Chapter Text
As always, his alarm went off too late because he had purposely timed it later, so he could sleep longer. Jumping out of bed, he realised that he didn’t even have time to shower anymore, basically jumped into kind of acceptable clothing – some blue, slightly ripped jeans and a plain, white, oversized t-shirt – fixing his light brown hair as best as he could, grabbed all of his equipment and ran down the many flights of stairs of the apartment building he lived in. It was already 7:35am and his classes started at 8am. Now he had managed to get to university within 15 minutes of sprinting – he was pretty fit because he kept being too late – but he was taking his big camera with him today, so he couldn’t run too fast. Still, he ran, turning corners as fast as he could, almost falling out of his loosely tied Timberlands, when he took a turn too fast. People in the many stores he ran past already knew him well, purposely not putting their signs out yet because he could trip over them. Thank god, there weren’t that many people around in Hongdae in the morning because he had no time to squeeze himself through the masses. Eventually, he had to halt at a crossing, breathing heavily, trying to calm down his racing heart but when he looked at the person on the other side of the street, he inhaled sharply, his entire body freezing up. He had seen the silver-haired man so many times before, when he had to hurry to school but every time, his breath was knocked out of him again. The man across the street had the brightest eye smile, beautiful eyes, a button nose and a jawline that could cut through flesh. He was Jungkook’s ideal type in every way. He was smaller than him, yet very well built and he seemed sweet with his friends. But not once did he look at the light brown-haired man, whenever they walked past each other. Why would he anyways; Jungkook was socially awkward and he wouldn’t even know what to say or what to do, if the silver-haired man looked at him. That was why each time he passed the beauty, he looked the other way, rushing over the crossing. He didn’t stop, until he was finally at the school building, hurrying into his classroom, where his best friend kept a seat vacant for him. Out of breath, he sat down putting his equipment down.
“Barely on time, Jungkook-ssi” their teacher entered the room, chuckling, “but that’s one way to stay fit.”
Blushing, Jungkook wanted to disappear into the ground. He hated attention from the entire class. All he wanted was to hide behind his camera, creating films, studying film, admiring everything there was about this kind of art without having people talk about him. Thankfully, the teacher decided to let it go for now, starting the lesson. He sucked up every word the teacher said; film was everything to Jungkook. So as soon as the teacher mentioned the biggest assignment of the year, his ears sparked up.
“You’re in your second year of your studies, meaning that this assignment will prepare you for your final assignment, which you will do in your last year. However, I also want this assignment to open your eyes a little. I want you to create a documentary about a topic that is challenging for you but that fascinates you as well. Go out there and find something you always wanted to do but never had the guts to do. Get involved, don’t just be behind the lense, as you will do that for the rest of your life. You have the entire semester and some more time to do this. You only have to hand this in in April, so really take your time to think about what your documentary should be about. I also want you to have a journal where you write down all your ideas, where you’ll document all the things like the consent of all the people you’ll film, authorisation of the places you’ll film and so on. Whenever you have questions or need more equipment than you have, you can come to me. I want your ideas about what to do in two weeks, so I have time to give you feedback on whether your ideas are possible or not. That’s all for today. Happy brainstorming” she explained and everyone already started mumbling excitedly.
But Jungkook’s mind was blank. What was his documentary supposed to be about? He always just wanted to study film. He didn’t want to do anything else, so what was he supposed to do?
“Waah, I’m gonna ask my actor friend, if I could follow his daily life. I think he’s playing a minor role in some kind of kdrama right now” Jungkook’s blonde best friend and roommate mused.
“Great for you Tae––“
“Taehyung-hyung, Jungkookie” he pointed out, “I’m older than you, don’t forget.”
Rolling his eyes, Jungkook got up, packing his things. Although Jungkook was socially awkward with strangers, he was bratty towards his friends.
“You didn’t wake me up this morning, thanks” he scoffed, putting his bag over his shoulder, as well as his camera bag.
“Of course not. It’s fun to let you run. Plus, it keeps you fit. You don’t do any sports, so this is good for you. Although you look too buff for an unsporty person” Taehyung cackled.
“Cameras are heavy, you idiot. And as if you do any more sports” Jungkook squinted his eyes.
“Sex is exhausting. You should try it sometimes” the other chuckled, “get out there, have some fun, man. You’re 20. When was the last time you had sex, huh?”
“It’s not––––“ Jungkook lowered his voice, “it’s not that easy to find a guy I find attractive and can put up with––– well, me, so––“
“You just don’t want to engage with anyone. You’re too shy for your own good” Taehyung argued.
By now, they were already on their way to their next class, so Jungkook looked around warily, checking whether people were watching them.
“What’s so wrong staying in my safe bubble?”
“Dude, you’re gonna have to engage with all kinds of different people, when you graduate, so why not rehearse that now?”
“Leave me alone, hyung. You’re not dragging me to a gay bar.”
“Did I say that?”
“You wanted to.”
“Well yes, but––––“
“Shut up, people are gonna hear you” Jungkook hissed and luckily the teacher started the next class.
It wasn’t like he was in the closet. He was very aware of his preferences and all his friends knew but Jungkook hated attention and not many people were openly gay at the university, so outing himself in front of everyone would just make him the talk of the whole campus. He also didn’t want to go to a gay bar because people who went there were way too over-excited for him. He was aware that he was generalising and that he shouldn’t do that but he just didn’t like putting himself out there.
