The next week at Seoul University brought a shift in the usual routine for Jungkook. He was still the center of attention, his reputation as a heartbreaker still intact. But his focus had changed. It was like he had grown tired of the old game and was ready for something new. Or rather, someone new.
Jimin, however, was harder to read than a closed book. Despite their conversations and encounters, Jungkook still couldn’t quite figure him out. And that only made him more determined.
Jungkook decided it was time to take a different approach. He knew how to charm his way into anyone’s good graces with ease, but he also knew that charm alone wouldn’t work on Jimin. He needed to dig deeper, to find out what made Jimin tick.
***
It was Tuesday afternoon when Jungkook spotted Jimin sitting by himself in one of the university’s quieter courtyards, sketching something in a small notebook. The sun was casting soft, warm light over the area, making the scene almost serene. Jungkook watched him for a moment, noticing the way Jimin’s brows furrowed in concentration, his hand moving swiftly across the page.
**Art, huh?** Jungkook mused. This was something he hadn’t expected. Jimin always carried himself with such composure; Jungkook wouldn’t have pegged him as the artistic type.
He approached slowly, not wanting to startle him. “I didn’t know you could draw.”
Jimin looked up, his pencil pausing mid-stroke. His expression was neutral, but there was a flicker of something—surprise, maybe—in his eyes. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”
“True,” Jungkook agreed, smiling softly. “Mind if I sit?”
Jimin hesitated, then nodded. Jungkook settled down on the bench beside him, trying to catch a glimpse of the sketch. It was a rough yet elegant drawing of the courtyard—a mix of shadows and light, capturing the essence of the place.
“This is really good,” Jungkook said, genuinely impressed. “You’ve got talent.”
Jimin closed the notebook, his lips curling into a small smile. “Thanks.”
They sat in silence for a moment, the atmosphere unexpectedly comfortable. Jungkook found himself relaxing in a way he hadn’t in a long time. He glanced over at Jimin, noticing the way his eyes were softer, more relaxed than usual.
“You know,” Jungkook began, “I’m starting to think I’ve been going about this all wrong.”
Jimin arched an eyebrow, curious. “Oh? And what exactly is ‘this’?”
Jungkook chuckled, leaning back against the bench. “Trying to figure you out. I thought if I just kept pushing, you’d let me in. But maybe… I should just ask.”
Jimin’s lips quirked into a smirk. “Ask what?”
“What’s your story, Jimin? Why transfer here in the middle of the semester? Why keep to yourself so much?” Jungkook’s voice was calm, sincere. “I mean, you could easily fit in with anyone. You’ve got that… magnetic quality.”
Jimin looked at him for a long moment, as if weighing his response. “Maybe I like being a mystery. Keeps people from getting too close.”
“Is that why you’re always pushing me away?” Jungkook asked, leaning in slightly.
Jimin’s gaze didn’t waver. “Maybe. Or maybe I’m just waiting to see if you’re worth letting in.”
Jungkook’s heart skipped a beat at the bluntness of his words. For the first time, it felt like they were having a real conversation—one that wasn’t just a game.
“I want to be,” Jungkook said quietly, surprising himself with his honesty.
Jimin seemed to study him for a moment before standing up. “Then show me.”
And with that, he walked away, leaving Jungkook staring after him, more determined than ever.
***
The next day, Jungkook was back at it, but this time, he was prepared. He’d decided to do something he’d never done before—actually put in effort without any ulterior motives. It was strange territory for him, but somehow, it felt right.
He waited outside Jimin’s psychology class, leaning casually against the wall as students poured out. When he spotted Jimin, he waved him over.
“What do you want now?” Jimin asked, though there was less bite in his tone than usual.
Jungkook held up a takeout cup of coffee. “I noticed you always get a black coffee from the café on campus. Figured I’d save you the trip today.”
Jimin blinked, clearly surprised. “You remembered that?”
Jungkook shrugged, his smile a little shy. “I pay attention.”
Jimin took the cup, a small smile tugging at his lips despite himself. “Alright. I’ll give you points for that one.”
Jungkook felt a flutter of pride at the small victory. “Maybe we could grab a bite to eat? No games, no flirting. Just… two people hanging out.”
Jimin considered him for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. But I’m holding you to that. No funny business.”
Jungkook grinned. “Deal.”
***
They ended up at a small ramen shop off campus, away from the prying eyes of their classmates. The atmosphere was cozy, with soft jazz playing in the background and the delicious smell of broth filling the air. They sat across from each other, a comfortable silence settling between them.
Jungkook kept his promise. He didn’t flirt or tease. Instead, he asked Jimin about his interests, his hobbies. He learned that Jimin loved art and dancing, that he had a passion for psychology because he was fascinated by how people’s minds worked.
As they talked, Jungkook found himself genuinely interested in Jimin’s answers. There was something so refreshing about him—his straightforwardness, his intelligence. He wasn’t trying to impress Jungkook; he was just being himself. And that was more captivating than any game.
“So,” Jimin said after a while, setting down his chopsticks. “What about you, Jungkook? Why the whole playboy act?”
Jungkook’s smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. “It’s not an act. I just… I don’t know. I guess I’ve never really found anyone who made me want to settle down.”
Jimin leaned back, his eyes narrowing slightly. “And you think I might be that person?”
Jungkook met his gaze head-on. “Maybe. I don’t know yet. But I’d like to find out.”
Jimin seemed to consider his words carefully. “You know, Jungkook, I’m not interested in being some conquest or experiment for you.”
“I know,” Jungkook said softly. “And that’s not what this is. I mean it.”
Jimin studied him for a long moment, his expression thoughtful. “Alright. I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. But if I feel like you’re just playing with me, I’m done. No second chances.”
Jungkook nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. “Fair enough.”
As they left the restaurant and walked back to campus, Jungkook felt a strange sense of contentment. This wasn’t the usual rush he got from winning over someone’s affections. This was different. It was… real.
And for the first time in a long time, he wasn’t afraid of that.
***
Later that evening, as Jungkook was lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling, he couldn’t stop thinking about Jimin. His straightforwardness, his quiet strength, his refusal to be anything less than genuine—it was all so different from what Jungkook was used to.
He didn’t know where this thing with Jimin was heading, but he knew one thing for sure: he wasn’t going to mess it up. Not this time.
**He’d just have to break some of his own patterns to make it work.**
---
YOU ARE READING
Rules Of Attraction ‡A Jikook ff‡
FanfictionJungkook has always lived by one rule: never fall in love. As the campus heartthrob, he's known for his charm, confidence, and a heart that stays untouched. Love is just a game he plays without consequence, leaving him free to keep his distance and...
