Everyone was incredibly helpful in cleaning up before they left, and I'm grateful that Jimin invited them over because now we have people to have lunch with at the university. Blending in with six other people is actually easier than I expected.
"You can't have made these yourself," Jackson says teasingly, winking at me. I decided to bake cupcakes and brought them to school to share with everyone. "You definitely ordered these from a Café, didn't you? Come on, spill the beans! I wouldn't mind having these cupcakes every day."
Jimin chuckles, "I understand your disbelief, Jackson, but our Seokjin is truly talented in the kitchen."
"Should we ditch school and open a restaurant?" Jackson suggests, making me laugh. "A talent like this shouldn't be wasted on architecture."
"Right?" Jimin agrees. "I even suggested Seokjin attend culinary school, but he wanted to be with me and chose to come here instead."
"Don't feel pressured to do anything, Seokjin," Hoseok says, "but I would really love to taste more of your cooking."
"Babe, Seokjin is not your personal chef," Yoongi interjects, causing Hoseok to pout.
"I'm not asking him to cook for us every day," he clarifies, flashing me a smile. "I just hope he could invite me over for a meal at his place at least once."
A sudden realization dawns on Namjoon, and he looks up. "That sounds like a fantastic idea. However, it's completely up to you, Seokjin, if you're comfortable with it."
"I would absolutely love to have you guys over for a meal," I say with a warm smile.
"Are you sure you don't want to try even one?" Jimin asks Jungkook, who is seated across from me, shaking his head. "They taste amazing. A little cheat day won't hurt, you know?"
I had chosen to make the cupcakes because I had hoped Jungkook would try them. Jimin had mentioned that he was crazy about the cupcakes from Tartine Bakery in Yongsang-gu, and Jungkook always ordered them whenever he visited. I had tried my best to replicate them, but little did I know that he wouldn't get the chance to try them.
"Come on, Jimin," Hoseok says, "You should know better than anyone how dedicated Jungkook is to his diet."
Jimin shrugs, "But he's drinking coffee. It's not exactly the healthiest choice either."
While Jungkook doesn't always eat the healthiest foods, he does strive to stay in shape. That's why he occasionally puts himself on these diets. He also volunteers to teach dance at a children's dance academy in Dongdaemun, which is just one of the many remarkable things he does despite coming from such an influential family. It's truly heartwarming, and I'm not shy to admit that it's one of the reasons why I have a small crush on him.
I watch him closely as he takes a refreshing sip of his iced Americano, completely shutting out the constant bickering going on around us. It seems like everyone at our table is arguing about anything and everything, but he remains calm and composed, lost in his own world.
As I watch him take another sip of his iced Americano, his double lip piercing glinting under the cafeteria lights, I can't help but wonder what it would feel like to kiss him. My heart flutters at the thought, and my mind begins to drift into a daydream, picturing the soft press of his lips against mine, the gentle sensation of his metal piercings brushing against my skin.
I quickly snap myself out of the swirling thoughts, reminding myself to stay focused and composed. After all, he's Jimin's boyfriend, and I would never do anything to jeopardize my friendship with my best friend.
I'm caught off guard when Jungkook suddenly makes eye contact, catching me staring. I quickly look away and clear my throat.
"I need to use the bathroom," I mumble, pushing my chair back and standing up.
"I'll come with you," Hoseok offers, looping his arm through mine just as Jimin always does. I can't help but notice the similarity between Hoseok and Jimin, their fondness for affectionate gestures. It's quite charming.
As we enter the bathroom, I head towards a urinal while Hoseok stands nearby, giving me space and looking away discreetly. Once I finish, I proceed to wash my hands, the sound of running water filling the otherwise quiet space.
Hoseok approaches me, breaking the silence. "You know, Seokjin, playing with fire almost always leads to getting burned," he says, his tone gentle but filled with concern.
Confused, I meet his gaze through the bathroom mirror. "What do you mean?" I ask, my voice a little shaky.
He sighs, his eyes reflecting understanding. "I couldn't help but notice the way you looked at Jungkook when we were at your place, and now today. I may not fully understand it, but it's clear that you have feelings for him, even though he's dating Jimin."
Panicked, I turn to face Hoseok, my throat dry as I search for the right words. "I promise you, Hoseok, I would never do anything to hurt Jimin. Hence I have no intention of pursuing anything."
Hoseok places a reassuring hand on my arm. "I don't think anyone else has noticed. And don't worry, I won't tell a soul about this."
Relief washes over me, and I look down, unable to meet his gaze. "Thank you," I barely manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper.
"It's okay," Hoseok says, taking a paper towel to dry my hands. "But Seokjin, you deserve someone who can reciprocate your feelings. I told you before, if you're interested, I can introduce you to other people. There's no need to settle for someone who's already taken."
I nod hesitantly, unsure if I'm ready for such a step. Fears haunt my mind, wondering if others will reject me or find me unattractive. The memory of being called hurtful names and feeling like an outcast resurfaces, making me doubt my own worth.
"Let's head back before they start wondering," Hoseok suggests, breaking me free from my anxious thoughts.
