practice, when everyone's attention was just a little more lax, a little more wandering... he always felt someone's eyes on him.
Ordinarily, Jungkook hated attention, and whatever came over him during competitions had not given him the decency of possessing him during the rest of his life too. So, Jungkook refuses to walk into his class in a tight crop top and shorts, with pompoms hanging from his bag.
No, Jungkook will wear his oversized, comfortable clothing. And if he was going to get to listen to his lecture in comfort, he had to hurry and change.
He only heard distant shouts of, "If I don't see you at my party tonight, Jeon Jungkook, I'm kicking you off the team!", as he ran off. Waving a hand over his head, he left the large field that housed both the basketball and cheer practices on Mondays, Tuesdays and Friday's, because apparently it was good for them to be familiarised with each other. Jungkook disagreed for personal reasons.
After changing and attending his filmography class, the last one of the day, Jungkook dragged himself to his dorm room in the hopes of collapsing and never having to leave his bed again. Why he chose further education in the first place was always beyond Jungkook at times like this, when his body was drained and his mind even more exhausted.
However, when he pushed on the door of his room, accidentally hitting the whiteboard hanging on it and wiping off the end of his name - he'd fix it later, he was too tired to use his arms right now - his plans were entirely ruined.
Gasping, and frozen in place for an awkward amount of time, Jungkook fumbled before his brain eventually kicked started and made him turn around.
"Oh, fuck, I'm sorry!" He was still standing in place, moving to shut the door and then facing it. "You didn't write anything on the whiteboard!"
A low chuckle sounded out behind him and then Namjoon was saying, "It's okay, Kook, we were only kissing."
"It wasn't really the kissing aspect that I was shocked at..." Jungkook muttered, still awkwardly facing the door.
Behind him, Namjoon grabbed his boyfriend's shirt from the floor before tossing it over to him, watching him pull it over his head and cover the hickeys he had just painted onto his neck.
Jungkook wasn't really traumatised, after two years of sharing a room with Namjoon he had gotten used to walking in on this type of event. Still, it wasn't something he welcomed with open arms.
"You can look now, Kook, it's safe." Seokjin laughed, standing up and patting Jungkook on the back, seemingly trying to get to the door.
Feeling guilty for interrupting them, he pointed over his shoulder at the door as he offered, "I-I can go to the library or something if you want to-"
"It's fine, Jungkook." Seokjin answered at the same time Namjoon said, "If you're okay with it."
Seokjin rolled his eyes, picking a jacket up off the floor and throwing it at his boyfriend. "He's kidding, Kook. I have to leave to make my next class anyway, so you're doing me a favour." He smiled, picking up his bag and swinging it over his shoulder.
Growing close to Seokjin as well, due to his presence around Namjoon, Jungkook could tell he wasn't annoyed. So, he simply smiled as well, waving politely as Jin pecked Namjoon one last time and then shut the door behind himself.
Finally confronted with his bed, Jungkook fell into the almost soft sheets and hugged his pillow to his chest.
Another low chuckle sounded out next to him, Namjoon watching from his own bed as he teased, "You need to start taking vitamins on a Monday or something."
"I think I'll just drop out instead." He mumbled into his pillow, eyes never opening.
"If you do that, I'll have to put up with some new, possibly crazy roommate." Standing up and pointing to the younger, though he had no idea as he was currently trying to fall asleep, Namjoon threatened, "I'll hold you hostage in this room before I let you drop out."
When Jungkook simply groaned, Namjoon laughed and moved over to their shared wardrobe, sifting through the clothes before he pulled out a shirt and threw it on his messy bed.
"Are you going tonight? To Dae's I mean?"
"Uh-huh."
"Really?" His eyes widened, sure that Jungkook would change his mind last minute.
"Uh-huh." Jungkook hummed again, pressed into his pillow and missing Namjoon's wide eyes and slow nod.
"Well... if you get overwhelmed just tell me, yeah? I've been to enough parties with the rest of the guys, I'm sure Jin Hyung wouldn't mind coming home early with us." Namjoon casually offered as he continued to look through his clothes, presumably finding something to wear later.
