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"I swear I wasn't spying," you say as soon as you spot Jungkook. 

He's carrying a wooden tray with not one, but two drinks on it. After he carefully lays it on the table, he gives you a smile. "No one said you were." 

Right. The saying does say that the best defense is a good offense. A bad offense only makes you look guiltier. "I just... ah, I just wanted to make that clear."

"Don't worry, Y/N-ssi. It's crystal clear." 

He tucks his chin against his chest. From where you're sitting, the corners of his lips seem to be twitching. But when you peer to get a good view, he tilts his head up and his expression is once again unreadable. Taking a seat, he hands you a mug.

"What's this?" you ask.

"A caramel macchiato? Seokjin-hyung said this is your usual drink." He sits across from you and fiddles with the straw of what appears to be a milkshake. It has a tall glob of whipped cream complete with sprinkles and a cherry on top. What an unusual choice of drink. "Ah, would you like a milkshake, instead?" he asks. "We can trade if you want."

He's tugging on his lower lip. A shallow dimple appears on his cheek. Your weakness! If he's not in front of you, you'll be groaning out loud and shaking your fist at the universe. There really is no justice in this world. The more you observe this man, the more you discover he has all the arsenal needed to aim at your heart.  On the other hand, what do you have? "Oh, no. That's okay. I was just wondering why you got me a drink."

Did he not want to meet anymore? Maybe he didn't really mean it when he said he'll treat you next time. Not that you were expecting much, but still... 

"Ah, this one's on the house."

"On the house? Why would Seokjin-ssi do that?"

Jungkook shrugs. "He's just that kind of hyung." 

That doesn't make much sense since you don't know Seokjin that well, but you accept it anyway. At least it's not because he's reneging on your agreement. "I see. I'll have to thank him later, then."

"I'm the one who brought it to you, though," he says with a small pout.

It makes you smile. "Thanks to you, too. I'll enjoy it."

Raising your mug, you deliberately take a sip. Meanwhile, he lowers his head and takes a bite off the side of his whipped cream so the cherry now dangles precariously over the peak. The action leaves a foamy mustache above his top lip. Regardless, he goes on to take a sip until he drains almost half of the tall glass. The cherry sinks with the froth and melds with the slushy mixture.

"Jungkook-ssi..." 

He cocks an expectant eyebrow. 

You point in the direction of your own mouth. "You have some stuff on your--"

"Ah!" 

Instead of using a napkin to wipe the cream as any other person would, he pokes his tongue out and licks it off. Of course, your mind goes straight to the gutter. Moments ago, the scene you were writing starts exactly like this and ends with your main characters getting it on the kitchen counter. Nothing like that is ever going to happen in a coffee shop, of course, but your hormones don't care. They're making their presence known, anyway. Clenching your hands against your thighs, you focus on the rim of your own cup where your lipstick left a smudge. You wonder what it's like to---

"Is there any more left?"

His question draws your attention back to him. More specifically, to his lips. Just like everything else on his face, it's perfectly shaped. The top part is thin with a delicate bow, while the bottom one is fuller giving him a permanent pout. At the moment, a wet sheen coats his rosy skin. A thousand images flash through your head. All of them involve you and his utterly delectable lips. When your breathing speeds up, you try to focus elsewhere. That's when you notice the mole right underneath his mouth. It's slightly off-center, messing with his perfect symmetry, but you liked that. In fact, that minuscule detail consumes you. A blur flashes in front of your eyes. When it comes into focus, you see it's his hand. 

"Y/N-ssi? Are you okay?"

"Hmm?" What does the word okay even mean? 

"You're sweating and your face is really red. Are you not feeling well?" 

"Oh!" The palm you press against your forehead lands on a film of sweat. Grabbing a tissue, you hasten to get rid of the evidence of your X-rated thoughts. "I'm-I'm okay. It's... yeah, it's just a little too hot." 

Damn right he is, your brain taunts you with a snicker.

Meanwhile, Jungkook gestures toward the general direction of your torso. "Maybe you should take off you---"

 "I'm not taking off my clothes!"  You make an 'X' on your chest with your arms.