When classes were over, the film students left the building but because Taehyung had called his actor friend, he disappeared after five minutes of walking, leaving a now hungry Jungkook alone to get home. It was only 4pm, so he had time to grab a coffee, before heading home and he knew exactly where he was going to get it. There was a small Starbucks across that one particular building he had seen the silver-haired man walk into and that said Starbucks had a window seat that was always empty, so whenever he had time, he sat there, hoping to get another glimpse of that beauty. He wasn’t a stalker; he was just trying to admire that person as much as he could. It wasn’t his plan to ever interact with him, so it was really just a maybe not so healthy obsession with the way that man looked. The building the man always walked into was a dance studio; it said so above the door, so images of him dancing started popping up in Jungkook’s mind, while sipping on his coffee. If he was honest, he sat there way too often but he just couldn’t help it, ordering his usual: a caramel macchiato. Thanking the barista, he bowed a little awkwardly turning around a little too swiftly, bumping into someone, his fresh coffee spilling onto the person.
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry, I–––“ he looked up and met the eyes of a ginger dyed man, “I didn’t see you, I–– I–––“
He hated, when things like this happened. He could never express himself. The coffee had spilled over the white, loose tank top of the man but instead of looking angry, he smiled, waving it off.
“It’s fine, calm down buddy” he laughed, “I can just change in the studio. You got half of it on your own shirt too. Wanna come by and change? We have loads of t-shirts, one missing won’t hurt anyone.”
With a hanging jaw, Jungkook stared at the man, not believing how someone he just spilled hot coffee on could still be so nice. He didn’t even realise that he didn’t answer him. Only when the ginger chuckled, putting his hand on Jungkook’s shoulder reassuringly.
“Hey, earth to you stranger, wanna change or not?”
Shaking his head to wake himself from his trance, Jungkook took a deep breath, pushing away his shyness.
“Uh–––y––yeah, changing would be nice” he stammered, letting the stranger walk him towards that infamous door, which the silver-haired beauty had touched so often.
Suddenly, electricity shot right through him, realising that he was entering the very dance studio that the silver-haired always walked into. Trembling a little, he tried not to look like an idiot, as he entered the building, seeing loads of wood and glass; it was a typical dance studio, like the ones in the movies. One could look into the different rooms through windows and Jungkook saw some children have a ballet lesson, while in the next room they passed, a hip hop class was given. Curiously, he looked around, following the man into a locker room, where he got given a fresh white t-shirt. It was a little too tight for Jungkook’s liking, tugging at the edges, trying to make it a little looser.
“You don’t talk much, huh?” the ginger chuckled, leaning against one of the lockers.
“Ah––––“ Jungkook blushed, “I’m sorry I–––– I’m kind of awkward with new people.”
“That much I can see. Don’t worry, though. At least you don’t insult random people, like one of my friends” he laughed, “I’m Jung Hoseok, nice to meet you.”
Widening his eyes at the friendliness, Jungkook was speechless, just blinking in surprise. Usually, people found him weird, when he didn’t talk properly.
“This is the part where you tell me your name too.”
“Oh––– yes, I’m so sorry, I’m Jungkook. Jeon Jungkook. Nice to meet you” he said, bowing.
“You’re cute” Hoseok giggled, ruffling up Jungkook’s hair.
Surprised, Jungkook couldn’t help but blush, smiling a little. It was strangely nice to meet someone, who was this unconditionally friendly towards a stranger.
“Thank you for letting me change. It would have been uncomfortable walking home with having people stare at my dirty t-shirt” Jungkook thanked him.
“Oh, so you can speak without stuttering. I’m glad you’re warming up already” Hoseok walked out of the locker room, telling Jungkook to follow him, “are you like a photography student? Your equipment looks heavy.”
“Film, actually” Jungkook grinned to himself, pulling his camera close, “I’m in my second year.”
“Oh wow, so you’re still quite young, aren’t you?”
“I’m twenty” he nodded.
“You can call me hyung, then. I’m 23. I’m a dancer, as you might have guessed. I’m in my last year.”
Jungkook nodded interested, finding it easy to talk to Hoseok, now that they got acquainted a little. But as soon as he dared to look through one of the windows of the many rooms, he froze, his entire attention on that one man, who slowly showed every step of a dance routine, which looked like modern dance but Jungkook wasn’t sure; he didn’t care either because all he knew was that it looked graceful and that the silver-haired man was the one performing. Even though he showed the different moves slowly and separately, it still looked mesmerising. Suddenly, Jungkook felt the urge to follow those moves, wanting to be like that man, who made it look so easy, when the students struggled to even stretch into the same position as him. The film student couldn’t believe he was actually seeing the silver-haired beauty dancing. Only wearing a loose black t-shirt and what looked like black tights, the man moved fluidly once more, before he turned around and watched his students.
“He’s amazing, isn’t he? Our Jiminnie is really talented, when it comes to contemporary dance. It’s his specialty” Hoseok nodded, pride in his voice, “he motivates all his students. They really wanna learn from him.”
Slowly, Jungkook nodded, still watching the man, whose name was apparently Jimin, watching his students with hawk eyes. Suddenly, it hit Jungkook. His documentary. This was it. Dance. It was something Jungkook always admired and here he was, staring at the person he had observed for about half a year now.
“Uh––– Hoseok-hyung” he started, reluctantly turning his attention away from Jimin and on the ginger, “this sounds extremely creepy but––– can I film here? I mean––– uh, so we got an assignment today that we have to make a documentary about something and we should get involved and––– just––– I––– can I film here?”
“Stop being adorable, seriously” Hoseok giggled, “I mean, I don’t mind being filmed but you need the permission of Lee-saem but she’s out today. She’s the owner of the studio. Just come by tomorrow. It’s the last office on the right down the hall of the second floor. It’s written on her door, you can’t miss it.”
Instantly, Jungkook lost his confidence again. Speaking to yet another stranger in just two days. And if that woman was the owner of the studio, he would probably have to explain his still non-existent idea about the documentary, which meant that he had to think about it well.
“Seriously, she’s really nice, you don’t have to be afraid of her” Hoseok reassured.
