Him || JiKook

Chapter 32

The Arts Centre was mostly empty, considering that the majority of the attendees were at the reception but there were a few students still lurking inside, mostly covering their projects so they wouldn't be ruined by the light or dust. He hadn't had time before to look at any of his peers work, too busy at his own spot so, instead of going directly to his exhibit, he spent some time, walking the aisles on the opposite direction.

Though some pieces were already covered, most were still in visible and he enjoyed his time, trying to guess what the others' inspiration was, what were they trying to convey. For some it was easy, others... not so much.

There was one he particularly liked, the main theme being laughter. It was a collection of people doing silly faces in front of the camera. He found himself laughing wholeheartedly at some and considering the comments left by the attendees on the message section on the wall, the attendees liked this exhibit as much as him.

Jungkook found Yoongi's wall a little after and he couldn't help but admire his friend's work. It was an explosion of colors and Hoseok's smile reproduced so many times that it was impossible not to smile back. On the side, someone had already placed the award ribbon indicating that Yoongi was the recipient of 'photographer of the year' which meant that his award would be on display too.

Excitement ran through his veins and Jungkook allowed himself to be happy.

Sure, this was not the way he imagined to be celebrating but he had made it anyway. He felt like he had overcome the obstacle that had been stopping him from being better. All thanks to Jimin... Jimin and his beautiful, twinkling eyes and his heart. The only heart he wanted.

Jungkook sighed, slowly walking to his spot. If Jimin would have him back, he would go right away. Somehow he would buy a ticket and fly to New York just to be able to hold him... to tell him to his face that...

He stopped on his tracks, on his brain, on his heart - eyes fixed on a person sitting on the bench right in front of his exhibit, right in front of 'Him'. His heart jumped a little in recognition but his brain refused to let hope fill him so he stayed put taking it all in.

It was not necessary though for he would be able to pick out the slope of the shoulders, the tilt of the head even if the place had been crowded. Hell, by now he was able to do a full body sketch of him with his eyes closed, of course he could tell it was him, even with that oversized hoodie hiding most of his features. Jungkook didn't need his eyes, his brain to tell him it was Jimin... every cell in his body was already begging for him to move, to get close.

Jungkook was just a few steps away - so close that if he were to stretch his arm, his fingers would brush against the back of Jimin's head - when the other cocked his head slightly to the left, as if sensing his proximity.

"You made a lot of people cry tonight Jeon Jungkook," said Jimin. "At least, that's what I was able to gather from the comments they left you."

Jungkook walked around the bench, taking a sit besides Jimin, he took a deep breath before bracing himself and looking at him. His stomach dropped like if he were riding a rollercoaster, just like the first time... just like every time. Jimin was so beautiful... so so beautiful.

"It wasn't me," he said, his eyes caressing the curve of Jimin's cheek. "It was you... it's always been you."

Jimin's eyelashes fluttered, the corners of his lips lifting a little. "Is this how I look to you?" he asked, voice thick with the brewing emotions. "I can't possibly look like this, I-"

"No," interrupted Jungkook, swallowing thickly. "No, this isn't... it's not even close. You are more... so much more that I could spend a lifetime trying to capture you and still I would fail because there's no way I can create anything as wonderful as you."

Jimin exhaled sharply finally turning to look at him, making Jungkook's heart beat so fast that it was dangerously close to painful.

"You are blinded," he said smiling softly before standing up, Jungkook following right away.

He got closer to the pictures, running soft fingers along the edges, appraising the effect of the mix of sketches and photographs. The soft light of the fixtures on the ceiling were casting shadows on his face and Jungkook couldn't help but reach out and run his fingers, feather soft across the shell of his ear.

"Funny because when I met you I felt like I was seeing for the first time," murmured Jungkook. Jimin turned his head, nuzzling into his palm.

"Tell me again," murmured Jimin with his eyes closed. "What you told me on the phone... tell me again."

Jungkook moved even closer, bringing their foreheads together, breathing him in... honey, wildflowers and stardust... Jimin.

"I love you," he said, just a whisper.

Jimin shivered, his hands coming up to cup Jungkook's cheeks.

"Again."

"I love you."

Jimin's lips pressed against the corner of his mouth.

"Again."

"I love you."

Jimin kissed him, soft and slow, Jungkook opening up like a sunflower starving for the sun, sighs and words and love flowing between them. Bodies molding against each other, fingertips dancing over skin. Jimin was warm in his arms and Jungkook was finally able to breathe properly again, all pieces clicking in place... their hearts together, at last.

"I love you too Jungkook. I do."