Chapter-8

Author's pov:

Friday

Jungkook sighed.

Hoseok didn't seem to be in a good mood today and he could feel it just by looking at his face, he tried to ask him multiple times but he dodged it. But he is a Jeon, and they never give up.

"What's with you? You have been sulking from the time you arrived to class." He asked again, leaning forward on the table. They came to the library after the third class as there was no lecture till lunch.

"Sulking? Nah. I'm good." Jungkook pouted.

"Are you done with the painting?" Hoseok asked, glancing at the boy as he changed the topic.

He shook his head shamelessly, it was due tomorrow yet he hadn't started. Well, he had no motivation. This week was busy for him, he had a day out with his dad, attended a match, met Seokjin and hung out with him. There was nothing interesting to draw.

"It's due tomorrow, Jungkook." Hoseok reminded him, and he gave him a duh expression.

"I have no motivation, hyung. I think I will just back out. And anyways, there are others who are far better than me. So, sir will most likely not mind about me." Jungkook sighed, crossing his arms on the table and resting his head on them.

"Whatever. But I'm sure he would be happy if you turned in your assignment." Hoseok said and went back to taking notes.

"Leave that. How are you guys doing?" He asked, curiosity evident in his tone and face.

"Who?"

He rolled his eyes, "You and Yoongi hyung, duh."

Hoseok remained quiet for a second before replying, "I don't know, he hasn't texted me today. I'm worried."

Jungkook cooed, "Aww. I'm sure he is busy. Don't worry, hyung." He tried to reassure him, patting the back of his hand tenderly as he finally came to know the reason behind his bad mood. An arrow of sadness hit him as he realized how single he was and how eagerly he wanted to have a partner. Even he wanted to experience that love and care that was between his friends.

"By the way, how about we go to that restaurant that opened a few days ago for lunch?" Hoseok suggested and earned an excited nod from his friend. It was a fine dining restaurant after all and he had heard from his father that it was the most stylish and elegant restaurant he had ever seen in his life and that's why it was usually crowded.

"Hey look, Tan is here!" Jungkook heard someone almost scream, he immediately turned towards the entrance of the library and found his crush walking in like he owned the place, brushing his hair backwards and holding a thick book in his hand. He wore a white shirt underneath a beige cardigan paired with white pants and shoes. He looked dreamy and Jungkook was melting internally.

Tan halted in his steps and looked around to find an empty spot for himself, he wanted to be alone. His day had started with Taehyung kicking his ass to wake him up as he was running late for his classes, he couldn't even have the delicious breakfast prepared by Jimin as Aunt Laura was on leave.

The thought of the untouched breakfast on his plate brought a pout on his lips, all thanks to his cruel sibling who was yelling at him to reach the university on time. Luckily, he was on time.

Jungkook upon seeing his eyes searching around the room, quickly raised his hand and shouted, "Tan! Here!" He then pointed at the empty spot next to Hoseok, who was glaring at him. He definitely didn't want to watch a movie about unrequited love.

Tan snapped his head at him and widened his eyes as he thought, 'Oh! That fanboy!' A wide smile appeared on his lips as he nodded and headed towards him, making butterflies roam vigorously in Jungkook's stomach.

Tan didn't mind sitting with him and his friend, the way he had cheered for him was enough to impress him. Not going to lie, he had actually found him cute and wanted to meet him after the match but he couldn't. His friends had dragged him away to click group pictures and for celebration.

"Hey." He greeted, glancing at both of them as he pulled the chair and sat across him.

"Hi!" Jungkook almost squealed while Hoseok just gave him a pretty smile.

"I'm Tan, you?" He held out his hand as he introduced himself, which shot a bullet into Jungkook's heart.

'He forgot me?'

He thought, gulping. He smiled a little and grabbed his hand ever so gently, feeling butterflies in his stomach as their skin got into contact, "Jungkook." He uttered, making Hoseok look at him coldly and understand what Jungkook was thinking about-that he didn't remember him.