“Am I that obvious?” Jungkook sighed.
“Yeah, kinda. You’re face fell at the mention of a new person.”
Jungkook looked at the ground, trying to hide his blush but he was aware that his ears must have been red too. Eventually, he excused himself but not without having another look at the silver-haired beauty. Sighing in a steady rhythm, Jungkook walked home, feeling watched, as the t-shirt was tight around his torso, hating how it revealed so much. Luckily, he made it home without someone actually staring at him; he was aware that it was all in his head.
That evening, Taehyung came home, all excited, telling Jungkook about his actor friend – he was called Jin and he studied at Seoul Arts University – and that he could film the process of him filming for the drama. Apparently, the authorities already gave their okay and he just had to write up the contract, which everyone involved had to sign. Jungkook listened carefully, congratulating his best friend, being happy with him. They were sat on their small couch, Taehyung leaning his head on Jungkook’s shoulder, while they were watching an action drama.
“Anything exciting that happened to you?”
“Actually, yes. I think I made a kind of friend and I know what my documentary should be about” Jungkook nodded.
Instantly, Taehyung sat up, staring at the younger in disbelief.
“Wait, for real?”
“No, I’m just shitting you–––of course, I’m serious!”
“How!? Tell me everything!” Taehyung demanded excitedly.
“I went to that Starbucks and–––“
“Stalker” the other giggled.
“Shut up and let me speak” Jungkook grumbled, “so I went to that Starbucks and got my usual but when I turned around, I totally bumped into a guy. But instead of yelling at me, he just smiled, saying that it’s just a t-shirt and that he and I could change in the studio on the other side of the street because my shirt got dirty too–––“
“Wait, the same studio as––“
“Just listen, hyung!” Jungkook complained, “and yes, that studio. Anyways, so we got there and he gave me this horribly tight t-shirt but it was better than walking around with a huge coffee stain. So the guy’s name is Hoseok and he’s 23 and he’s really nice! He totally didn’t mind my awkwardness. And here it comes, you’re not gonna believe it. He was already showing me outside, when I saw him. I actually saw him, hyung! The silver-haired guy! His name is Jimin and he’s just so graceful and––––“
“You’re so obsessed” Taehyung rolled his eyes amused.
“Can you shut up for a second, like really?” Jungkook raised his voice, making the other giggle even more, “anyways, so that was when I decided I wanted to do something with dance. I mean––– I can get involved in that, so–––– I just–––– have to go ask the owner of the studio, if I can film there. She wasn’t there today, so Hoseok-hyung said I should just go by tomorrow.”
“Hoseok-hyung already, huh?” the other teased, “but really go tomorrow! This is a really great opportunity to open up a little, so promise me you’ll go by tomorrow!”
But he didn’t. He kept putting it off. Not because he didn’t want to go but because he was slightly terrified to pitch his idea to a stranger. He didn’t even have a clear concept yet, so how was he supposed to look responsible and trustworthy? He just didn’t know how to approach this matter. Not until the next Saturday afternoon, where Taehyung purposely had taken a detour, after the two roommates had been grocery shopping, shoving him towards the door.
“You go in now and ask! I won’t let you ignore this opportunity. Go!”
“Hyung” Jungkook tried to whine but it was no use.
If Taehyung wanted something, he was going to get it, whether other people liked it or not and right now, the blonde wanted Jungkook to go ask the owner of the studio for permission to film at the studio. Taking a deep breath, Jungkook pushed the door open carefully, noticing right away that there weren’t any people around. On Monday, the corridors were full and most of the practice rooms were full, while today, not even janitors were here. Somehow, Jungkook felt like he wasn’t supposed to be here, like it was closed, but then why was the door open? Suddenly, he heard a woman’s voice, counting almost aggressively, tapping the rhythm somewhere. Following the voice, Jungkook walked to the end of the corridor, looking through a window into the last practice room, spotting a tall, middle aged woman, clapping the rhythm but his focus immediately strayed to the silver-haired beauty that was trying to keep up with the rhythm. His hair was sweaty, the black tights and tight tank top damp, his muscles tensed.
“Point your toes more” the woman said demandingly, “stretch your arms properly. Don’t lose your balance.”
Mesmerised, Jungkook stared, as Jimin moved his body as if it was a wave that was constantly crashing against a shore and then retreating calmly, before it crashed against it again. But then, the two boys suddenly locked eyes and that was when Jimin slipped, falling onto the wooden floor, panting. Squinting her eyes, the woman first looked at Jimin but then, she turned his head to where Jungkook was standing and he flinched at the intensity of her glare.
“Who are you? The studio is closed to the public on Saturdays and Sundays” she pointed out harshly, yet not intimidatingly.
“I––––uh––– I” Jungkook stuttered nervously, tugging at his oversized t-shirt, “I––I didn’t know, I–––“
“Can’t you read? It’s written on the door” Jimin spoke and if it hadn’t been so accusing, Jungkook would have swooned over how smooth his voice was.
“No, I––––– I mean, yes but, I didn’t–––– I–––– my friend forced me to come in, I–––“
“Your friend?” Jimin frowned, “is this supposed to be some kind of prank?”
“No, god no, I just–––––“ Jungkook felt like imploding, “Ho–––Hoseok-h––hyung said that I––– that I should–––uh, I–––“
“Ohh, you’re the film kid” her face softened, “Hoseok-ah said you might come by. Jungkook, isn’t it?”
Confused, Jungkook nodded tentatively, clenching his fists around the hem of his shirt.
“I’m busy right now but if Jimin-ah doesn’t mind you watching, you can wait, if you want” she proposed.
His eyes averted to the sweating man on the other side of the room, holding his breath, waiting for an answer. He would love nothing more than to watch Jimin practice. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Jimin shrugged, taking the position he had left of.