Despite his desperate want to slip away, fall into the haze of sleep, a soft smile covered Jungkook's face at the words. On his first day, when he had walked into this room and seen the large, handsome man with thighs bigger than his head and charming dimples to make it hurt that much more, Jungkook had been a little terrified. For one, he was sure this man, who he discovered worked out regularly and was on the basketball team and a philosophy major that ranted about the true meaning of life at regular parties, would not be understanding of his introverted nature. However, Namjoon had slowly seen Jungkook's hesitance to attend parties or gatherings or the numerous hangouts he'd invited him on with his friends, and not once had he pressured Jungkook to leave since then.
Now, Jungkook's heart warmed every time Namjoon went out of his way to make him comfortable. Jungkook found it hard to make friends, especially ones that understood him, but Namjoon was constantly showing him that he was just that. His friend.
Also, maybe Jungkook had the slightest crush on him in the beginning due to the whole large thighs and dimples thing, but that had slowly left and been replaced with more of an admiration for the older. In many ways, Jungkook thought of Namjoon as his role model.
"Thank you, Hyung." He breathed, opening his eyes to find the older picking up some papers he must have knocked over. "You don't have to leave though. Tae will be there so he'll stay with me. And you should focus on Jin Hyung, have fun and all that."
Namjoon smiled, picking up the last piece of paper and then looking over his shoulder, finding Jungkook's eyes. "Okay then, Kook. But if you lose him at all or just need me for anything, come and find me, yeah?"
Really, Jungkook wasn't sure if he would do that. Though he would want to be with someone he knew at all times, finding Namjoon almost certainly meant he'd find someone else and that was... well, Jungkook didn't want that. But, Namjoon was smiling sweetly and he was still grateful for the offer, so Jungkook smiled too, nodding softly in agreement before Namjoon finally let him fall asleep.
▪︎☆▪︎
"What if I broke my ankle?"
"How?"
"Hmm... I could throw myself out the window?"
At that, Tae stopped, dropping his hands and deadpanning the younger. "Really?" He asked, done with him. "You'd rather throw yourself out of a window than attend a party."
When Tae only received silence, Jungkook tilting his head, looking to the side and doing nothing to deny the notion, he threw the shirt in his hands at him. "Yah! Do I have to remind you that you promised?"
Deflating, because Jungkook had promised and he couldn't go back on that now, he grabbed the shirt and whined because that's all he had left. "When I promised it was so far away, though. Now it's... now."
"Three hours?" Jungkook's face grew even more exhausted, so Tae corrected himself to, "Two?"
"I can do one."
"One hour is great!" Tae beamed, proud of his friend.
"I meant minute."
"At this point I'll take thirty seconds, just take your clothes off." Tae scolded, now throwing a pair of jeans at Jungkook, still sitting on his bed in sweatpants and an oversized tee.
Reluctantly, Jungkook dragged himself up, making sure not to stand so obviously in front of the window and pulled his shirt off his head. He had learned that lesson the hard way. It was still lighter outside despite the time getting later due to the summer months. At least that meant they wouldn't have to walk through campus in the dark.
Once he pulled on the blue, silk shirt and tight black jeans Tae had thrown at him, tucking the shirt in and leaving a few buttons undone, he looked at the older like he was a five year old forced into a sailor outfit for a photoshoot.
"Do I have to wear this?"
"You look hot, Kook, of course you have to wear it." Taehyung said like it was obvious, even sounding amused as he rolled his eyes and handed Jungkook a delicate, silver necklace. Thankfully, he had decided not to throw this item at Jungkook.
Once that was done and his hair was sort of styled, a part in the middle showing a section of his forehead as his hair skimmed his eyes, Taehyung smiled at him in accomplishment. He felt very much like Tae's school project that was about to be shown off.
In his own outfit of black jeans, a plain tee and a blue jacket, embellished with a dragon on the back and flowers, Taehyung looked equally as good. As always, Tae was the pinnacle of fashion, Jungkook thankful that he had the older to plan his own outfit. If he had to worry about looking like a mess tonight as well, Jungkook really would have thrown himself out that window.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, Taehyung did not allow Jungkook anywhere near that window. Instead, forced his phone into his hand and walked him right over to Dae's dorm. It wasn't a long walk, only five minutes and they were reaching the building, finding the correct floor only for the elevators to open right into the scene.
