_

Jungkook stood outside the car, his hands tucked behind his back. The night was cold, his breath visible in the air as he shifted on his feet to keep warm. His suit was sharp and fitted, his hair slicked back except for a strand that kept falling over his forehead. He didn't bother fixing it again. He glanced at his watch briefly, then at the house, waiting. He didn't mind that Ivy was taking her time. That wasn't his style—he wasn't one to rush or complain.

The door finally opened, and his eyes lit up despite himself. Ivy stepped out, her black mesh dress catching the dim porch light. The sheer fabric revealed a fitted inner layer that hugged her frame, the look bold yet effortless. Her high ponytail swayed as she walked, her heels clicking softly against the pavement. She looked stunning, and Jungkook's lips tugged into a small smile.

"Sorry I took so long," she said, approaching the car.

He shook his head, pulling the door open for her. "You're worth the wait."

She raised a brow at the smoothness of his tone but smiled. "Thank you." She slid into the seat, and Jungkook quietly shut the door before making his way to the driver's side.

Once inside, he buckled his seatbelt and glanced at her briefly. "Where's my compliment?" Ivy teased, her lips curving into a playful smirk.

Jungkook chuckled as he started the car. "I thought it was obvious," he said, his voice low but sure. "You look breathtaking, Ivy."

She grinned. "Thank you. So do you."

The car rolled smoothly onto the road, and for a while, they sat in a comfortable silence. Ivy leaned back, her eyes wandering to the stars above, visible through the moonroof. The camera on the dashboard quietly recorded their trip, but neither paid it any mind.

"So, where are we going tonight?" she asked, breaking the silence.

Jungkook glanced at her, his hand steady on the wheel. "The stars."

She blinked at him before laughing softly. "Will you pick a few for me while we're there?"

"Do you want me to?" His brow arched slightly, and she smirked.

"Only an idiot would say no to that."

"And you're the smartest person I know."

"Exactly," she replied, laughing again. Her laughter pulled a small smile from him, and soon they were both chuckling, the mood lightening as they continued their drive.

Eventually, the car pulled into an empty restaurant lot. The place was quiet, the tables arranged beneath an open sky scattered with stars. The entire space was reserved just for them, a last-minute plan that somehow came together perfectly.

Jungkook, ever the gentleman, stepped around to pull her chair out as she settled down. The conversation flowed easily between them—teasing remarks, shared laughter, and fleeting moments of silence that felt comfortable, not forced.

The drive back was calmer. Ivy dozed off in the passenger seat, her head leaning against the window as Jungkook drove through the quiet streets.

When they arrived, he parked and gently shook her awake. "We're here."

She blinked groggily, stretching slightly. "Thanks for tonight," she said softly before heading inside.

Jungkook stepped out of the car, his gaze lingering on the house for a moment before turning toward the front door of his own place. Jin was waiting in the living room, lounging on the sofa as Jungkook walked in, shrugging off his coat.

"Back already?" Jin asked, raising a brow. Jackie, sitting beside him, got up and wandered off as if giving them space.

"Yeah. Everyone else back?" Jungkook asked, heading to the fridge for a water bottle.

"Pretty much. Hobi and Yoongi came back early. Cars are all here," Jin said casually.

Jungkook nodded, chugging down half the bottle before sitting on the sofa. Jin watched him, curiosity creeping into his expression.

"So," Jin started, "how was it?"

Jungkook shrugged. "Good."

Jin smirked. "Good isn't your favorite word."

Jungkook chuckled, leaning back and unbuttoning the top of his shirt. "It was fine."

"Fine?" Jin pressed, raising a brow.

Jungkook sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Honestly... it feels like something's missing."

Jin tilted his head. "Missing how?"

Jungkook took another sip of water, thinking for a moment. "You know that rush you feel when you're with someone you really like? That nervous energy? It wasn't there. It was too easy, too comfortable. And that's... kind of boring."

"At least you're self-aware," Jin replied with a shrug.

Jungkook hummed in agreement, his head falling back against the sofa. "Yeah, but it's only been a day. Maybe I'm overthinking."

"Maybe," Jin said, patting his shoulder. "Don't stress it."

Jungkook smirked lightly, closing his eyes. "I won't."

++++

It's 6 am. The gym's quiet and almost empty. You've freshened up and ready to get started. You stretch, taking in the warmthness of the morning, and head to the treadmill. With your headphones on, Tate McRay's voice fills your ears as you begin your run.

