Chapter 3: Over Coffee

The small café just down the street from the art gallery was cozy and quiet, the perfect setting for their conversation. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as Jimin and Jungkook sat by the window, their drinks in front of them. Sunlight streamed through the glass, casting a warm glow over the table, and for a moment, everything seemed perfect.

"So, a florist?" Jungkook asked, his eyebrows raised with genuine interest as he stirred his coffee. "I didn’t expect that."

Jimin smiled, cradling his cup between his hands. "Yeah, I own a small flower shop. It’s not the most conventional job, but I love it. Flowers are... therapeutic in a way. They bring people happiness, and I get to be part of special moments in people’s lives. Weddings, birthdays, even apologies," he chuckled softly.

Jungkook leaned forward, his eyes sparkling. "That sounds amazing. And here I thought running a car company was stressful. You get to work with beauty and emotions every day."

Jimin tilted his head, looking intrigued. "You’re a CEO, huh? That sounds intense. I can’t imagine the kind of pressure that comes with running a whole company."

Jungkook chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "It’s... a lot sometimes. The hours are long, and the decisions never stop. But I’ve always loved cars, and I’ve been involved in the industry since I was a kid. My family’s been in the business for generations, so I guess you could say it’s in my blood."

Jimin’s eyes widened. "That’s impressive. But do you like it? I mean, with all the responsibility and everything."

Jungkook nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I do. There’s something satisfying about seeing a project through from concept to completion, knowing you helped build something tangible. But," he paused, looking out the window for a moment, "it can feel lonely sometimes. You get caught up in work, and everything else starts to fade into the background."

Jimin frowned slightly, understanding the weight of what Jungkook was saying. "That sounds tough. But... you don’t have to let it take over your life, right? There’s more to life than just work."

Jungkook smiled at Jimin’s words, the simplicity and sincerity of them cutting through the complexity of his world. "You’re right. I think I’ve just been so focused on the company that I haven’t made time for anything else. Meeting you today feels like... a good reminder."

Jimin’s cheeks warmed at the compliment, and he smiled shyly. "Well, I’m glad I could help."

They both sipped their coffee in comfortable silence for a moment, the conversation flowing easily, like they had known each other much longer than just a few hours. Jimin found himself relaxing in Jungkook’s presence, his nerves from earlier completely gone.

"So, what’s your favorite flower?" Jungkook asked, breaking the silence with a curious grin.

Jimin laughed softly, his eyes lighting up. "That’s like asking a parent to pick their favorite child."

Jungkook chuckled, shaking his head. "Come on, you have to have one."

Jimin thought for a moment, his smile growing. "I guess I’d say peonies. They’re delicate but bold, soft but vibrant. They’re just... beautiful."

Jungkook nodded, leaning back in his chair. "I can see that. Peonies suit you."

Jimin’s eyes widened slightly. "They... suit me?"

"Yeah," Jungkook said casually, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "You have this soft, gentle vibe, but there’s also something strong and bright about you."

Jimin felt his heart skip a beat at Jungkook’s words. He wasn’t used to such direct compliments, especially from someone like Jungkook. It left him feeling flustered, but in a good way.

"Well, I don’t know about that," Jimin said, trying to play it cool, "but thanks."

Jungkook grinned, sensing Jimin’s slight embarrassment but choosing not to push it further. "You’re welcome."

As they finished their drinks, the conversation shifted to lighter topics—favorite movies, childhood memories, random things that made them laugh. Time seemed to fly by, and before they knew it, an hour had passed.

"I should probably let you get back to your day," Jungkook said, though there was a hint of reluctance in his voice.

"Yeah," Jimin agreed, feeling a little disappointed that their time together was ending. "I’ve got to get back to the shop."

Jungkook reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. "Do you mind if we exchange numbers? I’d love to keep in touch."

Jimin smiled, feeling his heart skip again. "Sure, I’d like that."

They exchanged phones, typing in their contact information. When Jimin handed Jungkook’s phone back, he noticed Jungkook had saved his name with a little flower emoji next to it.

"Really?" Jimin said, laughing.

Jungkook shrugged, looking innocent. "What? It suits you."

Jimin rolled his eyes playfully but couldn’t help the smile that stayed on his lips. "Fine, I’ll let it slide this time."

As they stood up and made their way to the door, Jungkook glanced at Jimin, his expression warm. "I’m really glad I ran into you today."

"Me too," Jimin replied softly, feeling the sincerity behind his words.

They parted ways outside the café, each heading in different directions, but something unspoken lingered between them. As Jimin walked away, he glanced at his phone, a small smile forming when he saw Jungkook’s name in his contacts.

Something told him this was just the beginning.

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