Before we proceed-you might wanna check out my new fic "Hate That I Love You." It's completed.

TW: Minor violence and blood (JK's stalker makes an appearance)

Also, read end note for clarification regarding the stalker.

Note:I heavily relied on google reviews and other food blogs to write about the Peter Luger scene. My take on stuff is related to reviews I read. So please be understanding if this different from your experience to the said restaurant (if you been there before). 

Visuals at the end of the chapter.

***

The date night approached sooner than Jungkook's liking. He read the script at least ten times in the past hour alone. The three-piece suit sat at the foot of the bed and he glared at it pensively now and then.

They had at least four hours for the date yet he was breaking into cold sweat already and worked out whenever he couldn't stay still. His eyes kept zeroing in on that kissing part on the paper. It wasn't even a proper kiss. Jimin was supposed to kiss his knuckles once or twice while they were dining in the restaurant. Then he would kiss his cheek or peck his lips depending on the mood outside the restaurant before getting in the car waiting for them and driving back to the apartment.

I can do this. It's just dinner and one kiss.

One fucking kiss.

A kiss that could ruin him.

Jungkook didn't realize he was pacing the room again and how he was completely zoned out when he went back to exercising in the living room. He didn't sense a pair of eyes following his every move since morning. He was counting hundred and twenty when Jimin intervened.

"Something's bothering you."

Jungkook stopped what he was doing and glanced up at Jimin who wore simple black shorts and an orange t-shirt but still managed to take his breath away. He stood, wiping his clammy palms on his sweats.

"Nothing...I'm just nervous." Nothing escaped Jimin's watchful eyes. So he tried to give as much truth as possible.

Jimin's intense gaze bore into him. "Is it because of the dinner?"

"I-I..." He squirmed under his gaze.

What do I tell him? It felt as if Jimin could see through his soul and there was no way he could lie to him.

"I've never been on a date," he mumbled.

It was true and maybe Jimin would let this slide.Just dinner and one fucking kiss. Yeah, he could do this. Close his eyes and pretend everything was going to be fine.

Jimin's features softened immediately. "I know. It wouldn't be any different than our previous trips. We are just going out for a friendly dinner. Nothing more."

For some reason, that hurt though it shouldn't. Who was he kidding? He knew exactly why it hurt.

Friendly dinner. Nothing more.

He swallowed the sudden lump that formed in his throat. "Yeah, right." He cleared his throat.

"Is it something else?" Jimin asked, stepping closer. "We can postpone the plan if you don't feel up to it."

"I-It's not that."

What about canceling?

What was the point in postponing when he would have to go through the same thing again? He wanted to cry his eyes out and beg for them to let him be. The warmth of his bed and the cozy walls of the apartment never felt more inviting before. Why did he even agree to this?

Jimin inched closer. "You can tell me anything, Jungkook-ah."

"Um..."

Jungkook thought about it. He kept wondering what was making it so hard for him about this dinner. He was already living with Jimin, sharing his living space with him 24/7. They had been on a trip together when he barely knew the agent. Then what was bothering him? The answer was easy. It was the skinship.

"C-Can we not kiss?" he asked in a low voice, averting his gaze to the floor.

He didn't think he would survive that kiss. He wanted to faint just at the thought of it. How was he supposed to kiss him and live to tell the tale? Maybe he was being overdramatic, but he deserved to be dramatic because it was a matter of his heart.

"Sure," Jimin's answer came without any hesitation. "I promised you to not do anything that makes you uncomfortable." He touched his arm gently. "You just have to tell me if you don't wanna do something."

"O-Okay." Jungkook swallowed. "You're not angry?"

Jimin frowned. "Why would I be angry?"

Right. This is just a job to him.

"I-It's just...the plan." He shifted in his feet again. "I feel like I'm not doing my best. The script...it said —"

"Forget the script. This is all about you. Tell me what you want." He took his palm in his, gently tracing the back of his palm with his thumb.

Why does Jimin have to be this sweet? It wasn't making it easy for him. Can't he see how hard it was for him?

Jungkook took a deep breath. "I don't feel comfortable with this fancy stuff," he admitted. "Can we do something simple? Like a normal couple..."

A smile breached Jimin's lips. "Of course. If that's what you want."

Jungkook smiled, feeling relieved already. Yeah, just dinner. He could do this.

Go, eat and come back.

"You know what? I might know just the right place for us to dine." Jimin's smile was suddenly bright and he couldn't help but get excited.

"Yeah? Where?" Jungkook's eyes sparkled with interest.

"You'll see." Jimin winked and Jungkook found his cheeks growing hot under his attention. However, Jimin saved him when he stood there unable to form a proper response. "Why don't you take a relaxing bath? Release some of that stress while I'll go change the plans and make a reservation."

"Okay." He literally flew to his bedroom, happy to be out of Jimin's watchful eyes, and rubbed his cheeks in hopes of alleviating some of that tingling sensation.

He happily put the three-piece suit away and hopped into the bath ten minutes later. Maybe this wouldn't be awkward as he expected it would be. He could survive this.

***

The restaurant Jimin chose for their first date was Peter Luger Steak House in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.

"Welcome to one of the best steakhouses in New York. I've been coming here since I was maybe three? Four?" Jimin said. "It's been a while since I last came here. Ah, I miss the meat."

Jungkook's eyes were wide as he took in the tucked-away, a wood-paneled room that blanketed him with the delicious aroma of rich meat. As they walked past the tables in the cozy room, he noticed the giant portions of meat served alongside onion rings and creamed spinach. There was no doubt this place was a heaven for a meat lover.

