In Front Of You - Jikook

-thirty-six-

Epilogue pt. 1

The familiar concrete sidewalk was bright and clear, his first steps from years ago had him reminiscing one of the more significant days of his life. His luggage trailed behind him, bigger and more expensive than before. The growth of his wealth and personality caused such a change, but he was still the same innocent and curious boy from 3 years ago. Yes, 3 years ago.

Jungkook's photographic sight glanced every corner and curve of the buildings and roads as he walked around the streets of Busan. He missed the area he called home for a while, and in his heart it still was. Ever since he stepped out of the airport, his hunger for the old memories to overtake allured him to walk instead of taking the bus or a taxi. Everything around him felt youthful, warm and fresh - like he never left. However, the heaviness in his heart, the maturity of his mind and the bigger build of his body told him otherwise. He was much older and mature, yet he loved the feeling of the young just by seeing that nothing in Busan changed.

Ambling along the sidewalk, the air blew a welcoming breeze to his direction and the whiff of a heavenly scent sent chills to his bones. He turned to the direction of the old coffee smell and delicious treats. He knew exactly the source and he couldn't describe the excitement emitting in his grin. It was early in the morning, the morning birds of this town scattered throughout the streets but there weren't a lot of establishments open just yet. So right across him, there it was. Heavenly Cream in its glory, nothing has changed in the slightest as he could see through the front window the interior of the place where everything started. Joyful tears threatened to well up in his eyes but he blinked them away as he tried to hide from the person he's always loved.

Conveniently, he sat by a nearby bench and took out his phone. He opened a text thread and the name Jin-hyung labeled the contact. "I'm here, can you please tell him now?" He hit send and looked up as he watched the older barista in the cafe look at his phone, looked around outside and telling Jimin something. The photographer could see the other tilting his head in confusion but shrugged his shoulders and walked towards the glass door to turn the closed sign around to open. Jin then proceeded to talk and leave the room, Jimin just wiping down the tables as the cafe opened early.

"I'm leaving now, you can come in but lock the front door and turn the sign again so you can have some alone time before the store opens. Good luck Kookie :)" Jin replied to his message and his heart started beating faster, and louder as the pounding reached to his ears. The anticipation was painful as he picked up all his bags and crossed the road. Everything felt like it was in slow motion, he watched as the sun hit Heavenly Cream, the beauty of the cafe brightly pleasing to the eyes. He's always remembered that the place was beautiful but seeing it up close again was breath-taking. His eyes now follow the man inside, staring closely as he left the floor and went back to the kitchen. This was perfect timing for him to go inside.

Stepping in, the scent of their signature coffees and mouth-watering delicacies brought nostalgia to Jungkook. This place was important to him during the prime of his early adulthood, it brought back innocent romances and hearty laughter that he missed. He did what Jin asked him to and looked around again, indulging in the sight and faced a mirror, seeing his longer hair and his tired eyes. A reflection of his past self hit him and he smiled, I hope he still remembers me. The bell on the counter was still there, he shook his head as he remembered the first time he rang this and it was when he met him. Ring me and an angel will come at your service, so he rang.

The bell was loud in contrast to the peaceful silence in Heavenly Cream. Quick footsteps approached him and through the kitchen door came out Park Jimin. The barista tied up his apron as he was looking down on the floor and when he reached the counter, he looked up and smiled his bright customer smile and gasped at the person in front of him. So many mixed emotions hit the two instantly - happiness, shock, confusion. It was a lot to take in.

Jungkook took this time to study the older, how he didn't have silver hair anymore, instead have natural black locks that were combed back like how he used to. His eyes grew tired as well but remained to have the same brightness that made him melt. Jungkook realized at this moment that this was probably when he first started falling in love with Jimin, it was love at first sight.

A surprised stutter came out of Jimin's lips, "J-Jungkook...You're here?". He couldn't stop the smile that popped out of his lips, a gleam in his eyes appeared as he could finally speak "Jimin-hyung, I'm home."

(Flashback)

2 years and 1 month...

Jungkook's contract ended a month ago but he couldn't simply leave New York just yet. During the whole job, he's travelled to several places and savoured every sight beyond him. When he first started pursuing photography and moved around Korea, he thought he saw beautiful spots, but during this opportunity, he's seen wonders. Throughout the years, all he wanted was to take the people along with him and share the amazing views that he could grasp, and with that, his fame rose and so did his social media platform. The brand he was working for was incredibly loose on his style, allowing him to enjoy and drive the direction of their signature look for months. He loved taking control of what he wanted.

New York held a special place in his heart. Sure he had his favourites, and the city that never sleeps was one of them. The New Years countdown was one of the best things you can experience in Times Square. The first year was magnificent, surrounded by cheering and excitement. The second year never failed to falter the same rushing experience. Ever since his contract ended, he thought of renewing and staying for years to experience the countdown over and over. But one thing he noticed, after the timer hit 1 and all the happiness exploded, all he felt was loneliness. He was encircled by people with their family, friends and their loved ones beside them. He watched as families group together in a big hug, friends holding each other as they laugh in delight- and one that pains him the most, couples kissing as an opening for another year.

Instead of continuing on this cycle, he waited to adjust from the end of his job and start living independently without a routine. So after a month, he looked at the person he wanted to be with during the countdowns for the first time in 2 years.

It may sound stupid but the two made a deal to not communicate during the time away. Jimin made sure that Jungkook gained his independence and growth to maturity and Jungkook wanted Jimin to explore the world in his own eyes as well. They wanted to take steps for themselves to be better for each other.

It made Jungkook nervous as he typed up the barista's name in his search bar and the information appeared almost instantly. 'He looks happy' Jungkook thought, a longing pang in his chest overwhelmed him. He was sure that the love didn't disappear all this time. He wanted to click on the message button but couldn't. Instead, searched up Jin-hyung and smiled, seeing him go in and out of modelling and being a barista in Heavenly Cream. 'Finally found a balance, Jin-hyung' A giggle escaped from him and he started messaging:

"Hey Jin-hyung. I'm finally ready to go home. Very excited to see you all soon and I hope Jimin is doing okay! Please message me back soon and update me before I book a ticket back home."

Sent.

Almost instantly, he saw the seen label pop up.

"Hi Jungkookie, long time no see. I've been following your page and new projects, never been so proud and here you are! Really happy that you can finally come home, but Jimin..."

His eyebrows furrowed, the message ended there.

"Jimin what?"

Jin seen-ed it for a while, he waited anxiously for a reply until the typing logo left and Jin sent the message.

"Jimin is...seeing someone."