pair: jungkook x jisoo
friends to lovers, a tiny bit of angst with a happy ending
warning: none

relying more on tumblr prompts for my write-ups >< also, this one-shot will all be in jungkook's pov! but anyways, would like to give full credit to @/soulprompt on tumblr for this;

"i just want you to be happy. if that's with me or with someone else or with nobody... i just want you to be happy."

* * *

I could recall the first time I met her.

It was a summer morning. I could remember the gentle wind caressing the branches of the trees at the park, swaying gently as its older leaves left its wooden stronghold and flutter down to the grass. Golden rays of sunshine shone through the clouds, making it a perfect day for kids to be out and play. I was ten years old at that time, sitting on one of the many benches at the park. My nose was buried deep in the '500 Insect Facts That Will Blow Your Mind' book that I borrowed from my big brother.

My friends and I were planning on catching a few butterflies and dragonflies that day, so I wanted to impress them. Yet as I walked down that cemented path road, I bumped into her. Well, I did not exactly bump into her, I simply stopped in my tracks and stared. Creepy, I know, but I simply couldn't bear to see a girl swinging all alone as she longingly stared at the groups of children running around.

So, with the courage I had back then, I walked up to her and sat on the swing adjacent to hers. She noticed my presence straight away and looked at me. I stiffened, not knowing why I suddenly went near her or what to even say to her. Yet, my mouth just started moving on its own; "Did you know that all insects go through the same life cycle?"

Her face morphed into a confused look. My ears were burning red from embarrassment, but I continued with giving more insect facts. She simply could've gotten up and left, letting me wallow in a pool of embarrassment and scarred from human interaction for the rest of my life, she just sat there and listened to me. She even asked questions occasionally and happily answered with enthusiasm. By the time I ran out of words to say, it was already noon time, way past the time I was supposed to meet up with my friends. Yet I enjoyed my time spewing facts about insects with this random girl and not once did I regret it.

I remember her soft giggles as I closed the book. She then stood up from the swing, a grin plastered across her face, "Thanks for keeping me company," she uttered out meekly, "I'm Kim Jisoo, what's your name?"

"I'm Jeon Jungkook." I remember replying.

"Well Jungkook, it was nice meeting you," She then gives her mother a quick glance, who had been watching from a distance for the last few minutes, "I need to go now, but do you promise that I will see you here tomorrow?" She extends out her hand, waiting for me to shake on it.

With no hesitation, I went in and shook her hand. "I promise Jisoo, I'll even bring snacks for us!"

Then the rest was history. A friendship that lasted for more than a decade. Still couldn't believe that a borrowed book from my big brother became the catalyst for meeting a wonderful woman in my life. She was a friend to me back then; someone who I could heavily rely on when I could no longer bear the burdens in life. But as time continued to pass by, I began seeing her in a different light. It started when we were in high school.

It was 10:30 PM, we both just got out of school and are both currently walking home. She was munching on the soft-serve ice cream I bought her in the convenience store that was close to the school since I lost in rock-paper-scissors but I didn't mind, I would have paid her food regardless. As we were about to walk around the corner of the sidewalk, she suddenly stopped walking. I noticed when I was only a few steps ahead, "Did you forget something?" I asked, yet there was no response from her.

Instead, she said something that still remained ingrained in my mind; "You know, I still want you in my life, even after we graduate from college."

She said it in such a nonchalant tone, yet the look in her eyes shone with sincerity. She smiled and continued walking, hooking her arm around mine to tug me alongside her. It was pretty random of her to say it, but then again, she was always spontaneous in her actions and words. Thinking about it again made me feel happy because I am still with her, and I simply couldn't ask for more.

Countless times, she had made it clear to me that I am only a friend. At first, it hurt a lot, until I kind of got used to the feeling of being there for Jisoo. For countless times, I stood from the sidelines and watched as she got together with different people. There was a point I considered confessing, but the moment I was put on the spot, I ran away.

I could not blame anyone but myself for the situation I put myself in. Jisoo is not obliged to be with me because I stayed by her side for years; she's not obligated to fall in love with me just because I was with her. The heart wants what it wants and her heart does not want me.