He let the agent place the order since he knew this place better. Both were meat lovers, so he had no doubt this was going to be added as one of the best experiences on his list.

Jimin ordered a mixed green salad with crumbled blue cheese and German fried potatoes along with rib steak and lamb, double-thick chop split, and creamed spinach.

"Are you feeling up for a beer?" Jimin asked him.

"Yeah, sure."

Jimin ordered beer and leaned toward him. "Their wine selection isn't that great here. Besides, I believe a nice steak should be enjoyed with an ice-cold beer."

Jungkook smiled. "I trust you."

He loved steak and even cooked it himself whenever he could. It was his favorite food and from the delicious smell drifting around them he could already tell this was going to be the best.

Jimin's smile was blinding. "Oh, you're going to love it here. Just wait until we get our hands on their chocolate gold coin. It's always been my favorite."

His excitement was contagious and Jungkook could tell he honestly enjoyed coming here. He patted his back mentally for making Jimin change their plans because he didn't know if he would be able to enjoy their dinner if they had gone to that fancy restaurant as they had planned earlier. The mild chatter of the patrons put his mind at ease and washed him with a sense of familiarity and belonging.

Jimin continued to tell him about the place and his memories associated with this place. He even recalled a few funny incidents that involved his little brother and Jungkook found himself enjoying the conversation. It was great to get to know more about the agent.

He enjoyed the food even better. The steak was incredibly tender and definitely one of the best steaks he had tasted with a rich, smooth flavor. The Peter Luger sauce complimented it so well.

"So tell me about your college," Jungkook asked. "I heard you and Taehyung hyung go way back to college."

"Mhmm..." Jimin hummed. "We shared a dorm room. I was happy to meet a Korean immigrant student here and we hit it off immediately. You can say we were thick as thieves and there's nothing we don't know about each other."

"It must have been great to have him as your partner."

"Yep," Jimin readily agreed. "Our ambition was the same but we didn't think we would become partners. It was a surprise. We always worked better as a team. So it's a plus."

Jungkook nodded as he polished his plate. The conversation flowed so easily with both sharing stories from their childhood and talking about their college life. There wasn't much for Jungkook to share since he did his degree online but it made him realize how much he had missed in life.

He had very little to contribute compared to Jimin's experience but he enjoyed the conversation nonetheless. They finished the steak and their stomachs were full but Jimin claimed the dinner wasn't complete until they had some dessert. They settled for a pecan pie that was served with homemade 'Schlag' (whipped cream). Jungkook almost moaned at the taste.

"It's so good."

Jimin beamed with a mouth full of pie. "I know right."

Their combined laughter drifted around them. When they left the restaurant, counting their chocolate gold coins, Jungkook had forgotten what this was supposed to be in the first place. They talked, talked, and talked, even after reaching home. Standing at the threshold of their rooms, they continued to chat until Jimin received a call.

"Ah, I gotta take this."

"Um...sure. I'll see you tomorrow then." Jungkook smiled, biting his lip. "Good night."

"Good night, Jungkook-ah."

After his panic attack the last time, he refrained from going online and instead gave access to his accounts to Jimin, who said he'd post on his behalf on social media. So, to Jungkook his days were getting better. He still streamed but reduced the number of streams to go on these cute dates Jimin planned especially for him.

They no longer gave scripts or demanded they shared kisses. In the weeks that followed, Jimin took him to indoor rock climbing and ice-skating. December was just around the corner and the climate had grown considerably chilly with occasional rains, limiting their options to stay indoors. Not that Jungkook minded it.

Usually, winters were too lonely for Jungkook. He used to love winters until he moved to New York. When he was home, Namjoon would take him to all the winter festivals and activities he could actively participate in. Namjoon also loved ice-skating; hence, it was something they never missed.

So it meant a lot to Jungkook that he got to experience that with Jimin. Though it was nothing like the times he went out with Namjoon, this was precious nonetheless.

Unlike before he didn't live holed up inside the apartment either. He often accompanied Jimin in his morning or evening walks. They went shopping and enjoyed cooking together. Jimin was already becoming the integral part of his life that Jungkook couldn't imagine living on his own once this was all over.

It had been two weeks since their first date and today Jimin brought him to the aquarium. Once again, Jungkook was excited to bring his camera out and put it to some good use. The aquarium housed sharks, rays, sea otters, jellyfish, and much more.

Jungkook was so excited that he was almost skipping on his feet throughout their walk while Jimin followed with a fond smile. He didn't even realize how much time had passed when they finally called it a day. The aquarium had great exhibits, which was entertaining and he took a hell of a lot of photos and got hours' worth of story to spin to his parents and brother.

His favorite of all was the encounter with penguins and sea lions. They were even cuter up close and he giggled the entire time he was there. The next thing was the shark tunnel, loaded with different species of shark and that sea lion show. It was definitely going to the top of his list. When they reached home, he brimmed with so much energy that he could barely stay put.

Everything was much greater than he thought. He loved these dates and even looked forward to them. However, like every good thing has to end, Jimin dropped the bomb saying they'd have to change the strategy now Jungkook was comfortable with the idea.

Jungkook could only swallow at the insinuation because he knew what it meant. They'd have to up their game and that would involve more touching and kissing. That was how Jungkook found himself pressed to Jimin's body in one of the dance clubs they had chosen this time.

It was mid-November and Jungkook had at least two layers of clothing, still managing to look sexy in that exclusive gay club. If his stalker didn't know of his sexuality before, this time Jimin believed this would be a dead giveaway. Jungkook, as usual, hadn't bothered. His mind was hung up on that kiss.

