♡

Jimin had somehow imagined it differently when he agreed to Jin a week ago that he would meet the colleague. He hoped that the meeting with his colleague would be postponed or, what he would have preferred, that it would not even take place in the first place. Jimin dreaded that day.

Jin had texted him in the evening in the middle of the week to see if Jimin would be fine with meeting on Friday afternoon, and Jimin couldn't think of anything better to enjoy the Friday evening-note the sarcasm. He couldn't imagine how Jin asked his colleague, but it was none of his business.

Jimin had initially intended to respond no, but he had already stupidly agreed the week before and had no apparent reason to cancel. Illness was out of the question since Jin had seen him in the morning, and he couldn't think of anything else quickly. Jimin had no choice but to face and endure the meeting with an uncomfortable stomach feeling.

Friday comes quicker than expected. When Jimin arrives in front of the café where they're supposed to meet, he takes several deep breaths. He makes an effort to ignore the uneasy feeling in his stomach and the impending despair. Biting his lower lip, Jimin nervously plays with the strap of his bag he had put on earlier. Jimin asks himself repeatedly if this is truly a good idea of what he's about to do. Jimin realises there is no turning back, and he tells himself that as long as he sees Jin happy, it will continue to hurt.

It doesn't take Jimin long to find Jin and his colleague as he enters the café. The grey hair colour from the colleague immediately stands out among the guests and automatically draws gazes. Jin's sporting a soft grin on his lips as his eyes shift from the window they're sitting at to the other. Jimin notes the roundish face and gentle, gummy smile from Jin's colleague, making the other appear like an omega. Jimin swallows hard. Jin hadn't mentioned what kind of subgender his colleague has. He didn't even mention his name.

With each step he takes towards the table, his legs start to feel like jelly. Jimin hasn't even introduced himself to him yet, and a dark, heavy feeling is settling in his chest. But he no longer has time to think about it. The very next moment, Jin catches sight of him with sparkling eyes, and Jimin could swear that his vision blurs for a few seconds. It's been some time since he's seen such a sparkle in his eyes, and Jimin has to bite his lip to keep from making a sound of pure desperation.

"Jimin!"

He tries to muster the strength to mirror a smile with the same effect, but it probably looks anything but full of joy. Jimin makes a small bow and takes a seat across from Jin, next to the window. Taking off his jacket and backpack, Jimin takes the time to prepare himself for the wave of emotions that's about to possibly come. Since he also slept poorly that night, he finds it harder to control them.

Jimin quickly learns that Jin's colleague is an Omega named Min Yoongi. He looks not much taller than Jimin, which could also be deceiving due to the seating position. Yoongi seems to him rather serious and closed off, and Jimin tenses once Jin stands up and orders drinks for them. A waft of orange scent reaches him and moves through his body, undoubtedly belonging to the grey-haired omega. Jealousy takes hold of him. Yoongi's scent is fruity and refreshing, like lemonade on a hot summer day or orange juice in the morning, while his own is flowery.

But the worst comes when he sits there and tries to join in the conversation. Jimin finds out he has some things in common with him, such as liking to cook and dyeing their hair. The four-year older Omega even likes the same coffee as him.

Jimin wants to punch himself when he realizes that Yoongi doesn't even seem like someone negative and someone he can't hate. Yoongi needs a bit of time until he opens up and seems less shy, but the remorse Jimin has felt towards the man for a week simmers. He hates that he can't find it in himself to hate Yoongi. Up till now, he hasn't found anything to dislike. Jimin wants to be mad at Jin for being interested in someone else, but how can he?

He will have to swallow his feelings and get over them. That's the only thing he can do.

Correction. That's what Jimin tells himself while meeting Yoongi. Things look different when he sleeps a night over it. What may have looked hopeless yesterday may look different today. The flame with hope burns again, even if not as strong as two weeks ago. There's still this hope that Jin changes his mind when he knows about Jimin's feelings. As far as he knows, Jin hasn't told him about him asking Yoongi out. Is it wrong to still be hopeful?

