Work Text
— September 1st
The blaring car horn jolted Jungkook out of his trance, pulling him back to the serene ambiance surrounding him. He tore his gaze away from the window and redirected his attention to the untouched macarons and sweet iced tea laid out before him. Sunlight streamed in, casting a radiant glow over his drink, illuminating the sparkling ice within. Deliberately, he stirred his drink, relishing the soft tinkling of the swirling ice cubes against the glass.The café remained largely vacant, occupied only by Jungkook and a small group of friends seated across the room. Given that it was midweek and lunchtime was still a few hours away, the sparse crowd was hardly surprising. Jungkook enjoyed these quiet moments, knowing that before long, more patrons would begin to trickle in.When he was about to eat one of his macarons, Jungkook saw his phone light up. A notification bar covered the picture of his dog, Bam, that he has as the lockscreen.His aunt had wished him a happy birthday.Jungkook stares at his phone until the screen faded to black, revealing his reflection staring back at him. His eyes held a hint of weariness, accompanied by a subtle sadness etched into his otherwise blank expression. With a heavy sigh, he sank back into his chair, resolving to reply to his aunt's message later, after he left the café.Jungkook stole a glance at his sketchbook, which he had temporarily set aside to make space for his plate and glass. His eyes lingered on the unfinished drawing he had begun fifteen minutes ago. Resting atop the pristine white paper was his trusty mechanical pencil.Today marks the second year Jungkook has celebrated his birthday alone. Back home, his mom would typically whip up his favorite dishes, followed by a family outing to make the day extra special. However, since moving to another city for his degree, Jungkook has found himself spending most of his time alone. Initially, it wasn't so bad; he occasionally hung out with his classmates, but none of them had truly become close friends. Nevertheless, he still mustered the courage to invite a few of them out for drinks on his birthdays.The past two years had taken their toll on Jungkook. The weight of stress and loneliness had become almost too much to bear. He had hoped that graduating would alleviate some of that burden, but now he found himself grappling with the stress of job hunting. While many of his friends had already secured positions in various corporations and businesses around the city, Jungkook felt trapped in a cycle of monotonous job applications.His parents often offered words of encouragement, advising him not to lose hope and assuring him that the right job would come in due time. Yet, despite their reassurances, the past couple of months since his graduation had been filled with more stress and loneliness than he had ever experienced before.At times, Jungkook couldn't help but feel guilty for venting his frustrations. He wondered if he had the right to complain at all. Compared to many others, he was still fortunate to have a side job, selling commissioned artwork—a skill he had honed since high school—to cover his expenses. Thanks to this work and his parents' financial support throughout university, he also had managed to save up some money.Still, Jungkook found it difficult to shake off his worries and having to spend his birthday alone really didn’t help make him feel better at all.Taehyung and Jimin were meant to be here for his birthday. Yet things didn't unfold as planned.He had met the two guys just a couple of months after his last birthday, when Taehyung commissioned an artwork of him and Jimin for their anniversary. Later, they discovered they were all students at the same university, and the couple had warmly invited Jungkook to join them for drinks.They were more than just nice; Jungkook could say they're close friends—best friends, even. He celebrated both of their birthdays and they spent countless weekends together, gaming and hanging out. It felt like a bond that Jungkook had been missing for a while.But Taehyung and Jimin not being here is not their fault either. Their work trip out of town had been unexpectedly extended, forcing them to cancel their plans to celebrate Jungkook's birthday together.He remembers his friends' words, their apologies and promises to make it up to him once they return echoing in his mind. Jungkook understood their situation perfectly; their work had to take precedence, and it was simply an unfortunate turn of events.Jungkook's eyes wandered to the café's dessert showcase, where an array of tempting cakes awaited. His friends had insisted he treat himself to a cake and send them a photo. However, Jungkook found himself drawn to the lemon meringue and dark chocolate macarons instead. Somehow, he didn't feel like having cake alone.Jungkook picked up the lemon meringue