Tan smiled widely and retreated his hand and turned his attention towards Hoseok, "Hey-"

Hoseok cut him off immediately, shaking his hand, "I'm Hoseok, and this is probably not the first time I'm introducing myself to you." Tan almost scoffed at his words but then he looked at Jungkook with wide eyes when he heard Hoseok's next words, "Same goes for Jungkook."

Jungkook gave him an awkward smile after giving an angry glance at his friend. He felt sad with the way Tan had forgotten about him, as if they never saw each other in hallways, events or communicated. They had helped in decorating several events together, and were also paired up in the same team for inter-college quizzes. Looking at how Tan had become a stone, Hoseok rolled his eyes and patted his shoulder bringing him back to life.

"Welcome back!"

Tan ignored his remark and gulped as he looked at Jungkook and asked embarrassingly, "We have interacted before?"

"Y-Yeah." And there Tan's bubble of utter embarrassment bursted, he wanted to go away from here. It's been four years and he didn't even remember talking to this guy before, he couldn't even call them liars as he knew very well how sometimes he forgot the existence of people.

Similar situation arose last year with his classmate, who had taken a seat next to him during a class. He had asked him if he was a transfer student and regretted asking when his classmate shot a glare at him and during the whole class kept grumbling about how he didn't know his own classmates.

It's not like he didn't know, he knew them but there were so many people in the University approaching him, how can he remember each and everyone especially the ones with whom he communicates occasionally. It was the same with the guy sitting in front of him, he assumed that they interacted sometimes and that's why he didn't remember him except for the match day; he remembered his face properly.

Tan frowned and apologized in a low tone, "Oh, I'm so sorry. I feel bad, goddammit. I didn't remember our interactions, the thing is-"

"Of course, how can you remember? After All, you are surrounded by so much attention." Hoseok interrupted him again, for some reason, he really liked to mock him.

Tan glared at him, "What do you mean? I don't crave attention, they approach me on their own."

Hoseok laughed, "Sure, Mr. Celebrity."

"Well, how does it feel like to share a table with a celebrity, Mr. Nobody?" Tan mocked him back, making him snort.

"Being a nobody is better than being a celebrity, at least I remember people who have interacted with me all these years." Hoseok winked with a sly smile on his face.

Tan licked his lips as he brainstormed for a good comeback, he could see the way Hoseok was grinning at his loss of words. They were so indulged in roasting each other that they forgot Jungkook was sitting with them as well. He was already a bit upset at the fact that Tan had forgotten about him and now his crush and his best friend were ignoring him and bickering.

'So annoying.' He internally growled fisting his palms.

"Oh, please-"

"Shut up you two! You are behaving like kids!" He yelled at them, slamming his fist on the table scaring the stationery items. The two jumped on their spot at the sudden outburst, looking at him with horrified eyes and almost regretting their life decision because he looked super pissed off.

Students around them shushed him and one of them said loudly, "You should tone it down first, Jungkook."

Jungkook looked at him and slightly bowed at him as he muttered an apology looking at everyone, they shook their heads at him and went back to studying. And at this moment, a random flashback played in his mind starring Jimin and Taehyung, who were disturbing the audience in the stadium on the match day. He was in the same situation as Jimin.

He rolled his eyes at the picture of his face that his brain was showing him, damn he disliked that man.

"Fuck Jaemin," he mumbled and stomped out of the library with his bag without even batting an eye at Tan and Hoseok who followed his disappearing figure from their seats.

"What happened to him?" The two uttered in unison.

•

12.45pm

Jungkook looked at his watch and sighed, his food still hadn't arrived. As soon as he left the library, he walked out of the campus as he made his way to that new restaurant Hoseok had mentioned. He didn't care to let him know, he was angry at both of them. He just wanted to enjoy a little bit of time with Tan but the latter forgetting about him made him sad. After all, who would be happy if their crush had forgotten them and their slight interactions.

The restaurant was packed, and he was glad that he found a seat for himself and Hoseok as it was already lunch break and he was sure his best friend would call him again as he had ignored his two missed calls. He sighed again at his grumbling stomach that was begging him to fill it, he pouted. He had ordered bibimbap, Korean fried chicken and soup.

