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Jimin reaches the last step in the flight of stairs, walking down the small hallway before he gets to the intended door. Using the back of his clammy hands, Jimin's knuckles knock on the door to signal he'd arrived. His tongue licks over his lip and wettens it when he's hit with anxiety.

The container he's holding feels cold against his skin, ice cream slowly melting inside. Jimin's heartbeat goes faster when he picks up the sound of footsteps from the apartment. Instinctively, Jimin's holding his breath. There's still the chance to flee, but he feels rooted to the spot. Jimin doesn't think, though, he's ready to meet a certain someone who could be behind this door.

The door is yanked open within mere seconds, causing Jimin to flinch and dart his gaze to the person with dark brown hair tied up in a bun and wearing glasses. There goes his chance to flee.

"Hi, uhm—"

"Jin isn't here." Jeongguk interrupts him, his voice hinting at confusion, and honestly, Jimin can't be mad. Who could possibly think that his best friend isn't the person he wanted to see?

"I hoped that he's not here," Jimin answers sheepishly, pink dusting his cheeks. He rests his gaze on the alpha's black, thin-framed glasses. It's the first time seeing him wearing them. "I wanted to see you, actually."

"Oh," Jeongguk says in bewilderment, and then contemplates what to do next. Jimin wonders if Jeongguk is considering sending him away, but Jeongguk opens the door wider, signalling that he can step in. "Come in."

Jimin hesitantly steps into the open kitchen and places the container on the counter. His fingers drum against the plastic lid as he nervously looks around the kitchen. He notices it is difficult for him to be the first to say something, and Jeongguk seems to see it too. "So... why are you here? I don't want to sound rude or anything but...yeah. Why did you want to see me?"

"I uhm—brought you this," Jimin confesses with a nervous smile and pushes the container towards Jeongguk. The latter casts a more confused look at the container than he had just given Jimin at the door. He mustn't have noticed it. However, Jimin doesn't address it at first. "I would eat it quickly, so it doesn't melt."

Jeongguk continues to look at him and the small green plastic container sceptically, his gaze alternating from the omega to the container and back until he finally reaches for it a little slower and removes the lid. His eyes express surprise as he stares at the brownish ice cream.

His eyes flicker back to Jimin, holding an emotion Jimin can't decipher. "I'm not an ice cream fan-"

Jimin pouts innerly with disappointment. "Then you don't have to eat it—"

"—but I don't deny it precisely because it looks like a type of ice cream I haven't eaten yet."

"It's Snickers ice cream. I saw you eating Snickers once and thought you might like it." Jimin's cheeks feel warm from embarrassment. Is it unusual that he noticed? "I wanted to thank you for what you did for me at the Christmas market."

"Don't mention it," Jeongguk shrugs, even if slightly surprised at Jimin's words. Jimin realises he's dismissing it as nothing special, but to him, it meant so much more. Others certainly wouldn't have taken it lightly if he kissed them. Just looking back at the evening is enough to make him feel ashamed and guilty.

"If you helped me that day and saved my life, I can't see it as nothing." Jimin shakes his head briskly, trying to show the alpha that he doesn't want to just sweep it under the table. He also wants to apologise for just kissing him out of nowhere and having to see him like that. However, what impressed him most about this was how calm Jeongguk remained about it. Jimin literally had an emotional outburst, and the alpha didn't let on that it upset him.

He watches Jeongguk take a bowl from the cupboard and then a spoon. "Oh, I forgot to ask... Would you like some?"

Jimin shakes his head and continues to watch the dark brown-haired alpha push his glasses higher on his nose with his index finger and put ice cream in his bowl. "Thanks for the ice cream."

Jimin hums contentedly and smiles shyly at him, his hands interlocking on the kitchen island as he leans his upper body right out of it. "I'll consider it a thank you if you try it and tell me you like it."

It's actually meant as a joke. Jeongguk shouldn't consider it a mission to follow his words. However, he seems to take it seriously and eats a spoonful of the ice cream with a severe face. Suspense hangs in the air as Jimin's breath hits the back of his throat, and his nervousness increases. Jeongguk's expression doesn't give away what he's thinking or whether or not he likes it.

Worry goes to his head, and Jimin begins to nibble on his lower lip. He chokes with a sudden and wide smile on Jeongguk's pink lips. The alpha, who hasn't let any emotion flit across his face a moment ago, now licks his thin lip hungrily and shoves a second spoonful into his mouth, moaning as he savours the taste. Jimin is perplexed at his sudden reaction. Does it mean he likes this ice cream?

