"Japchae, Kimchi salad, and Tteokguk all done," Alvie said arranging the bowls of food neatly on the kitchen counter that also doubled as the dinner table. "A simple, light, and hearty meal. Nothing too fancy." She clapped her hands, satisfied with her work.

The chewy and springy noodles were nicely paired with thin strips of beef with vegetables in a slightly sweet and savory sauce. She then suggested rice cake soup made with beef broth to go with it saying she chose the traditional recipes, as she wanted their relationship to prosper. Tteokguk and Japchae were essential dishes for holidays and special occasions. Jimin appreciated the thought she put into it. He should admit, the dishes did not only smell delicious but also tasted divine. Alvie was a gifted cook.

Jimin beamed with an appreciative nod. Nothing fancy. Just a simple dinner. "Thanks a lot, Alvie. What would I do without you?"

"Nothing." She rolled her eyes.

A hearty chuckle slipped out of Jimin's mouth as he went to help her clean. "You cooked, so I'll clean."

"I didn't do it alone. You helped."

"I just chopped vegetables," Jimin countered.

"Whatever. You can scrub and I'll wash."

Jimin didn't argue this time. They were in Jungkook's apartment. It was Saturday and the youngest was working again. So, Jimin thought he could surprise him with dinner. After they decided to start over again, they barely spend any time together. Work had kept them apart.

Apart from a few quick lunch breaks at the office and a few stolen kisses here and there, they rarely talked. Jimin offered to go to the office, but Jungkook refused saying he had conference calls with international clients all day and there was nothing Jimin could do to help, which was true. He knew the youngest was busy, so all he wanted was to hang out with him while he worked. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't disappointed when Jungkook turned down the offer.

Jimin was literally sulking on the group chat with the girls that morning when Katy suggested a simple dinner. The problem was he couldn't cook. That was where Alvie came to rescue. Katy had work, so Portia and Alvie readily agreed to cook a decent meal for the night. But only Alvie showed up.

"Where is Portia? You never told me why she hasn't come."

"Oh, I forgot." Alvie shrugged. "She went out with her Jinnie." She took the scrubbed pan, running it under the water.

"What?!" Jimin paused. "When did this happen? Are we keeping secrets now?"

"Yesterday." She chuckled. "You know how she gets when it comes to her Jinnie. She didn't even give us a break all night. Let alone tell you."

Jimin could literally imagine Portia being all over the place, screaming and squealing as she rambled on about her encounter with the handsome doctor. "How did this even happen?" He started scrubbing with a smile stretching his lips.

Alvie bumped into his shoulder. "Well, we were hanging out at our station when Jinnie suddenly showed up and asked her out for coffee. You know, to that coffee shop near the hospital."

Jimin imagined Portia going all flustered and breathless, frozen on her seat. That woman could barely lock gaze with her Jinnie let alone frame a full-sentence unless it was related to work.

Alvie turned fully to face him with a big smile that lit her face like a Christmas tree. "You should have seen her face." She laughed out loud, eyes crinkling. "So, our panda goes all mushy and speechless. Me and Katy had to accept the date on her behalf. And we kept an eye on her, so she didn't chicken out."

"Finally," he grinned with a shake of his head. "It's about time."

She bobbed her head with the same enthusiasm. "We were going to leave when Jinnie called again asking if she was doing anything tonight. Guess what, that idiot said she had plans."

Jimin's eyes bulged. "Is she for real?"

"I smacked her ass, forced her to call him again, and tell him that she was free."

Jimin burst into laughter, his entire body leaning over the counter as he imagined the scene. Portia needed someone like Alvie and Katy. He was glad his doctor hyung finally plucked the courage to ask her out. Now only if Hobi hyung also did the same.

"Wait, Portia is with Jin hyung and you're here. So, who's gonna pick Katy from work?" They all shared a car since they always traveled together. If one had to go without the other, they took a taxi or bus.

"She'll take a taxi," Alvie said nonchalantly and continued to wash the dish but stopped when she sensed Jimin staring at her. They locked gazes, communicating silently as a huge grin plastered on their faces.

"I'll text Hobi hyung," Jimin said gleefully and quickly washed his hands. "This is gonna be fun."

"I love playing cupid," Alvie chimed as he dried his hands and grabbed his phone. Just as he shot a text to Hobi hyung Alvie's phone rang. "Jiminie, can you bring it over here?"

"Sure." He grabbed it, his eyes widening when he saw Namjoon's name flashing on the screen. "Namjoon hyung?" He swiped the thumb across the screen before walking over to where she was and lifted it to her ear.

Alvie bit her lips as she answered, "Hello." Her eyes found Jimin's.

"Ah, yeah, um...I'm done."

"What? You're coming here?"

"Yeah, okay. I'll be ready."

She pursed her lips when Jimin lifted a brow in question. He removed the phone from her ears, her hands still wet. "So, you and Namjoon hyung, huh? When were you planning to tell me this?"

