Inked

17-

As Mingyu and Jungkook stepped outside the restaurant, the atmosphere shifted. Jasmine remained inside, animatedly chatting with DK and DK's mom, blissfully unaware of the tension brewing between the two men.

Mingyu leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a smirk on his face. "Never thought I'd be competing with someone from the lower class," he remarked, his tone dripping with condescension.

Jungkook chuckled softly while blowing smoke from his cigarette. "I don't smoke cheap cigarettes," he replied, offering one to Mingyu.

"Ha! What makes it different, prince? Isn't it all just a slow death?" Jungkook shot back, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"It tastes better for a gentleman like me," Mingyu replied, his arrogance palpable. "Unlike you, who's nothing compared to me."

"I never compared myself to you," Jungkook countered, his voice steady and humble. "Who am I? A tattoo artist with a side hustle as a food delivery guy?"

Mingyu fell silent, taken aback by Jungkook's calm demeanor. Jungkook continued, his tone growing serious. "But you need to realize that Jasmine isn't someone who falls for things that aren't true to her beliefs. She values freedom and the right to choose. That's everything to her."

Mingyu's expression hardened slightly. "You sound like you really know her, don't you?" he replied, trying to mask the jealousy creeping in.

Jungkook smiled, a mix of warmth and sadness. "Maybe. But I know one thing: if you want her to be happy, you'd better do it better than I can."

Mingyu bristled, feeling the weight of Jungkook's challenge. "What makes you think you can compete with me?"

"Because I know what she wants, and it's not just the title of a prince," Jungkook stated firmly. "Love isn't about status or control; it's about understanding her. If you truly care for her, you need to embrace that."

Mingyu stared at Jungkook, grappling with the raw honesty in his words. Despite their differences, both men shared a deep-seated admiration for Jasmine, each holding a piece of her heart in their own way.

"Just remember," Jungkook continued, his tone becoming more earnest, "she needs to feel free to choose. If you truly love her, don't cage her. Let her fly."

Mingyu felt a stir of understanding in his chest, the reality of their feelings for Jasmine settling heavily between them. As they stood there, the unspoken rivalry transformed into a mutual acknowledgment of their shared love, both men realizing that the true test would be how well they could honor Jasmine's spirit, regardless of the outcome.