Jungkook should have expected that really.
Of course everyone wouldn't have been able to fit in one dorm room. Instead the entire floor was being used, lots of doors open to allow people to enter different rooms, sitting on chairs and beds and then flooding back out into the large hallways. Where Taehyung was thinking about how pretty the fairylights looked stringed along the walls, emitting a soft yellow and pink glow, Jungkook was thinking of what a nightmare it would be to have strangers wander in and out of your dorm room for hours.
"Wanna drink?" Tae asked as they stepped out of the lift, having to raise his voice over the music that seemed to be surrounding them.
"Uhh, sure." Yelling back, he followed Tae towards somewhere the man apparently mystically knew would house drinks.
Maybe that's something all extroverts knew? Maybe there was a standard layout to parties they all followed so they could easily find where things were? Or maybe Jungkook was over thinking and Taehyung just didn't mind wandering through the dancing bodies until he found somewhere to find a drink.
Jungkook still wasn't sure which was true when they found a table pushed to one of the walls of the hallway, multi coloured cups piled up next to bottles of alcohol and buckets of ice.
Just as Jungkook reached for a red cup, Tae grabbed his wrist and shook his head to stop his movements. For a moment Jungkook truly wondered if Tae was trying to subtly tell him they were poisoned, but then he was informing, "That means you're taken!"
"What?"
"In a relationship." Tae further explained, though Jungkook was no more clearer on the matter.
"What?"
Laughing and finding the younger adorable, Tae nodded towards the cup as he said, "If you have a red cup, that means you're in a relationship. Blue means you're currently talking to someone, and pink means you're entirely free."
Was that a thing now? How did Tae know that? Jungkook was really starting to believe there was a manual they all must read to understand this shit because how would one possibly know that?
Narrowing his eyes, he asked, "Is there a cup that means 'please don't look at or talk to me'?"
Taehyung only laughed before he decided on just grabbing the red cup and filling it with beer before passing it to the younger. "This is probably the best bet, will keep people from hitting on you." After a moment of reflection, he added, "Decent people anyway."
"Oh yay, even more reasons to be here." Jungkook sighed, taking a sip and noticing Tae look at him apologetically.
Looking down at the bright red of the cup, he thought this might be nice whilst it lasted. Being in a relationship that is. Jungkook hadn't been in one at all whilst he attended Uni, and high-school had only provided small, meaningless flings. For the most part Jungkook didn't care, he wasn't up crying, planning out an imaginary wedding, but he may be lying if he said sometimes he didn't wish he was staying up talking to someone. Cuddling them, just having them there. Knowing they're his.
But those were dangerous thoughts.
And they didn't matter. Now, he had the red cup, and was in a committed relationship so he didn't need to worry.
"Jungkook!"
There are many people called Jungkook.
"Jeon Jungkook!"
Okay, so that made it a little more likely someone was shouting for him but still, no need to panic.
"Tae!" The chances of someone else called Jeon Jungkook attending this party with another Tae may be slim, but they were not zero.
"Jeon Jungkook, I will fire you from the team!"
Fuck. Dae was persistent. Sucking in a breath, Jungkook slowly turned around to find the girl across the room, hands on her hips and raising a challenging eyebrow, like she was ready to chase Jungkook if he ran for the exit. Maybe Jungkook wanted to smile a little bit.
As she waved her hand in the air, gesturing for them both to move closer, Tae grabbed his elbow and pulled them through the crowds. However, with each step, Jungkook saw more and more of the scene in front of him and wanted more and more to start taking steps backwards.
Right behind the girl was a sofa, on said sofa was Namjoon, Seokjin and Park Jimin. All sitting casually, chatting about things that they usually chat about - Jungkook truly had no idea, he avoided them at all costs. Basketball? Probably. Then two other men sat on each arm of the sofa, Jungkook recognised them from the basketball team as well as generally being friends with Namjoon and Dae.
