serendipity ∙ jjk

nine - rocky reunion.

Just as much as you don't want to be there, it's pretty clear that Jungkook doesn't either. Even though this place is a bad reminder for the two of you of that "fateful" morning, you couldn't think of anywhere else that would be better. None of the study rooms seemed optimal when it would take too much time to walk over there from the English department building. And you hardly know if he would like sitting outside where the air is chilly yet bearable and the sun is present through a thin veil of grey clouds.

Inside the coffee shop, there is warmth and comfort without all the customers usually congregating the place. Any moment before 8 AM and after 11 AM is the best time to come, if you don't want to face the long lines and the crowded waiting area. Plus, most people are more unruly during these times because this is their rush hour, and avoiding it is all you want. You don't need any more reasons to be irritated today.

"Hi," you say, at least trying to sound friendly to this particular unruly man. Your extended hand goes ignored, however, earning only a short glare that you hide away when Jungkook settles in the seat parallel to you.

"Hi."

As if it were possible, the air now feels stiff and heavy, despite only heat blasting from the vents. Or maybe it's because these seats at the corner nearest to the window get the most heat due to how much the cold manages to seep in even through glass. While you remember the second latest interaction with Jungkook, you almost feel a sense of deja vu. Like a crackle of static washes over the air, and all you can do to calm your nerves is to fiddle with your phone on the marble table. You stop when you nearly topple over the iced coffee cups.

You decide to get to the point and stave off the awkwardness for another time. "I need to get to know you."

Jungkook doesn't appear too fazed by the sudden declaration, but it isn't like there is much to contest when it's true. Somehow you prepare yourself for his next smart ass response. And, of course, you aren't left empty-handed.

"Well, it must be your lucky day, huh?"

You snort without a second thought, "As if."

His eyebrows furrow and his features actually indicate genuine confusion. "What's that supposed to mean?"

You give him a look. You're fucking with me right? You hope so.

"What?" Why the fuck do you sound so dumbfounded?

"Don't 'what' me, Jeon!" You don't mean for the exasperation to coat the words so heavily, but you can't help it. You didn't realize he was always this dense.

He huffs, "Well, I want to know what that look is about."

"Nothing, nothing," you snicker, certain now. You continue to wave him off even when he glares at you. "Do you really want to know?"

He nods, somewhat curious now.

"You're not that pleasant to be around, I hope you know that. You're as Daffy Duck would put it, insufferable. Minus all the spit, but the message still stands. Why are you like this?" You add just so he doesn't take too much offense, "This is an off-record question, by the way."

"I was gonna say. I was told this was an interview about my aspiring film career, not a psych evaluation from an unqualified writer who seems to think they're a psychiatrist. And to answer your question, this is just who I am. I'm, as many of my frat brothers have put it, a brat."

"Oh, I believe it," you mutter underneath your breath, accepting the well-anticipated glare he aims your way. "What? Was I supposed to disagree?"