Alvie huffed and turned to wash her hands before drying them. "There's nothing to say. I went to drop Portia at Jinnie's place. When we reached there, he told us his car won't start. So, I told them to take our car. I was going to flag a taxi when Namjoon showed up. He offered to drop me saying Jungkook's place is on his way. So, I hitched a ride. That's all," she said without a pause and snatched the phone out of her hand.

Namjoon hyung's office was in the opposite direction, but Jimin didn't tell her that. The doorbell rang before he could say something.

"That must be him," Alvie said removing her apron. "Once again, he said he finished with his work and going home." She had her hand up stopping him from uttering a word. "I took his offer because I have to pick Portia and the car. I'm sure the dinner includes wine and I can't let her drive."

Jimin suppressed a smile. Instead of responding to her, he turned around to get the door.

Namjoon flashed his signature dimple smile, his gaze straying over Jimin's head and his features brightened. "Hey, buddy," he said to Jimin, glancing at him briefly. "How are you doing?"

"Good." Jimin leaned over the doorframe. "Jin hyung's car, huh? Good excuse, hyung," he lowered his voice so only Namjoon could hear him. "You scored a point today."

His doctor hyung was someone who cared for his car just like he cared for his own body. That was a dead giveaway.

The tallest grinned sheepishly and scratched the back of his head. "Don't tell anyone. Jin hyung's car works just fine."

"Knew it!" Jimin whispered and clamped his mouth shut when Alvie shouldered past him.

"Have fun, Jiminie. I want to know everything tomorrow."

"Sure. Likewise."

Alvie pivoted on her heel, glaring daggers at him before turning around and stomped to the elevators.

Jimin chuckled under his breath. "She likes you."

Namjoon who was staring at her fondly flicked his gaze to Jimin. "You think so?"

"I know so." Jimin folded his hands across his chest. "How many guys do you think she hitched a ride with?" he questioned before answering, "Zero."

Namjoon shifted in his feet. "That's good, I guess."

Jimin nodded. "It is," he assured. "It's her way of showing that she cares. Trust me, she wouldn't even bother with you if she doesn't like you."

"Are you coming?" Alvie shouted when one of the elevators arrived.

Namjoon straightened and extended a hand. "That's my cue to leave." He winked. "Have fun."

"I will."

He watched them leave with a fond smile before closing the door. Once in the kitchen, he shot a text to Tae asking him to check with Jungkook when he'd leave the office. Since this was supposed to a surprise, Tae was acting as a bridge between them. Jimin set to rinse the vessels and clean the kitchen before Jungkook showed up while waiting for Tae's response.

Tae: He's running late. I'll text you when he leaves the office.

Jimin: Ok.

Tae: Do you need any help?

Jimin: No. It's all set. Alvie just left.

Tae: Ring me if you need anything.

Jimin: Sure.

Jimin decided to watch TV while waiting for the youngest. It was close to nine p.m. He didn't know how long it would take Jungkook to come home. He could only wish the youngest didn't end up sleeping in the office like he did sometimes. As he chilled on the couch, his eyes fluttered to close. The random movie he was watching continued to run in the background as he drifted off.

***

"Hyung?"

Jimin sat upright blinking his eyes rapidly as his gaze adjusted to the brightness. Jungkook's face hovered over him. He looked around arranging his disoriented thoughts.

"Hyung..." Jungkook shook him gently. "I didn't know you'd be here."

Jimin blinked again and brought the heels of his palms to rub the sleep off his eyes. "What time is it?" his voice came hoarse.

"It's around twelve. You could have slept in my room." Jungkook tugged at his hand. "Come let's get you to bed."

Jimin stood slightly disoriented from sleep. "Did you eat? Are you hungry?"

"No, I'm good. I ate something earlier."

"Oh." He felt a slight pang in his chest. Is this how the youngest felt when he ate outside before? In this case, Jungkook didn't know Jimin was waiting for him. Jimin wondered if he ever knew Jungkook waiting for him with dinner.

"What about you?" Jungkook asked softly. "When did you get here?"

"I..." Jimin yawned.

"Were you waiting for me to have dinner?"

Jimin looked up and noticed Jungkook's wide gaze fixated on the kitchen counter where he left the dishes earlier.

"Ah, you were working a lot lately. So, I wanted to bring food." He shifted awkwardly. Jimin didn't even know how Jungkook would react. It was a sudden decision. He didn't give it much thought when Katy suggested the idea. Now that Jungkook was here watching him with wide doe-eyes, he wasn't sure if it was a good idea at all. "It's nothing. I'll put them in the fridge." He shuffled in his feet to go to the kitchen but Jungkook caught his elbow.

"You cooked?"

Jimin couldn't decipher Jungkook's expression. "I had help." He rubbed the back of his neck. Jungkook stopped him again when he tried to walk away.

"Let's eat then."