Dae's summer dress, white and hitting her mid thigh, swayed side to side as she took the last few steps to meet the pair, wrapping her arms around both of them at once. Her strawberry blonde hair was out of the high ponytail from the earlier practice and now hung to her back in beach waves. And the red cup in her wrist almost tilted, spilling down Jungkook's back as she eagerly embraced them, smiling ear to ear.
Luckily, she caught it just in time, pulling back and giggling out an apology.
"You're not already drunk are you?" Jungkook teased, putting a hand to her elbow as she almost fell over.
"Of course not Kookie!" She endured, though Jungkook was sure she was a little bit tipsy.
Despite not attending parties, Jungkook had seen the girl drunk enough times at small hangouts with the team or sleepovers at Tae's dorm to recognise her bubbly, carefree tipsy state.
Jungkook laughed as he nodded, assuming the girl would enjoy herself to the fullest today.
Seemingly Tae didn't believe her either, as he warned, "You should probably sit down before you pull us all over."
Realising she was still holding on to them both, she laughed and used the advantage to pull them both forward, closer to the group of men. Jungkook felt his stomach twist. Then, she finally let go, allowing her body to face the sofa and them.
"Guys, you've all met Tae and Kookie, right?" She asked cheerfully, catching the entirety of the sofa's attention. In one motion, their eyes fell on Dae and then moved over to Jungkook and Tae.
Once again, Jungkook's stomach twisted. This time, with the prolonged attention, he even began to feel sick. He really hoped it wasn't obvious as he pushed his hands into his back pockets and tried not to fidget in his spot, eyes moving to Dae because that was the easiest person to look at.
From the corner of his eye he could see Jimin watching him, eyes tracing the entire length of his body and then they just stayed there. It was pure torture. Why couldn't he look away? Why couldn't he look anywhere else?
"Dae, I live with Kook, of course I know them." Namjoon was the first to speak, laughing as he raised his cup to his mouth.
"Ahhh, right." She giggled, making Jungkook smile at her clear intoxicated state of forgetfulness. Though, it faltered once he was reminded of the eyes piercing into his skin right now.
"And I think Jungkook's walked in on us enough times to be familiar with me." Jin joked, waving in greeting to the younger. Though he added, as he looked to Tae, "I don't think we've really met though."
"You've seen him at the dorm before, Hyung." Jungkook informed, reminding the older and then instantly regretting speaking.
"You're both on the cheer team, right? With Dae?" One of the men he didn't know asked, the one with a bright smile.
"We are!" Taehyung confirmed, able to match his energy. "And you're on the basketball team."
"We are." The man repeated, chuckling as he introduced, "I'm Hoseok." Pointing to the other man, he added, "And that's Yoongi. Don't mind him, parties aren't really his thing."
"Oh! Kookie hates parties, too!" Dae announced like it was a cause for celebration. She held onto Jungkook's shoulder as she hopefully offered, "If you come to more of my parties you could hang out with Yoongi quietly..."
"If he doesn't like parties then he won't want to sit here quietly either."
At those words everyone looked towards the source, Jimin having been completely silent until now. When Jungkook looked up as well, he felt his body tense when Jimin was already looking at him. Still looking at him.
For some reason he felt the need to look away, like someone had poured cold water over him. If anyone noticed his reaction they didn't say anything. Maybe they were all too busy looking at Jimin, waiting for him to say something else or even introduce himself as well.
"But..." Dae began, pouting as he looked at Jungkook, silently begging the younger.
"We shouldn't force him." Jimin spoke again and Dae stopped pouting, mumbling out a 'fine' as she stepped back, moving closer to Jimin. Then, she let herself fall onto the man's lap, her head falling onto his shoulder as one of Jimin's arms circled her waist.
Jungkook hated himself for it, but he watched the motion without blinking, he watched Jimin's hand fall to her thigh and caught the way she giggled as he pulled her closer and he felt sick when he saw the matching red cups in their hands. Those fucking red cups. And then, as the cup lifted, Jungkook's gaze traveled higher and higher until he was staring at Jimin's lips and meeting his gaze, shocked when the older was already staring at him. Still staring at him.
Once again he was looking away, tearing his eyes away like he had never been looking in the first place, like there was another reason he was breathless, and the urge to leave was so much stronger now.