Going back to the present, I am currently situated in my very own office cubicle, typing in the monthly earnings of the company. For the umpteenth time, I have to save my co-worker's ass for their negligence because they called in sick and the higher-ups desperately needed the reports. Efficiency and speed were my specialties, not to brag, but I have been 'employee of the month' two times. As I almost complete the document, I feel a light tap on the right side of my cubicle.

Looming over the gray wall was Jisoo, her chin leaning against the edge as her arms dangle off. She clearly looks slightly disheartened and tired. Of course, being the concerned friend I am (correction: simp), I turn to her, "You okay?"

She shakes her head, "I'm worried about which dress I am going to pick for my blind date tonight..." She huffs, "Lisa was supposed to go shopping with me but she had to cancel at the last minute because she needed to make a presentation for tomorrow."

Ah yes, the ugly twisting feeling that always reoccurs whenever she talks about her dates makes its appearance in my stomach once again. I pursed my lips, putting in some finishing touches to the document I was working on before facing her once again, "You know, you can always ask me to come, I'm literally your best friend."

"Well, I figured you were busy," She says as a smile slowly creeps up on her lips, "Are you sure you're free later?"

"Dumbass, I always have time for you."

She laughs before sending a flying kiss my way, "Thank you Jungkook, love you so much!" She then sinks back to her own cubicle, hearing the sound of her humming—signifying that she was now in a good mood.

I would never turn down the chance to spend time with you.

* * *

It was already 5 PM by the time I finish up with a few more documents. I simply turned off my laptop, shoving it in my work bag. I also packed a few of the folders that I need to sort later in my apartment. I stood up and looked around the adjacent cubicle on the right side. Jisoo had also finished packing up her belongings and was now facing me with a pretty smile on her face—and I never get tired of it.

"Let's go!" She muses, reaching for my hand to interlock with hers. The familiar fuzzy feeling from years ago still lingers as I allow her to quickly whisk me away from the office, trying to ignore the knowing stares of our co-workers.

"As a 'thank you' for accompanying me, dinner is going to be my treat!" She says, looking at me as we maneuver our way out of the office. I wanted to protest, but she gave me no time to react as she quickly retorted, "And you have no right to refuse!" We both stop at the elevator that was situated right down the hall. There were a few of our other office mates already waiting for the elevator so we waited as well.

It was only a few seconds until the steel doors automatically opened and a few people filed out of the elevator lift, leaving space for the rest who were waiting on this floor. Jisoo and I quickly squeezed into an almost full elevator lift and we somehow managed to work our way to the corner. Once we seemed to have settled, the steel doors close and I could feel the lift descending. Jisoo takes a moment to breathe by sighing and leaning on my shoulder, lightly snuggling against it.

'God, this is so unfair... What trials are you subjecting me to? Is my unrequited crush an amusement to you?' I thought. We both stood close to each other, waiting until we reach the ground floor. People continuously walked and filed out, getting only a few floors closer to our destination. By the time the lift was on the ground floor, everyone in the elevator walked out. She still had her arm locked around mine, so I used my right arm to fish out my phone which was conveniently in the right pocket of my black slacks. I paused for a minute and she does the same, peeking over to look at my screen. I didn't mind, I was only going to check the air quality outside. I look to see that it was relatively bad, causing me to frown.

"Crap, I forgot to bring a mask." I heard her curse under her breath. Her arms unlinked with mine as she begins to rummage through her bag for some sort of extra mask that was hiding in some compartment. Luckily, I was given an extra one from Mingyu this morning when we both came in at the same time. "Here, I have an extra," I promptly pulled it out and she smiles and gratefully takes it, "A lifesaver as always." She remarks before putting on the mask.

I did so with mine and I followed her closely. Without another word, I feel her hands slither their way against mine, interlocking our fingers together as she gave it a tight squeeze. If Jisoo were to look up right now, she would definitely see my ears burning red, but she doesn't as she was focused on finding a place to eat. "Since it's still five, how about we look at some shops first before I treat you. I saw a pretty dress this morning!" She mused and once again, I was brought back to my senses.

