Summary: Seokjin somehow ends up at a muscle restaurant, where tons of hot men flaunt themselves and their serving skills. That's how he meets the love of his life.

Tags: Strangers to Lovers, Very Light Angst, Mutual Pining, Flirting, Muscly Jungkook, Shy Seokjin, Getting Together, Kissing, Happy Ending

Word Count: 7,043

~~~~~

Seokjin has no idea how he let Taehyung and Jimin drag him to a place like this.

But of course, these two know about the restaurant where good-looking, fit waiters are practically shirtless and will serve you food from their very own fingers if you wish.

"I am not going inside."

Taehyung wraps his arm around Seokjin's neck and Jimin circles his hands around his arm, and they both answer at the same exact time, "Yes, you are."

This is what Seokjin gets for being born (this is meant to be his "special birthday dinner").

On the outside of the restaurant, there are people sitting at round tables and being served, so Seokjin can already see a glimpse of what's in store for him. Women giggle and blush like crazy. Someone even lifts the half-ass apron "covering" one of the waiters, showcasing his abs to the entire world, and he grins proudly about it.

Seokjin bashfully looks away, but yelps a little as Jimin pushes him towards the entrance, right in between two waiters who nearly bump their large biceps into him.

Jesus, man.

Once they get inside, Taehyung gets them a table for three. They're led towards the back of the restaurant, which has pretty lights hanging across the wooden beams above them. The place is decorated with a sort of rustic look, and Seokjin believes it's to match the manly waiters flexing about.

Jimin sits on the inside of the booth next to Taehyung, leaving Seokjin to sit on the other side by himself.

"Gee, thanks for leaving me by myself."

"We aren't leaving you," Jimin tells him with a smile.

Taehyung agrees. "We just want to see your reaction. It's gonna be great."

Seokjin hides his face with his palms. "God, you two are treating me like I'm a movie scene or something. What exactly do they do at this place? Please say it's legal."

"Oh, it's not that bad!" Jimin points at the menu sitting on the table. "Just figure out what you want to eat, hyung. It's on us. They have a big variety, so you'll love it."

He thanks them for buying his meal, and begins to look over the menu. But before he can even decide what type of entree he wants to go with, the light above him goes dim and he freezes, noticing the presence of a person standing next to him.

"Hi, guys! My name is Jungkook—" a hand lands on the booth seat, right next to Seokjin's face— "and I'll be your server tonight. Any special requests before we get started?"

Gulping, Seokjin's eyes follow the man's hand, up his muscled arm, eyes wide as he catches the sight of toned abs underneath the apron he's wearing. And then he glances up, mouth going dry as he inhales, not expecting there to be a gorgeous man looking right back at him already.

His skin is like honey. Hair a bit long and messy, pupils shining from the soft yellow lights surrounding them. Round, sweet eyes, crinkling up a little as he smiles, showing off his bunny-like teeth.

And then he speaks again.

"You like what you see?"

The waiter — Jungkook — rears back a little bit, just enough to pull his apron up a bit, flexing his abs at Seokjin.

And then Seokjin turns bright red, his ears aflame and his heart pounding in his chest.

"I—! What?! I didn't say anything!"

The giggles from across the table only makes Seokjin even more flustered, and he covers his face with his fingers, hoping the server can't see him anymore.

Jungkook speaks again, "You didn't have to say anything, cutie. Your eyes tell."

A small gasp is pulled from Seokjin's lips as a finger tips his chin up, causing his hands to fall and his eyes to meet the unfamiliar, yet somehow comforting ones belonging to the overly confident waiter. He smirks.

"I'll ask again." Jungkook taps his finger underneath Seokjin's chin. His eyes grow wide and he gulps, staring so hard. "Any special requests tonight?"

Jungkook glances over at Taehyung and Jimin, who both dramatically shudder. Jimin says, "Yes, it's hyung's birthday, but I'm starting to wish it was mine now," and he points at Seokjin.

The waiter smiles.

"There's plenty of me to go around," he says, but then turns to Seokjin.

He leans closer, which causes Seokjin to slightly panic and mold himself into his seat. His abs are way too close right now.

"Do we have any special requests, birthday boy?" He places his hand behind Seokjin's head, leaning in even closer, just enough to mutter right into his ear, "I can do anything you'd like me to."