"I didn't know you liked him?"
"What?" Jungkook almost choked, head snapping back to Dae so fast his neck hurt.
"I said," She enunciated, amusement in her tone, "I didn't know you liked someone."
Brows still furrowed in confusion, she nodded towards Jungkook's cup and slowly he started to calm down. Heart racing and breathing becoming slightly easier, he smiled awkwardly, one hand scratching the back of his neck. Everything was fine.
"Oh, I- uhh- don't." When it was now everyone else that looked confused he explained, holding the cup up, "This is my 'please don't approach me' cup."
For a brief moment Jungkook thought he saw a smile on Jimin's face, but it was so small and gone so quickly he began to think he had just imagined it. Maybe it was just wishful thinking.
"Cute." Dae laughed, and Jungkook noticed how Jimin held onto her tighter.
"Why are you here if you don't like parties?"
Hitting Jimin's chest, Dae scolded, "Don't be rude." Jungkook looked down, feeling his cheeks burn at the interaction. He didn't look up again until she was informing, "I made Jungkookie promise, it's my birthday after all."
He caught Jimin humming in response, entirely neutral as the girl then leant forward and pecked his lips. Jungkook looked back down again. Fuck. Why did he think this was a good idea? Why did he ever promise Dae?
"Come on, you two. I wanna dance with some of my favourite people!" Dae beamed, climbing off of Jimin's lap and Jungkook remembered why.
It was because Dae was one of his favourite people too. It was because she was the best captain he could ask for, sweet and encouraging and inspiring. And she was an even better friend, making sure he was comfortable every time they were out and checking in on him whenever he felt overwhelmed, or simply eating lunch with him and filling him in on all the gossip he had missed.
It was because, on the first day of cheer practice, when Jungkook fell over, she pretend to fall as well. Just so he wasn't embarrassed. Yeah, Dae was one of Jungkook's favourite people.
"I'll be back after, baby!"
That's why all of this hurt so much more.
"I want to see all that cheer practice paying off!" She teased as she grabbed Tae's hand and pulled them both further into the crowd of people, heading towards Soojin.
The girl was already dancing, body rolling along to the song with Beomgyu - another person Jungkoook knew from cheer. They met the pair with large smiles, or hesitant ones in Jungkook's case, and instantly joined them. Or slowly in Jungkook's case.
There was just something so awkward about dancing in a crowd of people. Was he supposed to just sway?
"Move your hips!" Dae shouted over the song, it being louder where they were, as though she could read his mind. Then she was placing her hands on Jungkook's hips as if to force the movement.
Jungkook laughed as he gave in, finally letting his hips move with her hands until she was clearly approving. Her eyes were big and her smile was beyond pleased, Jungkook knew she'd be talking about this for weeks.
"I knew you were a good dancer!" Dae beamed as Jungkook grew more loose, laughing at her excitement and shaking his head.
"He should be after all those dance classes!" Tae added, not having any trouble in letting his own body move freely to the song.
At Dae's betrayed expression, Jungkook laughed, "You cannot be mad at me for not telling you I take dance lessons sometimes."
"I can and I will!" She declared, moving one of her hands to punch his arm, making Jungkook whine and pout.
"Well now I'm never telling you anything!"
That only made her angrier, her betrayal growing even more evident as her nose scrunched up and she lifted her hand again, a threat falling past her lips. However, before she could land her hit, Jungkook grabbed her wrist, pretending to hit her side instead, which was wide open now.
At their side Taehyung burst out laughing, watching the scene unfold with a fond smile. Then, the alcohol definitely making itself present, Dae attempted to bite Jungkook's shoulder.
"Yah!" Jungkook scolded, swinging them around as they still danced and play fought, laughing because she hadn't bitten him seriously.
As he looked up, now facing the direction they had come from, Jungkook froze. Dancing with Dae, their bodies close as they laughed, he looked over her shoulder and found the sofa they had just left. All of the men were chatting, deep in conversation, except for one. There he was, leaning back in his seat, expression somehow balanced between neutral and intimidating, eyes piercing Jungkook's. Park Jimin.