The style was unique considering it was a fine dining restaurant, there was a long table by the window with at least 10 wooden bar chairs on each side, modern hanging lights above every other table. The long tables were situated in every corner of the restaurant, while the standard tables occupied the middle space. The lights were bright creating cheerful vibes and during the night, the lights would be low giving off a dark romantic atmosphere contrast to the day time.

"Sir, here's your soup." The waiter placed his food on the table, smiling down at him. Jungkook thanked him as he left, he licked his lips while he sniffed the delicious smell. Before he could grab the spoon, his phone vibrated on the table.

Hoseok was calling him, he smiled and answered it, pretending to sound angry, "What is it?"

"Where are you?" Hoseok asked as he scratched his neck, walking out of the library and into the administration building.

"I'm at the restaurant, about to have my lunch." He replied blankly, staring at the empty seat in front of him.

"Ah okay, have your meal."

Jungkook frowned, "Aren't you coming?"

Hoseok nervously let out a chuckle, "No, the dean wants to see me. And there are already two students inside, I don't think I will be able to reach there before the lunch break ends." He bit his lips already imagining a pout on his friend's lips.

"Fine. I will see you later." He sighed and hung up. Today was just a bad day. Hoseok on the other hand sighed and put his phone inside his pocket as he headed to the canteen first.

Jungkook rolled his eyes and held the spoon, beginning to have a sip of the hot chicken soup. He huffed at the spiciness, it was amazing. He looked up from the soup and realized he was facing other customers too which was awkward to him.

'I should take up that seat.' He thought, and was about to stand up and sit on the opposite chair so that he could look out the window while he enjoyed his food, unaware of a young lady approaching him.

"Excuse me?" he halted in the mid-air when he heard a soft honey-like voice ahead of him, he looked up and found a beautiful woman standing in front of him, holding a black janel purse with gold details that matched her black and white long sleeve formal midi dress with a white ribbon running down the v neck, her brown hair tied into a classic updo showing off her delicate neck.

"Y-Yes?" He stood up straight and asked her, taking a quick glance at her again.

"The restaurant is pretty crowded so would you mind if I sit here?" She hesitantly asked, pointing at the seat in front of him. He scanned the whole room and could find some empty seats along with the seat next to him. He really didn't like eating with strangers but how could he refuse a beautiful woman?

"Sure, please." He muttered, slightly bowing at her. Her eyes gleamed and she turned her neck around as she waved at someone, gesturing to them to come. He followed her gaze and found a man wearing vintage square glasses with his hair sexily swiped to the side. He looked like that main lead who had jumped out of a fictional book as he approached them sporting a light blue shirt tucked inside the beige slacks. His toned muscles looked like they wanted to escape from his shirt.

The woman turned her attention to him and said, "I hope it's okay if my friend also joins us." Jungkook was speechless, he couldn't refuse again especially when the man was now standing right in front of him. He sighed invisibly and smiled at them. The two took their seats, the woman sitting opposite of Jungkook while the man sat next to her and immediately called the waiter.

Jungkook glanced at her and found her smiling at him, he awkwardly smiled back and continued to empty his soup. He flinched when the woman suddenly spoke, "You look nervous, do you not want us to sit here?" She quietly asked, her friend looked at him.

"N-No, please be seated. I'm o-okay." He stuttered, mentally slapping himself for doing so.

"Alright. By the way, I'm Hazel." He looked up at her and gave her a small smile, "And this is Noah." She said pointing at her friend.

The said man smiled widely at him, "Hey!"

Jungkook noticed he had gray eyes and they made him more handsome, he smiled back and introduced himself shyly, "I'm Jungkook." The two shared a quick look at each other and smiled at him.

Jungkook's bibimbap and fried chicken arrived and he thanked the waiter before he dug in. He wanted to get out of here as soon as possible, he still had 45 minutes left before his afternoon class started.

"Are you a student?" Hazel asked out of nowhere.

"Yeah. I study at MAYE university." He answered.

"Oh, that is a great university!" He smiled at her and went back to eating his food, the silence engulfed them and Jungkook hated it. He wanted to eat peacefully with no distraction but he couldn't refuse them too and it was irking him that he felt a pair of eyes on him, as if waiting for him to talk.

