Ship: 2Seok

Summary: Seokjin's first date goes the cliché way, except there's a little more.

College student! Kim Seokjin
College student! Jung Hoseok

Song: Embrassed/ Blanket kick - BTS

2000 words

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Seokjin was a really curious child with big round eyes and an adorable face. He loved to look at the colourful butterflies in the garden, chase raccoons by the creek and play games with his friends. As he grew older into his teenage, he had changed quite a bit.

Or more so tried to change. Given that the adult world required you to be more mature and self-conscious, he had started losing on the curious self. More so hidden it under the vast impeccable outer personality of his which reeked of authority and sterness.

But the thing was he wasn't even past 20. He was still learning the ways of the world and had adopted wha he saw of the people around him. He wasn't expected to be a certain way, but he imagined that people wanted him that way. He was polite, yet stubborn. He was playful, yet respectful. And most of all he was hard on himself.

As days went by, his college days required more of himself. To be more hard on himself to present the best image he could muster up. It was no longer fun and happy. Among all the hustles of life, he tried to find a personality of his own. Something which was unique to him and that which could give him a place in this huge world.

The struggle for this discovery was real and difficult. There was a inner turmoil to everything he had. Something that pressed his buttons, something that made him feel foreign to his own body. Something that didn't feel right. But it seemed like all of it was coming to an end.

The new year at college meant new freshmen. Seokjin looked forward to this year's batch because his cousin, Seong-min was to join as well. And it seemed as per his aunt's request to look out for him. But now, as he saw the younger boy in front of him, it seemed like he didn't need Jin's help afterall.

Seong-min had already made friends, and seemed to enjoy college within the first few days. Moreover his words made Seokjin relax on his duties of being the elder brother. Even if the redhead was only 13 months younger to him, Seokjin took his responsibility of being able to protect and comfort very seriously.

"Hyung, I can manage. I even got my best friend here."
Seong-min excitedly spoke with a giddy smile.

"Already?"
Seokjin asked quite suprised, as it took him over a month to make friends.

"Yeah, he is Jung Hoseok."
The red haired punk, grinned pointing at another boy with blonde hair who was walking towards the two cousins.

And oh did, Seokjin get stuck on the boy in a very homosexual way. Hoseok had a green coloured bag slinged over his shoulder. With yellow oversized shirt and loose fit jeans the boy was drowning in all the clothes. The older boy felt as if he has fallen in love at first sight. But the fact remained that he hadn't fully seen hoseok.

You see, Hoseok had worn a mask. It had covered most of his face except his almond shaped eyes. The same eyes that had sparkles stored in them. And oh did Seokjin lull in the warmth that the eyes fed off. But before he had a chance encounter with his single glance crush, he was whisked away by his own friends.

Hoseok had the cutest masks. Ones with colourful polka dots, cute rabbits, tiny flowers, and pastel gradient patterns. Ones with tiny sprouts on the edges, and earthly tones of calmess. Ones with cute chibi characters on them. He did attract quite some attraction, but he didn't care enough. The masks made him feel happier. Made him feel more confident in his skin.

And Jin was fascinated by the pretty masks Hoseok wore. He always wondered about the even more beautiful face that those masks hid behind them. It was fascinating seeing that the younger had never slipped up even when drank water or when he ate food. He was like a magical fairy that could be seen but couldn't be touched.

On one fine morning,- approximately three months of him crying over beautiful Hoseok was-, Seokjin took the courage to approach his crush. He had clutched onto a yellow sunflower and a small palm-sized box which was wrapped in rainbow coloured paper. He had to search for over three shops to get this specific customised gift that he hopes the other would cherish as well.

Treading forward, the older boy was buzzing with nervousness of being rejected. He looked forward to find the blond boy by the side walk with his eyes trained on his phone. Seokjin took a deep breath as he was only a metre away from the prettiest boy he had ever seen. The other seemed to be slightly agitated at the contents of the screen as the slight furrow of his eyebrows could be seen.

Slowly clearing his throat, Seokjin raised his head to face Hoseok who had turned towards him. Soon the shorter faced the dark haired boy with a confused look. Gulping yet again, Jin brought his hands forward to give Hoseok the gifts he held. Upon seeing the sunflower, Hoseok's eyes lighted up instantly. He reached out to touch the sunflower's petals softly before pocketing his colourful screened phone.

"Thanks Seokjin sunbaenim"
Hoseok was the first to mumble as he graciously accepted the box as well. He hadn't looked at the contents which made Seokjin less nervous. The older would rather have Hoseok open it later.

"Can I b-buy you a coffee?"
Seokjin asked with a shy smile.

"No, I don't quite like coffee."
Hoseok spoke, muffled by the mask.

"Oh...uh-"
Seokjin stuttered feeling hot and bothered all of a sudden.

"But you can sure buy me a hot choco!"
Hoseok beamed with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Yeah, anything you like."
Seokjin answered feeling relaxed.

And so the numbers were exchanged and the date was fixed for tomorrow afternoon at the café of Seokjin's choice. The older boy seemed to be fixated with how he looked, he wanted to make an impression that would make Hoseok swoon over him. And he did succeed with light blue button up shirt and black slacks.

Getting to the café was no hassle. He had even reached early by 30 minutes. Bouncing his leg, he looked out to spot the bright sunshine boy. He was half scared that the other had left him stranded. Or even worse ghosted him. But soon enough a person with a mop of blond hair entered the café through the crowd.

"Seokjin-shi, it seems like you are uncomfortable and nervous. Do you wanna postpone this?"
Hoseok's sweet voice made Seokjin snap up from his trance to properly greet his date.