"This is really delicious," Jeongguk hums and closes his eyes briefly to show how good it tastes. If Jimin wasn't looking at the kitchen island with red cheeks, he would surely giggle at his reaction. "Where did you buy it? It's even got peanuts in it... and that soft caramel taste. Just delicious."

"I didn't buy it."

"You didn't? But then how—"

"I made it myself." Jimin shyly admits and continues with uncertainty in his voice, "simply because I enjoy baking and creating sweet things. I came across this recipe once and thought it would be a good gift to say thank you. Have I crossed the line with it?"

Jeongguk makes an astonished face and sets the bowl in his hand back down on the marble slab. He doesn't hold back from complimenting Jimin. "I didn't think you would have made it yourself. You did a great job. I don't think you crossed the line with it. I don't mind it at all, and only we know about it. You just wanted to say thank you, and you did it with that, but if you want the ice cream back, you can forget it."

Jeongguk jokingly slaps Jimin's hand, who has held it out for the ice cream, and then pulls it back, chuckling. "Who would have thought that your opinion about ice cream would change because of me, and you would become possessive."

"Not about ice cream. Just about this. It's too delicious to give it back," Jeongguk admits honestly, giving Jimin a soft smile and causing his cheeks to burn.

"Thank you," Jimin whispers before looking at him more seriously, "I guess you want to know why I acted like that that day, don't you?"

The alpha opens and closes his mouth, no words pass his lips. It seems like he struggles to come up with the right words, making Jimin wryly chuckle. "I assume that means it was kind of obvious to you, no?"

"I'm sorry," Jeongguk mumbles, a down warding gaze directed to his bowl, in which he pokes around. A pregnant silence filters through the room, neither of them really knowing what they should say.

A sigh eventually leaves Jimin's lips, deciding to put the ice cream container away into the freezer. Jimin nonchalantly shrugs when their eyes meet. "It's not your fault your brother doesn't see what I feel for him."

Jimin doesn't know what led him to say this. It may be because he can be comfortable in his presence and feel he can say things to him, he cannot otherwise get rid of or confide in Jin. Yet, he does not feel ready to talk about this with his best friend. His chest uncomfortably contracts when he thinks about going to him after seeing the kiss. He'll surely not hear the words he wants to hear.

"Unfortunately, you can't change someone's feelings, so the only thing you can do is try to move on," Jeongguk says in the calmest tone possible and empties the bowl of sweet ice cream, placing it in the dishwasher. His facial features soften, and he offers a soft smile.

Jimin slumps and lets out a hard sigh, closing his eyes and eyebrows pinching together. His voice is layered with despair. "I know...but I've liked him for so long, and I don't know how to let go." He's my first love, after all.

"Maybe some distance and distraction would help you. At least that should help, from what I've heard." Jeongguk scratches his head sheepishly and clears his throat with a fleeting gaze around the room.

"I can't just do that. He probably thinks he did something wrong when I suddenly distance myself from him."

Jeongguk frowns, lips pressing together in a slight grimace. "What else do you want to do? To pretend we like like each other? Jimin, I don't think—"

"Why not? He saw us kissing and already thinks we're dating, so why not?" Jimin dejectedly plays with his fingers. He tries to sound reasonable, but is that really a good way to cope with this? Jimin is desperate; right now, it seems to be a good solution... unless Jeongguk isn't uncomfortable. More than anything, he fears confrontation with Jin.

Jeongguk doesn't move at first and seems lost in thought, prompting Jimin to keep talking, hoping to convince Jeongguk. "It'll stop Jin from hassling you about getting an omega... from what I heard."

It's true. Jin is not one to force or impose anything on anyone, but he has already made a few comments or wondered why Jeongguk doesn't go out more often or if he has no interest in dating at all. Jimin thinks Jin is just generally worried about his younger brother, which he can vouch for from his own experience. The cousin he has is just two years older than Jimin, but they get along like siblings.

"Look, from what I heard there are also some omegas in your course who won't stop hassling," Jimin mutters and swallows a ball of uncertainty nervously, continuing as he looks at Jeongguk's confused look. "Jin might or might not have accidentally told me when we're eating outside, and no offence, you don't look very interested in them."

"I don't know, Jimin. I'd have to think about it all. You know, I study two subjects and if we did this fake dating, we'd have to stay away from our flat as much as possible, to limit the time you might come into contact with my brother. I'd have to work it into my studying as well. But we have to think of your work too. I'm not sure if it would work. Maybe there could be something else that could help. Do you have any other friends at your workplace you could get closer to and be with them instead?"

