serendipity ∙ jjk

[end] fifteen - new leaves.

It's Monday and you feel renewed.

After gunning for a chance at writing an article for the university's newspaper, you scored an opportunity. You worked your ass off to make this moment happen and it's amazing to receive the draft you turned in a month ago without too many mark-ups. You feel like you're floating on Cloud 9, and the first person you want to inform of this achievement is none other than the person you worked with to make this all happen— Jungkook.

You can't even stop yourself from shooting a message his way just as you're about to head out for lunch, making sure to pack the final draft into a plastic sleeve and into your tote bag to ensure that nothing happens to it. At least before you can show it off to your interviewee and your best roommate for being there on this journey with you. There's Yeri too, but you know how busy she's been now that final drafts are getting returned and re-submitted. Instead of fixating on what she thinks, you've been able to focus on the article itself, thanks to Jungkook and that heart to heart you both shared all those weeks ago.

"Hey, Yer," you call out to her as you reach her desk. "I'm heading to lunch. I wanna show Jungkook the article one more time before I type up another draft for resubmission."

Yeri stops what she's doing from, eyes alight despite the fatigue of dark circles, and nods. "Alright, see you in an hour then." Before you turn to go, she calls your name.

"Yeah?"

"Good job on your article. You exceeded my expectations by miles and I'm sorry for not giving you a chance sooner."

"T-thank you, seriously. That means so much coming from you. I'm glad you think so."

"Keep it up, alright? You have yet to disappoint me."

"Alright, see you then."

"Try not to have too much fun, yeah?"

"Yeah, whatever," you say with a grin and leave the office.

By the time you arrive at the coffee shop, Jungkook is also walking over to the quaint shop. The rush hour has died since you sent your text message to him and you smile at him as soon as he greets you.

"You look awfully happy," you note from his jovial appearance.

"So do you." He leans in with a grin. "Is it because you're finally seeing me?"

"I saw you on Sunday when you called whining about your hangover."

"Hey, you can still be happy to see me!"

You tap your chin, grinning impishly. "Maybe, maybe not." He mutters something under his breath that sounds like 'tease,' but you pointedly ignore it and instead inform him that you've finally received your final draft back.

"Yeah? How'd you do?" You retrieve the piece from your bag and explain all the red marks— well, mostly the lack thereof.

"Not bad at all. I don't have too many corrections to make. And get this, Yeri said I did a good job and I exceeded her expectations... can you believe it?"

"Seriously," Jungkook pauses, looking at you with eyes almost as bright as yours. "That's fucking amazing. I knew you'd do great."

"Thanks to you."

He shakes his head. "That was all you. I was merely the subject."

"Just take my appreciation, you brat. You deserve it. Without your cooperation, this wouldn't have happened. And without Jennie's photo too. But you helped me a fuck ton throughout this journey." You snort, feeling only a little silly because this wouldn't be the end of you and him... at least that's what you've been hoping. "It kind of makes me sad that it's damn near over, to be honest."

"Well, speaking of which," Jungkook scratches the back of his head before speaking with a quivering voice. "Can I be honest about something?"

"Of course," you nod to encourage him. You don't realize just how loud and hard your heart is beating, but it's been happening more and more often around him, especially after that kiss.

He looks you in the eye and admits, "I don't want to part ways with you yet. I'm not ready to say goodbye to what the interview inadvertently started between us."

"Wait... before I jump to any conclusions. What do you mean?"

He almost hesitates if not for your hand reaching for his, becoming the lifeline he now sees it as. "Well, on top of me admitting that I have feelings for you and that the kiss we shared meant the absolute world to me... I want to propose something to you."

The corners of your lips immediately curve heavenward as you ask him what that is.

"Well, I actually decided to change my topic for the documentary. And, I was wondering if you would be okay with being my subject."

"Me?" You blink, amused. "Why me?"

"I want to give writers a voice. They deserve recognition for all their hard work. You deserve recognition for all your hard work. Seeing that firsthand and watching that conversation we had at that one brunch place, 'cuz someone forgot to turn off the camera, made me realize that this was a topic that needs to be addressed."

You resist the urge to roll your eyes at him, unable to stop smiling. "But what about the film on yourself to all the filmmakers?"

He shakes his head. "This is more important to me. You are more important to me. Plus, those filmmakers can see a film about them at the film festival."

"R-really? You're doing it?" You can't even believe what you're hearing, but you're elated about it all nonetheless. "I mean, okay. Yeah. I'd love for you to do a film for the writers."

"Does your offer about going to the film festival with me still stand?"

"Of course!" You take a moment to compose yourself and respond to his previous statement, "So, you admitted you have feelings for me?"

"Yeah," he says, cheeks turning a nice shade of mauve. "What do you have to say to that?"

"That... I like you too. That I haven't stopped thinking of that kiss and how I should address it, so I should thank you for taking a load off my shoulders."

He laughs, nose scrunching and everything. "Well, I'm always happy to relieve some stress for you."

"Thank you, Jungkook. Seriously. Everything you've done has been amazing and I'm excited for whatever else happens with you."

"Yeah, I've learned a lot from you these past two and half months. I've been so used to relying on myself and taking everything in that it felt really good to open up to someone, to you. So, thank you from the very bottom of my heart."

It feels like this moment that—not going to lie—you've been wracking your brain on how to go about it has happened in a way that exceeded any and all of your own expectations. And, you're unbelievably proud of the way things played out with all your efforts and your hard work as well as Jungkook's efforts and his hard work.

Without a second thought, you press your lips to his cheek and nod toward the shop. "Ready? I only have forty minutes left of lunch."

Even with his pink cheeks, he still manages to be a little shit. "Well, how about that coffee you owe me? Don't think I forgot!"

Of course, you don't mind in the slightest.