'Right,' I thought, 'We are looking for a dress for her blind date.' It was nice to be reminded from time to time that we really aren't dating; all the gestures and warm smiles that she sends my way were simply platonic, nothing more. The first stop was a thrift shop that was right across the street from the cooperation we work at. The words 'dainty love' in a cursive font was plastered on a small sign that was hanging above the door. Jisoo excitedly opens the door and greets the worker that just happened to be there, I did the same.

Rows of a variety of pastel clothes were neatly lined up, to match the aesthetic, the walls were coated with a pretty shade of pastel pink. In the middle of the ceiling was a small chandelier that had faux lights that did little to illuminate the room as the shop added a few light bulbs around; it was simply there to boost the aesthetics. There were vintage mirrors at the end of every row so that customers could probably check to see if the clothing matched them without needing to go to the dressing room.

Overall, it was a nice thrift shop for those who want pastel clothing. She lets go of my hand and my subconscious was yearning to feel the warmth she provided once again. I just stood by closely, sometimes giving out my opinion on some of the outfits she chose.

"I think you look great in all of the outfits you chose.." I remarked as she hands me over another dress to carry. She smiles at me, "Why of course, I know myself long enough to know what suits me and what doesn't."

'I also think it's because you're so damn pretty.'

"Hey Jungkook," She paused for a second, "What do you think about my blind date tomorrow? Do you think I would be able to find The One?" For the first time, she looked incredibly worried, almost nervous, for a date. She had been on numerous dates and the majority of those ended with only just one date. She often complained how, most of the time, her dates end up with the other party being conceited and used the majority of the time to brag whatever riches they could over to her. 'It felt like they only saw me as an accessory... Someone who could boost their morale. They were only in it for my looks.' I remember her saying almost so casually, but the way her eyes looked told a different story; they looked crestfallen and tired as if nothing was going to work out for her love life anymore. I tried my hardest to make her smile that day, after all, it's what she deserves; she needs to know that she is more than just a pretty girl, and I think she needs that reassurance again.

"I think that you need to stop being a worrywart,"—I poked her forehead—"You're a great girl with a great personality, I'm sure they'll see it this time." The look in her eyes made me feel at ease; she looked happy, just as she should be all the time. "Aww, thanks Jungkookie~"

She actually managed to find a cute outfit. It was a pastel purple spaghetti strap dress that stopped just above the knees, paired with a cropped cardigan of the same color. It had a small daisy button to hold it together. "Alright, let's head to our next stop," She mused, right after the cashier gave her the shopping bag."

* * *

"Thanks for hanging out with me, Jungkook."

I looked at her. We had finally finished eating dinner and were now exiting the restaurant with full stomachs. I scoffed, "Stop thanking me... Didn't I tell you that I always have time for you?" She hums in response, once again interlocking her arm with mine. She then leans her head against my shoulder as we walk, "Yeah... Which is why you are my best friend." She then lets out a sigh, and I couldn't help but feel like there's something she is not telling me.

"Is anything wrong?" I ask, glancing at her small figure. She stayed silent for a moment, as if contemplating and gathering her words, "It's just that..."—she lets out another sigh—"I'm not sure if I really want to go on another blind date tomorrow."

"Oh? Why is that?"

"There's someone I like already... But he doesn't like me back."

I could feel myself slowly losing touch with my surroundings, yet I don't. The only thing keeping me grounded was Jisoo's arm wrapped around mine. She continues, "He's someone very special to me, and I don't know what I would do if he stopped being my friend."

"Ah..." I feel utterly dejected. I try to mask my disappointment, yet the unbearable beating of my heart was making it so difficult for me to stay composed. Perhaps, this was the sign I needed; I really need to move on. "Maybe it'll be just like what you said before, you might find The One tomorrow on your blind date," I say, and I swear I could feel Jisoo's grip on my arm tightened. She then suddenly lets go and turns to face me.

Now, there were times when I wouldn't be able to read the thoughts in Jisoo's mind. Like that one time when she had a fight with one of our co-workers. She had an unreadable expression as she was completely bombarded with verbal violence. I thought she was going to be kind and ask for a civil response, but ever so calmly, she replied with a "Let's see what the boss has to say," and simply walked off. And now, standing in front of me, she wore the same expression on her face. I couldn't tell what she was thinking, and I immediately panicked.

