A Taste Of Midnight

34

The day had arrived, and Jungkook found himself standing in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie with a mix of excitement and nerves he hadn't felt in years. He'd been in high-stakes meetings, handled billion-dollar deals, faced fierce competitors, but nothing quite compared to the anticipation of meeting Seokjin tonight. It was a feeling he couldn't shake, a sense that this meeting would change something fundamental.

Seokjin, meanwhile, was preparing with an air of casual elegance, though he couldn't deny the faint tremor of excitement that ran through him. He'd spent centuries interacting with humans, yet there was something undeniably different about Jungkook-something that made him curious, that made his pulse stir, despite the quiet control he usually maintained.

The venue Jungkook had chosen was as impressive as it was thoughtful. The restaurant sat on the 100th floor of an exclusive building, its walls made of floor-to-ceiling glass that allowed for a panoramic view of the city skyline, now beginning to twinkle in the soft evening light. He had reserved the entire space, ensuring absolute privacy for their meeting.

Seokjin arrived first, his gaze sweeping over the opulent decor, elegant but understated, each detail carefully curated. The ambiance was intimate, a place where conversations could linger, where words could be spoken without fear of being overheard. For a vampire who valued his privacy, the setting was perfect.

A moment later, Jungkook entered. He spotted Seokjin immediately, his figure effortlessly commanding attention even in the vast space of the restaurant. Their eyes met across the room, and Jungkook felt the pulse of something electric in that glance, a quiet understanding that this was no ordinary meeting.

Jungkook approached the table, his movements smooth, controlled, his gaze never leaving Seokjin's. "Thank you for agreeing to this," he said, his voice steady but carrying an undertone of excitement. He gestured for Seokjin to sit, a subtle but respectful invitation.

Seokjin inclined his head, a faint smile on his lips as he took his seat. "You're certainly thorough," he replied, a hint of amusement coloring his words as he glanced around the empty restaurant. "Booking an entire floor for a single conversation?"

Jungkook chuckled, his tone light but his gaze intent. "I wanted this to be... uninterrupted. I get the sense that when you're around, it's not often a private moment."

Seokjin's smile widened slightly, intrigued by Jungkook's thoughtfulness. "You're not wrong. Though I didn't expect you to go to such lengths."

As they settled into their seats, a slight tension lingered between them-a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. Jungkook's eyes lingered on Seokjin, taking in every detail, but his usual confidence seemed tempered by the atmosphere, by the enigmatic presence across from him.

Jungkook broke the silence, his voice measured but sincere. "Thank you for agreeing to meet me. I know you're not one for... casual encounters."

Seokjin's lips curved in a slight smirk. "True," he replied smoothly, his gaze assessing. "But I'm curious about you, Jungkook. You seem... persistent."

There was a challenge in Seokjin's tone, a subtle, almost playful taunt, but Jungkook met it head-on. "Persistent, yes. I don't get intimidated easily," he replied, a glint of defiance in his eyes. "Not even by people who seem to... live in shadows."

Seokjin tilted his head, his gaze sharpening. "The shadows suit me. They're comfortable, familiar. Are you sure you're ready to know what's hidden there?" His words were soft but laced with a darkness that made Jungkook's heart skip a beat.

There was a pause, an intensity thickening in the air as Seokjin's presence took on an almost predatory edge, his gaze unflinching, almost daring Jungkook to pull back. Most people would have felt a chill under that look, a quiet threat in the vampire's calm demeanor. But Jungkook leaned forward slightly, unfazed, his curiosity unyielding.