Heat engulfs Seokjin's entire body. He fiddles helplessly with the menu on the table, trying to find something to do other than obviously checking out his waiter, even if that is the point of this restaurant.

"I- uh- I just want a drink, please. Water."

He needs so much water right now. His throat is dry and he's burning up.

Jungkook nods, backing away slowly.

"Okay, water for the birthday boy." He turns to the other two, who seem to be loving Seokjin's crisis, beaming at the sight. "And for you two? What can I get you?"

Taehyung licks his lips. "Uh, yeah, water."

Jimin pipes up. "A body shot from you, please— Hey!" He nudges Taehyung, who had first nudged him. "Just because Jin hyung won't indulge, doesn't mean I won't!"

A small laugh leaves their waiter, and it's so pure and sweet that it makes Seokjin's head swirl. His smile is freaking gorgeous, too. Of course, it is. And of course, he turns to Seokjin, still with that smile on his face, and it leaves him breathlessly staring.

"Jin hyung, is it?" he asks, and Seokjin silently nods as if he's a robot. The smile on Jungkook's face becomes softer. "I'll be right back with your drink, then, Jin. Same for you two as well."

He heads off just like that, and the three friends look at each other. Seokjin is so entranced that he doesn't know what to say. Taehyung glances over to watch Jungkook leave. Jimin blinks in awe.

"Wait, so..." Jimin glances over the menu, urgently flipping it over and over again. "Is he actually going to let me do shots?"

Taehyung looks at him with a blank stare. "This is a bar, too, Jimin-ah."

"Well, yeah, but—" Jimin looks around at the restaurant, catching sight of the bar across the room. It's got stools and lots of alcohol glasses on the shelves behind it, which is being tended by a shirtless bartender. "I guess I should've expected it."

Taehyung shrugs. "Definitely."

Jimin mirrors him, also shrugging. "Well, hyung," he says as he looks at Seokjin, who's still totally out of it, "I hope you're up for shots tonight. You'll be having mine. I'll order some water for myself once he gets back."

Seokjin's jaw drops.

"Huh?!" He slams his hand down on the table. Jimin's sudden statement finally brings him back down from the moon. "What do you mean, I'll be taking your shot?! Why did you order it in the first place if you weren't gonna go through with it?!"

"Oh, I definitely would," Jimin tells him. "But it's your birthday and you're the one who gets special treatment." He says that last part in a teasing way, giggling with Taehyung.

Seokjin's entire face turns red. "There is no way I'm taking body shots off of a stranger!"

Just as he says this, their server appears right next to him, his body warmth sending a chill up Seokjin's spine.

"Oh?" he questions Seokjin, setting down the water he ordered. "Why not? I think I like the sound of that."

Blushing, Seokjin snatches his water and immediately takes a drink, ignoring all responsibility. Taehyung takes his own water and opens a straw wrapper, looking up at Jungkook with a glint in his eyes.

"Hyung's too shy," he thankfully tells the server. "Jiminie didn't know body shots were an option, so he was joking earlier, but he'll take a water instead." Then, he loudly whispers behind his hand as if Seokjin can't hear a single word he's saying, "You can still give Seokjin hyung lots of love, though, since he clearly likes it."

Jungkook gives a cocky smirk to Taehyung, and Seokjin wants to choke all three of them for ganging up against his poor heart.

"Alright then." Jungkook steps up next to Seokjin, looking down at him, still smug. He crosses his arms over his chest, flexing every bit of muscle he has. "Do you know what you'd like for dinner, Seokjin hyung? I'll get you anything you'd like. And... I've got a special dessert for you, if you want."

His hand slowly makes its way down his chest, over his hard abs, and down to the waistband of his jeans. Seokjin's mouth hangs open as he watches Jungkook pull the fabric down, showing the band of his Calvin Klein underwear and revealing the v-line that was hidden before.

Seokjin holds his breath. His heart races in his chest as he practically drools.

"The- The steak. I'll have the—" He forces himself to look up into Jungkook's eyes, shuddering at the confidence laced within. "Steak with steamed vegetables, please."

Jungkook's eyes narrow mischievously. "Oh, yeah? Our thick, juicy steak? I'll get you our finest cut, Seokjin. Just for you."

"I—" Seokjin gawks up at him, questioning the suggestive tone in his voice. "Thank you..?"