'Did I say something wrong? Was there something I shouldn't have said?' I mentally replayed the words I said earlier, and no matter how many times I've thought it through, I couldn't wrap my head around what I said that would illicit this sort of reaction from her. She opened her mouth, yet no words seem to come out. She then pursed her lips into a thin line, letting out a sigh, "Never mind, it's not worth it... I'll see you tomorrow, Jungkook."

"What do you mean-"

Before I could even get an answer, she already walked away. Little did I know that this conversation would be the catalyst of us beginning to drift apart. The next morning when she came to work, she looked absolutely tired, as if she had been up all night. Was the blind date seriously something she was dreading all this time? I looked over to her cubicle, only to see that she spared me a weary smile before going back to looking at the screen.

The next time we met was in the break room. I see her preparing herself a cup of coffee, and that's when I knew she was up all night. She rarely needs coffee, and when she does, she usually consumes two cups. This was the fourth one, and of course, I was beginning to grow concerned because she usually doesn't resort to caffeine. I approach her, "Hey, you okay?"

"I'm fine, thanks." She replies, promptly taking her cup and leaving the room, not even giving room for a conversation. Perhaps this was one of her bad days and I am probably being a nuisance by being around her. I decided to leave it at that. I could not let her terrible mood go on until her date.

With not communicating with Jisoo, the rest of the day just went by in a flash and before I knew it, it was already time to commute back home. As I pack my things, I take a quick glance at Jisoo. She seems to be doing better than the last time I saw her. I guess I was right, maybe she was in a bad mood after all. I then felt a vibration in my pocket and promptly pulled out my phone. It was a message from one of my hyungs, who just so happened to be friends with Jisoo.

jjjimin: hey, since jisoo is going to have a blind date, why not hang out with me and hoseok-hyung? he's treating ramen because he got a promotion.

I looked back at Jisoo, who was still packing her things. "Hey Jisoo, I'll be with my hyungs this time. Will you be alright?" She nods, "Yeah, I'll be okay. Have fun then, Jungkook." She then proceeds to walk to the elevator. I feel my heart sink; her tone feels off. I am sure that something is bothering her and is choosing to keep it from me. I guess I'll confront her about it tomorrow. I then look back to my phone and began typing out a message for Jimin.

jaykaay: sure thing, send me the location ^^

Jimin replied without missing a beat, promptly sending me the location of the restaurant. It was a 10-minute walk from the corporate building, so I could definitely manage to get there without a taxi. After double-checking if I have left anything else on my desk, I grabbed my work bag and was off to my hyungs.

* * *

"Hey! Long time no see, Jungkook."

I was greeted by a brief hug from Hoseok, then Jimin stood up and gave me another brief hug as well. They occupied the seats that were the closest to the cashier, perhaps it was to gain the attention of any waiter. The place was absolutely packed with people, it would be almost impossible to catch the attention of any waiter.

"Glad to see both of my handsome hyungs."

"Not even a minute in and you're already trying to butter us up with compliments." Jimin points out before gesturing me to sit down beside him, which I promptly did so while flashing the both of them a cheeky grin. "Anyways, did you already order?" I asked.
"Yeah, I got their most popular dish," Hoseok says, as a waiter suddenly comes to our table and dishes out the usual utensils along with glasses of water.

"So how are both of you? Congrats on your promotion, by the way, hyung." I say, referring to Hoseok who smiled at me gleefully, "Thanks Jungkook, I've been doing fine too, everything's been going great in my life so far."

Jimin sighs, "Wouldn't say the same for me though, my boss has been a total asshole to me for the past few weeks."

"Ah, you mean Seulgi-ssi?" I say before taking a sip from my glass. He shakes his head, "Min Yoongi, Seulgi's only a co-worker," He corrected, "I don't know, he's been giving me more work than usual, I'm surprised that he even let me off earlier than usual today."

"Didn't you say that he was hot the moment you first saw him? Right in front of-"

"We do not speak about that incident." Jimin quickly interjects, glaring at Hoseok who only chuckled. He then turns to me, "So, how's Jisoo? Is she doing okay?"