“Good, Jungkook-ssi, you can sit behind me. Just be quiet and don’t move as much.”
Obediently, he did as he was told, silently sitting down cross-legged, leaning his back against the mirror and then, he fixated his eyes on the dancer, who concentrated back on the choreography. The dance was powerful and Jungkook couldn't keep his eyes off the silver-haired arms, or his chest muscle or just any muscle really. It was just so strong, yet so delicate at the same time; Jungkook was completely caught up in the dance, he didn’t even hear the many remarks of the woman, which was called Lee by her last name – at least that was what Hoseok had said. Furthermore, he didn’t realise that he was staring so much, he even forgot the time, not noticing that he had watched Jimin practice for over an hour. By now, he was drenched in sweat, when he walked towards the film student, making him freeze. Why was he walking up to him like that? Why did he have to look so good while sweating? He could have come straight from a round of rough, exhausting sex. There was no difference whatsoever and that fucked with Jungkook’s mind. So far, he had only dreamt of Jimin because he found him beautiful but now, seeing him like this put completely different images in his head. He knew himself that he was a creep; they didn’t even know each other but Jungkook already wondered how Jimin looked without those tights and t-shirt – although the tights didn’t really leave anything up for imagination and Jungkook had to hold himself back not to stare at the well packed crotch. But he was currently frozen to stone anyways because Jimin walked up to him. However, at the last moment, he bent down next to him, grabbing a water bottle and a towel that Jungkook didn’t realise were there.
“Good job, Jimin-ah. We got a lot done today” Mrs. Lee nodded in satisfaction.
“Yeah, I got the transitions now” Jimin agreed, his voice as smooth as his dance, “I’ll come by some time tomorrow to start brainstorming on my choreographies.”
“Yes, please do so. You got a key now, so come, whenever you want to” she offered but then turned her head to Jungkook, who was still frozen on the ground, “Jungkook-ssi, why don’t we move this into my office? Hoseok-ah told me this is a professional request?”
It took him two seconds to turn his eyes away from the dancer and on the lady, getting up hastily, nodding shyly. The dancer watched him follow Mrs. Lee out of the room, his eyes not leaving the film student, until they disappeared up the stairs, towards her office. It was tidy and although there were windows that let a lot of light in, the furniture was kept rather dark, the wooden floor a little darker than in the practice rooms. She walked around her desk, sitting down, telling Jungkook to sit down as well.
“So, what did you want to ask me?” she started, smiling, which calmed Jungkook down a little.
Nervously, he looked down into his lap, where he played with his fingers, biting on his lips.
“Uh, so––– I–––I’m a student at the Korean Academy of Film Arts and I’m in my second year. We––uhm–– we got an assignment on Monday that we need to create a documentary about something that we find fascinating but haven’t done ourselves yet. We’re also supposed to get involved, like––– so we don’t just stand behind the camera. And uh––– I just––– I find dancing really cool and, I don’t know I just–––– I don’t know the definite concept about my documentary yet but I really wanna do something with dance and if I could film here that would seriously be so amazing and–––“ Jungkook realised that he was rambling, shutting his mouth immediately, not wanting to annoy Mrs. Lee.
“I see. Why did you choose dancing?” she asked curiously.
“Uh–––“ Jungkook struggled to find a valid reason, so he just decided to tell her the truth, “I’m not quite sure. On Monday, when I came here, I just felt so fascinated by the whole atmosphere and dancing needs so much self-control when I saw Jimin dance I just–––– it was clear that I wanted to do something with dance.”
Her smile changed from polite to fond and sweet; then, she exhaled slowly, nodding to herself.
“You’re a very passionate young man. Will your film be released somewhere?”
“No, just my teacher will see it. And some of my friends probably. Although, at the end of the year, the best works are being displayed at the school, so if I get a good grade for it, it will be screened there” Jungkook explained.
“I don’t mind you filming in my studio. But you have to check with the dance instructors, if they’re okay with being filmed and of course, you have to have the parents’ permission of the kids you’re filming. If you film a group of teenagers or young adults, their permission is enough. I would also like to know, when you finalised your concept. If there’s anything I can help you with, just come by my office. I’ll give you my number, in case you need anything. You said you had to get involved too, right? Maybe Hoseok-ah will give you a few dance lessons for free, if not, you’ll have to pay for them. May you do well, Jungkook-ssi.”
He widened his eyes in disbelief, not quite realising that it had been this easy to get permission to film at the studio. Awkwardly hastily, he got up and bowed deeply, almost hitting his head on the table, telling her that he would tell her right away, if he had an idea about what exactly he wanted to do. Then, he excused himself, walking down the stairs, looking for his phone in his pockets to see whether Mrs. Lee had already called him, so he could save her number too. But of course, he had to trip over his own feet, falling right into those particular arms, his phone falling onto the ground and Jungkook knew the screen was crashed. Shaking his head to clear his mind, he was put back on his feet, staring right into Jimin’s dark eyes, making him lose his balance all over again.
“I––– god, I’m so sorry, I–––“
“Hoseokie-hyung said that you were shy but you can’t even look me in the eye” he giggled surprisingly high pitched, “that’s kind of adorable.”
“Y–––you’re–––younger than Hoseok-hyung?” the younger asked confused, picking up his phone, sighing at smashes screen.
“By a year but I’m a senior too” he shrugged, walking towards the door too.
Only now, Jungkook noticed that Jimin was freshly showered, smelling of rose shampoo, his hair still damp and his dark blue t-shirt stuck to his chest because he was probably still kind of wet from the shower. He was also wearing light blue ripped jeans, hugging his ungodly thick thighs, his feet hidden in sneakers. It was just an absolutely sinful sight. The younger knew he was staring but god, he couldn’t stop.