It was funny how bad he wanted to kiss Jimin and also knew how bad that idea was. He didn't know if he could just stop with that kiss. Because the mild crush he had on the agent had festered and grown into something more over the weeks. Jimin didn't make it easier on him either. The agent was naturally flirty and was much sweeter to him that Jungkook found himself falling faster.

His logical brain screamed at him and told him how bad this was going to be. To reign his emotions and behave well. But when did ever the brain listen to logic when the heart took the lead. His heart was reckless and followed Jimin like a lost puppy. He ate up every morsel of attention he could get.

It was pathetic in a way when he didn't know if the agent was even into men. A painful realization, actually. The talk never came up and Jungkook didn't know how to react. But compared to him, Jimin looked more at ease even at the club.

His heart skipped a beat at a particular hip roll Jimin executed to match the beat. Jimin twirled him around in his arms, grabbing him by his hips to pull him flush him against his body. He hadn't even realized how close they were up until that point.

Jimin's breath fanned across his lips and Jungkook's eyes fluttered to close. The agent's arm crawled to cup Jungkook's nape and Jungkook felt the familiar sensation of awareness shoot through his spine. He was too close. His cologne invaded his senses and his body heat seeped through the layers of his clothing.

Jungkook was lost. His lips tingled with anticipation and Jimin's hot breath brushed on his lips. His heart thundered in his chest and threatened to explode out of his rib cage. However, just before their lips connected, someone crashed into them and the momentum was lost.

Jungkook's eyes shot open and he felt Jimin step in front of him in a protective stance. The haze in his brain cleared and he painfully became aware of the strain in his pants. Fuck.

"You okay?" Jimin yelled over the music and Jungkook nodded dumbfounded, pulling his shirt to cover his front. "Want a drink?" Jimin asked as if sensing his sudden change in mood.

Jungkook shook his head. "Can we go home?"

Jimin didn't ask him anything, instead led him through the throng of sweaty bodies and out of the club and into the taxi. Both hadn't said a word on their way home. When they reached the apartment, Jungkook was the first to exit the car. They silently went up and Jimin stopped him when he tried to slip into his room without another word.

"Jungkook-ah?"

Jungkook halted abruptly, trying not to shift from one foot to the other as he glanced at Jimin over his shoulder. "Yeah."

"Is everything okay?"

He cleared his throat. The concern on Jimin's face threw him off-guard. He swallowed and turned gingerly to face him, hoping that the shirt hid his hard-on. "Y-Yeah. Just tired."

"Okay."

Jimin didn't look like he bought the story, but he nodded and stepped back with his hands in his back pockets, teeth nibbling at his bottom lip. Jungkook swallowed again. They were so close to kissing. He blinked several times and averted his gaze. His heart once again raced.

That night Jungkook was only happy to escape and stood under the super cold shower, almost freezing to death. But as much as it was foolish, it got the job done. His boner was gone and the memory of the cold shower and the shivering aftermath was enough to keep any future boners down.

Who was he kidding?

The next testament to his boner came on the next date. Jimin had taken him to another club this time. He thought the alcohol helped Jungkook to loosen up and he was comfortable to allow him to kiss. Jungkook agreed to a certain extent but he was nervous for various other reasons. Blame it on the lack of sex or his super excited libido that went on fire just at the sight of Jimin.

If Jimin just standing in his sweats and t-shirt, stirring his tea in the morning was enough to give him a boner, imagine Jungkook's difficulty in the current situation. Jimin wore one of his tightest jeans with a shirt that was stuck to his like second skin. That sequined jacket on tip did very little to hide the sexual appeal if not increasing it ten-fold.

His blonde hair was slicked back, revealing his forehead and Jungkook was a goner. If this night didn't end up with Jimin fucking Jungkook into the mattress, he would cry to sleep for sure.

The club scene was nothing different from the last time. They picked up from where they left off very easily. A few drinks and dancing closely had done the magic. However, this time when Jimin pulled him closer to that kiss, Jungkook had pulled back abruptly.

There was confusion in Jimin's eyes but he didn't question Jungkook even after reaching home. Another week had passed and they went on two more dates before Jimin attempted to kiss him again. Jungkook averted his face so Jimin ended up kissing his cheek instead.

That night when they came home, Jungkook felt guiltier than ever for sabotaging their mission, for not cooperating. They had asked him multiple times if it was okay and proceeded only after he said yes, but still he had chickened out.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

Jimin's shoulders slumped. "It's okay, Jungkook." He didn't look pleased but he said nothing more.

"I-I don't think I can do it," Jungkook mumbled defeatedly.

"We will find some other way." Jimin turned to leave and Jungkook felt like crap.

"Are you angry?" he asked, stopping Jimin from leaving.

"Why would I be?" Jimin sighed. "I just wish you could be more honest with me. I already promised you that we wouldn't do anything you aren't comfortable with. We could have avoided that. We didn't have to waste our time on fake dates and could have chosen some other route. Now it's too late to change the strategy." He ran his hand through his hair. "Don't worry. I'll figure something out."

Jungkook swallowed. It was true. He told him that several times. Tears stung in his eyes and Jungkook felt so small suddenly. A realization that this was the only job for Jimin dawned and he didn't know why it hurt him the most.

"I'm sorry," he whispered again.

Jimin didn't respond as he left Jungkook to his own devices. That night Jungkook lay on his bed, trying to scold himself. Why couldn't he do one thing better? It was just one kiss. He could have just pretended that Jimin liked him too and got it over with. But no, he had to screw it up like this.