macaron and finally bit into its delicate shell. He hummed in appreciation as he tasted the tangy citrus notes in his tongue. The smooth lemon filling offers just the right amount of sweetness to complement the tartness of the lemon. He would love to share it with someone else.After his birthday plans fell through, Jungkook vented to his family about the cancellation. They had agreed to visit him, planning to meet at the very café he now sat in. But fate seemed to revel in his misfortunes, as his family had to cancel too; his mother had fallen ill with the flu and was running a high fever, adding another layer to his string of bad luck.But really, what could Jungkook have done to avoid all of this? He feels utterly powerless. So, the only thing left for him to salvage his day from being completely miserable is to distract himself with something other than dwelling on his disappointing birthday.After eating the final bite of the macaron, Jungkook delicately dabbed his mouth and hands with the napkin. Engrossed in his thoughts for a moment, he toyed with his pencils before returning his focus to the sketch of the café's interior. Leaning in, he propped his chin on his left hand, occasionally glancing up to observe the café's interior.The soft melodies drifting through the café were abruptly interrupted by the chime of the entrance bell, signaling the arrival of a new customer. Jungkook's curiosity piqued, prompting him to glance up from his sketchbook. He spotted a man engrossed in a phone call, their eyes scanning the menu displayed at the counter.The man was clad in khaki overalls paired with a simple gray tee. From where Jungkook sat, he could only observe the man's back as he slightly crouched to get a better view of the desserts showcased. Tall and muscular, even the casual style of his outfit couldn't hide his toned physique.“Cute,” Jungkook mused to himself.Surely it wouldn't hurt to add him to his sketch, right?He was completely absorbed in capturing every intricate detail of the man's outfit, oblivious to anyone approaching. It wasn't until the footsteps grew louder that Jungkook finally lifted his head to see the stranger. The man had already pocketed his phone, and if Jungkook's weary eyes were not deceiving him, he appeared to be swiftly making his way to Jungkook’s table, tray in hand, carrying the items he had ordered.Startled, Jungkook quickly shut his sketchbook, fearing the stranger might catch a glimpse of what he was drawing. He feigned nonchalance, pretending to be engrossed in stirring his now watered-down sweet iced tea. With a nervous flutter in his chest, he convinced himself that the man's attention was directed elsewhere, perhaps at the table behind him.However, Jungkook's assumption was shattered when the stranger halted at his table.“Um, excuse me… Would you like a slice of strawberry cake?”Jungkook blinked in silence, his mouth slightly agape, uncertain of how to respond. His eyes drifted from the tempting strawberry cake to the man's face. His sharp gaze was partially covered by a fringe that gently brushed against his eyes. A shy smile graced his lips, revealing dimples on both cheeks that were impossible to miss.The man seemed to sense the silence between them and likely assumed he had caught Jungkook off guard with his offer. He quickly elaborated, “Uh, it's just that I was on the phone and not paying much attention, so there was a small miscommunication. They ended up giving me two slices of cake instead of one. I paid with my card without checking the total. It's purely an oversight. But hey, I'd be more than happy to share one of the slices with you.”It still took Jungkook a few moments to process the situation. Was it possible that someone had orchestrated this, knowing he was spending his birthday alone and refusing to buy himself a cake? Could the person on the phone be Taehyung or Jimin, going to such lengths to surprise him? But even for his friends, that seemed a bit excessive. A small voice in the back of his mind urged him to consider the possibility that this man was simply kind-hearted and had unintentionally bought an extra slice of cake, offering it to Jungkook out of genuine generosity.“Uh, is there any reason why you’re not taking it home?”“Well, I'll be out all day,” the man explained with a sheepish smile. “I didn't want to carry around a box of cake, even if it's small, and risk it melting.”“Ah I see. In that case, thank you so much," Jungkook replied, finally accepting the offer. He took the strawberry cake from the man's tray and placed it neatly next to his plate of macarons. “Would you like to join me here?”Jungkook found himself surprised by his own impulsiveness in inviting a stranger to share his table. It wasn't his usual behavior; he tended to prefer sitting alone when not with his close friends, rarely initiating interactions with strangers. Yet, there was something about this man that eased Jungkook's usual apprehension. Or perhaps it was loneliness and longing for companionship that drove him to extend the invitation.The man's surprise was evident in his face, but it quickly transformed into a warm smile. “Sure thing,” he replied, accepting Jungkook's offer. With a nod of gratitude, he placed his tray on the table after Jungkook rearranged his belongings to make space for everything.