“Staring much?” Jimin chuckled, opening the door of the studio.
“S––sorry” Jungkook jerked, almost tripping down the few steps to the pavement, “you’re just so pretty, I–––– oh my god, did I say that out loud?”
“Yeah” Jimin looked amused, “thanks, though.”
“Look, I––– I’m really bad with people, soo––“
“It’s fine, relax” the elder calmed him down, “no one will kill you, when you tell them they’re pretty, trust me. I’m single so no jealous boyfriend will punch you in the face, or something.”
The word single hit Jungkook like a truck. How could someone as attractive as Jimin be single? But the fact that hit him even more was that Jimin just casually dropped that he was into guys.
“What, got a problem with the fact that I’m gay?” he arched his eyebrow, squinting his eyes at the same time.
“No, I–––– I–––– I actually–– uhm–––– I” Jungkook couldn’t say it.
The only people he had ever outed himself to were Taehyung and his childhood friend Namjoon, so there was no way he could just say it out loud to a stranger, even when that stranger was his latest obsession.
“You what? Speak, Jungkook, I’m not gonna hit you or anything.”
“So–––what I wanted to say was–––– this uh–––kind of hard for me to say to a stranger––– but you know, I’m––– I’m g–––“
“Oh my god, I totally forced you into coming out, I’m so sorry” Jimin facepalmed, stopping, turning to the younger, “listen, I didn’t mean to make you say it. I mean, it’s nice to know that you called me pretty in that kind of sense now but it’s not my job to make you come out of the closet.”
“I’m not––– I’m not in the closet. I know what I want” Jungkook said strangely strongly, “I just don’t like attention and coming out to other people always puts all the attention on you so.”
“Oh, and here, you suddenly speak without stammering” Jimin chuckled, the look in his eyes suddenly changing, sending a shiver down Jungkook’s spine, “so you know what you want, huh?”
Was he suddenly flirting with him? Today was just all a bit too much for Jungkook. He couldn’t handle flirting with a stranger, especially, when it was the beauty he had obsessed over for far too long. He was overwhelmed and whenever he was overwhelmed, he couldn’t quite control his mouth.
“I want to film you” he blurted, blushing madly and Jimin arched a brow, smirking.
“Film me? In what way?”
“Oh, not in that way, oh my god, I’m so sorry, I meant filming you dance” Jungkook rambled, feeling lightheaded because he felt so embarrassed.
“Relax, I’m just teasing you” Jimin laughed adorably high pitched, “hey, you know what, you look like you need a break. Hoseokie-hyung did say you’re awkward with people and I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. Why not come by tomorrow? I mean, I’m not doing much other than brainstorming and trying things out for the choreographies I have to plan but if you really want to film me, I could dance something for you.”
“Yes!” Jungkook nodded eagerly, jerking at how easy he was, “I mean, I’d love to.”
“Good, I’ll be at the studio from 8am until probably around 9pm. Come by anytime” Jimin smiled, his eyes disappearing, “I gotta catch the subway now. See you tomorrow, then.”
Before Jungkook could find the strength to say goodbye as well, Jimin had already disappeared into the underground. As soon as he was alone, he felt himself trembling a little, feeling completely overwhelmed with what just happened. Not only did he get the permission to film at the studio but he also talked to the person he had been obsessed with the last few months. Jimin seemed nice – not as easy to talk to like Hoseok but he wasn’t weirded out by Jungkook’s problem to speak with strangers. Dazed, he walked home, sighing deeply, when he entered the small apartment, being welcomed by the smell of kimchi fried rice. Why was Taehyung already making dinner?
“Hyung, you’re cooking already?” Jungkook asked, leaning onto the kitchen counter.
“Already? You must have fallen through time. I was about to call the police that you’ve disappeared” he joked, “you’ve been gone for like almost three hours, man.”
Widening his eyes, Jungkook looked at his smashed phone, realising that it was already 6:30pm. He hadn’t realised that he had been gone for than long. It surely didn’t feel like it. On the contrary, he wanted to watch the dancer move his gorgeous body for longer.
“I didn’t notice that I was gone that long” Jungkook said confused.
“Well, I figured that out already. I’m almost done with cooking. Set the table” Taehyung ordered and even though the younger rolled his eyes, he obeyed, doing as he was told.
After five minutes, they were seated at their small table that was situated right next to a window. Jungkook would have told Taehyung about today right away but he was distracted by food, gulping down rice, washing it down with water.
“So how did it go? Or did you just hide for three hours and then came back?” Taehyung teased.
“I can film there” Jungkook munched, “but Tae––– that’s not the best thing that happened. I was able to watch Jimin dance for so long. He’s just so––– graceful. I couldn’t stop staring at him. He’s––– nice too. Although he made me so flustered. Somehow, I told him I’m gay and I think he flirted with me because he’s gay too and he said he’s single and–“
“Hold up, hold up!” Taehyung almost choked on water, “so you’re telling me that you not only had the courage to actually ask the owner to film there but you also saw the person you stalked–––“
“I didn’t stalk him” Jungkook protested.
“Shut up, I’m talking” the elder barked, “so you also saw him dance and he flirted with you, told you he’s single and you told him you’re gay? What the fuck man, who are you and what have you done to my best friend? Not that I’m complaining but this is a lot in one day for you.”
“It’s not like I told him willingly” Jungkook sighed, “I just babbled because I kept staring and I couldn’t concentrate, so I just complimented him and he said that he didn’t have a boyfriend that could get jealous, so I didn’t have to worry and that’s when it just got a little out of hand. I’m meeting him tomorrow. “
“You have a date!?” Taehyung screamed.
