Jungkook

I took a day off today and Mrs. Cha let me. She usually doesn't do that, gives me off on Saturdays because of the high traffic.

I get a call from Jimin Hyung and I start shuffling out. I have seen myself in the mirror at least I-don't-remember times. But I want to look one last time so that I know if that one streak of hair is still spiking out like a rebellious teenager.

He is wearing a multi-colored bomber jacket over a black t-shirt and black chinos. It's pretty different from the outfits I have seen him wear. He looks snazzy.

"Ready?" He smiles and I nod. I am not confident enough to let him look at me so I immediately gait a little ahead of him. I guess this is what happens when you have had too many bad experiences with people that your insecurity grows.

As far as I remember, I thought I was pretty cute in the beginning. But then down the road, no one really acknowledged the opinion I had knitted for myself. It got lost over the years.

When Jimin Hyung looks at me like I am someone pretty and important, I can't comprehend why. In my words, he is that guy who can get anyone he wants without trying. It's not even an exaggeration. It's scary to be around someone like him.

"Do you want to go alone on this date?" He asks me and I halt, hesitantly looking around to see him smiling.

"I am sorry," I smile to force some serotonin in my system because I am having way too depressive thoughts during my pre-date. "Where are we going?" I ask.

"We are going to take a short walk through the busy road to go to the park," he leans a little, his half fingers are tucked in his tight chinos' pockets. 

"Sounds good," I breathe. It all hits me. We are on a date. He asked me out. He probably likes me. All there's left is for me to panic.

He takes one hand out and holds mine. We walk in the balanced warmth of the sun and chilly air of the winter for some time. I can fall in love with the winter sun infinitely.

The walk is silent. He makes sure that I am on the non-traffic side of the pavement. I smile to myself at his actions and I come to the conclusion that it wasn't as bad as I thought.

Albeit we are silent, it is peaceful and not awkward at all. He stops by an ice cream truck and gets us both a double scoop. I lick the chocolate and want to moan when he holds my free palm again when we begin to cross the road.

"What do you like aside from cooking?" He asks me.

"Baking," I correct him. "I bake, not cook."

He smiles. "Technicality isn't my strong suit. Please forgive my naivety on the subject."

I shake my head to disagree as he ushers me towards an empty bench in the park. "You seemed like an expert on the dinner table."

"You remember dinner?"

What am I supposed to say? I am blushing. I don't want him to think I was maybe crushing on him a little. We sit down as uneven sunbeams filter through the leaves on our faces.

❣

Jimin

I look around, trying to think of something that doesn't sound as stupid as what I just said. I want him to like me but why can't I seem to say the right thing? "Why do you limp, Jungkook?" I suddenly ask and I wish I had just not said anything at all.

"I do?" Jungkook looks at his feet as if he tries to find what is wrong with him.

"I am so sorry. That was so insensitive of me. I didn't know if you have some issues. I am sorry, Jungkook." I hoist the remaining ice cream in a nearby trash can as I begin to panic and apologize.

Jungkook averts his eyes from his feet to my face. "It was around September that I twisted my ankle while walking," he begins and I thank God that he didn't just throw his ice cream on my face. "It wasn't a big fall or anything. Since then, I didn't realize but I sort of started slanting my right foot to the left because I felt pain every time I walked. I think I have now become used to it. Thank you for pointing it out."

"It's January," I emphasize. How can he be so careless and not get it checked?

"I know. I feel like such a moron."

"Don't worry, I have a physiotherapist friend. I can take you to her for a consultation now."

"Now?" He scrunches his face. "Can we go tomorrow, please? I don't want to spoil our day today."

He is so cute to say that. "Tomorrow then." I smile and look at him as he offers his ice cream to me.

We talk for a while and then we go grocery shopping. "This is so natural. I am loving this date," he tells me as he picks cheddar cheese.

I wonder what sorts of dates he's been on. Taehyung did mention a few bad dates, but I didn't mean to pry so I don't ask.

I call a taxi and we load the groceries before heading to my apartment. He looks a bit unsure of the idea. I can tell.

"Come on in," I beckon him after opening the door and he takes off his shoes as he does.

He looks around the house and sniffs. "Your place smells so good."

"It's going to smell even better," I say, looking at the bags of groceries.

I offer him a change of clothes because he is hell-bent on helping me with cooking. I don't want his cute yellow hoodie to be spoiled.

It's five past six that we start cooking. I put on some music. Not jazz, but something cheerful to make him at ease without having to put him under the pressure of romantic obligation.

He seems to enjoy it as his body slowly moves. He is loosening up a little with wine. He laughs more and my heartbeat stops when he does. "You should laugh more often," I tell him.

"Do you like me, Jimin? Jimin Hyung?" He asks and tilts his head.

My hand plays with a tuft of unruly lock fallen on his forehead. "I do, a lot. That's why I bought you chocolates."

"You did?" He looks at the grocery bags gobsmackingly. I shake my head and point at the fridge.

He hustles and opens the door to find confectionary boxes I asked my old pal from Paris to ship. These are the best chocolates in town and people line up to pre-order for valentines day.

"The box is so cute," his eyes widen and he glances at me.

I nod. "Have one, tell me if you like it."

He takes one box out and carefully unwraps it. He marvels at the indulging bits and I marvel at him. His finger and thumb pick up one piece from the corner and bring them to his mouth. He chews and closes his eyes to moan. I pick the second piece and feed him.

"This one's even better. Thank you so much, Jimin. I didn't get you anything." He pouts a little but goes on to have his third bite.

"You don't have to. You said yes to the date and it's enough for me." I smile, my heart and its walls heat up with giddiness I cannot explain. I think it is at this moment I feel like I fell for him. I cannot tell.

He is a bit tipsy and I like it. At least he isn't nervous and talking freely, moving around how he wants.

Post dinner, he becomes silent.

I bring over a cup of hot chocolate for him. "What's wrong, Koo Koo?"

He looks up at me, holding his cup adorably with both hands. "I should head home now."

"It's late, Jungkook. You are more than welcome to stay here," he seems unconvinced. "I know you sleep at Taehyung's apartment over most of the weekends anyway. You are safe here. Trust me."

❣