The steady pace keeps you relaxed. Yesterday was crazy, and today you decided to give time to yourself. You've realized how you've been relying on your emotions, trying to put things together very quickly and that you should go with flow instead.

As you increase your speed, the gym door creaks open and catches your attention through the mirror. You notice Jungkook walking in, wiping sweat from his face with his shirt. His abs are on display, glistening from the run—he's clearly been at already.

You feel your heart skip a beat, and quickly look away, unsure of why you feel so flustered. Last night—Ivy had been charming. Everything must've gone went between them, right?

Jungkook looks up and spots you, flashes you that familiar smile. You hesitate for a mili second before giving him a small wave.

He gives you a subtle nod, acknowledging you.

Your eyes flicker back to your treadmill as you keep your pace steady, but you can't help but notice him. He stretches, foam rolls, and does some intense planks, his movements focused. Every muscle flexes, the quiet exertion almost mesmerizing. You try not to watch too much, but it's hard not to.

Ten minutes later, you move over to your mat. You can feel his gaze, but you focus on your own workout—Russian twists, glute bridges, and shoulder traps. Every now and then, your eyes meet in the mirror, and the brief exchange sends a strange current through you.

The workout continues—each of you in your own zone, only exchanging a few quick glances. After a while, you take a breather, and relax.

Jungkook finishes his set and sits up, eyes now fixed on you. You catch him staring in the mirror. His gaze is steady, almost studying you. You keep your composure, but you feel the warmth of his attention on you.

You lift your gaze at him over the rim, a little unsure of how to play it. He raises an eyebrow, a small grin tugging at his lips.

"You're staring," you say quietly, trying to make it sound lighthearted but not sure if it comes off that way.

"Was I?" His lips curve into a soft smile, "Didn't mean to."

You narrow your gaze, not taking it, "You sure?"

He chuckles, agreeing to giving in this time, leans back, "Alright, fine," he says, his tone a little playful, "You're impressive to watch. What can I say?"

You tilt your head at him asking him to elaborate and his smiles only widens. "Just didn't realize I was sharing the gym with a professional."

You scoff, unbelievably, "A professional?"

He gestures loosely at the weights, "You make it look easy."

You turn and walk towards him noticing how his muscles are toned than you. Clearly visible how he's done even better. His eyes follow you as you pick your bottle up that's sitting beside him. He leans back and you flip the cap and the sound flickers in the room. "Hardly." You sniffle and take a sip.

His eyes darken, something stirring within him as he watches your throat move with each swallow. His gaze trails downward, taking in the rise and fall of your chest. Your thighs toned and strong—proof of your dedication. Strands of hair have slipped from your ponytail, framing your bare, unadorned face—raw and beautiful in a way he can't explain.

You close the bottle with a soft rasp, wipe the faint trace of water from your lips, and glance down at him. Just as he rises, your line of sight shifts upwards, and suddenly, the space between you shrinks. He towers over you now, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Hardly?" He repeats your words from earlier, challenging, "I see it."

You tilt your head, matching his grin. "Says the one who's been clearly the best."

He leans closer, his chin angled just slightly as his eyes lock onto yours, studying you in the way that makes your surroundings warmer. His gaze brushes over your face before landing on yours lips, lingering for a very little moment of time.

"What?" You whisper, voice soft.

"Have you been watching me?" He asks, his tone low, almost a murmur, yet sharp enough to catch you off guard.

Your breath hitches. Does he know? Does he senses how you've been noticing him? You could say he's actually smart and has the guts.

You recover with a sly smile, your hand instinctively rising to rest on his bicep. "I can make a solid guess," you say smoothly, giving him a quick pat before stepping back, retreating with ease.

His brows lift, amusement flickering across his face as you casually wave him off, your voice floating back with playful nonchalance. "Good luck," you call over your shoulder before diving onto your next set, leaving him standing there.

+++

Jungkook goes to washup and freshes up. Gets out and finds Yoongi combing his hair and setting it up in his room. He gives him a look and Yoongi returns him a gummy smile. "I like your mirror for some reason."

And Jungkook chuckles, drops down the towel and opens the hair dryer as he dries his hair. He glances at his biceps as he does so and admires it. Remembers your comment from earlier. "Do you think these are really impressive?" Jungkook  does a little show of his biceps in front of Yoongi who smirks looking at him.

"Of course." He adds, "What makes you even ask that?"

Jungkook smiles to himself, "Nothing, just asking."

