It was only 'til I saw those same doe eyes that I knew it was him. He was huffing as if he just ran a marathon, stopping for a moment to take a big gulp.
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I leaned down a little to try and get a better look at him. "You okay?"
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He coughed into his elbow, covered by a black sweatshirt, before waving me off. "Just wanted some fresh air, Benji." Jungkook looked back at me, looking me up and down. "...what are you doing out here?"
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I crossed my arms, keeping a focused gaze on him. "You sparked my curiosity, Jungkook. Since when did you live so close to me?"
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"Huh?" He looked off into the distance behind me before his face contorted. "You're the one that lives there?"
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"You would know that if you ever came outside," I replied, then taking a few steps towards him. "What were your plans for tonight?"
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Me and Jungkook began to walk towards the woods. "Well, this is the only 'me' time, Benji. I'm busy during the day, you know. Like most."
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He began his explanation, his feet lazily dragging the earth beneath him. "I... don't get out much."
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I wouldn't hesitate to ask 'why not?', but his tone made it obvious he wasn't in the mood for small talk.
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"Listen."
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Jungkook stopped walking, turning to face me. He did a small eye roll. "I may've been a little drunk Saturday. People act their opposite when wasted, right?"
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"...Sure," I nodded, deciding to humor him. I could sort of see where this is going, but from what I've gotten from Jungkook, this could go anywhere.
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He scratched the back of his neck, the nails on overly dry skin making it cringe-worthy. "I'm trying to put in the nicest way possible, Benji, but... I don't know why you're paying attetion to me all of the sudden."
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I knew he was trying to keep the topic serious, but I couldn't help but giggle. The boy was so naïve, it was almost comedic.
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"What?"
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There was a small tinge of annoyance in his voice.
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"Nothing," I exhaled heavily, lightly placing a hand on his arm. "You don't make friends much, do you?"
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It was dark outside, but it wouldn't surprise me if there was a blush on his face.
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I stood up on my tiptoes to lean close to his ear. "I doubt you were drunk, Jungkook. There wasn't a hint of alcohol I could smell." After I stepped away, that familiar wide eyed look my my eyes. I half-smiled. "You just hadn't had fun in a long time, did you?"
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His focus shifted to the ground for a moment, his chin dropping to his chin. "Maybe..."
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Bashful, I thought to myself. Cute.
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"Tell me," we were now just outside to the opening of the woods. "Did you like having fun?"
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Jungkook was still looking at the ground, but one of the corners of his lips turned up into a shy smile. "...Can't say I didn't, Benji."
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"Mm," I looked up at the starry sky, pretending to think and ponder for a moment. "Maybe you can show me what you're definition of fun is? What do you do out here anyway?"
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Jungkook glanced out into the woods. "I'm not sure what you would call what I do fun... but alright, through here." He placed his hands in the front pocket of his sweatshirt before beginning to walk, me following close beside.
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"This tree here," after several yards of walking, Jungkook stopped and placed a hand on a large oak tree. "Is perfect." He turned and found his grip, preparing to make a climb.
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I look up, squinting as he went higher and higher. "So you come out here and channel your inner monkey?"
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I could hear his laugh from up high. "Okay, Bennie."
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My mouth dropped, but I kept smiling. "Uh uh, Jungkook-ah, it's too early for nicknames!" I then situated myself to begin climbing the trunk.
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I quickly caught up with Jungkook, seeing him sitting on a thick branch near the top. His chest heaved as he began to catch his breath, but he kept a small grin on his face.
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If I'm being honest, it surprised me to see Jungkook winded. He seemed to have a pretty much healthy body.
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I positioned myself beside him, feet dangling along with his. "Isn't it a nice view?"
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The open field that was home to only a few stray houses next to road along with the array of stars is what greeted our vision. All around was quiet, and the moon was barely visible, it being only a skinny crescent.
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"You have ideal taste, Jungkook," I chuckled, mentally slapping myself for not climbing these trees earlier.
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Jungkook stayed silent. I looked over to see him lost in the sky, the night reflecting in his brown eyes. His skin seemed worn and tired, the occasional scratch and blemish here and there.
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The more I took Jungkook in, the more I realized I hadn't even scratched the surface of knowing who this naïve boy was.
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* ¤ * ¤ *
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A/N
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This is such an ideal date for me, oofI hope yall are catching on to Benji, ok. Talking properly is her way of speech :")
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Viridity | Jungkook
Fanficviridity (n.) naïve innocence Jungkook seemed to have no care for responsibilities, only himself and his own little world. If it wasn't for his invitation, I too would've been shut out like the rest.