Survival Instinct // Namkook

chapter 52 - why so interested?

After the meeting, Namjoon met up with Hoseok and Jungkook as usual. It had become a comforting routine to gather in the evening after the long, unpredictable days—a moment of normalcy where they could sit, eat, and share their experiences. As they settled in and began eating, Jungkook started talking about his day.

After some time, Namjoon decided to tell the others about his unusual encounter aswell.

"I met someone interesting today," Namjoon started, casually. "Yoongi’s... well, his lover, I guess. His name’s Jimin."

Hoseok perked up at the name, setting his fork down. "Oh yeah? The one we saw in the morning? I think I heard Taehyung mention him too. Apparently, they were on a scavenging mission for supplies from other cities."

Namjoon nodded, explaining a bit more about his brief introduction to Jimin and how he had been glued to Yoongi’s side the entire time. He didn’t go into too much detail, his words pretty reserved as always, but Jungkook couldn't help but notice there was a certain fascination in his tone when he spoke of Jimin. As Namjoon went on, talking about how different the young man was—sharp, intelligent, but playful in a way — inside Jungkook started rising new feelings he couldn't quite pinpoint yet.

Hoseok listened intently, intrigued by the idea of Jimin and curious about his role in Yoongi’s life. He asked a few more questions, but as the conversation continued, Namjoon noticed something off about Jungkook. He had grown quiet, unusually so, and wasn’t participating in the conversation much. There was a tension in his body language, the way he barely touched his food, and how his gaze remained focused downward.

Without saying much, Jungkook stood up abruptly, muttering something about being tired. He excused himself from the table, leaving his half-eaten meal behind as he headed toward their room.

Namjoon felt concern rising inside of him. He knew Jungkook well enough by now to recognize when something was bothering him. Without hesitating, Namjoon stood up aswell, quickly following Jungkook to their shared space.

Jungkook had barely said a word during dinner, and the way he had abruptly left didn’t sit right with Namjoon. He didn’t like seeing the younger so off, especially when they’d been so close lately.

When he entered the room, Jungkook was already lying down, his back facing the door, silent and unmoving. Namjoon paused by the entrance, watching him for a moment before quietly stepping closer.

"Kook," Namjoon said, his voice calm and low, "what’s going on?"

Jungkook didn’t answer right away, and for a long moment, Namjoon thought he might just pretend to be asleep. But then Jungkook shifted slightly, his voice barely audible.

"It’s nothing," he muttered, but there was a tension in his tone that Namjoon couldn’t ignore.

Namjoon sighed softly, crossing his arms as he stood at the edge of the mattress. His natural reserve made it hard for him to push, but he didn’t want to leave things unresolved. "You’ve been acting different at dinner. I know something’s bothering you, so just tell me."

Jungkook hesitated again, his fingers gripping the blanket. He wanted to say something but found himself unsure, almost afraid of Namjoon’s reaction. The silence stretched on, making the air between them feel heavy.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Jungkook’s voice broke the quiet. "It’s... it’s about Jimin."

Namjoon’s brow furrowed, confused. "What about him?"

"You seemed... interested in him. More than usual." Jungkook's voice was tight, hesitant, but it held the vulnerability of someone who’d been wrestling with their feelings for too long. "You've never talked about someone in that way before..."