"W-What about you?" He managed to ask despite his closed off nature, glancing at both of them.

"We work at Elysian Group." Noah answered this time, with a bright smile decorating his face.

Jungkook had heard of that company before, mostly from his dad because had attended a few of their parties and as for him, he had no accurate idea about them.

"Oh, that's a great company!" He tried to match their enthusiasm but little did he know that they could feel his nervousness from the bottom. The two had to suppress their urge to laugh at his cuteness, though they felt bad for making him feel like a deer caught in the headlights.

Noah pulled out his phone and texted Hazel, asking her to make some slight changes in their plan. He saw her phone buzzing and how she immediately unlocked it and agreed with him. They allowed the awkward stillness to enter their table until the food arrived.

Minutes passed and Jungkook felt uncomfortable around the two playful friends, they were teasing each other as they enjoyed their food, least bothered about the waiters who were giving them looks every now and then. He wished Hoseok was here to give him company, he sighed looking at his watch. Just 25 minutes more and then he will leave.

"Haz, you remember that time when you told your boyfriend that you burnt your hands in the oven." Noah began laughing at that funny memory of a year ago, the girl sulked back in her seat in embarrassment as she heard him continue.

"And he asked you what you were doing in the oven?" He couldn't control his laughter, Jungkook glanced at them and didn't find it that funny to laugh but he smiled a little as he chewed on his food.

"Shut up, I chose the wrong words while telling him. I regret that because he still keeps teasing me about it," she whined, swirling the noodles with the chopsticks.

Noah laughed. "And that one time when you and your boyfriend were having a fight and you accidentally sent the screenshot of your convo to him instead of me while asking for advice."

She hid her face behind her palm and said in an annoyed tone, "Stop it, Noah. You are embarrassing me. I was freaking out so much that night." Noah chuckled, nodding his head in response.

Jungkook recalled how once he had also accidentally sent his and his ex-boyfriend's messages to him instead of Jin. And that night was when he realized he had made a mistake by choosing that guy as he had kept dragging in this matter whenever they fought. He rolled his eyes at that memory and continued enjoying his food and sipping the water.

"By the way, weren't you going to get a pet?" Hazel asked her friend who slurped his noodles loudly, grabbing Jungkook's attention, because he hated people who ate messily.

"Mhm, I'm gonna go later."

"So, what pet are you getting?" She asked, gazing at him with curiosity. He smiled and looked at her.

"A dog."

The curiosity in her eyes died, she was somewhere expecting him to get a cat because she loved them more than dogs and he knew it too as they were best friends for over decades now.

"You can't get a dog." She said, making him look at her in confusion, "I don't like dogs, you know it."

Noah blinked as he remembered that she loved cats more. He snorted, "So, you want me to get a cat just because you don't like dogs?" She nodded proudly, making him snort again.

"No way I'm gonna buy a cat for myself!" Noah denied, giving his sole attention back to his food.

Hazel widened her eyes, "You said you like cats too!"

"I hate them."

"Since when?"

"Since now!"

Jungkook just watched them argue over the cat and dog thing. Great, nobody lets him eat in peace. He sighed looking at their childishness and shook his head as they pointed out why dogs were better than cats. They were being silly but cute at the same time. They reminded him of himself and Jin which brought a smile to his face and noticing the faint smile on his face, Hazel spoke up.

"Hey, what's your opinion?" She asked, staring at him.

Jungkook jumped and gulped down his food, almost choking on them, he coughed and cleared his throat, "W-What?" He stuttered.

"What's better? A cat? Or a dog?" Noah inquired, he gulped as he felt like a prey being stared hungrily by the two predators.

He stammered, chuckling nervously, "I personally like dogs...and bunnies, hamsters..." He could see Noah's bright smile at his answer and Hazel glaring at him which was freaking him out, "B-But cats are not bad e-either. They are cute, aren't they?" He quickly added just to see the glare vanish.

"You were supposed to choose one pet, Mr. Jungkook." Hazel said, sipping her water.