"I- I don't," Jimin whispers after his voice breaks, chin dropping to his chest. You see, Jin is the only friend he has, and he's the only person he's close to and trusts, and asking his cousin to play this role would totally be weird. Jin has also seen a photo of him, so nope. Definitely no. A chill runs down his spine simply at the idea.

Jeongguk hums and exhales deeply, his voice holding honesty as he speaks up. "Can you give me some time to think about it? I think I need to think about it, some more, to be frank with you."

Jimin nods, even with a small part of uncertainty in him. It's not a yes, but it's not a no, either. He doesn't want to say anything wrong, which could make Jeongguk change his mind or say no immediately. Jimin knows he's partially doing it for himself; having seen Jin and Yoongi kiss like nothing else mattered triggered something painful and dark in him and caused him to cry. He's still in disbelief about what he's asked Jeongguk. Is it another way to make Jin jealous and maybe get a reaction out of him?

A week has passed, and ever since this fateful day at the Christmas light park, he wondered, did they become a couple? Have they gone on dates? Have they held hands the way Jimin wants to hold Jin's hand? He should be happy if the person he likes finds someone who makes him happy, but how can Jimin be happy when there's this ugly feeling in him?

Jimin blinks away the upwelling tears as Jeongguk speaks up and gives him an empathetic smile. "Let's exchange phone numbers, so I can let you know about my answer, alright?"

The alpha makes a slight hand gesture to follow him to his room after Jimin agrees, his eyes lighting up with a glimmer of happiness. Curious, he looks over Jeongguk's shoulder as he opens the door to his room and invites him in. The subtle scent of caramel rises to his nose and wraps around him like a thin blanket. Jimin is surprised by how pleasantly gentle his caramel scent can be, unlike other alpha scents he's smelled before. He's never once disliked Jeongguk's scent before.

Entering his room, the white window is directly opposite the door, next to which is a big wardrobe. The bed across from it has a dark blue duvet cover, resembling the depth in the ocean. A white desk crowded with study materials is next to the window. Polaroids and other photos are pinned to a corkboard on the wall above the desk. Jimin is about to sneak past Jeongguk to look at them, but he tells himself it's part of Jeongguk's privacy, and he doesn't want to seem rude.

"Here," Jeongguk says, startling Jimin and stopping his wandering gaze. Jimin blinks, looking a little confused. When he looks at him, Jeongguk is holding out a phone to him. Jimin takes the device between his fingers and quickly types in his number, eyes straying once more to the photos on the corkboard, and he can't hold back and asks, "Do you like taking pictures?"

Jimin must have confused Jeongguk with the question; Jimin watches as the alpha tilts his head quizzically with a finger scratching his cheek.

"W-what I mean is—" Jimin says, cheeks flushed as he points with his index finger to the photos on the wall. "You have a lot of photos pinned there. Do you like taking pictures?"

"Ah, a lot of them are from high school. I have taken none in a while," Jeongguk remarks, shrugging, "I haven't travelled either, and somehow I just haven't felt like taking any recently."

"I see. Can I have a look at them? Unless you don't want to, then that's also fine—"

"You can take a look at them. It's fine." The corners of Jimin's lips curl up into a smile. Approaching the collage of photos, hands interlocked on his back, he lets his gaze wander over them. Each picture tells a different story, slowly unlocking more hints about the man Jeongguk is today.

Jimin can tell some photos hold more precious memories. Some when he was a kid at the park or a family gathering, even one's with Jin hang on a thread that goes from one side of the board to the other. In these, Jeongguk appears carefree and elated, smiling in every picture. His charisma is a stark contrast between them then and now, which Jimin doesn't think is bad, but he can tell Jeongguk must hold those moments close to his heart.

Suddenly, Jimin's heart drops. "Wait... that's—that's me."

Bewildered, Jimin moves to inspect the picture closer. It's indeed a photo of him that Jin had taken. He can't help but wonder why Jungkook would have that hanging there? That day, Jin planned to get Jeongguk and Jimin to talk and took them on a bowling alley trip. For fun, Jin had taken a picture of them.

At the time, there was an awkward and uncomfortable atmosphere between them. They barely spoke to one another, only to Jin. For the life of him, Jimin didn't know why Jin insisted they try to know each other better because both were very clearly not interested, making it all the more surprising for him that Jeongguk has this photo on his corkboard. Jimin simply wanted to forget that day.

When he turns around to ask, Jimin can tell by the look on the alpha's face that he doesn't want to talk about it, his scent starting to spread more intensely in the room, tasting slightly bitter on Jimin's tongue.