And Yoongi cocks his brows, doesn't elaborate. Gets ready and steals one of Jungkook's perfume to wear before keeping it back as Jungkook puts on a navy blue shirt over black pants. He loves how attractive he looks—something he's considered looking on purpose. Today of all.

He likes this feeling.

"Hey, we're all preparing breakfast, make it soon." Jimin comes in the room, calls for Yoongi and Jungkook who nods and leaves the room all together.

The kitchen's bustling.

Ivy's sitting on the kitchen counter. Her hair tied in a bun, a skinfit black outfit that is nothing but attractive. A red bandana tied to her low waist jeans. She's dangling her legs on the counter while chewing on an apple that Namjoon is cutting.

Across the room, you're laughing behind a cloud of flour, dodging Taehyung as he attempts to smear it on your apron. The apron that is a little crooked, and your hair tied back in a messy bun, but the look suits you. Even better than what he saw in the morning.

At the centre of it all is Yumi, standing alone, intently studying the cookbook with furrowed brows. Her delicate white dress and pinned back hair give her an ethereal look.

Jungkook enters, his eyes taking in the chaos. He notices Jackie sipping a banana shake in her cream off-shoulder top and skirt, her long boots tapping the floor softly. Behind him, Suzy flits by, her curls bouncing as she twirls into the kitchen with a bright smile, carrying a tray of eggs.

"Here we are!" she chirps, handing the eggs to you. Your eyes light up, and you call her closer, ushering her into the kitchen.

Hobi appears beside Jungkook, slinging an arm around his shoulder. "What's got you grinning like that?" he teases.

Jungkook shrugs, a soft smile on his lips. "I think I like this place a lot."

"Me too," Hobi says with a knowing smile, though his expression turns sly. "But just a heads-up—don't fall for anyone here."

Jungkook narrows his eyes. "You're one to talk after going on that date yesterday."

Hobi smirks. "It was for content. Cameras were rolling."

"Hyung—" Jungkook begins, ridiculously, but Hobi pats his shoulder, cutting him off.

"Just be practical," he says before walking toward Suzy, who lights up the moment she sees him.

Jungkook frowns, not fully understanding, but shakes it off. He joins the others in the kitchen, greeting everyone softly. Standing beside Yumi and Yoongi, he nods toward the cookbook. "What's the plan here?"

"I'm learning to cook," Yumi says, her voice full of determination, while Yoongi nods in agreement.

"Good luck with that," Jungkook chuckles before moving toward you.

He stops when he notices the flour smeared a little across your cheek, a laugh escaping before he can stop it. Taehyung catches Jungkook's arrival, pats your shoulder, and excuses himself. Confused, you turn to follow Taehyung's retreat and end up colliding with Jungkook's chest.

You gasp.

His shirt—navy blue, crisp, and spotless—now has a patch of white flour from the impact. Your hand lingers on his chest, as he wraps his palm around it and when you look up, his gaze is already fixed on you. His cologne—a warm, intoxicating blend of roses and cherries—wraps around you, leaving you for the moment breathless.

"Jungkook—"

"Don't worry," he murmurs, his voice low and steady. He lets go of your hand with deliberate slowness, his eyes never leaving yours. "I'm not doing anything."

Then, with a playful smirk, he dips down, swipes some flour off the counter, and gently smudges it across your cheek.

You gape at him, stunned.

He laughs, a soft, mischievous sound, and as he walks away, he winks over his shoulder, leaving you standing there—utterly speechless.

What you don't see, however, is Ivy, who watches from a distance, her expression unreadable. Whatever she's feeling, it's anything but good.

And you? You have no idea what's coming next.

+++

The breakfast table is set perfectly, and you're slipping off your apron as Suzy reaches over to help you clean up. She laughs, pointing at the flour smeared on your cheeks. "You're planning to clean up or let it be the look of your morning huh?" She teases.

You shake your head, chuckle it off, "Showering after breakfast," you reply casually.

Suzy tosses off the apron into the washing machine, rinses her hands and noticed Hobi taking his seat. She takes the seat next to him. Meanwhile, on the other side of the table is Jimin pulling a chair next to him to have you sit there, charmingly. You smile. Catch Ivy sitting next to Jungkook already.

Taehyung settles next to Yoongi, who's seated beside Yumi, while Jin takes his place at one end of the table and Namjoon taking the other.

"Thank you for the meal!" Everyone says in unison before diving in.

"So..." Ivy starts, her tone light, "How was your date last night?" Her question hangs in the air for a moment, directed at no one but you.

You blink, caught off guard, "Date?"