Maybe tomorrow he will talk to Jimin again. The agent had always been patient with him and he didn't know how to make this right. Maybe this was for the best. But his heart refused to accept that and he ended up crying himself to sleep.

***

"I asked him, Tae. He didn't look uncomfortable when I approached him and I don't know where it went wrong. He could have told me sooner. I feel like a fool," Jimin hissed in his phone.

They had wasted too much time on this already and his frustration was getting the best out of him. He couldn't tell if his reasoning was purely professional or personal.

The dates were a success and they had caused quite a stir with the public. Though they deliberately didn't reveal the photos that showed both of them, a few of Jungkook's fans had spotted them and connected the dots. It was the talk of the internet and though his sexuality surprised many, it was accepted positively by many.

They monitored the minority who threw tantrums and sent hate comments to Jungkook closely. Jimin had almost hooted in excitement when the bouquet of tiger lilies and a letter showed up outside Jungkook's apartment after their second date.

As expected, their anger was on him. Even with all the developments, they believed Jimin was manipulating Jungkook and made him believe that he was into men. Now at least, they knew the stalker was, in fact, a woman. The main problem was that Jungkook didn't remember being involved with any woman because of the homophobic language and they still didn't have a direction to follow.

Jungkook couldn't remember interacting with a woman. He still claimed he had only been with men and he didn't have any female friends until Hannah, his fellow gamer, who was under protection.

Jimin religiously went on his morning or evening walk alone to try and lure them toward him. But they haven't gone for him after the first time. It was beginning to frustrate him. He was growing impatient. That was why he wanted to move to the next stage of their plan. To give the stalker something more. Something that would ignite their anger and force them to come after him.

But what he didn't understand was Jungkook's sudden reluctance. He seemed so willing every time he got closer but pulled away at the last moment. He wondered if he was reading it all the wrong way. If Jungkook wasn't comfortable with him, he wanted to know that.

"I don't know, Jimin-ah," Tae said, exhaling loudly on the other end. "Everything looked fine to me as well. Maybe talk to him."

Jimin could only nod but didn't know where to begin. He felt like something was bothering Jungkook but didn't know what it was. He ended the call with Taehyung and went to bed.

He never felt at loss with a situation like this before. Jimin thought Jungkook was comfortable and enjoying their time together. Though it was all acting, he took special care in planning and executing their dates. He took Jungkook to his favorite places and learned what Jungkook liked the most and included that in the activities they did together.

Their relationship had grown more comfortable in the past weeks and Jungkook had even grown on him. If what he felt before was an attraction, Jimin was now sure that he liked Jungkook as a man. The younger one had the finest qualities and Jimin wasn't even surprised that he was falling.

As Taehyung said, once he had gotten past the stage of denial it became easier to process his feelings. He was still adamant about not taking any action on it though. He knew Jungkook would have to go back one day and whatever they had would only last until the case ended.

His throat constricted and he tried to school his emotions. He could do this. As much as the thought of Jungkook leaving him hurt, he also didn't want this moment to end. As painful it was, he was looking forward to every day he spent with the youngest. If Jungkook didn't want to kiss him then who was he to question him. He was just a fool to think, Jungkook reciprocated his feelings to some extent. And maybe...just maybe they had a chance. But it seemed that wasn't the case.

He laughed humorlessly. Maybe this was the sign. They weren't meant to be. With a sigh, he closed his eyes and forced himself to sleep.

The next morning, he woke with a mild headache and went to make coffee. He checked with Taehyung and deflated when he said the stalker didn't contact them again. He mentally replayed the wordings written on the letter they received, going over each line, trying to see if something stood out. A clue.

Jungkook didn't know about the bouquets or letters. They didn't tell him because of his tendency to panic and Namjoon, his brother had warned them especially of this.

Jimin was lost in his thoughts when a soft voice reached him.

"You can kiss me."

He whirled around, almost spilling the hot coffee he was about to pour into his mug. "What?"

Jungkook looked softer with his fluffy, disheveled bed hair. His eyes were red and puffy as if he had cried last night. Jimin felt a pang in his heart. Was he too hard last night? He fidgeted with the hem of his shirt and shifted from one foot to the other.

"You can kiss me," he repeated.

Jimin sighed. Sometimes, he really didn't understand what went inside that cute head of his. "It's okay," he said softly, not wanting to cut him off or make it harder on him than it already was. "We will figure out something." He poured the coffee.

He tried to understand Jungkook's situation and could imagine what he must be feeling like. He shouldn't expect too much from him when this had taken a toll on his life and affected his emotional and mental wellbeing. He was living the life of a prisoner in his own home. But Jimin didn't know how to make it better for Jungkook other than trying to catch the stalker and freeing him from their clutches.

"No. I'm sorry. I know I agreed to this. Let's stick to the plan. Y-You can take me out today. Or m-maybe we can just kiss outside," he suggested.

Jimin sipped the coffee wordlessly, allowing the caffeine to fully wake him and refresh him before he turned to face Jungkook again. The young gamer stood in the middle of the kitchen looking like a lost puppy with his wide-doe eyes watching his every move. Anxiety rolled off him in waves and Jimin wanted nothing more than to hug him and assure him that it was going to be okay.

"Listen, Jungkook, we've had this conversation before. I don't know what you want me to do. It's clear you don't want to do this. You don't have to force yourself to do this. As I said, we will find an alternative way."

"It's not what you think."

Jimin pursed his lips.

"I...I..." Jungkook looked flustered and averted his gaze to the floor. "I don't even know if you're into men. T-This...I..."