“Ah, sorry for not asking earlier, but what's your name?” Jungkook asked once the man settled on the seat in front of him.“It's Namjoon,” came the reply, accompanied by a handshake that stretched over their shared items.“Jungkook,” he responded, shaking Namjoon's hand firmly.“It's really nice to meet you, Jungkook, and thank you for helping me with the other cake. I doubt I could finish it all by myself,” Namjoon chuckled warmly, and Jungkook couldn't help but feel a flutter in his chest at the sound of the man's gentle laughter.Jungkook nudged the cake plate, tilting it slightly to admire the dessert from a different angle. Each layer was meticulously crafted, the frosting swirled with precision and topped with plump, ripe strawberries. "I should be the one thanking you for the free cake," Jungkook’s voice trembled and he felt a lump forming in his throat.Why did he suddenly feel like crying?“It’s no problem, it’s just a slice of cake,” Namjoon replied promptly, unaware of the significance it held for Jungkook. Because for him, it wasn't just any slice of cake. It’s his birthday cake, even though, of course, Namjoon wouldn't know that. To have a cake in front of him, given by someone else on his birthday—maybe today wasn't so bad after all.“Are you… okay?” Worry laced Namjoon's voice when he noticed Jungkook on the verge of tearing up.Jungkook didn’t realize he had been staring at his cake until his vision blurred with tears. When he looked up to meet Namjoon’s eyes, he couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion wash over him. Oh god, a grown-ass man, crying over a slice of cake. Namjoon will probably think he’s weird. But being at the receiving end of such a kind gesture from a stranger who didn’t even know he was having a bad day only further reinforced his belief that perhaps the universe was secretly looking out for him.“I'm fine, really,” Jungkook choked out, hastily dabbing at the corner of his eyes before any tears could escape. “I think it's just an allergic reaction, but I'll be okay.”“Wait—because of the cake? Should I call for help?” Namjoon's concern only added to Jungkook's guilt for causing unnecessary worry.“No, no, it's fine! I'm okay,” Jungkook assured him, taking a deep breath to compose himself.“Alright, if you say so…” Namjoon's uncertainty was palpable. “But let me know if you need anything, okay? I'm here to help.”Jungkook nodded and took a bite, savoring the sweet taste of the cake as it melted in his mouth. He suppressed the urge to tear up again, not wanting to freak Namjoon out further with his emotions.They ate in comfortable silence for a while until Namjoon spoke up. "You draw?" he asked, gesturing toward Jungkook's sketchbook lying nearby."Yeah, I do," Jungkook replied casually, "I was sketching the interior." He decided not to mention that he had been sketching Namjoon as well. That was something he preferred to keep to himself.Namjoon nodded in understanding, taking a sip of his drink. Jungkook caught a whiff of Earl Grey, the aroma mingling with the sweetness of the cake. It was a fitting choice to accompany the dessert.Jungkook anticipated Namjoon to ask the same question he'd grown accustomed to: "Can I see your drawings?" But, to his surprise, Namjoon remained silent on the matter. Instead, the conversation veered elsewhere, and Jungkook found himself oddly relieved. In the past, he had encountered people who would unabashedly leaf through his sketchbook without his permission, treating it as if it were their own. This lack of respect for his privacy had left Jungkook wary of sharing his art with anyone he didn't know well.“Is the macaron good?” Namjoon casted a curious glance at the untouched dark chocolate macaron.Jungkook nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Yes, it’s pretty good. not too sweet for my taste. You can have it if you want.”Namjoon declined with a quick shake of his head. “It’s alright. I’ll try them some other time.”“You should,” Jungkook nodded in agreement.He already ate half of his cake when he realized he forgot to take a picture for Taehyung and Jimin. But on second thought, it would be too awkward to do it in front of Namjoon. What would Jungkook say to his friends anyway? “Hey, a really cute stranger gave me a cake and I almost shed tears because of it”? Jungkook felt torn, part of him wanted to reveal the truth to Namjoon, ensuring the man understood the significance of his kindness. Yet, Jungkook dreaded the prospect of appearing like a lonely loser in front of the cute guy he just met.