jane doe

Chapter 14:

Jungkook stood by the university gates, shifting his weight from one foot to the other as he checked his watch for what felt like the hundredth time. Ten minutes had passed, and a nagging thought crept into his mind maybe Yugyum had just played a prank on him and wasn't actually planning to show up. The idea of being stood up was not unfamiliar, and he began to dread the possibility.

Just as he was about to give up and leave, he caught sight of Yugyum hurrying towards him, a broad smile on his face. Relief washed over Jungkook, though he wouldn't admit it. Together, they walked to a nearby Korean barbecue restaurant, the air filled with the scent of grilled meat as they entered. They found a table and sat down, scanning the menu before placing their order. Despite his earlier reservations, Jungkook found himself feeling slightly more at ease—at least, for now.
Yugyum looked at Jungkook with a playful glint in his eyes as they waited for their food. "So, when's your birthday, Jungkook?"

"First of September," Jungkook replied casually, taking a sip of water. "And you?"

"Seventeenth of November," Yugyum answered with a grin.

Jungkook couldn't help but smile. "So, I'm your hyung."

Yugyum laughed, shaking his head. "Only by a month. So don't even dream of me calling you that."

Jungkook chuckled, appreciating the easy banter.

As they settled into the conversation, Yugyum leaned forward with a curious look. "So, what are your hobbies, Jungkook?"

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, a hint of teasing in his voice. "Am I being interviewed?"

Yugyum chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, I just want to get to know you better, that's all."

After a brief pause, Jungkook shrugged. "I like to draw, hit the gym, and sometimes I mess around with photography."

Yugyum's eyes lit up. "Ohhh, that's cool! I play the piano, love hanging out with friends, and I'm all about the party scene. I like the wild life."

Jungkook smiled, though the idea of a wild life sounded exhausting to him. "That sounds too tiring. I enjoy my monotone life."

Yugyum grinned at his response, but before he could reply, the food arrived, filling the table with the rich aroma of grilled meat and spices. Jungkook's smile deepened as he took in the comforting sight.

As Yugyum chewed on a piece of meat, he casually asked, "Do you have siblings?"

Jungkook glanced at him, his brow furrowing slightly. "Eat and swallow, then speak, okay?" he said, his tone half-serious. He took a moment to answer, "And no, I don't have any siblings."

Yugyum, a bit chastised but still curious, nodded as he swallowed his food properly this time. "Oh, where are you from? I mean, which city?"

"Busan," Jungkook replied, his gaze dropping back to his plate. "And you?"

"Namyangju-si," Yugyum said, already taking another bite. He seemed content with his answer, nodding to himself as if confirming something.

Jungkook nodded too, murmuring, "I see, that's good."

There was a brief pause, the sound of clinking chopsticks filling the air, before Yugyum spoke up again. "Have you ever gone abroad?"

"Yes," Jungkook replied, a small smile curving his lips as he looked up. "I lived in Australia for three years."

Yugyum's eyes widened in genuine surprise. "Oh, that's so cool! Do you speak English? Your parents must have some cool jobs to go abroad. What do they do?"