The first signs of autumn had fully taken hold as the days grew shorter and the air crisped with a chill that hinted at winter's approach. Jungkook found himself more aware of the changing seasons than ever before, but it wasn’t just the weather that occupied his thoughts. It was Jimin.
As the days passed, their routine of working together, sharing meals, and chatting about anything and everything became a constant source of comfort for Jungkook. The younger boy’s presence was no longer just a pleasant distraction—it was something Jungkook found himself relying on, something that made the daily grind of classes and projects feel a little less heavy.
On this particular morning, Jungkook found himself waking up with an unfamiliar sense of anticipation. It wasn’t the thought of another productive day in the lab that had him feeling this way, but rather the promise of seeing Jimin. Despite his usual preference for solitude, he had grown accustomed to Jimin’s warmth and lightheartedness. It was as if the younger boy had become a part of his daily life, slipping past his defenses without Jungkook even realizing it.
Jungkook got ready for the day and made his way to the café where he and Jimin had agreed to meet before heading to the lab. The café was a small, cozy place on the edge of campus, one that Jimin had introduced him to. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and the soft murmur of conversations filled the air as Jungkook entered, his eyes immediately searching for Jimin.
He spotted him near the window, sipping on his coffee with a serene expression on his face. Jimin hadn’t noticed him yet, his attention caught by something outside the window. Jungkook paused for a moment, taking in the sight of Jimin bathed in the golden morning light. There was something undeniably peaceful about him, something that made Jungkook’s heart ache in a way he didn’t quite understand.
As if sensing Jungkook’s gaze, Jimin turned, his eyes lighting up as soon as he saw him. He waved enthusiastically, motioning for Jungkook to join him. Jungkook couldn’t help but smile as he made his way over, his heart lifting at the sight of Jimin’s wide grin.
“Good morning, sunbae!” Jimin greeted him, his voice bright as always. “I got you a latte. I figured you might want something warm since it’s getting colder.”
Jungkook sat down across from Jimin, nodding his thanks as he took the cup. “Morning, Jimin. Thanks for the coffee.”
Jimin shrugged, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “No problem! I like getting here early anyway. It gives me time to relax before the day starts.”
Jungkook took a sip of his latte, savoring the warmth that spread through him. The café was quiet, with only a few other students scattered around, their conversations a low hum in the background. It was a peaceful start to the day, one that Jungkook was beginning to appreciate more and more.
They chatted about the usual topics—classes, their project, and the latest campus gossip that Jimin always seemed to be in the know about. But as they talked, Jungkook found himself growing increasingly aware of something unspoken between them, a tension that had been building slowly over the past few weeks.
It wasn’t an uncomfortable tension, but rather something subtle, something that lingered in the quiet moments between their conversations and in the way Jimin’s gaze would occasionally linger on Jungkook’s face a little too long. Jungkook had always been good at reading people, at sensing when something was off, but this… this was different. It wasn’t something wrong, but rather something that felt almost right, even if he couldn’t fully grasp what it was.
“Sunbae,” Jimin said, breaking through Jungkook’s thoughts. His voice was softer now, more hesitant. “I’ve been thinking… about what you said the other day. About taking breaks and not always pushing yourself so hard.”