"What does this have to do with my sexuality?" Jimin asked with a frown. Jungkook was confusing. Was that the reason Jungkook refused to kiss him?

"I...I know this is only a job for you. But...I-I..."

"What is it, Jungkook?" he asked.

"I-I didn't want to kiss you because it would make it hard for me to leave when it's time," Jungkook admitted with slightly glassy eyes. "I like you. I know I shouldn't," he sniffled. "But I do. I don't know when or how it started. These past weeks proved that I want you more than I should. I know it's only a job for you. So it's making this all even harder. I just wanted to..." he paused, taking a few breaths and composing himself before meeting his gaze. "I-I'm afraid I'll want more and you can't give me what I want."

With that, he pivoted on his heels, leaving a dumbfounded Jimin with his mouth agape in the kitchen.

***

The following days were the slowest in Jungkook's life. Though he shared his apartment with Jimin, he rarely left his room and when he did, it was to exercise or to game.

Jimin was silent as well and was often holed up in his room. Jungkook didn't know where this left them but it was slowly beginning to kill him on the inside. He should have known telling Jimin wouldn't end well. But he didn't regret it either in a way. Though it was hard, at least he shot his shot and knew he didn't have a chance.

It was in the night when he sneaked out to drink water he ran into Jimin again. Jimin was already in the kitchen, drinking water, seemingly lost in thoughts. His recently showered hair was disarray on top of his head. The thin white t-shirt he wore, showcased his taut muscle structure and revealed a lot of tanned skin. The light from the fridge illuminated his beautiful features and cast a golden glow on his flawless skin.

Jungkook swallowed and contemplated turning around, but Jimin's head whipped up, his gaze pinning him to the spot. Too late.

He stood there, staring at him like a deer caught in headlights. It was Jimin who broke the silence first.

"Water?"

Jungkook's gaze flicked to his hand, on the cold water bottle. He nodded mutely and moved robotically to grab the half-empty bottle from Jimin, gulping the rest of the water in one go. It quenched his thirst, but he squirmed under the intense gaze of the agent.

What should I do? Do I tuck tail and run or make small talk?

A few seconds ticked away and Jungkook decided it was the former. He squeaked a good night and almost turned tails when Jimin's voice stopped him.

"It wasn't just a job for me."

Jungkook froze, his back now facing Jimin. His mouth opened and closed, unable to believe if Jimin really said those words. He heard his exhale and shut the fridge gently.

"My life is here, Jungkook-ah. This is all I have ever known. My job, my family, my friends...this is home."

Jungkook's throat tightened. He knew this. He had thought about this two days ago when he'd had time to calm down and come up with reasons why it would never work out with Jimin. He had a family waiting for him. He would always go back. This was never home, to begin with.

"I...I don't know." Jimin's voice strained. "I want to give you more...but I don't know-how. It's not easy. We don't know what the future holds for us. I haven't been to Busan in ages and there's nothing left for me there. Same way, there's nothing for you here." He felt him approaching. He sensed the warmth radiating from his body. "I like you, Jungkook. Any man who could have you in his life was fortunate. I...I'm just not lucky."

A few stray tears trickled down Jungkook's cheeks and he wilted. There was a slight ache in his heart and he felt helpless. Jimin was the first man who made him feel something akin to love and here they were, confessing their feelings, knowing well they couldn't have a future together.

"As much as I want you, I know I could never have you." Jimin's fingers ghosted over his arm, not touching. "Why do you think I took you out to all the places I love so much?" He chuckled without humor. "I just wanted to cherish the moments I had with you and hold on to them once you are gone."

Jungkook whirled around, fixing his wide eyes on Jimin. His heart began to race as he searched Jimin's face and only found sincerity. His lips trembled and he felt his knees weaken. "So that's it then?" his voice was a mere whisper. "There's no hope for us."

Jimin's expression was full of pain. "You tell me." His eyes grew glassy.

They stood unmoving for a moment longer and Jungkook looked down at his feet. He raked his brain and came up with nothing. He knew Jimin was right. He didn't know what was more painful. The thought of living with the knowledge that Jimin liked him and the reality of their situation where they couldn't be together because they were from different worlds; or his earlier predicament where he thought Jimin didn't like him.

He thought the first one was better than knowing Jimin liked him back. At least then, he had many reasons to tell him why this wouldn't work. Now, all he could think was why their fate was like this. Why couldn't they have this together?

Even if they tried long distance, how would that work? Jimin would be somewhere undercover and from what he said sometimes with no access to phone or the internet. He had to remember Jimin was no ordinary man. He worked for the government. How long could they go on like that?

A time would come where one of them had to make a decision. Jungkook couldn't stay here forever and Jimin can't leave New York.

His mind kept reeling and he came up with nothing. Jimin was right. There was no way they could make this work. They both stood in silence until Jungkook backed away slowly. It hurt so badly when all he wanted to do was to hug Jimin and never leave his embrace. But he knew it would only worsen their pain.

When he looked up, Jimin smiled sadly. "This is for the better."

With a painful nod, Jungkook agreed.

This was for the better.

***

When the next week rolled around, Jungkook had made his decision. It was clear it won't work between them, so what was the point in sticking here anyway. The sooner they found the stalker the sooner he could go home to his family and his life. And the sooner he could try to forget Jimin and move on. The keyword was try.

He found Jimin in the living room and announced in a determined voice, "I want to do this. Take me out tonight and kiss the fuck out of me. Catch the bastard so I can go home."

Jimin's eyes widened for a moment and Jungkook returned to his room. He didn't stick around to see Jimin's expression or ask what he thought about this. Just one kiss. He hoped the stalker would take the bait and then it'll be over. Just one night.