Jimin knows about my pathetic pining for her and sometimes teases me about I could have a family and a spouse yet my heart would still belong to her. For the most part, it was true, yet I wouldn't imagine myself being with anyone in the future. "She's doing okay, I think."

He raises a brow at my response, "What do you mean 'I guess'? Did you guys fight?"
"Not exactly..." I paused as they were looking at me intently, "I think I said something that I shouldn't have said, and she has been acting off around me ever since then."

"What could you possibly say that would make her act weird around you?" Hoseok asks rhetorically. I sigh, "Well, she told me about her blind date and then she said something about crushing on a guy, and apparently he doesn't like her back. She also said that she couldn't do anything about it because he is someone very special and she wouldn't know what to do if he ever stopped being friends with her. So I told her that she should just go for the blind date instead."

Then there was silence amongst the table. Despite the chattering of the patrons and clanking of utensils against the dishes in the restaurant, the silent treatment my hyungs gave me was enough to make me nervous. Jimin then lets out a sigh and a groan, "God, why are you so dense sometimes?"

"What?" I look at Jimin, "What do you mean by that?"

"I don't know if I am jumping to conclusions here, but maybe, just maybe, have you ever considered that she was hinting that she likes you at that time?" Jimin asks, and my brain nearly shuts off for a quick second. I stare at him as if he grew an extra head, "No? I never considered that."

"Jungkook..." Hoseok interjects, "She may be into you too, and was probably trying to hint that she did not want to go on that blind date." He adds.

"I'm..." I paused and really thought about it. Was the idea of Jisoo liking me back really far-fetched? I, for one, simply couldn't imagine it. There are plenty of other people that could be a perfect match for her and I'm certainly not a part of that group. "I don't know hyung, maybe we are just jumping to conclusions here."

"How about you try and confess?" Jimin suggests, and I was about to protest when he cuts me off, "I mean, it's better than to never do it, right? You would regret it even more if you haven't done anything about your little crush on her."

A waiter then comes in and places our order as the mood and conversation quickly shift to the food in front of us. They both started digging in whereas I was still picking up my chopsticks while pondering about what Jimin had said a few seconds ago. Perhaps there is no harm in confessing. I have known Jisoo for far too long. We have stuck through thick and thin, and perhaps in her end, she felt the same way.

Maybe I had a chance with her all along.

* * *

The rest of the dinner went by well, as we had even more small talk and bantering with the company of good food. As we walk out of the restaurant, I turn to both of them, "I guess I'll see you when I see you?" They both smile at me and bade me goodbye. I was just about to start walking away when I hear Jimin utter, "And good luck with Jisoo!" I glanced at him before turning away, slightly embarrassed since other people were looking. I then proceeded to head back to my own apartment, which was a thirty-minute walk from where I am right now, but I needed a breather after the amount of food I ate back there.

Ten minutes into my walk, I feel my phone vibrating. I pull it out of the pocket and my eyes widened to see Jisoo's name on my screen. She was calling me and I promptly answer, putting the phone close to my ear.

"Hey, Jisoo! How was-"

"Please, can you pick me up?" I could hear her voice break from the other line and my face immediately contorts into a look filled with concern. "Hey, are you okay?"

"Yeah," She sniffles, "I just... Want to see you, so can you pick me up?"
"Sure... Sure, just tell me where you are."
"I'll send you my location. Thank you so much Jungkook."
"Just hang on tight, Jisoo."
"I'm not going anywhere, I'll just wait here for you."

I ended the call and was immediately notified that Jisoo had already sent me her location. I made no haste and took a taxi to the park where she was at. While heading there, my mind was plagued by thoughts of Jisoo. Did her date end up being terrible? Was she not satisfied? Did the asshole fight with her and left her alone at the park? She should not be getting used to treatment from her dates at all; I have nearly lost count of how many times she had been matched with assholes. The driver notifies me that I have reached my destination, and I gave him the payment and told him to keep the change before I quickly got out of the vehicle.

The park around this time had a decent amount of people, some wanting to cool down or to change the pace from their hectic schedule. I briskly walked through the bricked way, eyes frantically looking for Jisoo along with the benches. Before I even resorted to calling her once again, my eyes landed on her figure that was benches away from me. The dress she bought the other day looked even way prettier with the added hair accessories and matching handbag, and as I approach her closer, I could make out that she wore light make up for her blind date, yet it was slightly ruined from the tears that fell from her eyes.