Instantly, Jungkook became hot. Clearing his throat, he pulled back, distancing himself from Dae. Of course she didn't notice, just kept laughing as they all danced together, falling into Taehyung's shoulder as she then spun him under her arm. They almost slipped, yelling out and then falling into each other in a fit of giggles. All the while, Jungkook stood there, not being able to look away, yet not being able to stand looking another second.
Suddenly he didn't think he could stand being here at all.
Taehyung fell into his chest, bodies becoming closer as a new song came on, one that elicited jumping and large movements, and Jungkook finally snapped out of it. His eyes tore away from the sofa and when he looked up again the crowd was too thick to make out anything beyond that, to know whether there were eyes still lingering on him.
All he could feel were people touching him. Someone knocking into his shoulder and someone else apologising as they pushed him back. Dae and Taehyung were still in front of him, arms raised above their heads as they jumped up and down. Jungkook distantly registered the words they were shouting out, the lyrics to a song Jungkook swore he knew but couldn't recall at the moment, no matter how hard he tried. The words got quicker and quicker. Somehow louder and quieter at the same time, like everything was muffled. Someone else pushed his back, making him fall into Soojin. It was hotter with everyone so close, his silk shirt began to stick to his skin. It felt tighter. Suffocating. It was harder to breathe as well. Maybe Jungkook really was suffocating?
"I have to go."
Not sure if anyone heard, or cared, Jungkook held his breath and tried his best to keep his head down as he headed towards what he hoped was the exit. It took all his courage to try and push past people, a few more hands grabbing him and a few near trips before the crowd started to thin.
His head felt heavy and dizzy as he looked around, the dim lights making this all the more harder to locate the elevator doors. A couple to his left were groping each other, making out with no hesitation, and though Jungkook had barely glanced he was terrified they were about to accuse him of staring. He walked past them quickly.
Then, at the end of the hall, he spotted the elevator and sighed in relief. He didn't think of leaving without telling anyone or the guilt he may feel later for not being able to stay or properly fulfill his promise to spend Dae's birthday party with her. All he could think of was how hot it felt and how difficult it was becoming to breathe air in or how his thoughts all jumbled into negatives. And he wanted to leave.
Luckily someone was arriving on this floor as he approached the lift, the doors opening to offer him an empty, light, and quiet safe haven. He fell in and pushed the button, biting his lip as he pressed it again, hoping the elevator would receive the message.
However, as the doors finally began to close, another body slipped through the gap, enclosing them both in the small space as they shut all together.
"What are you-" Jungkook began, stopping when the words got caught in his throat, not really sure what to say. He still felt a little dizzy and unsure of himself and this only made him more unfocused.
"Didn't we talk about this, Jeon?"
"What?" He breathed, eyes turning to meet Jimin's, only to find the man already staring. Of course.
"How many times do I have to tell you to stay away from my girlfriend?" Jimin raised an eyebrow, his voice calm but stern, almost annoyed. "What? I have to say it in another language?"
Jungkook would assume he went on to ask that question in multiple other languages but really, what did Jungkook know? He could have said anything. Most likely he cursed him or told him to fuck off in as many languages as he knew.
"She spends her time with whoever she wants." He simply said, his eyes shifting to face the doors. It was still a little hard to breathe.
"I don't dictate who she can be with. I trust her, I don't trust you."
Jungkook rolled his eyes but refused to look to his left. No, he was facing the doors, willing them to open. Any second now.
"I see you, you know. Earlier at practice. Now. Your hands all over her." He stepped forward and Jungkook reflexively wrapped his arms around himself, maybe he needed the extra support. Or touch. "Her hands on your hips."
Nearly talking over his last word, Jungkook snapped, "We're friends."
"It looks like you're trying to be more than that."
Jungkook closed his eyes - this couldn't be happening again. It was like Jimin wanted to torture him. Someone did, Jungkook was sure. Why else would his life provide so much pain?
"Stop worrying about me and spend time with your girlfriend on her birthday."
"I wanna be with you."
Quickly, Jungkook looked to his side, finding Jimin's gaze and regretting looking when he looked completely unbothered. His arms were crossed over his chest and his eyes were so empty, almost cold. Jungkook always regretted looking at him. Without exception, Jungkook always hated himself for looking, for hoping, only for his heart to break every single time when he only found indifference.