He had no way of knowing how wrong it was until they were in the club once again. Jungkook couldn't care less. You could even say he was a bit reckless that night. He wasn't the best when it came to dealing with his emotions.

For someone, who always got what he wanted, for someone, who never stopped until he achieved what he wanted, this didn't sit well with him. It was hard to process. It was unfair, because he didn't even stand a fighting chance. He would have fought hell and beyond if he thought he could have Jimin in his life. So Jungkook was reckless tonight, blaming everything on fate.

He took two shots and began to dance with Jimin, even going as far as to pull Jimin closer to him and grinding against him.

Jimin went along, their bodies moving as one with the beat. They moved apart during the upbeat songs and moved closer during slow songs. It was fun. Jungkook downed the drink Jimin brought for him and let himself loose on the dancefloor. Probably this was the last night he went clubbing in New York, why waste it?

He buried his face into Jimin's neck and moved them side-to-side, taking the lead of the dance. Jimin let him. He didn't know when the momentum built to the position they were in. The crowd suddenly seemed to grow in numbers and he found himself squished with Jimin. Not that he was complaining. There was no other place he wanted to be.

There was a moment when their gazes locked and Jungkook couldn't look away. This time he was the one inched closer to his lips. He licked his lips, eying Jimin's soft, plump lips, and swallowed. How badly he wanted to kiss him. How bad he wanted to know the taste of him.

It was cruel that this was all he would ever get. But Jungkook decided to make the most of it. Fuck everything. Jimin welcomed his lips when he connected them. The kiss was tentative and gentle at first. Despite the fire that was burning inside of him, Jungkook wanted to ingrain this moment into his brain, tattoo it to every fiber of his cell and hold onto it as long as he could.

Jimin's lips were so soft against his. His mild floral cologne infiltrated his senses, putting him in a trance. It felt so good like this. The noise around them faded into nothing and the world blurred. It was just Jimin, Jimin, Jimin.

He tilted his head so he could kiss him better. Jimin opened his mouth at the same time and Jungkook groaned at the first lick of Jimin's tongue on the seam of his lips. He opened eagerly and moaned out loud when Jimin licked into his mouth. The first touch of their tongues, sent electricity pulsing through his spine and spreading to the tip of his toes.

It wasn't enough. He wanted more. Needed more like he needed air. That moment the kiss lost all its finesse. Jungkook kissed Jimin like a starved man. His fingers dug into Jimin's hips and his mind marveled at how soft, yet firm Jimin's body was against his. How perfectly they fit together.

His lungs burned and his throat constricted, but he wasn't pulling back. He didn't want to pull back. He felt a tugging at his hair and gasped for air when Jimin broke the kiss. His pupils were dilated and he looked wrecked out already.

"Take me home," Jungkook whispered.

He didn't give a fuck about the weight that words carried or the consequences. Right now, he wanted Jimin. All of him.

Jimin was breathing just as hard as him and nodded. Soon he was dragging him out of the club and pushing him into the taxi that conveniently slid in front of them. Jungkook lunged at Jimin as soon as the door closed. He climbed onto his lap and latched his mouth on his neck, kissing every visible inch of his neck with fervor.

So what if the agent in disguise saw them like this. Jungkook didn't give two fucks about it. He had Jimin right where he wanted him and that was all that mattered.

Jimin cursed under his breath but held him closer. The drive to the home was a blur to Jungkook. When the taxi stopped, he was already grinding his hip against Jimin's with wanton moans. It took a lot of effort on Jimin's part to peel him off his body and push him out of the taxi.

They stumbled out because Jungkook didn't want to let Jimin go. They kissed again in a clash of teeth and tongues in front of their apartment complex. Jungkook didn't care who saw them and didn't give a fuck as to what anyone else thought. If this were the last time he would have Jimin like this then so be it.

Soon they entered the elevator in a tangle of limbs. Jungkook pinned Jimin to the glass wall, kissing him senselessly. The agent returned the kiss with the same intensity. The short distance from the elevator to the apartment was spent in the same fashion.

"Jungkook?" Jimin pulled away, but Jungkook chased his lips. When Jimin turned his face, he continued to kiss along his jaw.

"Don't," he said in a warning fueled by his longing. "Don't deny me, hyung. I'm not drunk and I want this." He leaned back, panting heavily. "I need this. I-I don't know what is waiting for us, but I need this. Please...I don't care. Even if this is for one night...let me pretend." He bent to kiss his neck again. "Pretend that I'm yours."

Jimin looked conflicted as he cursed under his breath, fingers burying into his hair and tugging at it until Jungkook met his gaze. "Are you sure?"

"Yes." There was no hesitation in his answer. There was no going back now and he might be a tad bit bolder than his usual self, fueled by liquid courage, but he knew he didn't regret it. "It's been so long," he whispered. "Please...give it to me. Show me...show me what I've been missing."

Jimin crashed their lips in a searing kiss, taking lead and dominating his mouth. Jungkook moaned, going pliant in his arms and letting him handle him the way he wanted.

"Yours or mine?" Jimin's voice was a growl; all hesitation had gone from his expression.

"Mine."

Thankfully, he had condoms and lube. Something he always stocked just in case for the nights he went out, but never used it in a while because of his fear. It was time to put them to use.

Jimin was already fisting at his shirt, tugging at the buttons and Jungkook helped him by removing it and tossing it somewhere on the floor along with his padded jacket. Jimin's jacket and shirt followed.

"Room," he said when Jimin touched his belt.