“There are a couple of new cafés popping up in the area, this one included. Seems like business is booming around here, huh?”Jungkook perked up, always keen to explore new dining spots. “Oh? I hadn't noticed there were other new cafés nearby.”“Yeah, I stumbled upon them a few days ago. But I figured I'd give this place a shot first.”“Is it because of their desserts?” Jungkook guessed.Namjoon grinned, and Jungkook couldn't help but notice how his dimples deepened. “Not exactly,” Namjoon chuckled. “I just... I really admire the interior design. The wooden furniture is especially appealing to me. I heard they had it commissioned by a local woodworker.”“Ah, so you're a fan of wooden furniture,” Jungkook remarked. “Let me guess, you probably have at least one plant and a piece of artwork in your place, too?”Namjoon was so surprised he had to set down his fork. "Is it also because of these overalls?" he quipped, glancing down at his outfit.Jungkook chuckled at Namjoon’s response. “Well, I just assumed that someone who appreciates wooden furniture usually has a green thumb and an eye for art. But hey, that’s just my observation,” he said with a shrug. “And the overall is cute. But I wouldn’t have guessed your entire vibe just from your outfit alone.”“Well—that was embarrassing,” he admitted, his blush extending to the tips of his ears. “I guess I felt a bit like someone's Pinterest mood board. I saw one that matched my exact aesthetic, and it was kind of eerie how spot-on it was.”“Nothing to be embarrassed about,” Jungkook reassured. “Having a cool aesthetic is a compliment, if you ask me.”“Thank you,” Namjoon responded before polishing off the last bite of his strawberry cake and downing the remainder of his Earl Grey tea in a single gulp. Glancing at his phone, he quickly responded to a text message before saying, “Looks like I've got to head out.”“Ah, I see. Thanks again for the cake. It was really delicious,” Jungkook expressed his gratitude, though he couldn't ignore the feeling of disappointment settling in his chest.He wished they could linger a bit longer. Truth be told, conversing with Namjoon had significantly brightened his mood, almost making him forget about the rough day he'd had. It wasn't surprising, though; Namjoon was genuinely pleasant and engaging to talk to.“Have a great day, Jungkook. Maybe we'll bump into each other again,” Namjoon said.“Yeah, I’ll see you around.”Namjoon bid his farewell and rose from his seat. Before leaving, he took a moment to push his chair back into place, a thoughtful gesture that didn't go unnoticed by Jungkook. With a smile and a wave, Namjoon exited the café, gradually fading from Jungkook's sight as he closed the door behind him.Sinking back into his seat, Jungkook willed his racing heart to steady its frenetic pace, hoping to meld into the comforting embrace of the chair. A strange combination of emotions welled up inside him, threatening to spill over, and he couldn't help but feel a sudden rush of tears prickle at the corners of his eyes.After regaining his composure, Jungkook hastily snapped a photo of his half-eaten strawberry cake and sent it off to his group chat with Taehyung and Jimin.
“My birthday cake :)”
꒰ 🍰 ꒱
— September 8th
A week had passed when Jungkook returned to the café, this time accompanied by Taehyung and Jimin. They settled at a different table towards the back, each engrossed in their chosen meals and beverages.“I knew it’ll be impossible to see him again here,” Jungkook bitterly said, absently twirling his fork in his tuna alfredo.“I still can't believe you didn't ask for his number,” Jimin interjected between bites of fries, his words slightly muffled by a mouthful of the savory snack.“Chew first, Jimin,” Taehyung gently chided, though he shared the same sentiment as his boyfriend. “You could’ve been on your first date with him by now.”Jungkook rolled his eyes in response to his friends' persistent remarks, something they had expressed multiple times since learning about Namjoon. "I know, I regret it too," he admitted. "But in my defense, I was overwhelmed by emotion at the time and wasn't exactly thinking clearly."Jungkook noticed Jimin nudging Taehyung, who then rummaged through his tote bag. “Well, for our dear Jungkook,” Taehyung announced, placing a box in front of Jungkook. “Another little something to cheer you up.”“But you guys already got me that jacket I wanted!” Jungkook protested.“Oh, come on, just open it,” Taehyung encouraged him, excitement evident in his voice.Jungkook opened the small box, revealing a black wallet inside. “Guys, really? You shouldn't have,” he exclaimed, touched by their thoughtfulness."We wanted to, Jungkook... We ordered it online, but it got delivered late because this guy—" Jimin shot a glare at Taehyung, who was grinning mischievously, "—forgot to actually purchase it. So it was just sitting in our cart until we got back here."