"Jisoo." I call out to her, and she immediately looks up before immediately getting up and running towards me. Before I even got another word out of my mouth, she pulls me into an embrace, catching me off guard. My hands hover above her waist, hesitant to wrap my arms around her yet as she continues to let herself sink deeper into my chest, I gave her a tight hug. We stayed like that for a moment, just basking in comfortable silence while not caring if people were to see us. After a few more minutes, she finally pulls away, wiping off her tears with the back of her hands and fingers.

"I'm sorry... I just," She lets out a sigh, "I don't know what came over me, I was just on the date and he was treating me so well yet I-"

"Alright," I interjected, "Just take it slow, you're rambling and slurring your words."

Jisoo nods before inhaling and exhaling to calm herself. Once it seemed like her head was cleared, she began to talk. "I felt so guilty, Jungkook. He was such a nice guy, so sweet." She starts off, "Yet... I never felt the spark. I never felt the butterflies and it killed me because he was showing me so much kindness and appreciation, much more than the past dates." I inwardly cringe, recalling that I was calling the dude an asshole in my thoughts on the way here.

"I just feel like such a bitch for not being able to reciprocate his feelings." She ends, looking at me expectantly, waiting for me to say something.

"You know... You don't have to reciprocate someone's feelings just because they are into you," I gulped, feeling my mouth go dry as the words that came out of my mouth hit a little too close to home, "No one is obligated to feel the same because if the person is not happy with you, then what's the point of being with that person?"

I placed my hands on her shoulders, rubbing them as I looked into her eyes. "At the end of the day, your happiness matters, Jisoo," I say wholeheartedly, "And as a friend, I just want you to be happy. If that's with me or with someone else or with nobody. I just want you to be happy."

"Then... What if I am happy with you?"

What?

"Jungkook, I don't know if you will ever feel the same because there were so many times I tried to hint you of my feelings." She says as I could tears beginning to prick the corner of her eyes, "You never made a move so I am assuming that you saw me only as a friend."

I was at a loss for words. She had been throwing clear signs and displays of affection towards me. I had always interpreted those as friendly gestures or just Jisoo being a touchy person with her friends. I was... wrong? I open my mouth to speak, only to be interjected by Jisoo who inched away from me. "I know what you are going to say and I don't want to hear it. Just please, let me imagine that you actually-"

"Jisoo, you can stop worrying about that because I feel the same. I love you." The words I never thought I would ever utter out to my best friend finally came out. The years of torment that I felt washed away at this very moment; seeing the same way her cheeks burn red like mine whenever we do skin-ship made me laugh. The hurt in my chest was gone and it was replaced with an overwhelming emotion of happiness. She loves me back and there was no doubt about it.

She stares at me wide-eyed, and I couldn't help but pull her into an embrace once again. "Why do you think I always stay with you even though it is past my work hours? Why do you think that I always make time for you even though I clearly have so much more work? Hm?" I smile, gently caressing the top of her head before pulling away.

"You... So..." She then lets out a laugh and I let out a chuckle. We were both putting ourselves in situations that were miserable when it could have all been avoided had there been an accidental confession or a serious one along the way. Boy, do I have a good story to tell Jimin tonight. But first...

"Let me take you out on a proper date, I feel like we both deserve it after putting ourselves through misery." I offer before leaning closer to plant a short peck on her forehead. She almost seemed to shut down and God... She was just so damn cute. I take her hand, tugging her along. As our fingers interlocked, we smiled at each other.

One day, when we are both sure of it, we would come back to this very park and I would get down on one knee and finally put a ring on her finger.

* * *

this was certainly a long one-shot ^^ i hope you guys like it! i am using first-person pov for the meantime and would probably switch back to third-person if i feel like it. but anyways! there is this lovely new writer with the username of nysxa_7 who asked me if i could help out with promoting her story as she is a new writer.

the story she put out is categorized in the 'slice of life genre, and it is about the pretty main vocalist of blackpink, rosie <3 please go shower some love and some tips for writing! thank you again for reading, next one-shot will be vsoo again :>