“No!” the younger shook his head vigorously, “he just offered that I could come to the studio because he’ll be there brainstorming or something and I confessed that I wanted to film him dancing, so he said he’d dance for me and–––“
“He’d dance for you. Jungkookie, that guy wants you to get in his pants. Or the other way around, who knows” the blonde smirked.
“No, Tae, I just want to film him because I still gotta figure out what exactly I wanna do for the documentary and maybe that’ll inspire me.”
“Sure, whatever you say” the elder rolled his eyes, “just go along, when he does want to get in your pants. Sex relaxes, you know. You probably really just need to fuck someone, or be fucked. I never actually asked you about your preferences––“
“Tae––” Jungkook whined, blushing, hating that Taehyung was waiting for an answer, “I––– like both, okay? You’re happy now? Good because I’m going to my room.”
Before Taehyung could tease him because of what he said, Jungkook fled into his room, locking the door, letting himself fall onto his bed face forwards. He needed sleep. His head was buzzing with confusion and excitement and so many other feelings and it was just too much. He couldn’t even decipher what happened today and what that giddy feeling was, which he had, when Jimin smirked at him. All of it was just overwhelming for him and he needed to free his mind. Sighing, he forced himself out of his clothes and into his pyjamas, quickly leaving his room to brush his teeth, before he crawled under his bedsheets, closing his eyes. He wasn’t going to sleep yet – it was barely 8pm – but lying down, thinking of nothing, just concentrating on his breathing helped him calm his nerves. It put him into his own little bubble, where only he existed and no one could make him awkward, or flustered, or overwhelmed. Whenever he did this, he felt completely at peace, feeling safe and sound with his blanket pulled over his head. Like this, he fell asleep eventually, his mind free of today’s events.
In the morning, he woke up quite early – for his standards anyways. It was 7am, so he decided to have a long hot shower, washing away the cold sweat of anxiety of yesterday, feeling comfortable, when he finished, putting on some jeans and yet again, a white oversized shirt, as he only owned oversized shirts anyways. He blow-dried his light brown bowl cut, before he put on some foundation just to even out his face. Finally, he went into the kitchen and had breakfast. Luckily, Taehyung was still asleep, so he didn’t have to talk about how this was not going to be a date and how Jimin wouldn’t just flirt with a stranger like this. Or would he? Jungkook actually didn’t know him, so it was possible that the dancer was just very outgoing and loved flirting. Shaking his head, Jungkook tried to get that smirk out of his head but it was constantly at the back of his mind, almost mocking him. Sometimes, he wondered how he could be obsessed with someone he didn’t even know because he really didn’t understand himself. But as long as he could hide it, pretending that he was a completely normal, average film student, he would be fine. And that was what he told himself to calm himself down, as he picked the right camera, before he left the house at 8am, knowing he would walk 15 minutes, until he was at the studio. But before he actually went inside, he got himself a caramel macchiato. While standing in line, he contemplated, whether he should get a coffee for Jimin too but he didn’t even know whether the silver-haired dancer liked coffee, so he decided against it. With a fresh coffee in his hand, he crossed the street, walking up the few steps to the door of the studio. His hands were shaking a little but he was excited; that was why he didn’t hesitate. After a millisecond of panic about whether or not the door was even open, he entered, looking around, looking for that silver mob of hair. There was no music, so Jungkook looked in every practice room, until he found him, lying on the ground, propped up on his elbows, his legs spread what looked like it was uncomfortable but it probably wasn’t for him. Notes and scribbles were spread in front of him and he looked at them intently, scribbling on a new sheet of paper, squinting his eyes a little. Instantly, Jungkook smiled, finding the expression on his face adorable but it also made him lose confidence in actually interacting him. But thankfully, Jimin heard steps, looking up, his eyes widening in surprise a little. He was wearing an oversized, grey hoodie and black tights again, which outlined his defined leg muscles perfectly.
“Oh hey, you’re early” he noted, “wait, how long have you been standing there?”
“Not long” Jungkook said truthfully, “I struggle with making first contact with people.”
“That’s fine” Jimin smiled, “come in, sit down, if you want. Let me just finish this little thing, before I warm up and dance for you, yeah?”
“Sure, you don’t have to stop whatever you’re doing just because I’m here!” Jungkook pointed out, gently putting his camera next to the mirror, before he joined Jimin on the ground, his coffee in his hands, glad that he had something to grab.
He looked at the notes, seeing weird shapes of almost human beings that were spinning or stretching some part of their body, all connected with a constant line, while there were little notes to each move.
“What is this for?” Jungkook asked, “I mean, it’s obviously some kind of choreography but––– you know, do you do this for fun or?”
Jimin looked up again, his dark orbs focusing on Jungkook’s coffee, before he locked eyes with him.
“Oh well, it is fun doing this but it’s also very important. I’m a senior, so this is my final assignment. I major in contemporary dance, so I’m choreographing a duet, a solo dance and then, I have to do one other choreography out of my specialty. I can’t choose ballet or modern dance because that’s too closely related to contemporary dance, so I guess, I’ll choose hip hop or jazz.”
Fascinated, Jungkook listened to every single word, glued to how Jimin’s lips moved strangely sensually but cutely at the same time. God, the dancer was so attractive, Jungkook didn’t know how to breathe. How was he even able to sit next to him like this without fainting?
“Uh––– so––– what––what university do you go to?” he managed to say.
“Seoul Arts. You?”
“Wait, isn’t that like an hour away from here?
“The campus I’m going to, yeah” Jimin nodded, “but my Lee-saem owns this studio and I work part-time here, so I come here every Monday and Wednesday, although you know that” he grinned, “we’ve seen each other on the streets before.”
Jungkook froze instantly, his eyes wide with fear, feeling terrifyingly exposed. So Jimin did notice him before, although the younger was sure that he never really looked at him, whenever Jungkook ran past him.
