Nothing like Us ※ jikook

III. Eventide

"Because I could watch you for a single minute and find a thousand things that I love about you."

♡

This time, he's alone with Jimin in the dance studio. The others had gone back to the dorm an hour ago, leaving the both of them alone by themselves, practicing some random choreography Jungkook honestly can't care less about because all he can think about right now is Jimin, Jimin and only Jimin.

Jimin...would you accept me if you knew, Jimin?

As it is, Jungkook can't help but glance over at the older in the middle of the dance, and the sight takes his breath away. Jimin is lost in the music; his body seemingly moving on its own, and sharp, fluid movements in perfect timing with the beat. There's just something so graceful, so powerful, so...astounding, about the way the older moves across the dance studio, with his heart on his sleeve and mind one with his soul, that the younger wishes for this moment to never end.

Stunning.

By now, Jungkook's slowed in his movements. Eventually, he gives up and walks to stand at a corner of the room, leaning against the wall to watch his beloved hyung dance like his life depended on it. Sure, this isn't the first time he's watched Jimin dance, but every single time he does...well, let's just say the older never fails to surprise him.

When the dance finally ends, Jimin comes to a standstill in the middle of the room before flopping onto the floor, and all is quiet save for his heavy breathing. A few deep breaths helps the older regulate his breathing, and then he turns around to face Jungkook, giving him a small smile. Jimin doesn't ask the younger why he'd stopped dancing before the song ended (maybe he didn't notice), doesn't ask Jungkook why he's (still) leaning against the wall with his arms folded, doesn't say anything at all. And yet, Jungkook observes that the older's eyes are full of curiosity - curiosity that's glazed over by content and gratefulness, as if he's silently thankful for the younger for staying with him instead of going back to the dorms even though he'd stopped dancing.

I would never leave you, Jimin.

The silence is comfortable, Jungkook thinks. It's warm and comforting like a heartfelt embrace, and although he's reluctant to disrupt the peace, his mouth opens to speak - without consent from its owner, as usual.

"Hey, Jiminie hyung, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, Kookie. What is it?"

"Have you...do you have someone that...that you like?"

Jimin starts to reply, but then clamps his mouth shut and furrows his brows and Jungkook knows he's thinking, and it makes him hold his breath for the entire duration it happens until Jimin startles him with a tiny sigh.

"Well...yes, I do, Kookie. I have someone that I've really, really liked for a long time now, even though I'm not sure if that person likes me back. But recently...I don't know. I don't think I like that person anymore, because...I think I'm starting to fall for him. Or maybe I'm already in love with him. I don't..know. All I know is that that person makes me very, very happy, and even if he never likes - or loves - me back, simply knowing him is more than enough for me."

Jungkook's been drilling holes into the floor with his eyes the entire time Jimin was speaking, but now, when he raises his head to look at the older, he isn't sure how react because Jimin is still staring at him - this time his eyes are filled with an intensity so deep Jungkook is left utterly and completely speechless.

What...?

"Why do you ask, Kookie? Do you have someone you like?"

It's not because Jimin used the 'he' pronoun that the younger is lost for words - it's long been known among the members that most of them are gay. It's just...

There's something about Jimin's gaze...or am I imagining things...?

"-kookie? Jungkookie, are you alright?"

Jungkook bites back a laugh because no, he's not okay because goddamnit Jimin I'm in love with you, but you're also in love with someone that might not even be me and I don't how to confess, or if I should at all now. He says all that in his head, though, and instead shoots the most reassuring smile he can muster back at Jimin and nods.

"I'm alright, Jiminie hyung. I mean, well...yeah, I'm in love with someone too..."

"Who?"

"Ah...I hope you don't hate me for this but I, um...I'm in love with y-"

"JIMIN! JUNGKOOK!"

It would be the hugest understatement of the year if Jungkook said he feels like crying right now. No, he wants to chop himself into pieces, run straight into hell and then proceed to drown himself in the sea of his tears. He was so close, so fucking close to finally confessing, and Seokjin has to choose this exact moment to barge in on them.

Fantastic.

"Oh, are you two done with your dance practice? Great! I made some bean paste soup for dinner and I want everyone to try it while it's still hot, so let's go back to the dorms now, okay?"

Jungkook groans internally at Seokjin's obliviousness, but still follows behind the oldest as he starts walking back. Jimin is beside him when he nudges the youngest.

"Kookie? What were you about to say before Seokjin hyung interrupted us?"

"Ah...it was nothing, Jiminie hyung. I'll tell you another time."

Jimin doesn't seem satisfied with Jungkook's answer, but decides against asking more questions as the three of them walk back to the dorm. Jungkook sighs - in relief or frustration, he has no idea.

Next time, Jimin, next time. Please wait for me...