"To make sure you actually leave."
Jungkook pressed his lips into a thin line. His eyes looked away before he actually turned his head, remaining entirely silent as he watched the doors. Please, please open.
He waited for the older to say something else, to make this even worse, but nothing fell past his lips. Jungkook wasn't brave enough to check if he was still staring. So, he held his breath and waited for the doors, sighing in relief when they opened a moment later.
Just as he stepped out, Jimin finally said something else.
"I have a girlfriend, Jeon." Jimin stated, and Jungkook knew what he meant. He knew that he was warning him to stay away from Dae, that he shouldn't flirt or touch or do anything else the man thought he was doing with Dae, but it sounded so close to something else that his heart plummeted.
If Jungkook closed his eyes, if he really wanted this to hurt, Jungkook could pretend Jimin was telling him he was taken. That for now, no one could have him.
"Not you." Jimin finalised and Jungkook breathed out, his fantasy breaking.
All Jimin was doing was threatening Jungkook, telling him to stay away from his girlfriend. Nothing more. It would never be anything more.
Without even responding, Jungkook spun around, storming out of the building as quickly as he could, missing the way Jimin stopped the lift, watching every single step Jungkook took until he disappeared from his sight.
▪︎☆▪︎
"Hey, I missed you last night."
"Ahh, right..." Truthfully, Jungkook had been so distracted with the conversation that occurred between him and Jimin that he had forgotten about how abruptly he had left. After a quick message to Tae, explaining how he had gotten overwhelmed and did not want to disrupt their fun, he had collapsed into his bed and tried to forget the entire night. Maybe, just maybe, he still remembered every detail.
"You were having so much fun, I thought I'd just slip out." He tried to explain casually, shrugging his shoulders as he leant forward, trying to reach his toes.
Standing up and looking a little nervous, Dae asked, "It wasn't anything I said right? Or did you not want to dance? I'm sorry, I should have-"
"No! No, Dae, not at all." The fact she was even apologising in the first place made Jungkook feel so guilty. Bringing his legs together, crossing them as he looked up at her, he shook his head, "It wasn't you. I just got... a little overwhelmed."
She calmed down a fraction knowing it wasn't her that made him run. "Okay then. Did you at least have fun until then?"
"I did." Jungkook smiled, only half lying. Though he didn't overall enjoy parties, spending time with Taehyung and her had been fun. Even meeting the guys on the sofa wasn't terrible but... Well, yeah. "I hope I didn't ruin anything either. You still had fun?"
"I did!" She assured quickly, dropping to her knees so they were at eye level now. Her manicured nails clutched her water bottle on top of her legs, they were both yellow today. Jungkook always thought it was endearing that she liked to match her accessories.
"Taehyungie managed to convince Hoseok to dance with us and then even Jimin came over." She laughed at the memory, missing the way Jungkook tensed at the name.
"I'm glad you had fun, Dae." Though no part of that was a lie, Jungkook still felt his stomach twist at the words. Because it still felt wrong. He still felt guilty.
"Jimin took me out after the party as well," She beamed, sharing the night with enthusiasm, "I ate so much food I thought I'd pass out and then we-"
"Actually, can we.." Jungkook swallowed, shaking his head at himself as he continued, "Can we go back to all of you dancing?" He laughed, or tried his best to, really hoping the change in topic wasn't obvious. "I can't imagine Tae Hyung dancing with all of you."
"He was incredible!" She announced, laughing herself as she added, "I never imagined Tae with the guys either but I think they got along. He even got Yoongi to dance at one point!"
"That doesn't surprise me, I think Tae could have convinced his professors to go." Really, there was just something about the boy. How could anyone resist someone so nice yet intimidating?
"Speaking of the devil." She uttered, making Jungkook look over his shoulder to find his friend walking up to them, bag swung over his shoulder as he crossed the field.
When he reached them he fell to the floor with a huff. "One of you is going to have to carry my bag from now on because I have had enough."
Dae chuckled as she said, "You may be convincing but even you cannot make me carry anything I don't need to."