“I already apologized,” Taehyung pouted, and Jimin, predictably, couldn't hold onto his annoyance for long, especially when faced with his boyfriend's irresistible charm. “The important thing is that we got it to Jungkook.”Jimin muttered something under his breath, but his smile quickly returned. He laughed when Taehyung began pinching his cheeks before pulling him into a kiss.Jungkook smiled at the scene before him. Everything felt right again, with him spending time with his friends and witnessing their familiar banter followed by affectionate moments.“Thank you, guys. I’ll make good use of it.”“Yeah, maybe it'll come in handy for storing Namjoon's number when you finally get it,” Taehyung teased, winking at him.Jimin scoffed, “Tae, who carries paper and pen these days? They'll probably just save it on their phone.”And just like that, they were back to their usual banter.“Well, maybe someone like Jungkook always carries a pen and sketchbook—made of paper, mind you—wherever he goes,” Taehyung quipped, gesturing towards the sketchbook on the table.“Oh, right,” Jimin conceded. “But it still seems outdated. Most people would just exchange numbers digitally,” he persisted.“Well, I personally find writing your number on a piece of paper more romantic,” Taehyung countered, a playful smile dancing on his lips. “Just like what we did.”A wide smile brightened Jimin's face as he recalled the memory. “Aw, you’re right. I’m sorry, babe.”Jungkook remained silent, allowing his friends to share their tender moments as he flipped open his sketchbook. Tracing over the drawing of Namjoon from their last encounter, silently hoping for another chance to meet him soon. ꒰ 🍰 ꒱
— September 12th
Jungkook obviously couldn't afford to come to the café every day just to increase his chances of meeting Namjoon again. If he did, he'd be eating instant noodles for the rest of the month. Regretting the croissant, pasta, and tea he indulged in when he realized the amount of bills he had to pay.Despite his efforts to convince himself otherwise, Jungkook found himself growing increasingly impatient. Over the past week, thoughts of Namjoon had been incessantly occupying his mind. Each time he opened his sketchbook, he found himself lingering on the page where he had drawn the man. Even when scrolling through his phone's gallery, he couldn't help but pause at the picture of the strawberry cake from their previous encounter.Unable to shake off those thoughts, Jungkook made a spontaneous decision to return to the café in less than a week.He pushed open the café’s wooden door and welcomed by the refreshing blast of air conditioning, a reprieve from the blazing sun outside. He strode over to the counter, craving something cool and invigorating, and promptly ordered a lychee tea. As he waited, his focus wandered over the display of pastries, settling on the chocolate almond croissant and he silently resolved to indulge in it later if the mood struck him.The café bustled with life, a stark contrast to Jungkook's previous visits. The soft melodies that once filled the air had given way to upbeat pop tunes, blending seamlessly with the lively chatter of patrons. After retrieving his receipt and card, Jungkook pivoted on his heel, remembering as the person behind the counter told him they would deliver his drink to his table. As he scanned for an empty table, his eyes locked onto a familiar figure.There was Namjoon, unmistakable amidst the crowd, waving him over to join him at his table.In that moment, the music faded into silence, and the bustling chatter around them dissolved into the background. Jungkook's attention was fixed solely on Namjoon—the soft curve of his smile, the warm hue of his yellow flannel, and the glasses resting delicately on the bridge of his nose.Jungkook couldn't contain the happiness that spread across his face. A smile, unbidden but genuine, curved his lips. His heart thudded in his chest, matching the rhythm of each step he took closer to the man he had eagerly anticipated meeting again.“Hi,” Jungkook managed to utter, feeling a slight flutter in his chest. The sight of Namjoon's smile, as radiant as he remembered it, left him momentarily breathless. “May I?”“Of course, please,” Namjoon replied courteously, gesturing to the empty seat opposite him. “How have you been?”"Fantastic," Jungkook replied, a giddy feeling rising within him. Really fantastic now that we're finally meeting again, he thought but didn't say aloud. "And you?" he asked Namjoon.