"Uhm, everyone has different opinions and moreover, the strengths of the dogs can be the weaknesses of the cats and vice versa. Cats are usually tidier, cute, playful, affectionate and you can stay out long without having them miss you much most of the time, however Dogs need a lot of affection, they can't live without you for a longer duration of time, they make you feel safe and keep you active!" Jungkook answered, "Now if you want a dog, make sure you have a lot of patience."

Hazel and Noah looked at each other and hummed, "You are right." They uttered together, smiling at Jungkook, making him reciprocate it.

"You can buy a dog but I will name him." Hazel said in a commanding tone and her friend couldn't refuse her, especially not those icy eyes.

"By the way, I hope we didn't annoy you. We are sorry if we did." Noah muttered with an apologetic smile, Jungkook's eyes dilated and he quickly shook his head.

"No no, you did not. In fact, it was kinda fun to hear your funny stories. It brought back so many memories of mine with my friend," Jungkook replied, giggling.

"Aww that's nice, then." Hazel then called up the waiter and ordered a dessert for Noah, she looked back at Jungkook and chuckled softly.

"Actually, he was in a bad mood today. So I planned to treat him to his favorite foods for lunch."

Jungkook shifted his gaze to Noah and shyly questioned him, "Are you okay? Is there anything bothering you?"

He didn't know why he was asking in the first place, he never bothered to interfere in other's lives but the two friends in front of him looked very genuine, funny and trustworthy and it gave him the urge to befriend them. Seeing how the man was happy and bickering with his friend but knowing that there was something hidden behind those smiles and laughter irritated him.

Noah sighed, "I'm just stressed due to work and some personal issues...I don't know what to do, I barely talk to my colleagues. I mind my own business and zone out a lot which makes it hard for me to finish up my work. Sometimes, nothing makes sense to me. Uff! I don't know." He huffed with raised eyebrows.

Jungkook's lips twitched downwards, he felt bad as it reminded him of his Dad. He would be the same on some days, of course it was understandable as he had to manage all the work of the company, so much paperwork and meetings. He sighed and smiled a little at Hazel who was watching him silently.

"Hey, I can understand your feelings. But you gotta take a break from everything, I know it might not be possible but you have to try. Stress won't take you anywhere, it will kill you day by day slowly. Now who would be able to live without you? I'm sure there is someone out there who is dependent on you, they need you. So, please take care of yourself. Take a break, breathe and do something that makes you forget your worries, something that you love doing. And you will be good!"

Noah and Hazel smiled widely, "That's so sweet of you. It meant a lot, especially coming from a stranger." She said, gratefully.

Noah inclined his head in agreement and added, "You gave me hope to survive in this adventurous world. Thank you Jungkook!" He flashed his cute smile at him, making him blush like a tomato.

"Ah, it's nothing. I'm glad I could make you feel better, just remember me if you ever feel sad or tired. Remember my words too! Be happy and keep smiling and fighting against your demons!" He leaned forward to bump his fist with them.

"Yeah!" They laughed and let Noah enjoy his dessert, even Jungkook decided to stay back for a few minutes as he felt like talking to them more. They were such energy boosters! Anyone would want to be with them. They were funny and cute.

"Alright, it's time for us to part our ways." Noah sighed as they walked out of the fancy restaurant, the student forced a smile as he didn't want to go back to his boring classes.

"Yes, it was fun being with you guys. I'm glad I let you both sit with me." Jungkook giggled, bouncing lightly on his spot. Hazel was internally screaming at his cuteness.

"Thank you so much for that, and you are so cute!" She faintly ruffled his black hair making red hues appear on his cheeks, he shyly smiled at her. They waved at each other as they bid goodbyes and each headed to the opposite ways.

"Taehyung!"

The said man turned to look at her, removing his glasses and placing them into his pocket, "Yeah?"

"He is so cute! He is so sweet! He is perfect for Jimin! I'm so sure that he can handle Jimin the best!" Falynn squealed, hopping next to him which had him worried as he kept glancing at her feet. How the hell could she jump like that wearing such high heels?

"By the way, grey lens suits you." She winked at him, making him smirk.

He stepped close to her and patted her right cheek, "But you rock the natural makeup look than this one." He mumbled, referring to her bold makeup.