Then she was heading to the front, checking on a few more people before she took her place. Taehyung looked at Jungkook for an explanation, but he just shook his head, thinking of their conversation.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah." Jungkook answered with narrowed brows. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"I just thought because of the party... do you wanna tal-"
"I'm really fine, Tae. Just got anxious with all the crowds but everything's fine now." He explained, getting to his feet and watching as the other belatedly copied his action.
"I'm just asking because I thought I saw Jimin following-"
"I don't think so." Jungkook interrupted, maybe a little too quickly for his casual act to entirely fool Tae.
His eyes narrowed, arms crossing over his chest. Slowly, and watching Jungkook like a hawk, he said, "I'm pretty sure I saw him follow you."
Opening his mouth to speak, Jungkook found no words with the intense stare. Maybe it was the guilt or the exhaustion from yesterday or maybe Tae really was just that hard to say no to, but whatever it was, Jungkook found himself in a weak spot.
"I... Okay, he followed me." Looking to the side, like this really was casual and no big deal, he added, "He just kinda... warned me to stay away from Dae."
Taehyung's facial expression immediately changed, confusion taking over him as he asked, "What?"
"Yeah." He breathed, almost laughing at his change in demeanour. "I guess he thinks I'm trying to, like, steal Dae from him?" Jungkook shook his head at the absurdity of that statement.
"He knows you're like..." Looking for the right word, Tae eventually settled on, "Painfully gay, right?"
Jungkook actually did laugh at that. Because, yes, that was another reason the whole thing was absurd - having to constantly put up with Jimin's stares and threats and hatred because he thought Jungkook wanted his girlfriend. But it was also absurd, and painfully funny, that he was in this situation because of how extremely gay he was.
"Apparently not." It's not that Jungkook keeps his sexuailty a secret, Taehyung, Dae and Namjoon, and anyone else that asked, all knew. He just didn't announce it upon his arrival to a room, because, why would he?
"Well, did you tell him?" Taehyung asked, a level of calm to his tone that suggested he assumed the answer would be yes. That would make the most sense wouldn't it?
"No."
"Why?"
"I- uhh..."
Why didn't Jungkook tell him?
Was it because Jimin didn't ask? Though most people would tell someone in this situation, just to stop the hostile stares and useless worry.
Was it because he thought his sexuality shouldn't matter? Jimin shouldn't be trying to scare Dae's friends away no matter who they were. If Dae wanted someone in her life, and she wasn't hurting her partner by betraying her commitment to them, then why should she have to leave someone? No, Jungkook was Dae's friend and he shouldn't have to tell Jimin his sexuality in order for him to think that either him or Dae would not cheat.
Maybe it was the fact Jimin had consistently warned him to stay away from Dae and Jungkook simply didn't think Jimin deserved the peace of mind. Maybe that made him an asshole, but maybe Jungkook didn't care.
Or was it because some crazy part of Jungkook liked the stares?
Was it because, though it hurt all the same, this was the only way Jimin gave him attention?
This way, in Jimin not knowing Jungkook was gay, the man stared and watched and thought about him. And Jungkook hated himself for it. He hated that he wanted that. He hated that he was letting this happen, allowing Jimin to hate him more and more each day just because he wanted Jimin to feel something for him.
And he hated feeling guilty all the time.
He hated talking to Dae, looking at Dae, being Dae's friend, all whilst living for that unspoken connection he had with her boyfriend.
He hated it, but Jungkook wanted to pretend.
Sometimes, on the days he could handle the pain, he'd imagine those stares were his. Only his.
Because Jungkook was so, so hopelessly in love with Park Jimiin.
"I don't know." He breathed, meeting Tae's eyes with a blank stare. "I don't know why I didn't tell him."
"Well, you should. Unless you want him to keep staring at you like that." Taehyung said in amusement, nodding towards the court behind Jungkook with a lightness that didn't carry to Jungkook's heart.
As he turned, Jungkook found the practice happening parallel to theirs and without even having to try his eyes found Park Jimin. The man in his basketball uniform, a hand running through his hair as someone else dribbled the ball past him, and there he was, looking right back at him.