Him || JiKook

Chapter 31

Jungkook's feet were killing him by the time the showcase was over and they were walking towards the reception for the awards to be handed out. His mentor had stopped by at some point of the night by his spot. She had looked at his work for a long time, making some notes and then she had turned to Jungkook and hugged him. Jungkook had been so surprised that it took him a moment to return the embrace awkwardly, but he did all the same.

"I'm proud of you Jeon," she said, emotion making her voice rough. "This is a wonderful piece."

"Thank you," he said bowing a little. "I just followed what you suggested, I found inspiration."

"Yes, I could tell," she said smiling. "I'm glad you did... I'm glad you found him."

It had been an emotional night. Jungkook hadn't really expected so many people to be moved by his work to the point where he was hugged by strangers and asked if he would work for them but he was happy all the same. Even if he didn't get any awards, he already got recognition and some wedding's to photograph for. He would call his exhibit a success.

"Are you nervous?" whispered Taehyung, nudging his arm.

Jungkook considered the question. At this time of the night - last year - he had been sweating, waiting with bated breath for the results but now he was calm. He didn't really care if he was getting the award or not. Not anymore. He'd had enough with so many people recognizing his effort and really, the only thing he wanted right now, he couldn't have it. So he shook his head.

"No, I'm not."

Taehyung eyed him thoughtfully, before grabbing his hand. "Just in case..." he said, when the head of the Arts Department was getting settled behind the podium.

The man cleared his throat before speaking. "Ladies and gentleman, artists and students, friends... thank you for stopping by tonight. As always, the annual showcase of the Arts Department is an instant for us to rejoice in the beauty of art and the creativity of the professionals we continue to form in this wonderful institution-"

Besides Jungkook, Taehyung snickered never one to keep quiet during ceremonies, so Jungkook elbowed him trying to pay attention.

"As every year, we are pleased to reward some of our outstanding students and I'm pleased to announce the winners for this year's occasion-"

They spent at least 15 minutes, Taehyung growing even more restless, going over the different award holders for sculpture, painting and drawing until they reached the photography major.

"...It is my pleasure to announce that the holder of the 'photographer of the year' award for this particular session is non other than," he took a dramatic moment to open the envelope, eyeing the audience. "...Our senior student Min Yoongi, who will be graduating in a matter of weeks! Mr. Min please."

Jungkook and Taehyung clapped loudly for him, while Hoseok dabbed at his eyes. Yoongi looked surprised but happy walking to the podium to receive his award. It was an award that only senior students could get and it was great for credentials at the moment of graduation. Yoongi deserved the award more than anyone in Jungkook's opinion and he was very happy for him.

Yoongi received it with a smile, bowing politely to everyone while flashes went off immortalizing the moment. The head of the department shook his hand before sending him back to a glowing Hoseok, who didn't waste even a second to plant a kiss on his cheek.

"Congratulation Yoongi," said the head of the department, bringing everyone's attention back to the front. "I'm sure that we can expect nothing but great things from you as a professional photographer."

He smiled before continuing. " And now for one of the biggest awards of the night. This award is not the most important because we give it, but because is given by the audience in recognition of your abilities to communicate and connect, two things we should strive for as artists-"

Jungkook felt Taehyung hand tighten on his and he squeezed back. He had to admit that he was a little nervous. After all, this was an award he had been wanting to achieve ever since he started his studies. He'd been close before, but Yoongi always managed to beat him.

"I must say I was surprised by this year's results but after seeing the piece myself, I'm not so anymore. The artist receiving the award truly deserves it for the emotion he was able to communicate and without delay, the holder of 'the people's favorite' award for this year is the photography major..." Taehyung hand was squeezing his so tight it was painful. "Jeon Jungkook! Mr. Jeon please."

Jungkook barely registered Taehyung screaming in his ear when he was being ushered forward to receive the award, he smiled and allowed himself to be manhandled into picture after picture and hug after hug, even landing himself a sloppy kiss on the cheek for an over enthusiastic 'fan'.

He was still a little dazed when he noticed there was a flute of champagne on his hand and a pastry in his mouth courtesy of Taehyung.

"For the most soulful artist of the night!" said Yoongi, clanking their glasses together.

"Cheers!" yelled enthusiastically Taehyung in response. Jungkook smiled.

"Thank you, hyung," he said. "Cheers to you too Mr. "I expect nothing but great things'."

Yoongi shrugged, a soft pink tinting his cheeks.

"Ah hyung is blushing!" said Taehyung laughing a little too happy for someone that just had a glass of champagne... at least that was his claim. Baekhyun, who had appeared mysteriously for the reception, held him firmly by the waist, probably to avoid him to topple over.

"Shut up!" said Yoongi but he smiled all the same.

The reception was nice, lots of food and drinks and influential people in search of talent. Just like Jungkook, Yoongi was constantly approached by people interested in his work and in offering him a position. It was a good and fun night and Jeongguk should have felt happy. He was, in part, the award was something he had craved for so long and now it was in his hands but he couldn't help but think that it was at a very high price.

His friends were having a great time and since he was not in the mood for getting plastered on expensive champagne, which seems to be the plan according to Taehyung, he decided to call it a night.

He was on his way out when a hand on his arm stopped him.

"Where are you going Kookie?"

Jungkook turned to face Taehyung.

"I'm heading out Tae, just gonna stop by the Arts Center to cover my project and then go to sleep."

"But the party is just starting..." said Taehyung pouting a little. Jungkook smiled.

"I know but... I'm not in the mood and I also want to check if... if Jimin called me." He mumbled the last words.

"Called?" said Taehyung confused and then his face lit up. "Did you call him? Is that why you were late? What did he say?!"

"Yeah, I did but... he didn't answer." Taehyung seemed to deflate a little but he perked right back up.

"I'm sure he left you a message," he said enthusiastically, though the emotion didn't reach his eyes. They both knew there was a chance that he wouldn't call, since he was already on his way to the other side of the world but - as Jungkook kept telling himself - it was worth a try.

"I hope so Tae," said Jungkook morosely and Taehyung hugged him. He held him against his chest, planting a kiss against his ear. Jungkook complained, trying to wiggle free but Taehyung just hugged him tighter.

"I'm proud of you Kookie," Taehyung murmured, voice a little slurred due to one to many flutes of champagne. "I love you."

Jungkook cringed a little but he nuzzled back against his friend's neck, grateful for having him. "I love you too, Tae.

Taehyung sniffed a couple times before pushing him away. "Ugh, you're gross... what happened to my friend with a rock for a heart." He was grimacing but a hint of a pleased smile was still visible.

Jungkook laughed. "He met Jimin... that happened."