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You've never really been the type to call your boyfriend nicknames. It's just not you, and Jeongin knows that. So when one slips out one lazy afternoon, it catches both of you off guard.
The two of you are cuddled up on the couch, your head resting on Jeongin's shoulder as you absentmindedly scroll through your phone. He's focused on a video game, his face glowing softly in the dim light of the TV. He looks so serious, so focused, that you can't help but smile.
"Oppa, can you pass me my glass of water?" you ask, not really thinking about it. It's a small request, something you'd normally ask without a second thought. But as soon as the word leaves your mouth, you feel your cheeks flush with heat. You freeze, realizing what you've just said.
Jeongin's hands pause on the controller, and he turns his head slowly to look at you. His eyes are wide with surprise, lips parted in shock. "Did you just... call me oppa?"
You bite your lip, a nervous giggle bubbling up in your chest. "Maybe," you mumble, trying to play it off. But the way Jeongin is staring at you, with that mix of astonishment and amusement, makes you feel like you're under a spotlight.
A grin spreads across his face, and he sets the controller down, turning his body toward you. "Say it again."
"No way!" You push at his chest playfully, trying to hide your embarrassment. But Jeongin catches your wrist, holding you in place as he leans closer.
"Come on, just once more," he coaxes, his voice dropping into a lower, softer tone. "For me, jagi."
You know exactly what he's doing—using that term of endearment he knows makes you weak in the knees. You roll your eyes, but you can't help the smile that tugs at your lips. "Fine," you sigh, "oppa."
Jeongin beams, looking far too pleased with himself. "You know, I could get used to this."
"Don't get any ideas," you warn, but your tone lacks any real threat. He's so cute when he's happy like this, and seeing him this delighted just because of one word makes your heart swell.
But things quickly spiral out of control. It starts with you calling him oppa whenever you need something—a favor, help with something around the house, or just when you're feeling affectionate. Each time you do, Jeongin's eyes light up like it's the first time he's hearing it. And in return, he starts calling you jagi more often, making your heart flutter every time the word slips past his lips.
It's disgustingly cute, and you both know it. So do the other boys.
The first time they catch you in the act, you're hanging out at the dorms, waiting for Jeongin to grab his jacket before heading out. He's rummaging through the closet, muttering to himself about where he left his favorite jacket, when you call out, "Oppa, did you check the laundry room?"
The room goes silent. You glance around and see the rest of the boys staring at you like you've just grown a second head. Chan looks like he's trying to suppress a laugh, while Felix and Seungmin exchange amused glances.
Jeongin pokes his head out of the closet, oblivious to the others, grinning at you. "Thanks, jagi. I'll check there."
And that's when the teasing begins.
"Did I just hear that right?" Hyunjin asks, leaning back on the couch with a smirk. "Y/N called Jeongin oppa?"
Seungmin snickers. "And he called her jagi. When did you two become that couple?"
Jeongin blushes, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "It's... It's just a thing we do now."
"Oppa, really?" Han teases, drawing out the word in an exaggerated manner. "What's next, are you going to start asking her to feed you?"
"Oh please, like you haven't done worse," Jeongin shoots back, but there's no malice in his tone. He's still grinning, even as he's being teased mercilessly by the rest of the boys.
"Never thought I'd see the day where our maknae gets called oppa," Changbin laughs, shaking his head in disbelief.
You try to hide your face in your hands, but Jeongin pulls you close, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. "Hey, if my jagi wants to call me oppa, who am I to stop her?"
You groan, but you're laughing too, the whole situation so ridiculous that you can't help it. "You guys are the worst," you mutter, but there's no real bite in your words.
"Maybe, but you're the one who started it," Chan points out, grinning from ear to ear.
From that day on, the teasing never really stops. The boys love to remind you and Jeongin of your new nicknames whenever they get the chance, throwing in an exaggerated "oppa" or "jagi" whenever they can. But despite the teasing, neither of you stop. If anything, you lean into it more, finding comfort and joy in these new terms of endearment.
And though it's out of character for both of you—this sudden shift into something sweeter, more affectionate—you find that you don't mind it at all. If anything, it makes your relationship with Jeongin even more special, something that's just yours, no matter how much the others tease.