And meanwhile, Jungkook was cursing himself under his breath as he realized he should have asked for their number. Now he couldn't even go back to look for them as he had already come far and there's a chance that they would have left already.

"Yah, Taehyungie." Falynn called him out as they were about to hop into his car, he turned his head around to look at her as she asked.

"Do you really hate cats now?"

•

The female students gushed and murmured among themselves as they looked outside their campus, a white Mercedes-Maybach standing by the gate with a man leaning on it with his arms crossed against his chest. His silver hair shone under the afternoon sun whilst blue eyes hid behind the black shades, a visible smirk plastered on his lips as he looked at each and everyone that walked out of the building, finding his target.

Jimin had quickly wrapped up all his work just to reach the university before the classes were dismissed. He had to talk to Jungkook today and ask him to be friends. He was so excited to make a new friend, he looked like a toddler at this point. He was wearing a blue suit, a Rolex watch on his left wrist and his Oxford shoes looked like they were never used before.

'I look extra handsome today.'

He thought, lightly chuckling at himself. Throughout his journey, he kept practicing on what to say and how to approach him. He had to redeem the first impression of himself, he wanted Jungkook to see the kind, lovely, friendly Jimin and not a crackhead who acted mentally ill in the stadium that day.

He was sure that Jungkook would definitely agree to being friends with him, after all who can resist Park Jimin's charms? Well, no one. A light blush crept up his face at the mere thought of it, he removed his shades and ruffled his hair making it dance and fall on his forehead.

Meanwhile, Jungkook and Hoseok walked out of the building and towards the center of the campus as they talked about the last class, making fun of the guy who had mispronounced a word, making it sound inappropriate. As they neared the gate, Jungkook's eyes landed on the white car and at the man, his eyes widened.

'Park Jaemin? Fuck!'

He didn't know why the creepy man was here, was he waiting for him or if he had anyone who he knew here. But either way, he had to escape and not let him see otherwise he was sure that he would come to him. But to his dismay, their eyes briefly met and he could see him straightening up.

"Fuck." Jungkook mumbled and grabbed Hoseok's hand and dragged him back inside the campus catching him off-guard.

"What's wrong?" He asked in confusion, but the younger one just kept pulling him away ignoring his questions.

Jimin scoffed and chased after them with quick steps, why was Jungkook running away? Especially after seeing him. But he couldn't let him do that, he had to communicate with him. He had given a word to Taehyung and Falynn that he would only come back home after speaking to him.

Upon hearing the loud footsteps behind them, Hoseok curiously turned his head around to have a look at who was following them. His eyes met the beautiful blue orbs, he stared at Jimin and then turned his attention to his friend, "Jungkook, who's that guy?"

"I don't know, he is some creep. Let's get outta here," Jungkook said, hastily as he searched another exit of the campus until he heard his name being called.

"Jungkook! Wait!"

Jungkook pressed a quick brake to his legs resulting in Hoseok stumbling to a halt as well, he gasped softly and turned around to face him with a huge frown. Jimin was standing there holding his waist as he caught up on his breath, trying to smile down at him.

"Hey-"

"How did you know my name?" Jungkook was quick to cut him off as he took a step further towards him.

Jimin scratched his temples, he had fucked up and was bad at lying. He was at a loss of words and Jungkook staring at him made it worse. His eyes fell on Hoseok who was staring at him intently and that's when he came up with an answer, "I-I heard him c-call you..." He uttered, pointing at the guy and gulped.

'Why am I stuttering?'

Jungkook looked at Hoseok who just shrugged at him. "And why are you following me? What are you even here for?"

Jimin was tongue-tied and he blinked profusely, how could he tell him that he was the reason why he was here. He wanted to tell him but somehow his brain wasn't cooperating with him. So instead, "My c-cousin studies here, I'm here to puck- uh, pick him up." He said, licking his lips, embarrassed by his behavior. He rarely lied and hated himself for even spitting out minor lies. Considering how nervous he was, he concluded that it was probably a Jungkook effect.