Jimin doesn't know how to answer this question. That same evening, Jin asks him what he thinks of Yoongi, and it's hard for him to lie, so he just says, 'He seemed friendly and reserved at the same time'. Jin is obviously satisfied with his answer and drops onto his sofa with a slight sigh of relief during the phone call. Jimin doesn't need to see him to know how thrilled the alpha is. His gaze darts to the floor with a pained expression, listening to Jin about his day. Can the alpha really not see his feelings for him?

Before he falls asleep that day, Jimin decides to take matters into his own hands and leave hints, showing Jin he can be the one who makes him happy and that he's been in front of his nose the whole time.

ღ

"Should we order chimaek today?" Jimin looks up from his spread-out books on the coffee table before him and meets Jin's questioning gaze in the latter's living room. Since lunchtime, they have been studying for upcoming exams. The sun has set, and the lamp above them now provides light.

"We've been studying for hours. I don't know about you, but I could use a break."

"Yeah, me too. Let's order some beer and chicken. I still have some pages left." Jimin yawns and runs his fingers through his blond hair, stopping at the back of his hair when Jin snorts and gets up to retrieve his phone from his room.

"Let me tell you, you've studied hard today and it's late. I don't think you'll get into your brain what you haven't memorized so far. You've done great when I quizzed you earlier, don't worry too much."

"Thank you," Jimin murmurs gratefully. He is honestly lucky to have someone like Jin in his life. Jin has helped him endure exams and other stressful situations countless times. It may be because Jin is older and already has more life experience. Usually, Jimin stresses more easily about something, and Jin is the calm one.

"You know what else we should do? Watch a new Netflix series. We'll do that. Put your stuff aside and I get my laptop." Jin looks up and disappears into his room without giving Jimin a chance to object. It's how Jin is, and that's what Jimin likes about him. He always looks out for and supports him wherever he can, ever since Jin has seen how much Jimin has stressed himself about this one exam in the first year.

Jimin makes a face remembering it. Working as a social worker has been on his mind since he was in secondary school, automatically putting more pressure on him to reach this goal. After obtaining his associate degree with good grades, he was buckled down to study just as hard, if not more, for the bachelor's degree and even pulled all-nighters with coffee in the first months. A terrific sleeping habit was developed until Jin noticed.

Slowly but surely, he got accustomed to a new study schedule for which he didn't need to pull all-nighters anymore and even picked up on flying yoga and quickly after on aerial silks as a distraction and to stay fit. There are still times he can't help but fall back into the old habit, though, just like today.

"Here." Jin holds his laptop out to him and unlocks his phone, running into the kitchen. His eyebrows draw thoughtfully together as he scrolls up and down the screen, seemingly searching for something. Since the flat resembles a dorm, the living room and kitchen are connected, allowing Jimin to keep watching him for a moment. The alpha leans back against the counter, relaxed, and quickly types something on his phone.

His gaze drifts away from the phone, and their eyes meet. "I ordered chimaek. Would you like some cocoa? A tea? You can pick a series on Netflix in the meantime. The tab should pop up when you click on the browser."

Jimin remains unmoving at first, still holding the laptop, before quickly scrambling to place it on the coffee table. "A cocoa, please." Switching on the laptop, Jimin comes across the input of the password. "Tell me your password."

"You can't handle me."

"W-what?" Jimin blushes, thinking he must have misheard.

"Nevermind." Jin shakes his head and laughs like he laughs when he tells a dad joke. "I was just kidding. Forget it. I don't know why I said that. It isn't the password. The password is drop it like it's hotpot. Everything written small and together."

This makes Jimin lean backwards against the sofa and then suddenly lean forward over the table, laughing out loud. "What?"

"What do you mean what? The teachers suggested having a longer password."

"You're ridiculous," Jimin chuckles and adds, "It should contain special characters to make it safe from hacking."

"Eh, trust me, nobody wants to hack that thing voluntarily. They're more likely to find hundreds of pictures of my favourite singer than anything interesting."

Jimin snorts. "You know that's not how it works."

"Okay, fine. I couldn't think of anything better. Is that what you want to hear? Nevertheless, don't you think it's a good password, hm?"