The agent nodded and both hurried to the bedroom, kicking the door shut with urgency. Jimin's hand was on him again while he unbuckled Jimin's belt. Both stepped out of their pants, kicking it away, and stumbled to the bed in a mess of kisses.

Jungkook fell back when he felt the soft edge of the mattress digging into the back of his knee. Jimin followed, balancing his wait on his elbows as he kissed him thoroughly. Jungkook loved the way his hand grabbed and tugged at his hair as he kissed him senselessly.

Jimin pulled back. "Condoms and lube?"

Jungkook stretched his hand to grab them both from the bedside drawer. Jimin sat back on his heels, waiting. When Jungkook dropped the items within their reach and relaxed on his back, there was a calm expression on the agent's face. He ran his hands over Jungkook's legs.

"You're so beautiful," he murmured. "Gonna fuck you so good."

Jungkook flushed, heat spreading to his neck, cheeks, and ears.

Jimin's fingers hovered over the waistband of his black boxer briefs, two fingers hooking and tugging. "May I?"

Jungkook nodded fervently, lifting his hips so Jimin could remove his underwear. Jimin didn't waste time in getting rid of the material and grabbed the lube. He poured a generous amount of lube in his hand, warming the liquid before pushing one of Jungkook's thighs to reveal his puckering hole to him.

"Beautiful." He bent to press a kiss inside his thighs just as he felt a warm finger circle his rim.

A visible shudder racked his body in anticipation. He bit his lips as he waited for the intrusion, but none came. He felt Jimin grab the base of his cock, pumping it lazily as his finger continued to massage his rim gently.

Jungkook spread his legs wider, his heart racing and eyes hooded as he waited patiently. Jimin bent peppering open-mouthed kisses along his hip bone and belly, taking his time. He fisted the sheets, trying to stay put. His hips, however, rose to meet Jimin's hand. One finger pushed inside gently and Jungkook let out a gasp.

Jimin, however, liked to take his time with him. He showed no urgency as he moved his finger in and out of his hole, gently massaging his inner walls.

"Good?" he asked as he kissed over his clavicle.

"Yes," Jungkook gasped.

"More?"

"Y-Yes."

Jimin hummed, going to kiss his nipple just as his second finger slipped inside. It felt great. The stretch burned but Jimin distracted him with his other hand and lips. His thumb circled the head of his cock, spreading the pre-cum and gliding over the length of his cock while his mouth assaulted his tender nipples.

Jungkook was already keening under the undivided attention he was receiving from Jimin. His hands flew to grab Jimin's shoulder, blunt nails digging into his shoulder. His hips moved on their own accord trying to meet Jimin's hand. He wanted more. Needed more.

The pleasure was slowly building but never enough to send him over the edge yet. The third finger was in soon and he scissored his fingers, preparing him for the stretch.

"Oh, God!"

Jungkook's eyes rolled to the back of his head at how good it felt. He felt full and it was something he missed for so long, but better than his previous experiences already.

"Need you," he moaned. "Please...Want you inside of me."

"Just a little bit more," Jimin murmured gently. He released his cock, supporting his weight in one arm as he kissed him.

Jungkook returned the kiss eagerly, lifting his hips to meet his fingers, and threw his head back when he felt the fourth finger slipping in.

"Fuck!"

His toes curled and he keened when Jimin curled his fingers, hitting the sensitive spot inside him. "Almost there," he whispered, but Jungkook was already seeing the stars.

His lips were parted, letting out undulated moans as he met Jimin's every thrust.

"So responsive," Jimin praised. "Do you think you could come like this, hmm?"

Jungkook didn't know. He didn't fucking know. "Another time maybe..." he panted. "Please...I'm ready. Put it in." He lifted his hips again. "Put it in now."

Jimin chuckled. "Alright, sweetheart." He heard the wrapper being ripped off and when he looked between them, Jimin was rolling the condom over his impressive length. His eyes widened at the sight of his girth and he swallowed. "I'll be gentle."

Jungkook nodded and watched as he removed his fingers from his hole to slick his length with lube before positioning himself between his legs. He forced his body to relax as he felt the head of his cock, nudging against his rim.

Jimin rubbed his abdomen gently as he guided his cock slowly into him. He breathed through his mouth, watching intently as the agent slid in. It took longer than he thought but when he bottomed out, Jungkook felt so full and the stretch burned. In a good way.

He bent to kiss his lips as he waited for Jungkook to adjust and finally after a couple of minutes when he asked him to move, he set a slow and gentle pace, building the momentum.

Jungkook closed his eyes, enjoying the sensation after so long. It felt better than he remembered. Or it was great because it was Jimin. Jimin kissed his neck, murmuring soft praises into his skin.

"Feel so good," he groaned. "So tight."

Jungkook could only gasp and cling to Jimin as his cock dragged inside him. The shallow yet deep thrusts left him breathless and he found himself enjoying more, losing himself to the pleasure that was slowly building inside him.

He loved the way Jimin was taking his time with him, the way he kept kissing him, the way his hand traced the length of his body. They kissed again, swallowing each other's moans. Their breathing grew ragged and Jungkook felt the heat coiling in his belly.

Jimin lifted himself in his arms, planting one hand on the left side of his head while grabbing his thighs on the other, lifting it, and adjusted his hips. That was all the warning Jungkook had before he was slamming into him with a force that knocked the breath out of his lungs. And as he did so, it hit his prostate, causing him to let out a broken moan.

The bed began to creak with his movements and Jungkook dug his nails desperately on Jimin's back. Jimin's face screwed up and he let out grunts of pleasure. The rough pace he set up jostled Jungkook's body.