“Doing well,” Namjoon answered, a contented expression on his face. “I actually checked out one of the new cafés I mentioned last time. It was quite nice.”Right, it completely slipped Jungkook’s mind that Namjoon was keen on exploring all the new cafés in the area. Perhaps if he had remembered, he would have made the effort to visit each one, hoping to run into Namjoon.But dwelling on what could have been serves no purpose now. Namjoon is here, right in front of him, sporting that charming smile and looking even more adorable than Jungkook recalled. Perhaps it's the way the sunlight delicately highlights his soft black hair, or maybe it's simply Jungkook's own biased perception, colored by his burgeoning crush."I suppose I'll give them a try as well, if you recommend them," Jungkook mused.Namjoon nodded in agreement, taking a sip of his coffee. "Absolutely," he affirmed. "What did you order?""Lychee tea," Jungkook replied. "It's quite crowded at the moment, so they asked me to wait at the table.""Ah, yes. Lunch rush," Namjoon acknowledged. "But their service seems fairly efficient, judging by what I've observed so far."True to Namjoon’s words, a waiter promptly appeared with Jungkook’s drink, delicately placing it on a wooden coaster as Jungkook slid his tote bag aside. He stirred the drink, anticipation mounting before he took a few satisfying sips, feeling the cold drink cascaded down his throat. “Oh, that’s refreshing.”“You like tea?” Namjoon asked, “I recall you ordered a sweet iced tea last time we met, didn't you?”Gratified that Namjoon had retained such a detail from their initial meeting, Jungkook couldn't help but beam. “I do love tea.”“I also love them!” Namjoon exclaimed with fervor. “I have a few tea selections at home. Although these days I’ve been drinking more coffee. Can't say it's the healthiest choice.”Namjoon's laughter echoed, and it seemed as if the universe sought to compensate for the misfortunes he endured the previous week. Jungkook couldn't help but revel in the moment; seated across from Namjoon, basking in the familiarity of his laughter and the effortless flow of their conversation—this was sheer bliss.“I can relate,” Jungkook chimed in, nodding knowingly. “My thesis would've been a lost cause without my trusty companion, coffee.”“Understandable,” Namjoon said.Jungkook's mind churned with indecision, each thought creating a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He wrestled with the memories of their last encounter, replaying the scene over and over in his mind. It wasn't an allergic reaction that had brought tears to his eyes, but a swell of emotion that threatened to overwhelm him. He recalled the genuine warmth in Namjoon's gesture, the simple act of presenting him with a strawberry cake on his birthday. “Um, Namjoon…” Jungkook began tentatively, his voice betraying his apprehension as he spoke. “There's something I need to tell you.”Namjoon set his coffee aside, leaning forward, a mixture of curiosity and concern etched across his features. “Go on. Is everything alright?”Jungkook drew a breath, steeling himself before proceeding. “Yeah, everything’s fine,” Jungkook reassured him hastily, then hesitated before continuing. “But do you happen to recall when I... teared up after you gave me the strawberry cake?”A flicker of recollection passed over Namjoon's expression. “Oh, yeah. You said it was an allergic reaction, right?”“Well, the thing is,” with a heavy swallow, Jungkook braced himself for the potential embarrassment that awaited him, the fear of crafting a memory destined to haunt his sleepless nights. “I wasn’t having an allergic reaction.”Namjoon tilted his head in confusion. “What happened, then?”Here goes nothing, Jungkook thought.“It was actually my birthday and I had a really shitty day. I planned to celebrate it with my friends but they had to cancel it. They told me to still eat a cake, but I just didn’t feel like eating a cake that was supposed to be a birthday cake alone, you know?” Jungkook explained as he fiddled with the stray string on the cuff of his sleeve. He glanced up to see Namjoon listening intently to him, his expression unreadable. “Then you came and offered me that slice of strawberry cake.”As he laid bare his vulnerability, Jungkook noticed Namjoon's expression shift, the unreadable mask faltering to reveal a glint of understanding and sympathy. “And you teared up?” Namjoon drew the conclusion.“Yeah because… I’ve been dealing with stress and having to spend my birthday alone really made me feel lonely,” Jungkook admitted, feeling a flush creep up his cheeks. “But you unknowingly made it so much better. I just wanted to thank you for the gesture, and, well, the cake too.”Jungkook held his breath, awaiting Namjoon's response, the sound of his own heartbeat echoing loudly in his ears.“I’m glad I was able to make your day better, Jungkook,” Namjoon replied, his voice as soothing as the gentle trickle of condensation on Jungkook's drink. “It must have been hard spending your birthday alone.”