"To be honest, I'm not surprised. It does sound a lot like you." Jimin enters the password while grinning. He hovers the mouse pointer over the screen and presses the browser button, waiting for Netflix to load. Jimin confirms the saved password for Netflix and watches how the main page pops up with recommendations to watch.

"I just remember that I brought you something. It kind of reminded me of you. You've been mentioning it so often recently, and I couldn't help but bring you some."

With wide eyes and a cup of steaming hot tea in his hand, Jin turns to face him in the kitchen. "You brought me something?"

"Yup, let me get it for you." Jimin moves swiftly, pulling the little plastic box from his bag and setting it on the counter before Jin, beaming. He watches sparks forming in Jin's eyes, and his chocolate scent spikes. Seeing that it was worth getting the fried honey cookies gives him a warm sensation in his chest. He's one step closer.

Jimin thinks about how content Jin makes him, the latter probably not even realising it. The compliments and the support, and he wants to return that and show that he means it as a best friend and as a potential mate. Jin smiles with his whole body, his eyes turning into half moons, and Jimin has to control himself from leaning forward and inhaling his enticing and aromatic scent.

A sudden warmth he feels on his fingertips snaps him out of his thoughts and causes his heart to beat more quickly. It lasts too briefly for Jimin's liking because Jeongguk suddenly appears in the kitchen and makes a face, breaking their heart-warming moment.

"Oh, don't look at us like that. It's normal to give each other gifts as friends," Jin explains with a serious undertone, and Jimin is sure Jeongguk sees his face fall the next moment.

Right, friends. Best friends.

Jimin feels his face flushing. He's too embarrassed to look Jeongguk in his eyes, fearing he might see the obvious. Jimin scrambles back to the coffee table with a mumbling excuse, listening to Jin asking Jeongguk if he wants to watch Netflix with us and telling him they ordered some chimaek.

Jimin actually doesn't want to hear Jeongguk's response as he sits down on the floor, yet he can't help but rest his fingers on the laptop keyboard and wait. Will he join their film night? Will he be against joining?

When Jeongguk replies in a low voice, "No," and Jimin hears his room door close again, he exhales in relief. Is it his fault, or does Jeongguk generally not feel like watching a film?

He thought after the painting evening, they are one step away from the awkward atmosphere they were in. However, it still appears to be as strong as before.

"Sorry, I don't know why he's behaving like that. Usually he's the first one to say yes to a film evening with chimaek," Jin sighs, shoulders slumping. He grabs Jimin's cocoa cup in his right hand and sets it on the coffee table as he hears the doorbell ring.

"That must be the delivery service."

Jimin is still seated on the floor, while Jin immediately dashes to the door, grabs the meal, and strides back to sit behind him on the sofa. "Have you chosen a film or series yet?"

"Um- What about this?" Jimin blinks and clicks with the laptop mouse on the K drama he saw recommended the other day. "Business Proposal. It's about a woman who goes on a blind date, disguised as her friend, and discovers the man is her boss-"

"Sure. Sounds exciting. Let's watch it." Jin agrees, and his gaze wanders from his laptop down to Jimin, who has made no move to get up from the floor. "Aren't you going to sit on the sofa? The floor is hard."

Jimin shrugs indifferently. "I don't mind. It's comfy."

"Whatever you say, but at least sit on a cushion." Jimin takes a seat on a beige cushion that Jin handed to him after reaching out to the side of the sofa to fetch it.

He thanks him, and shortly afterwards, the series begins, which makes them both shut up. They consume the chicken while watching the first episode through to the end and eagerly begin the second episode when the silence gets broken.

"Jimin?"

"Hm?"

"Let's paint another room." Jin's voice now sounds more tired and strained from the beer and studying. He's lying down with his head close to Jimin's and yawns tiredly. Jimin is sure it won't be long before his best friend falls asleep.

"Shouldn't you discuss this with Jeongguk first?"

"I should, shouldn't I?" he whines, drunk on beer. "White all over the walls is just so boring."

Jimin snorts and looks over his shoulder, the film slowly fading into the background as he lets his eyes wander over Jin's tired face. A yawn escapes the latter's lips, and his breathing slows, shallower as his eyes flutter close in between. It is only a matter of time before he falls asleep with his head next to Jimin on the sofa.