Jungkook frowns for a second.

"Oh wait—" Ivy pretends to smack her forehead, a mocking grin on her lips, "My bad. You didn't get chosen, huh? What did you do yesterday, then?" She sounded sweet but her words cut you like a knife.

It was unexpected. You thought she was nice. What the heck was this? You press your tongue to your cheek, brushing it off, "Movie night," you answer simply.

Before Ivy could let out–"Ah we—" Jungkook interrupts, "We did nothing much either, "She was sleepy," he says casually, his voice low but pointed, "So was I."

Ivy flickers her gaze at him as he avoids it. This time it's her who's taken off by surprise.

The table quiets for a beat, but Suzy quickly fills the space with a funny comment. "Boomer?" she teases Jungkook.

"—ours was really good," Yoongi interrupts, his voice steady but with a hint of pride. Yumi nods beside him, her cheeks tinged pink.

The group emerges in hoots and cheers. Amid the laughter and playful teasing, your gaze flickers toward Jungkook. His eyes catch yours briefly, and to your surprise, he gives you a small, knowing smile. It's subtle, but it lingers—enough to make your heart stumble. What's with him today?

Jimin leans a little closer, his voice soft. "Y/N and I had a chat last night."

You whip your head toward him, your eyebrows raising in surprise. "Don't," you whisper, nudging him under the table. He ducks his head, laughing, the memory of last night's conversation glinting in his eyes.

Across the table, Suzy waits for Hobi to say something—anything—about last night. But he doesn't. He's cheerful as ever, chatting about unrelated things. Suzy doesn't press him. What they shared was special, almost sacred. Maybe he wants to keep it just between them, she reasons.

Jackie clears her throat, her grin mischievous. "Seems like everyone had a good night."

"Indeed," Jin agrees, his gaze slipping to Jackie, who winks at him. His composure falters, and his ears flushes colour a deep red. Whatever happened between them last night clearly isn't meant for public discussion. Cameras would tell a different story, though.

Ivy, meanwhile, twists her lips as she picks at her food, her gaze lingering on you. There's something calculating about her expression, though you barely notice, too busy enjoying your breakfast and the company around you.

+++

After the breakfast is done everyone wraps up to freshen up. Jungkook lingers before one of the mirrors, brushing the flour off his shirt.

Ivy catches him, walks to him and leans casually against the wall beside him, her gaze on him.

He notices her presence but doesn't acknowledge it, returning his attention to the flour dusty fabric.

"What's up with you?" She asks, her tone low.

Jungkook raises a brow, staying silent for a moment before turning to her. "What's with me? Shouldn't I be asking you that instead?"

Ivy frowns, confused, "What did I do?"

"You're an adult, Ivy. You know exactly what I'm talking about."

"What does me being adult have to do with anything?"

He stares at her, disbelief etched on his face. The tension between them is palpable—not the warm kind that hints at affection, but something colder, sharper.

Shaking his head, Jungkook turns back to cleaning his shirt. "Do I really have to spell it out? No—do you really want me to spell it out?"

Ivy sighs, looking away as she scratches the back of her neck. "Is this about the comment I made about Y/N?"

He shoots her a glance. "What do you think?"

Their eyes lock. "Come on, I was jealous," she admits.

"Doesn't mean you can tear someone down because of it."

"Right. So maybe I should be blaming you instead." She huffs, folding her arms and looking away. "If you're not interested, stop giving me mixed signals. You started this—you should take responsibility for—"

"Chill," he interrupts, dropping his hands to his sides. "It's been a day, Ivy. Are you really saying I should only focus on one person? Because, honestly, life doesn't work that way."

"Then don't get mad if I find someone else," she mutters, barely audible as she sniffs.

Jungkook's gaze hardens, meeting hers. "I won't." His response is calm, unwavering.

Her jaw tightens, and she offers him a wide, sarcastic smile. "Perfect." Without another word, she turns on her heel and walks away, leaving Jungkook staring after her. Maybe it was for the right.

Before he can think on it further, the loud voice of the cuckoo startles him. A new task coming in and having everyone rush outside to get it.

++++

Dayum its been too long, I apologize fr
Was at my lowest TT
I'M DOING OK NOW ANYWAY
2025 has already come up—ITS THE BTS YEAR YALL LESSOO
CANT WAIT TTTTT
DEADDDD

NEXT CHAP SOOOOOON
UNTIL THEN STAY WARM AND REST UP U NEED IT!!!!

Muah

Amxnx