oneshots • nctdream x aespa

gifts and feelings 🐶💙

They're sitting on the arcade floor, in front of a wall of gachapon machines, 45 minutes into their date.

Jimin isn't entirely sure how they got there.

Well, she does. She's just not sure exactly why.

Only an hour ago, Jimin dragged Jeno out of his apartment, explaining the wonders of friendly competition before they ended up at the arcade nearby. It was meant to be something friendly, a hangout that didn't mean anything. But lately spending time with Jeno without the hidden romantic meaning of it seemed impossible.

And well, it had been Jeno who called it a date. He wouldn't agree to go out with her if they didn't call it as such, so Jimin agreed. Why would she ever deny that anyway?

It used to be simple. Back when Jimin didn't think much of the way her heart fluttered at every glance from Jeno, or the endless thoughts of him that crossed her mind. It was just a crush. It used to be a crush.

But now she's not so sure what she feels for him. And that makes things so much more complicated.

They've only managed to cover half of the games at the arcade when Jimin spots the wall of toy machines, dragging a tired Jeno who had just lost 3 games in a row.

"Wait, oh my god, Shin-chan figurines!"

She was meant to just look at them, staring at the cute figurines on display, with no intention of trying to get one. It's a cute toy and she's only a little surprised to see Shin-chan figurines amongst the wall of gachapon machines. Besides, she likes Bo-chan more than Shin-chan.

There's a cute one of Shin-chan riding a bicycle, and Jimin can feel Jeno staring at her. She won't get it though, as much as she wants to. The tiny shelf she uses to display all her Shin-chan-related things is getting full and there won't be enough space, even for this tiny little toy. Plus, she didn't bring cash.

"Want one?"

Jimin turns around, watching Jeno search for any coins in his wallet. She pretends she doesn't see and turns back to the machine.

"Uh, it's cute but I didn't bring money." It's a lame excuse, Jimin knows, but she doesn't want Jeno spending any more on her than he needs to.

Jeno scoffs, giving her a look that obviously says I wasn't going to make you pay, you know this. It's part of the reason he doesn't want to get it. Jeno has already spent enough money on her, more than necessary.

"Are you sure?" Jeno asks again.

She avoids his eyes, knowing how easily she'll give in if she looks at him. She stares at the display on the front of the gachapon machine and thinks about it. She doesn't need it. She really doesn't.

"Just one," Jeno says, smiling a little.

Jimin's heart jumps. She hates him. She hates him so much. She hates his stupid gifts.

"Don't regret it," he jokes and Jimin shakes her head. Who is she kidding? She would've said yes anyway. Jeno grins prettily at her and she accepts defeat.

"Fine. Fine." Partly because she knows Jeno will get one anyway, whether she agrees or not. And partly because Jeno wanting to get these little things for her makes her heart flutter, but she's not going to admit that.

Jeno smiles, excited like he's the one interested in Shin-chan. He takes a coin from his wallet and drops the coin in the slot. "Any preferences?"

"It's random, you know?"

"I know." He turns the handle, both of them waiting for a capsule to drop out. When it does, Jeno passes the capsule for her to open and Jimin pops it open to see a figurine of Shin-chan on his stomach and a pencil in his hands. She turns to the gachapon to check which one it is.