Jungkook arched an eyebrow, he couldn't really believe it. What if he was lying and was actually here for him? He crossed his arms against his chest as he asked, "Then go look for your cousin, why are you after me? I'm not your cousin."

Jimin bit his inner cheeks, the urge to talk back to him was so strong. He never had this much patience with anyone especially when someone spoke to him with such an attitude. Yet he sighed and went straight to the point as he knew dragging it any longer might awaken the beast inside him, "I-I'm sorry."

The two friends were taken aback at the sudden apology, Hoseok had no idea why the other was even sorry for as he didn't know what had happened on the match day after he left with Yoongi.

"Huh?"

Jimin looked up at Jungkook and flashed him a small genuine smile as he repeated, "I'm sorry." Jungkook gulped while he continued, "I'm sorry for a-approaching you that day, you must have thought that I'm some creep but I'm not. And I'm sure, I might, might have made you uncomfortable."

Jungkook gulped, was he even being real for now? Yeah, he considered him a creep but apologizing right now made him feel sad for no valid reason.

"Uhm, I'm k-kinda bad at apologizing but I assure you, I-I had no bad intentions that day." Jimin muttered, smacking himself internally as this was not how he had planned to apologize and behave. His confidence had died long ago, his fingers were slightly quivering and he could feel the sweat running down his back tickling him. Damn, why was he so nervous?

Jungkook's mouth parted open, he found it cute how the man was stuttering in front of him in contrast to the confidence he was radiating when he was leaning onto his car. He wanted to laugh but he pursed his lips and nodded lazily, "Whatever." He mumbled, shrugging. He took a quick glance at the man and snorted faintly, why was he even speaking to a mere employee of Starbucks?

Alternatively, Jimin was annoyed at his dry response. He bit his plump lips as he slightly scoffed, he was apologizing sincerely yet it was not being valued. Jimin liked rudeness but there was a limit, he knew where to be rude and where not to be. And as far as an apology was concerned, Jungkook had to be sorry as well as he was impolite to him that day, Jimin thought. Yeah, they were strangers but he could've been polite.

He saw Jungkook was about to turn around to leave and so he quickly stopped him, "Why aren't you accepting my apology?"

Jungkook snapped his head at him and looked at him questioningly, "What?"

"I'm sorry, Jungkook. I'm genuinely sorry, can't you please accept my apology?" Jimin whined, eyebrows creasing in the process. He was impatient as nothing was going according to his plan, what he had planned to say and what was he saying? If Taehyung or Falynn heard this conversation, they would surely not let him leave in peace.

Jungkook had to suppress the urge to smile, that sounded very cute yet surprising. He didn't expect that actually. He took a quick look at Hoseok, who met his gaze and gave a small nod to him. Jungkook sighed and looked back at the silver haired man, "Alright, apology accepted. Happy?"

A wide bright smile appeared on Jimin's lips, he was more than happy, finally something went according to his plan. He internally screamed in happiness and smiled at both of them, more at Jungkook as he muttered, "Thank you so much!"

Jungkook reciprocated the smile and took this as his cue to leave but was again stopped by him, "Now, what do you want?" He was getting annoyed, he wanted to go home and take a nap, eat good food and maybe hang out with Jin later but this strange man was just wasting his time.

Jimin scratched his nape shyly. God, he had never been like this before. He felt like he was proposing someone, he was not this nervous when he was first asked to do a presentation in the company in front of the board of directors and other members. Asking someone to be a friend was not a big deal yet here he was stuttering, "I-I...act-tually..."

Jungkook frowned and tilted his head to have a better look at the man's face as he had his head bowed.

"C-Can we be friends?" Jimin stammered, clutching onto his palms tightly.

Hoseok was shocked, well beyond that to be precise while Jungkook couldn't even blink, "Huh?" Was he hearing it right? This man, in front of him, wanted to be friends with him? He moved his gaze towards his friend but found him having a puzzled expression. He rolled his eyes and looked back at Jimin, "Excuse me?"

Jimin licked his lips and repeated himself, "Friends, can we be friends?" He asked, almost like a whisper.