The server attempts a wink, nearly closing both eyes as he does so, and Seokjin thinks it's the cutest thing in the world, damn it.

As Taehyung and Jimin order their food, Seokjin glances over Jungkook's body, wondering how often he must work out to keep fit like this. It almost makes him feel like he should start going to the gym in his spare time.

Jungkook once again turns to Seokjin, smiling as their eyes meet and he catches Seokjin's eyes on him. He runs his fingers over his torso, gliding them over the curves of his abs.

"Wanna touch?"

Seokjin's mouth hangs open for a second before he quickly gets a grip, gulping. "U-Um, that's alright. I just..." His words die off, not wanting to admit that he was just checking him out. Jungkook chuckles along with the laughter across the table from the other two.

"Okay, then. I'll have your orders out soon."

When Jungkook walks off, Seokjin lets out a heavy breath. His friends begin to tease him, but all he can do is ignore it and sip on his water in hopes it'll cool him down.

Minutes later, Jungkook appears with the juiciest, biggest steak Seokjin has ever seen, and he even places down a slice of cake next to it, smiling warmly.

"The cake's on me, cutie. Happy birthday."

Seokjin's cheeks heat up, especially once Jungkook offers to chop up his steak and feed him a bite. He rejects the offer even though his tummy swirls in excitement at the thought — damn his stupid desires.

"Oh, come on!" Taehyung pipes up, subtly nudging Seokjin's foot underneath the table. "Let him feed you a bite, hyung! It's your birthday, let him treat you like a prince."

Jungkook smiles at Taehyung's suggestion, then looks back at Seokjin as if he's awaiting an answer. Seokjin stabs his fork into the steak, picking up his knife as well.

"I can cut it myself!" he claims, slicing the meat to hell and back. Jungkook lets out a little laughter, placing his hands on his hips as he watches Seokjin stuff his mouth full.

"It's alright," Jungkook lets out, smirking at Taehyung. "Maybe next time he comes, he'll come alone and let me do everything he wants. He seems shy in front of you guys."

Seokjin swallows his food. "Am not!" he says, turning brighter red as he glances at his friends. "It has nothing to do with them being here."

"Oh?" Jungkook places his palm on the edge of the table, leaning down so he can be at eye level with Seokjin. His face is so close that Seokjin can see the twinkle in his big brown eyes, curious as he asks, "Am I not your type, then? Not sexy enough for Seokjin hyung?"

Jimin mutters, "Definitely hyung's type." Seokjin wants to shove this cake in his face.

He gulps, sharing eye contact with Jungkook.

"I will not be answering that," he tells the server, then chops another slice of his steak. He doesn't want to admit that Jungkook is extremely sexy and totally his type; this restaurant might be a place to feed into delusion, but Seokjin can't let it get to him. Jungkook is too damn hot to indulge.

"Hm." Jungkook leans away, nodding. He turns to Taehyung and Jimin. "Well, do either of you want me to feed you—?"

"Hell yeah!" Taehyung holds out his fork and Jimin starts bursting out laughing.

Jungkook grins as he takes the fork and picks up the meat and rice on Taehyung's plate. The expression on Taehyung's face is pure bliss as Jungkook feeds him, practically pressing his abs into his arms with how close he stands.

Taehyung sings Happy Birthday to himself, and all Seokjin does is sit back and eat his meal, watching closely as Jungkook teases his two friends instead of him now.

When Jungkook glances his way, Seokjin's eyes fall back to his plate, dismissing the butterflies spreading throughout his body.

If he was here all alone with nobody else around, and Jungkook acted this way with him, what would Seokjin do? He wonders if it would be too weird or too intimate to be served at a place like this without his friends here to tease him.

But...

The restaurant looks very beautiful. The service is really good. People are buzzing with joy, so the atmosphere is nice. The drink tastes good (yes, it's literally just water), and the food is fresh and tasty.

What would be the harm in coming back here just for the restaurant itself, and definitely not just to see the server? Seokjin always likes to try new places, and this one's great.

Before Jungkook leaves their table, he looks Seokjin's way, giving him a sweet smile that could light up the entire room. Honestly, he doesn't want Jungkook to leave just yet.

Seokjin decides he'll order chicken and rice the next time he comes here.