"Y/N-ssi!" He grins. It lights up his whole face exposing tiny crinkles around his eyes and his white bunny-like teeth. The reason for his Kakao username dawns on you. "I'm not asking you to. I was merely going to suggest you remove your scarf." 

"M-m-my..." You sputter like a broken CD. 

Shaking his head, Jungkook reaches over and tugs at a tasseled edge. The thick material partly unravels from your neck. "Your scarf," he says slowly as if he's talking to a  toddler, "you need to remove it if you're too warm."

"Ah... You're right." Quickly, you unwind your scarf and use it as an opportunity to cover your face for a second to hide your embarrassment. Hul헐! Last time you checked, your IQ is high enough to be considered as gifted. You also graduated top of your class, so why do you keep doing stupid things when he's around? 

"By the way," Jungkook says oblivious to your self-flagellation, "Jin-hyung said you guys are the same age. In that case, you're my noona. Is it okay if... if I call you Y/N-noona?"

Even though you know it's common practice these days to shift as soon as possible to the more convenient way of addressing people according to their age, his request still takes you aback. Allowing him to call you noona will mean crossing that barrier between mere acquaintances to more intimate friends. Are you really willing to bridge that safe distance afforded by the more formal honorific? Draping your scarf next to your bag and your puffy jacket, you mull over the questions. It would be mean of you to maintain that barrier when he's being so friendly, wouldn't it? You take another glance at Jungkook. He's sipping on his drink while staring at you wide-eyed. The ends of his longish hair land just beneath his brow. Nope, there's no way you can say no.

Tucking a strand of hair back, you reply, "I-I guess so."

"Great! Thanks, Y/N-noona." He grins even wider.

Swept away by his infectious enthusiasm, you chuckle. "Why are you so happy about it?"

"I want to be Noona's friend," he answers, still smiling. "I hope you can regard me as one, too."

"S-sure. I guess we can be friends. Jungkook-ssi--"

"Noona," he interrupts, "if we're going to be friends, you need to speak to me informally." 

"Oh, right." Jungkook seems shy, but you're learning he can also be very straightforward. While you try to wrap your head around this tidbit, you try again.  "Jung-Jungkook-ah..." the more familiar address feels weird on your tongue especially since this is technically the first time the two of you meet, "since you know my age, may I also know how old you are?" 

The question is innocent enough, but out of nowhere, storm clouds darken his expression. It takes you by surprise. "Ah..." Jungkook swallows hard and takes a couple of sips of his drink. You wait, resisting the urge to chew on the skin around your nails. After a couple of dodged glances, he says, "I'm... I-I'm two years younger." 

That makes Jungkook the same age as Namjoon. Back when you started crushing on him, you decided then that two to three years is not that big of a deal.  Instantly, you brighten. Considering how attracted you are to this man, it's a relief knowing he's not off-limits.  "I see. Why do you look so worried, then?"

"Nothing." He's stirring his straw again. "I was just thinking..." 

"Mmm?"

He meets your gaze. "Noona... w-would you... would you ever consider going out with someone y-younger than you?" 

The sudden change of topic and its implications give you whiplash. "I-it depends on how much younger. W-why do you ask?" 

He shakes his head. "Just wanted to know."

"I see..." Actually, you don't. Why did he want to know? 

Your confusion must have shown on your face because he then says, "Noona... I want to ask you something."

"Wh-what is it?" Considering his last question, you're even more nervous. 

"I... I hope y-you don't misunderstand, but I... I wanted t-to approach for some time now."

You nearly choke on the coffee you're sipping. That explains why you've caught him staring at you several times. It isn't just your imagination. Good to know you weren't being narcissistic. "W-what--" cough "--what do you mean?" 

"Two weeks ago you forgot your coat here at the cafe. Do you remember?"

"I remember." There was a bug on one of your apps causing users to automatically log out from their accounts. You'd been called to go to the office on a Sunday. Because you were talking to your boss on the phone, you forget your coat. It was only until you step out of the cafe and into a white flurry that you recall what you're missing. 