"Maybe you should have been a painter," Jimin replies amusedly and looks up, startled when something moves in the corner of his eye. Surprisingly, Jeongguk enters the living room and sits silently beside him in front of the sofa. Again, the room gets lightly filled with the scent of caramel. Jimin can't help but draw his eyebrows together in confusion. Neither does Jeongguk say anything at first, nor does he give any indication of why he is there.

"Cold..." Jin murmurs lowly, pulling Jimin out of his thoughts. Worried, he looks behind him, wondering if he hasn't imagined it. However, he immediately recognises that Jin is cold from the way he is shivering. Jimin doesn't think twice and reaches for the blanket at Jin's feet. He lays it gently over his body and pauses for a moment. Maybe he is not warm enough?

It seems enough for Jin, who snuggles deeper into the blanket, and again Jimin's eyes cannot leave him without a sad spark.

"What are you doing here? Would you like some chicken, there's some left." Jimin has limited his voice to a whisper so as not to wake Jin. He reaches for the chicken box and holds it out to Jeongguk, who hesitantly takes some. Jimin doesn't know where he got the sudden courage; he guesses the painting has something to do with it. Before, he would have kept quiet rather than approach Jeongguk.

"I know we're not friends or anything, but if you need someone to talk to, I'm here."

Jimin is clueless, not understanding why he would say it out of the blue. He thinks momentarily about how to answer but decides to just say okay, thanks.

"What are you watching?"

"Oh- um," Jimin clears his throat and looks back at the laptop, slightly embarrassed. He had completely forgotten about the series. "It's a kdrama called Business Proposal. I don't know if you see this kind of series-"

"I saw the trailer the other day and put it on my list," Jeonggguk says, taking Jimin completely by surprise. He didn't take him for someone who watches kdramas. But then, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

"Do you mind if I continue watching, or should I put something else on?" That is, if Jeongguk remains sitting there. So far, he still hasn't said why he suddenly sat down next to him.

"Leave it on," Jeongguk says tersely, biting into the chicken before looking back at the laptop screen, which is currently playing the scene of the leading character, Hari, concentrating on her work on the laptop. At the same time, her friend, Youngseo, moves around energetically.

"Well, I need that kind of concentration when I'm studying, too," Jimin grumbles and sips his cocoa sulkily. Occasionally, he mumbles small comments to himself, not noticing that Jeongguk is giving him glances.

"Ouch, that must hurt," he murmurs again during the kissing scene, sighing less happily as his gaze shifts to Jin, then back to the screen, wishing things were different. "I feel your pain."

Jimin looks sheepish after grabbing a piece of chicken and biting into it. His gaze meets Jeongguk, who looks at him with such unusual gentleness that Jimin is taken aback for a moment before becoming aware that Jeongguk has most likely heard him all along.

"What?" After what feels like an eternity, he mumbles, his cheeks flushed pink from the attention. Jimin has to break eye contact, his scent slightly burning for embarrassment.

Jeongguk blinks and awkwardly clears his throat, obviously taken aback by the sudden question. Shrugging, his eyes dart back to the laptop screen, and he's not going any further into it. "Nothing."

Jimin's eyes narrow, and he casts a suspicious glance at him. He pauses momentarily before turning back, almost missing the soft whisper coming from the caramel-smelling alpha. "Cute."

Jimin looks more concentrated on the screen, trying to blend the other out. He believes Jeongguk meant the series because they are currently showing Hari. At any chance, he'd say it, too. But why does he tense when his heart skips a beat suddenly? Why does he even wonder who Jeongguk said it to? It's not like he said it about him.

Jimin keeps his thoughts to himself for the remainder of the series. They exchange no words, but Jimin miraculously finds some sort of comfort in his presence before calling it a night and bringing Jin to bed with Jeongguk's help. Jimin quickly says goodbye and heads back to his dorm, thankful that Jin and Jeongguk don't live too far away from campus. It would be torture if he had to take the bus back to the dorm at nearly midnight, waiting at a dimly lit bus stop.