HEART2HEART

chapter 13: let's talk

Jungkook wasn't telling Jisoo the complete truth earlier when he had told her that he had dated around here and there throughout his life.

He had dated around, but he was never the one chasing, he was always the one being chased somehow.

Truth be told, he had never chased a girl in his life. He never had the need to, neither did he ever see the need to. All he did was to except people's feelings. He was really grateful towards them, but Taehyung had always asked him the same question whenever he agreed to go on dates - did he actually feel the same way, or was he just being too kind to turn them down?

Jungkook had no idea.

But anyway, the main point of revealing all this was that, he had received many gifts in his entire life. Wallets to chocolate, stuff toys to flowers - gifts belonging to every single point on the practicality spectrum. And Jungkook liked all these gifts. He used all of them well - after all, they were prepared by people who had his best interests at heart. But none of them really stood out over the rest and over the years, as he moved houses and time went by, all the gifts had lost their usability and Jungkook didn't have a reason to keep them by his side anymore.

But for some reason, as he stared down at the brown mug he held carefully in his hand, Jungkook felt a sensation he never felt before. He wanted to treasure this mug. He wanted to keep it with him for a long time - in fact, it felt a little too precious to him to use.

But that was because it was from someone he respected with all his heart... right?

So, in a sense, he was grateful to her, too. This gift from Jieun was just like any other gift he had received in his life. He needed to use it like every other gift, because that was what she intended it for. As a replacement for his replacement mug. Yes, that was how it was.

That was how it was supposed to be.

Jungkook emerged from the pantry a few moments later, carefully holding on to the mug in one hand and supporting it with the other.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Startled by the loud banging that suddenly emerged from the printing room, Jungkook almost dropped his mug in surprise. Still gripping onto his mug tightly, Jungkook pried the door open carefully and peeked inside.

What he saw kind of blew his mind.

"Stupid printer, wake up your idea-" Jieun muttered under her breath as she punched the printer a few times before switching to some kicks with her foot. "Of all times... why do you have to break down right now-"

This wasn't an image of Jieun Jungkook was used to or, in fact, had even seen before.

"The paper is plenty-" Jieun grumbled as she bent down to take a look inside. "There's ink too... what's wrong? Urgh, I'm so annoyed..."

The door made a small squeak at that moment, as Jungkook accidentally leaned a bit more weight on it. Jieun turned around at once, in shock, letting out a soft gasp as her eyes landed on Jungkook who now stood at the door, awkwardly, not knowing exactly how to react. Her leg was still up in the air.

"How long have you been there?"

"Um-" Jungkook flashed her an awkward smile as he ruffled his hair, making his way into the printing room slowly and shutting the door behind him. "Just a little while...?"

Jieun blinked a few times, before remembering to put her leg down quickly.

Jungkook knew exactly what she was thinking. "Um... unfortunately, I did hear you cussing at the printer a bit?"