"Yes. The guy who ran after you and gave you your back coat, that was me." 

"You?" 

Nodding, he gives you a lopsided smile. "See, Noona, we first met when the first snow fell."

The significance of what he's saying isn't lost on you. The first snowfall of the year is special. Many believe if you go out with someone you like then, true love will bloom. Not you, though. You believe in hard work and self-determination. Not destiny. "Honestly, I was in such a rush then, I didn't even see your face. I'm sorry..." 

"It's okay." Though he says that, his face falls. "I didn't expect you to."

Jungkook stares at you. You stare back. He opens his mouth like he wants to say more, but closes it before any words come out. In the end, the two of you sit there fiddling with your drinks. Why did you have to tell the truth and ruin the mood? You should have allowed yourself to be swept away with the whole concept of fated meetings and first snowfalls, but you're too much of a realist. Feeling regretful, you make the effort to re-initiate conversation. 

"So... what was it you wanted to ask me?" When he gives you a blank look, you add, "Earlier, you said you wanted to ask me something?" 

"Oh... right." On the table, he entwines his fingers, then untangles them again. "Noo-noona," he takes a deep breath, "uh, y-you know how I said I'll... I'll treat you to c-coffee next time?"

"Yes?"

 "Well..." He chews on the inside of his cheek. "Th-that time, w-will you consider it a-as a date?"

Even though you thought there's a very small chance this is what he wanted to ask, you didn't actually expect it to become reality. Maybe you're dreaming? You pinch your thigh hard to wake you up. The pain causes your knee to jerk and hit the table. A sharp hiss slips from your lips, accompanied by the clattering of glasses. In a flash, Jungkook moves from his spot and kneels next to you. 

"Noona, are you hurt?" 

Rubbing the spot, you look up and find him close enough for you to see the caramel rings around his pupils. Automatically, your gaze drops to his mouth and everything else fades to black. In the background, IU's seductive voice croons the lyrics to Between the Lips. You swear it's destiny mocking your lack of belief. With a flash of defiance, you force yourself to focus elsewhere. "I-I'm okay. It's nothing. Please... please go back to your seat now."

His eyes search yours for a moment, then he pulls himself up.  Instead of taking the seat he previously occupied, he picks the vacant seat next to you. "It's okay if you say no, Noona. I'll understand."

You observe him, carefully thinking about what to say. Of course, you're flattered he's asking you out. Still, you can't help but question why. What if this is just a prank? A bet between him and Seokjin-ssi? 

Don't be ridiculous. 

Your pinch proves this is real life, not Boys Over Flowers. Besides, based on what you've seen so far, Jeon Jungkook is no Jun-pyo. He's much too sweet.

"Jungkook-ah... Why... why do you want to go on a date with me?" 

His eyebrows go up leaving wrinkles on his smooth forehead. "What... what do you mean why?"

"I just..." A self-deprecating smile twists your lips. "I just find it difficult to believe someone young and attractive like you would want to go on a date with me."

"But you're young and attractive too," he exclaims. 

 "I am?" 

This time, he gives you a sly gaze. "Noona, you're just fishing for compliments, aren't you?"

 "No!" You laugh. "I'm really just surprised."

"You shouldn't be. Noona, you're very pretty." 

You roll your eyes. Yeah, right. 

"It's true," Jungkook insists, shifting in his chair so he's a closer. "You know, after I met you that day, I... I asked Jin-hyung about you. He... he mentioned you're a regular customer, so I came back several times hoping to see you."

"You did?" 

 He nods. "But I didn't know how to talk to you. You seemed so busy all the time and I... I didn't want to intrude. I thought someone as pretty as you surely has a boyfriend---"

"I don't!" You slap a hand over your mouth. 

His eyes crinkle. "I figured since you always came alone. I-I mean if you were mine, I'll... I'll always want to be next to you."