“Relax, nothing to be upset about” Jimin giggled, “it’s flattering to catch you staring at me from the other side of the street but when we’re actually close enough, you’re too scared to say anything. Or you literally run away.”
“That––– I’m always late. I run because I have to. My fucking idiot of best friend and roommate never wakes me up because he thinks it’s good for me to have some exercise” Jungkook defended himself.
“It’s fine, really. You don’t have to explain yourself. But your roommate is right. Exercise is good for you. In general” Jimin sat up, crossing his legs easily.
“Sure, but he doesn’t have to make me run every single time” Jungkook argued, taking an almost angry sip from his coffee.
Jimin giggled again, before he scrammed all the paper on the ground together, getting up without needing his hands for support, making Jungkook’s eyes widen in awe. Jimin’s legs were so strong that he could do that like it was nothing.
“C’mon, I’ll warm up now. You can join, if you want. I bet you’ll feel great after a good stretch” he chuckled, putting his notes away.
“I’m wearing jeans” Jungkook pointed out, not really wanting to move too much.
“Don’t be so lazy. Lee-saem told me that you have to do some kind of documentary and she said you need to get involved. Now turn on your camera and get involved” Jimin rolled his eyes jokingly.
Only then, Jungkook realised that he hadn’t even told Jimin about why he was here yet. With Jimin mentioning the camera, Jungkook got up too, grabbing his equipment, setting everything up carefully, although quickly, feeling Jimin’s strange gaze on his back, glancing at the dancer through the mirror. When he was done, he turned around, instantly feeling awkward because he knew he couldn’t dance and he wasn’t flexible at all.
“Okay, camera’s rolling” Jungkook announced, playing with the hem of his shirt, “you know, I’m really not flexible, nor can I dance, I shouldn’t be recording this.”
“Everyone starts somewhere” Jimin smiled, telling Jungkook to mimic what he was doing.
And with that, Jimin first made them run around in the room, before they started stretching and oh did they stretch. The dancer easily bent himself in half, while Jungkook could barely even touch the ground. They did all kinds of stretches, Jimin laughing once in a while at how inflexible Jungkook was but interestingly enough, Jungkook didn’t mind. But eventually, they finished and Jimin told him to sit down and watch. He walked towards the stereo and looked for a song.
“I haven’t really practiced this routine in a while” Jimin explained, suddenly seeming a little unsure of himself, “so I might do some mistakes. I went through it last night, before going to bed but just know that it won’t be perfect.”
“I’m sure it’ll look great, hy––hyung, I can call you hyung, right? I mean, I don’t know, we technically don’t even know each other and––“
“Don’t babble, it’s fine, you can call me hyung” Jimin giggled, before he turned on the music, hurrying into the middle of the room.
Jungkook wanted to apologise for babbling but as soon as the music started, he forgot how to speak. Jimin looked like an elegant animal, first doing some moves on the ground, stretching his legs and arms, doing poses that seemed so easy, when they were actually almost impossible. He spun around, jumped and stopped, ran and tiptoed but the most intense thing about this dance was his expression. It was more than just beautiful. The music was funky and definitely not what Jungkook expected from a contemporary dance but it was so cool, all he could do was stare. Only when Jimin was done, Jungkook could actually move, gulping thickly, watching Jimin’s chest heave heavily.
“That––– you–––– wow” Jungkook tried to express himself, swooning over the dancer’s smile.
Something about that smile made Jungkook’s mind click and an idea popped up, which consumed him faster than anything has ever done so before.
“Like I said, it wasn’t anything special” Jimin shrugged.
“Let me film you!” Jungkook blurted again.
“You just did, didn’t you?”
“No–– I mean yes but–––I mean my documentary” the younger tried to explain, his brain suddenly working too fast, “I want it to be about you. You––– when you dance it’s––– it’s incredible. I just–– I can’t stop looking at you. It’s so fascinating, I want to try and express this. You’re in your senior year. You have that final assignment. I could follow you around, film the process of you creating those choreographies, how your life works. Just–– the life of a dance major. Your life.”
He was panting a little, pretty overwhelmed by the visions he got, how he could see the documentary unfold in his mind, how he wanted it to be and how Jimin was in every shot. But then, he realised how creepy that must have sounded. They didn’t even really know each other but here Jungkook was, wanting to basically stalk him to get his life on camera.
“You know, you can just say that you want to get to know me better” Jimin chuckled.
“No, I’m serious” Jungkook said strongly, “I mean, god, I sound like a creep but––– I really feel something, when I watch you dance and–– I wanna know why you can dance like this. How you can dance like that. It’s just so mesmerising and that’s what our documentary should be about. Something that fascinates us and frankly, you know how I’ve noticed you on the streets, so I think there’s no denying that I was always fascinated by you and just–– I really think that I could make something great, documenting your process with the choreographies.”
Jimin was quiet for a moment, looking at the younger expressionlessly, before he smiled a little, grabbing his notes again, letting himself fall on the ground.
“First real fact I learnt about you today: you can’t stop talking, when you’re passionate about something” he pointed out, “so what would you do, if I agreed? Like, how should I picture my life with my personal camera man following me around?” Jimin asked, looking genuinely curious.
A little shy, Jungkook joined him on the ground again, asking for a pencil and a sheet of paper, blushing a little because it suddenly felt like they were doing business.
“Well––––“ Jungkook thought about it for a second, “of course, I first have to go to my teacher and get her permission, whether this will really work. And I’d have to know what you actually do all week long. Obviously, I won’t follow you 24/7 because that would be too much material, I’d have to edit. But like, I’d join you in your classes, show up to the classes you teach, record the progress you make, when you changed something about your choreographies and –––– I’m sure you have some kind of event at the end of the year, where you have to perform those choreographies, so I’d obviously film that, although I couldn’t include that because that’s after my deadline. If you want, we could also try and make a video with different perspectives. Like a music video just for your dance and not for the music” Jungkook explained, feeling his heartbeat pick up, as he tried express what he was imagining.