Jungkook scoffed, "Friends? Me and you?" He folded his arms against his chest, "Huh." He began chuckling airily, confusing the man and making him finally look up at him.

"Who are you?" Jimin frowned as he locked eyes with him, "And what even are you?" Jungkook asked, mockingly.

"What-"

"Do you know who I am?" Jungkook interrupted him as he stepped closer towards him, narrowing his eyes up at the man. Jimin's frown got deeper as he didn't predict what was coming for him but Hoseok did but it was too late to even stop him as Jungkook had already poured out the kerosene, throwing the lighter on it was yet to be done.

"I'm Jeon Jungkook, belonging to a wealthy reputed family in Seoul. One call and you will be unemployed in a day. That's how powerful we are." Jimin raised an eyebrow as he continued, "And you, Park, you wanna be friends with me?" He chuckled, "You are nowhere on the same level as me."

Jimin's eyes widened, he wondered what the kid was babbling about? Did he even know who he was talking to right now? He was sure that if Mr. Jeon heard his son's words, he would definitely not let him sleep without listening to his lectures.

"Why, you shouldn't be talking about levels. Because-"

"Why not? I mean, just look at you. You are just a mere employee in Starbucks, serving people all day. And me? I'm the heir of the Luxe agency." Jungkook laughed, "Oh wait, I don't think so you know what it is. It's an advertising agency, by the way. The best one in Seoul." He winked.

Jimin poked his tongue on his inner cheeks, "I think you have-"

"I think you shouldn't pretend to be someone you are not, Jaemin. Be in your limits, yeah?" Jungkook said, glaring. Hoseok held his arm signaling him to stop as he could see the blue orbs turning red in rage.

Jimin tightened his jaw, he somehow guessed that Jungkook must have mistook him for another person but still he didn't like this behavior. He was literally insulting him just because of the job, but he couldn't express his anger right now. He had to stay cool, he was in the University after all, picking a fight here would lead him to face the consequences.

"Jungkook, let's go." Hoseok muttered, trying to pull him away from the place but Jungkook held him.

"Wait." He turned to Jimin again and said, "You know what? People like you don't deserve to look into our eyes and speak, let alone be friends with us. Now go back to your starbucks, your manager must be on the verge of firing you." He rambled, snickering as he looked at the way Jimin was staring down at him. However, he failed to notice the coldness behind those eyes.

"Jungkook!" Hoseok tugged his T-shirt, he didn't want the situation to be worse. He might not be the sweetest guy existing but he also was not that fond of fights, especially with a stranger.

"Well, then. See you never again, Jaemin." He waved at him and let Hoseok drag him away.

A heavy sigh escaped Jimin's lips, "What a rude kid." He cursed under his breath as he looked at the two figures disappearing out of his sight. He snorted and walked back to his car, he simply ruined his own mood. He should have worked instead of wasting his time here, fuck friendship! His work was more worth his time.

But wait.

He halted midway, "Who the fuck is Jaemin?" He mumbled.

"What the fuck was that, Jungkook?" Hoseok questioned, his tone cold. He had never seen Jungkook insulting people like that, which angered him.

"I hate that man!" Jungkook retorted as they walked on the footpath, they were heading to the nearby cafe.

"What is going on?"

Jungkook rolled his eyes and explained everything about the guy, from the first interaction to the night when Jin told him who that man was. Hoseok was speechless, he couldn't even blink. He bit his lips and shook his head.

"You can't insult someone like that, Kook. Not good." Hoseok muttered, but Jungkook just ignored it, he was too enraged to even feel guilty about it.

𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁

Sorry again, first of all.

And if you're wondering why I named this chapter as 'I met him' then it's simply because, Jungkook meets Tan, Falynn meets Jungkook and Jimin meets Jungkook. And there was also another scene that I couldn't because of the word limit. So basically, everyone meets a 'him' uh, I'm bad at naming chapters.

And I delayed the update because I took a long time to come up with what I should add in the second scene, a topic for Noah, Hazel and Jungkook to talk about. It was hard, I couldn't even remember any funny incidents that happened to me so that I could add there. In the end I just gave up and added this silly thing.

Anyways, so what do you think Jimin will do next?