Feeling somewhat dejected, Jimin averts his gaze. A sigh leaves his lips after he turns back to the photo. The fact that only half of Jimin's frame is in the photo makes him assume that the only reason Jungkook has it up there is because of his brother. Yet, no matter how much he tells himself that, something keeps nagging him, but for now, he ignores it.

"So... taking pictures is your hobby?" Jimin asks again, trying to lighten the mood in the room. He looks around until his eyes fall on the small pile of pictures that are placed on Jungkook's desk. He leans closer, curiosity overtaking him, eyes widening when he sees pictures of him from when they are hanging out at the Christmas market now printed out.

Is he going to hang these up?

Jimin has totally forgotten that Jeongguk had taken some of him, and they don't look bad by the looks of it. 'I have such a penchant for taking pictures to keep memories alive,' Jimin recalls Jeongguk saying, which proves to be accurate. When finds the snapshot that was taken before his heart shattered, his mouth dries and his fingers barely brush over the flawless surface. Unnoticed, he slides another photo upon it, so it's no longer visible to him, avoiding the resurfacing feelings.

"I think it depends on my mood. In other words, it's my hobby to shoot some when I'm in the mood. When I'm not, like lately, it's less my hobby. It's more something that comes and goes, I guess."

"It's normal. Just because it's your hobby doesn't mean you have to do it every day or every week. I guess it also comes with inspiration like with the artist," Jimin says, trying to cheer Jeongguk up. "What are your other hobbies?"

"I guess aside from taking pictures, and drawing, I also really enjoy watching series and films. I know, it's not that exciting, but that's how I spend most of my time! Well, apart from college."

Jimin raises his palms in defence, "hey, I'm not judging you! You saw the perfect example a few weeks ago. I like watching series and films, but I also need to exercise to keep myself fit."

Jeongguk squints, his eyes wide with curiousity flickering in them as his gaze meets Jimin's. "What is your hobby, then? Going to the gym?"

"Flying yoga and aerial silks, actually."

Jeongguk tilts his head, eyes bulging, seemingly trying to process what Jimin just said. His mouth falls open and closes again, eventually replying. "Isn't it what they do in the circus?"

Jimin straightens up from his bowed posture and gives Jeongguk a proud stance with an unwavering look.  "Aerial silks, yes."

Something changes in Jeongguk's expression, but Jimin cannot decipher what it is. There seems to be something going on inside him, and Jimin is worried that Jeongguk might think strangely of him now. Because what male person do you see doing aerial silks? You have to have the stamina for it, and you have to like it. Some males do aerial silks too; you just don't see it often. Good thing is that Jimin is absolutely committed to it and proud to do it. Besides college, this is a kind of exercise where he processes his emotions and let's go of negative emotions for the most part. Jimin doesn't regret starting both sports one bit.

Silence weaves its way through the room. Shifting his weight backwards, the dark brown-haired alpha leans against the bookshelf filled with various mangas, his posture visibly relaxing and observing Jimin.

"I am impressed," Jeongguk admits and purses his lips, genuinely interested in the topic of the conversation. "I didn't expect that, I must confess. Do you also have performances or..."

"So far I haven't had any," Jimin answers his question in the negative, biting the inside of his cheek nervously before adding, "I've only started aerial silks this year, but I can tell you this much, I'll have a performance soon."

"Really?"

"Yeah, but not much of a performance, as I'm not a professional. Therefore, I won't be falling along the rope," Jimin states, a little crestfallen. He would make such movements. However, he lacks any knowledge and experience at this level. Jimin is a little impatient, and knowing that he has to be patient to reach this level makes him pout inside. "I'm already thinking of a choreography and making one out of the exercises and movements we've done so far, which is harder than I thought."

"You must be nervous."

"Yup," Jimin replies, popping the 'p' in the word and offering him a nervous smile, not knowing what else to say. He moves away from the desk, rubbing at his neck bashfully, blushing at Jeongguk's words.

"It won't be easy, but it's certainly exciting and fun. I'm sure you'll do great," Jeongguk tells him shyly, turning his attention to the fabric of his top as if he avoids looking Jimin in the eye. He fiddles distractedly with the fabric between his fingers and scrunches his nose. Jimin is fascinated at how much he resembles a rabbit. Jeongguk also has this shyness and scrunches his nose. He wonders what exactly it was that made Jeongguk act differently, having seemed closed off and cold all this time. Now he's talking somewhat casually with him, and there are photos he can't get out of his head.

Clearing his throat, Jeongguk looks up and offers him a confident smile, and strangely enough that's all Jimin needed to know he'll be fine.