"Omo, what are you saying?" Your heart is doing somersaults in your ribcage. You wrap your hands around your now lukewarm mug to keep it from shaking. "Are you trying to flatter me so I'll say yes?" 

"No, I was just answering your question. N-now..." he smoothes the hair above his ears, "will you answer mine?" 

"I thought you just want to be my friend." 

You hedge for a bit to buy you more time. In an ideal world, you'll say yes without thought. Here's a handsome man asking you out. Why deny him? But see, despite being inexperienced with love, you've had your fair share of heartbreaks and disappointments. You're old enough to know love is not a fairytale. The mighty prince can just as easily burn villages to the ground as he can save damsels in distress.  Although your current path's unexciting, it's been smooth sailing. So why navigate your boat into a potential storm?

"Noona, I said I want us to be friends, but I never said that's all I want us to be." 

There's no hesitation in Jungkook's tone this time, only certainty. Hearing that gives you courage. So far, you've lived your life without taking risks. It's safe, but is it really living? Besides, so what if you get caught in a storm? If you're lucky, you'll see a rainbow. 

 "Then..." Your grip tightens on your mug until your knuckles turn white. "Let's do it. Let's date!" 

His eyes widen. "Noona, I---" A monstrous growl cuts his speech short. The two of you lock eyes. When you start laughing, he quickly follows suit. That's all it takes to disperse the tension stifling you both. "Sorry, I didn't eat today," he says in lieu of an explanation.

"What?" What type of person forgoes eating? Food is life. Literally and figuratively.

"I don't eat before a competition, you see," he adds, answering your question.

"Competition?"

"Yeah, Jin-hyung mentioned it earlier?"

"Oh, you're a pro-gamer?"

"Yeah---" His stomach growls again.

 "That's it. How about some dinner? I haven't eaten, too, and I know a delicious chicken place nearby."

Without a word, Jungkook finishes off his milkshake then slings both his backpack and your bag over his shoulders. After gathering the glasses from the table and balancing them on the tray, he turns to you. "Noona, what are you waiting for? Let's go."

"I---" 

He leaves you with your mouth agape. When you come to your senses, you grab your coat, wind your scarf around your neck, and chase after him. "Jungkook-ah, you---" When you spot Seokjin, you abruptly stop. "Seokjin-ssi..." 

The wheels on Seokjin's head are obviously turning as he once again regards both you and Jungkook. "The two of you are going somewhere?"

"None of your business, hyung." Jungkook shoves the tray towards Jin so the latter has no choice but to take it from his grasp. 

"Ya! Is that the way you're supposed to talk to your hyung? You--"

"We're just going for dinner," you say before things get out of hand.

"Dinner?" Seokjin puts the tray down. "How about I join you?"

"Hyung! It's rude to invite yourself." 

"Well it's not like you're going to invite me, so might as well invite myself." 

"But, hyung..." Jungkook looks at you. You shrug. Seokjin smirks, clearly enjoying the younger man's distress. "Hyung, you have to watch the cafe. You can't just leave."

"Don't worry about that. I can ask one of the part-timers to help close shop." 

"Hyung, you can't!" 

Seokjin crosses his arms. "Why not?"

"You know why," Jungkook says through gritted teeth.

"Ah, I get it." Seokjin leans forward and whispers loudly, "The two of you are going on a date, right?" 

Not deigning to reply, Jungkook grabs your hand and pulls you towards the exit. The bold contact startles you, but Seokjin's loud windshield laugh drowns all protests you might have. You let yourself be dragged along.

"Is it really okay to leave Seokjin-ssi?" you ask Jungkook.

"Yes, trust me, you don't want him tagging along."

"Why?"

Jungkook opens the door and herds you through. Just before the glass closes behind you both, Seokjin calls out, "Have fun you two! And don't forget to use protection."

Everyone in the cafe turns to look. Horrified, you tug your hand free so you can hide your face. Next to you, Jungkook groans and crouches on the ground. "That's why."

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A/N: Wow, this little fic is growing by leaps and bounds! This chapter alone has over 3,000 words. As usual, don't forget to like and leave comments. <3