Jimin frowned. "You said you aren't hungry."

"But you are."

"I'm not—" His stomach rumbled as if on cue.

Jungkook chuckled, his nose scrunching as he shrugged off his suit jacket. "You obviously fell asleep while waiting for me." He took hold of his elbow again leading him to the kitchen. "Sorry, hyung. I'd have come sooner if I had known."

"You were working," Jimin said softly. "I didn't want to disturb."

The youngest rolled his eyes as he pulled the stool for him to sit. Then he proceeded to uncover the dishes. "Wow. Hyung...it smells delicious. Wait. I'll heat them."

His voice left no room for argument. So, Jimin sat with a fond smile gracing his lips. Jungkook rolled his sleeves to his elbows as he quickly went to work.

"I love Japchae." Jungkook hummed a random melody as he heated the soup. "You could have just shown up in the office if you were going to cook." He threw a glance over his shoulder. "Next time come to the office, hyung. That way you don't have to wait."

Jimin smiled with a shake of his head. "I'll keep that in mind." He leaned over the counter on his elbows. "Your schedule was packed today. I didn't want to disturb you. I know how long those calls could go."

"You could always feed me." Jungkook shrugged with a teasing smile.

"Smooth." Jimin giggled, leaning further into the counter. "You're not eating?" he asked when Jungkook came back with just one plate and a pair of chopsticks.

"I am." Jungkook first spooned the soup, blowing it twice before bringing it to Jimin's lips.

Warmth spread inside Jimin's chest as he opened his mouth. His eyes closed automatically as the soup nourished his taste buds. He hummed low in his throat.

Jungkook sipped the next spoon. "It's delicious, hyung." He took another spoon, chewing the rice cake before feeding Jimin again.

A comfortable silence settled between the duo as they ate. Jungkook ate a healthy portion of food while feeding Jimin simultaneously. Jimin's heart swelled at the intimate gesture the youngest displayed. He watched Jungkook, chomping down the food with murmurs of appreciation.

The dinner was amazing. Alvie had outdone herself again. Jungkook patted his stomach with a groan. "My stomach feels like it would explode at any moment." He unbuckled his belt and untucked his shirt. "That was the best dinner I had in a while."

"I wish I could cook for you every day." Jimin collected the empty bowls. "But I can only cook ramyeon." He carried the bowls to the sink. "Alvie came over to cook for us."

Jungkook hummed. "I'll cook for us the next time." He went to hug Jimin from the back. "Tell her I said thanks." He nuzzled Jimin's neck, pressing his lips on his skin. "Leave it in the sink. I'll wash it tomorrow."

"No. I—"

"I'm so tired, hyung. Let's call it a night please."

Jimin smiled as he patted Jungkook's joined hands in the front of his waist. "Why don't you brush and change? I'll be there shortly."

"Okay. Leave it there."

Jimin shook his head with a smile as Jungkook disappeared into the hallway. He quickly washed the dishes and put the leftovers in the fridge before making his way to Jungkook's bedroom. He didn't plan to spend the night here. But it was too late already and it was clear Jungkook was ready to hit the bed.

The youngest was already on the bed, wearing only a pair of shorts. "Your toothbrush is beside mine," he said with a tired smile. "Come fast."

Jimin nodded. He already had his own toothbrush at Jungkook's apartment. During his short stay here, they had fell accustomed to each other. Though Jimin stayed in the guest bedroom, Jungkook always found his way into his bed. The youngest loved to cuddle. It didn't surprise Jimin anymore. He also learned a lot about Jungkook from Taehyung.

After he had blacked out after their last sexual encounter, Jungkook refrained from taking it further than a few kisses. It also had something to do with both of them needing time. Jungkook was already under the covers when he walked inside the room after washing up.

He glanced up from his phone at Jimin. "I know we shouldn't sleep immediately after eating. But I'm beat," he mumbled as he put the phone on the bedside table and patted the empty side of the bed to his left.

Jimin climbed the bed, settling against the pillows and lifted his right hand. "Come here." Jungkook scooted closer, snuggling to his chest. He threw a hand over his waist, tangling their limbs. A contented sigh left his lips. Jimin began to stroke his hair, gently running his fingers through his scalp. "Good night, Jungkookie."

Jungkook hummed in response bumping his nose into his chest once before his breathing evened. He was sensitive to smell, Taehyung had told. Jimin had noticed over the weeks how the youngest was always sniffing at him whenever they were close. It brought him the memories of the two times Jungkook got drunk.

The eldest often tried to think things through from Jungkook's shoes. He's said that he missed him even asked if he was really in front of him. Did the youngest think he was dreaming then? He could only imagine how it must have hurt Jungkook when he saw Jimin again. Why hadn't he said something?

I'm sorry, Jungkookie. He kissed the top of his head. I'll make this right.

Ahem ahem...why is it so hot here?

Until we meet again...💜💜💜