Jimin seemed to take immense pleasure in his unbridled moans. Sweats coated their skin and mingled as their naked skin moved against each other in tandem. Jimin was like a dream, looking ethereal even when he was all sweaty and looking wrecked.

"F-Feels so good," he moaned. "You look so beautiful above me."

Jimin smiled, his face brightening as he leaned to capture his lips in a messy kiss, yet it was so perfect to Jungkook.

"I'm so close," Jimin moaned, his movements slowed a bit and he released his leg to grab his cock, jerking it.

"Come inside me. "

"Wanna come with you," Jimin moaned and Jungkook thought that was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard.

Soon they were both tumbling over the edge and Jimin collapsed on top of him. Jungkook wrapped his arms and legs tightly around him, burying his face into his neck, their chest pressed flush and breaths heaving. They lay there for a while until both have calmed down.

"Stay here, I'll be back." Jimin pulled out gently.

Jungkook winced from the oversensitivity. He stared at the ceiling as Jimin went to grab the washcloth. He came back, taking his time to clean Jungkook thoroughly before going to drop the used cloth in the bathroom.

Two minutes later when Jimin climbed into bed with him, he immediately snuggled to his chest. "Thank you."

Jimin smiled. "I should be the one thanking you."

Jungkook lifted his head, smiling tiredly. "I loved every moment of it," he said. "It makes me sad to know what I'll be missing."

"Hey..."

"It's okay, hyung." He rested his head on his chest. "I'll take what I can get."

The silence that settled between them wasn't uncomfortable in the least, but as Jungkook soaked in the warmth of Jimin's touch relishing in the aftermath of the best sex he ever had, the longing in his chest continued to grow.

"Do you think we can make this work, hyung?"

Jimin sighed. He ran his fingers on Jungkook's hand. "I don't know, Jungkook."

"I really want to," he murmured.

"Me too." He kissed the top of his head.

"We will figure it out when the time comes, won't we?" he asked hopefully.

"Yes."

Jungkook didn't see the tears that accumulated in Jimin's eyes as he drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

***

Somewhere across the city, a vase connected to the wall, breaking into zillion pieces at the crash. Several other glass and porcelain pieces joined the vase along with some figurines and plushies. The entire room was in disarray. The mournful cries of the woman bounced off the walls that were lined with photos of her beloved.

Jeon Jungkook was stunningly gorgeous and he was the most beautiful man she had ever laid her eyes on. Every night she marveled how much he had grown since she saw him for the first time. She had been waiting patiently for him to realize the love she had for him and come to her, but every day he seemed to go too far.

"Why would you do this to me?" she asked, glancing at the photo.

His laughter was so pure and contagious in the photo. She hated herself that she wasn't the reason he was laughing. She hated that she wasn't there with him but someone else was. She despised that she wasn't the one who clicked that photo.

She was kneeling amidst the wreckage she had caused in the past hour. Blood dripped from the few cuts in her arms, but her brain barely registered the pain. The ache in her heart was far worse than the physical pain anyway.

"I trusted you," she sobbed, her entire body shaking. "I believed you. Why would you do this to us?"

She slapped her hands over her face, clawing at her skin as she let out another wail.

"Why can't you see how much I love you? Why don't you realize how much you mean to me?" She cried, covering her face.

Only silence greeted her in return. Her gaze fell on the newly received photos. Jungkook was dancing so closely with another man and then he was kissing him.

"I love you so much that it hurts. I've been in love with you since the day we met, yet you keep going behind the others."

She stood shakily on her knees, ignoring the sting of glass pieces under her feet as she walked to his photo on the wall. She touched his face, more tears flowing.

"You're no longer the innocent kid I met all those years ago," she whispered.

No. Her Jungkook had grown a lot and was too far from her reach. He wasn't the same.

The memory of his doe-eyes and his nose-scrunching smile was still warm in his heart. That night she made him laugh. He was so pure and innocent. The first kiss they shared was sloppy and messy. There was no perfection or finesse, but it was everything to her.

She looked at the man in front of her. She didn't recognize this man. Her gaze slid to the set of photos she had collected over the past weeks. There was another man in the photo with him. The same man he was found kissing today.

Her anger turned toward him. It was them. They were the ones who took him away from her. They were the ones who had corrupted her innocent boy. First, his family and friends, now this man. They were never good for him. She should have done something sooner.

"I'll never forgive you for this." Her bloody fingers traced the face of the blonde man with conviction. "You're not good for him. You're manipulating him and making him believe he's into men. You're trying to keep him away from me."

In a fit of rage, she threw the photo to the ground, grabbing the sharpest object near her which happened to be a piece of glass. She began to drag the sharp edges of the glass over the wretched photo, over his face that never stopped smiling. She dragged it over his lips that were kissing Jungkook earlier.

"I'll kill you, Park Jimin. You won't be laughing when I do," she growled. "I'll free my Jungkook from you."

Blood dripped from the new cuts and her chest heaved. She won't stop. Not until she had Jungkook with her again. She would no longer stay quiet. She would take what belonged to her. She would bring him to her and keep him safe.

"I'm coming for you, Jungkook. I'm going to save you from them." A sinister smile curved her lips. "Then we can be happy together."

The stalker is definitely from Jungkook's past. They have met before but Jungkook doesn't remember her. So, he isn't lying. And the kiss part is true too. But can't spoil more than that. Lol. This will probably have one or chapter more and then we are done. Stay tuned.It may take me a week or two, but don't worry. We will get there.

Spoiler: It's a happy ending. 

Some Visuals:

https://youtu.be/2z6MPE46qsQ