His face was unreadable but Jungkook knew Jimin was thinking. Nervously, Jungkook waited for him to say something, staying to play with his fingers.
“That sounds cool” he shrugged, smiling, “I’m in. Although, I think, when you come to classes, whether it’s my class at uni or classes here, you need permission of the others.”
“R––really!?” Jungkook blurted in disbelief.
“And here you’re back to stammering” Jimin giggled, “I’ll ask my teachers, if you’re allowed to film in class. But first, let’s exchange numbers, that’ll make things easier.”
A little shy, Jungkook pulled out his phone, handing it over to Jimin, who laughed, then apologised about the screen, remembering that it happened yesterday, when they bumped into each other. After typing in his number, he allowed himself to call himself, so he had Jungkook’s number too. When he gave him his phone back, Jungkook checked the number and noticed that Jimin had saved himself under Jimin-hyung with the ballet shoes emoji, making the younger giggle.
“What? I’m embracing my profession, okay” Jimin grinned, before he took his notes and studied them again, “I’ll continue brainstorming now. By the way, if you have questions or anything, just ask.”
Nodding, Jungkook just left him to his notes, sitting next to him, just watching him starting to scribble over the paper again. Curiously, he stared at the pencil that moved vigorously, although Jimin also dismissed a lot of ideas.
“Are you choreographing the solo now, or?” Jungkook asked after a while.
“No–– I mean, I’m basically just trying to sort some ideas, figuring out whether it could work but I’m doing the duet first, as I have to find a suitable partner to work with and teach him too, so that takes longer” Jimin explained, not looking up from his notes.
“So you already know that you’ll do the duet with another guy?” slowly, Jungkook fell into the role of the interviewer, finding comfort in it because he suddenly had a reason to ask questions.
“Yeah. Jealous?” Jimin smirked, looking up.
“W––what, w––why should I be j––“ he stammered confused.
“I’m teasing you, Jungkookie” he giggled, “you’re so easy to get flustered, I’m sorry. I should stop, or I’ll get on your nerve. It’s a bad habit of mine to tease dongsaengs.”
Jungkook blushed at the nickname and also at the fact that Jimin teased him but he didn’t mind at all. In fact, he enjoyed it, as it meant that Jimin was already comfortable with him. It was hard replying to something like that because Jungkook himself didn’t feel comfortable yet but just knowing that Jimin seemed comfortable was enough for him.
“It’s–––it’s fine” Jungkook clarified nervously, “I guess I’ll warm up eventually. My best friend says I’m really bratty with people I feel–––– comfortable with, so you might even prefer this side of me than my not-so-shy self.”
“So you’re not comfortable with me?” Jimin’s face fell a little, almost looking offended and Jungkook cursed himself for saying something like that.
“No––– I mean, yes, I mean––– it’s just that I need a while to warm up to people. It’s nothing personal. If anything, I can talk to you rather easily.”
“I see” he nodded, smiling again, looking back down on his notes, “I’m looking forward to bratty Jungkookie, then.”
And with that, they stopped talking, Jimin immersing into his mind and ideas, completely forgetting that Jungkook was even there. It was close to lunch time, when Jungkook turned off his camera, knowing that he didn’t need to record all of this. He was aware that he should probably leave Jimin to it but somehow, he didn’t want to go just yet. There was something about Jimin scrunching up his nose, whenever he thought too hard. Eventually, Jungkook’s phone rang and Jimin furrowed his brows, thrown out of concentration. Bowing apologetically, he excused himself out of the room, closing the door behind him, leaning against the window of the practice room from the outside, before he took the call.
“Are you still alive or did his dance kill you?” Taehyung asked and Jungkook could audibly hear him smirk.
“Shut up, Tae, I’m alive and healthy. What do you want?” Jungkook scoffed, his gaze naturally coursing back to Jimin, who was still highly concentrated on his notes.
“So how is he? Does he make you wanna rip his pants off?”
“Tae!” Jungkook complained, sighing, when Jimin scribbled over some notes aggressively, frowning but all Jungkook could see how he easily bent his feet to his butt, gently hitting it for whatever reason, “plus, there’s not much to rip off anyways.”
“Excuse me!?” Taehyung screamed, “was that you or an alter ego? Since when do you talk about sexual things? And what does he wear then?”
“Tights. That are well–––tight” Jungkook mumbled, feeling himself blush, “very tight.”
“I think I’m gonna come by.”
“No you won’t. You’re not even gay, so that won’t affect you” Jungkook rolled his eyes, averting his eyes from the dancer, “so don’t you dare come.”
“I bet there are some pretty girls” Taehyung argued.
“No, we’re alone, so piss off and let me continue staring” Jungkook hissed, hanging up.
We wanted to go back into the room but when he turned around, he almost bumped into Jimin again, who was leaning against the door frame, smirking smugly. But instead of teasing, he just grinned, giggling a little, before he went back to his spot in the middle of the room. But instead of continuing to make notes, he put them aside, making room for him to dance again and Jungkook just sat on the side, admiring the view. They spent the rest of the day like that, until it was 7pm. They were starving, so Jimin said, he’d buy Jungkook dinner and he really did. While stuffing their faces, Jungkook slowly started warming up to the elder. It felt strangely familiar already, even though they didn’t really know each other yet. At the end of the day, Jungkook went back home and had to endure endless teasing from his best friend but eventually, he was able to finally go back to bed and this time, he didn’t set his alarm too late because this time, he wanted to speak with his teacher before class, asking, whether his idea for the documentary was possible.