"Uh... No I'm okay. Sorry for that. You are my first date."
Seokjin confessed with red ears.

"Aww, it's fine!"
Hoseok comforted the older as he sat opposite to Seokjin.

After giving the order of his strawberry shortcake and hot chocolate, Hoseok removed his mask to set it aside and properly interact with his date. And maybe he did have a few soft feelings for Seokjin.

"Seokjin-shi? You okay?"
Hoseok asked he saw the other's dumbfounded face and wide eyes.

"Y-YOU ARE PRETTY!!"
Seokjin squeaked out, uncaring of the crowd. It wasn't like anyone paid attention to the two either.

Seokjin looked intently at Hoseok's entire face. It was his first time looking at the golden skin marred with very few freckles. Hoseok's lips made a beautiful heart shape when he smiled and his nose was so cute and tiny. He looked really pretty and that made Jin reaffirm any doubts on his crush.

"You flatter me, hyung."
Hoseok giggled, hands up to cover his mouth.

"I'm not. You are worthy of all the wonders in the world."
Seokjin replied with confidence and that made Hoseok blush a pretty pink.

Their conversation for a first date went really sweet and happy. Hoseok seemed to enjoy Seokjin's company quite a lot. And Jin had found at last, someone who was enthusiastic of the jokes he made. They ate their respective food quietly and happily. The thin layer of discomfort of being strangers had shattered in the first fifteen minutes.

"So, you mean to say that you don't like anything bitter or sour."
Seokjin questioned as he sipped on his own pista milkshake.

"Yep. Partially the reason to cancel on our coffee date."
Hoseok replied with a tiny smile.

"The other part?"
Seokjin asked with curious eyes.

"Well, for my personal fun, I may say."
Hoseok added with a big smirk.

"Well, I hope you enjoyed me acting like a fool after getting rejected."
Seokjin answered acting all pitiable and sad.

"I didn't reject you did I? We are in a better proposition. Moreover I saved you from the embarrassment within ten seconds."
Hoseok answered, acting cocky on the outside. He was contemplating on what must be said next to lighten the mood.

"You were the first one who put me there!"
Seokjin whined, making Hoseok laugh with his head thrown back.

As the clock ticked, they noticed it was already two hours since they reached here. And so they packed to leave the café, not before having their classic "who'll pay?" fight!

"I'll pay."
Hoseok declared as he slid out of the chair to reach the counter. But Seokjin was obviously faster.

"No, I was the one who asked you out."
Seokjin spoke taking out his own wallet.

"But hyung..."
Hoseok pouted as he saw the other slid in the tips.

"You have the next date to pay me back."
Seokjin smiled, after intertwining his fingers with Hoseok's soft mushier ones.

"Getting ahead of yourself?"
Hoseok replied as he skipped on putting his mask on in public for once.

Seokjin noticed it, but didn't comment anything for he believed everyone in the world must be blessed by Hoseok's pretty features. The two of them walked out of the cafe with their coats tucked in their arms.

"Well, if we go by the same events that I planned of our date to be, I think I have a scored a second date by the end of it."
Seokjin answered with a tiny dimpled smile making Hoseok coo loudly. As they walked further on the sidewalk, both of them hadn't necessarily bid their goodbyes at the café.

"Where to next?"
Hoseok asked with a bright gleam in his shiny eyes.

"Nowhere."
Seokjin replied as he tightened his grip on Hoseok's fingers lovingly.

"I like that. Lead the way."
Hoseok giggled leaning his head towards Seokjin's upper arm.

As the two of them walked silently, Seokjin couldn't help but smile at the childishness that Hoseok had brought within back. This was what he was longing for. That piece which was astray was his connection to being the kid unlike his exterior of a responsible adult.

And Hoseok had done a wonderful job for the first day itself. Seokjin seemed to enjoy this company where he was no longer required to be the adult and rather be a carefree human exploring the world like he owned it all.

"Did your plan have us kissing under the mistletoe?"
Hoseok asked suddenly pulling Seokjin out of his thoughts.

"No, it isn't even winter."
Seokjin said confusion laced in his words.

"But I spy with my eye, a mistletoe and I'm quite tempted to change your plans."
Hoseok spoke with deep rumble at the back of his throat.

Seokjin looked around and found a lone pine tree by the park. The place was quiet as the only sounds were of their breathing and rustling.

"You sure do have a way with words."
Seokjin commented as he turned to the side in turn facing Hoseok's curved mouth.

"That I do. Might as well add that you are whipped for me!"
Hoseok spoke as he leaned closer with tiptoes to kiss Jin.

The older didn't waste time in supporting Hoseok so as to balance the other, all while busting his glistening lips with Hoseok's. The kiss was short and sweet. Only pure softness with the after taste of chocolate and pista. Hoseok soon broke away from Seokjin's plump addictive lips to crash his head against the other's broad chest.

"Wanna go for a second one tomorrow?"
Seokjin teased as he carded his fingers through Hoseok's fluffy blond hair.

"Yeah, only if there's a promise of more kisses."
Hoseok spoke, giggling against Seokjin's clothed chest.

"Anything for the prettiest boy in the world."
Seokjin answered bending his neck down a little to give a forehead kiss to the said boy.

The second date did come sooner than expected with Seokjin marvelling at Hoseok yet again. The younger boy had worn the customised yellow face mask which had orange details and green leaves. The same mask that Seokjin had gifted him earlier.

And so did the third, fourth and fifth dates came in until a month later when they declared each other as boyfriends. Seokjin had finally found his lost piece and was reconnected to it all with Hoseok's very presence.