“It was,” Jungkook agreed softly. "Some might think I'm overreacting, that it's silly for a grown man to feel upset about it. But I suppose we're all a bit childish in some ways, aren't we?”Namjoon's expression shifted into a thoughtful frown, and for a moment, Jungkook feared he had misspoken.“I don’t think it’s childish at all,” Namjoon countered, his voice steady and reassuring. “Wanting to spend your birthday with loved ones isn't reserved for children. We're allowed to feel lonely, and just because we're considered adults, doesn't mean we don't deserve to be surrounded by the people we care about, especially on our birthdays.”Jungkook might have fallen in love right then and there. He wished he could articulate his feelings and gratitude towards Namjoon better. But translating the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside him into coherent words was never his strong suit.“Thank you, Namjoon.” Jungkook said, his eyes casted downwards towards his fingers, afraid that the intensity of his emotions might spill over in tears yet again.He took another sip of his lychee tea, feeling the chill of the drink spread through him. It had been ages since he'd experienced this sensation, the rush of warmth that now coursed through his veins. Now, it wasn't the frantic thumping of anxiety that quickened his pulse. But something altogether different, a sensation that painted his cheeks with a delicate pink flush and tugged at the corners of his lips.“I have a confession too,” Namjoon said after a brief pause.“Oh? What is it?”“It’s my birthday today,” Namjoon revealed.“Wait—really? Happy birthday!”Namjoon chuckled. “Thanks. Funny how our birthdays are only a little less than two weeks apart, huh? What are the odds?”"Yeah, that's pretty cool," Jungkook admitted, feeling a flutter of excitement akin to a teenager discovering shared interests with their crush.“So I was thinking maybe we could celebrate together?”Jungkook froze, Namjoon's words reverberating in his mind like a distant echo, difficult to comprehend. The notion of celebrating together felt like an unexpected twist, catching him off guard. His thoughts spinning like a frantic carousel. The word 'together' screamed at him like a desperate mayday call.“Since you didn't get to celebrate your birthday properly, how about we make today feel like your birthday too? We could go shopping or visit a place you've been wanting to go. Maybe even rent bikes at the park?" Namjoon suggested.“Oh, but it’s your birthday. It’s your day, not mine,” Jungkook said hesitantly.“I don’t mind sharing the day with you,” Namjoon insisted, smiling as he propped his chin on his hand, his gaze filled with warmth. Jungkook felt himself blush furiously, rendered momentarily speechless by Namjoon's kindness.“You don’t have plans with your friends or family?” Jungkook asked, sensing the weight of Namjoon's invitation sinking in. Perhaps he should have simply accepted, but the idea of sharing such a special occasion with the guy he’s undoubtedly attracted to felt surreal.“Well, I do, but it’s later tonight with some friends. We’re going to have dinner and drink together. You’re welcome to join as well.”If it were scientifically and logically possible, Jungkook would have turned into a puddle right then and there.“But I don’t want to intrude.”Taehyung and Jimin would surely give him a good scolding if they witnessed his hesitance in accepting Namjoon's invitation.“I want you to be there. How about that? My friends won’t mind and it’ll be fun. I’ll send them a quick text later to inform them I’m inviting you. They’re nice, I swear,” Namjoon assured. “Let’s treat it as our birthday celebration. The more the merrier.”“Okay, then,” Jungkook finally agreed, his heart feeling lighter than it had in days. He felt his cheeks hurting from smiling so big, the excitement bubbling inside him almost overwhelming.“Then it’s a date,” Namjoon suddenly announced, and Jungkook's eyes widened in surprise. Before he could even process the implication, Namjoon backtracked, his words stumbling over each other in an attempt to clarify. “I mean—of course, if you want it to be a date! No pressure. We can just hang out as friends too.”“I’d love to,” Jungkook breathed, his heart pounding with exhilaration. “I haven’t tried renting a bike at the park.”“Perfect. I’ll point out the perfect view from the bike track for you. Let’s go.”Namjoon offered his hand, and Jungkook hesitated for a moment before taking it. Namjoon's hand felt warm, his long fingers enveloping Jungkook's easily as they intertwined their fingers. With a gentle squeeze, Namjoon guided them both to leave the café.As they stepped outside, Jungkook couldn't recall if the café worker had thanked them for their visit. The sound of his heartbeat drowned out any other noise. The chime of the bell, once a simple greeting, now heralded a new and thrilling turn of events in Jungkook's life.He couldn't wait to see where it would lead him.