~~~~~

It's such a disappointment when Seokjin gets to the restaurant late on a Friday night.

The bar is an obvious hit, with cheers and laughter coming from the full seats, but Seokjin asks for a dinner table for one. Pure and utter shock swarms over him as a muscly dude with dimples comes over and picks him up bridal style to carry him to his seat. He blushes, yet still finds himself glancing around the place for a certain server.

Dimpled guy sits him down at a small table by himself, on a chair instead of in a booth. Seokjin can hardly see anything other than the broad chest practically being pushed into his field of view.

"Welcome in! I'm Namjoon, I'll be your server tonight."

Seokjin's shoulders deflate a little bit, but then his body grows stiff as his waiter steps up behind him and dramatically flexes his muscles around his shoulders while he picks up the menu sitting in front of Seokjin and begins telling him about their specials.

He wasn't planning to be in a headlock tonight, and definitely not by anyone other than...

Jungkook.

His entire body sparks with a weird type of joy as he finally sees the slightly familiar face he's been looking for ever since he got here.

Jungkook is tending the bar along with some other half-naked guy. No wonder he didn't see him before — the bar is packed full. But he can see now, a glimpse of Jungkook's eyebrow and lip piercing, along with the tattoos painted up his arm.

And his sharp eyes, looking at him from a distance.

Seokjin holds his breath, wondering if he's imagining things.

Namjoon then actually puts Seokjin into a headlock. "Hey, are ya listening? Or are you too distracted by all the shirtless men over there?" He laughs, and Seokjin blushes.

"Sorry! Uh, what did you say about the menu again?"

As Namjoon lets him go and laughs, Seokjin lets out a small laugh as well, embarrassed to have been caught staring at someone.

When he looks at that someone again, Seokjin's gaze lingers, frozen at the sight.

Jungkook has his hands placed down on the bar, his muscles flexed, but not on purpose. He's got his eyes set on Seokjin. His usual gleaming eyes are rather dark despite the pretty lanterns hanging above the bar. His tongue pokes into the inside of his cheek and he narrows his eyes a bit as he smirks like the devil from across the room.

Seokjin blinks in confusion as Jungkook looks away, distracted by a customer asking for a drink, Seokjin assumes, because Jungkook immediately whips a glass out of nowhere and begins to pour them something.

"He's our main attraction," Namjoon suddenly says into his ear, and Seokjin jumps.

"I— Huh?!"

"Jungkookie," Namjoon laughs out, dimples on display as he glances over at the server. "I can see that you're looking at him. Everybody loves to come here and see him. Have you ever met before?"

On everything, Seokjin swears that a bead of sweat drips from his forehead. "Um, yeah, he's served me before."

"Ah..." His current server taps his chin. "I guess you'd rather have him serving you. But, he's running the bar tonight, though. The only way you'll get him is if you order a drink."

"It's fine!" Seokjin squeaks out. "You're a wonderful server! I don't have to have him. I came here... for the food."

Namjoon chuckles. "Nobody comes here for the food alone, man. You're funny."

Blushing, Seokjin hides his face, whining out in frustration. "Can I just have something caffeinated and chicken with rice, please?"

"Oh, of course! Be right back with that."

Once Namjoon leaves, Seokjin glances in between his fingers. He blushes even harder once his eyes meet doe ones in the back. He feels like he'll never escape Jungkook.

About twenty minutes pass. The food is glazed, steaming, and delicious. Seokjin nearly finishes it before Namjoon leaves him to it, dodging his obvious flirts — he's just doing his job, of course.

Seokjin truly isn't kidding when he says he'd come here just for the food alone, though. It's amazing. Still, he wishes deep down that the food was served to him by a certain someone. He wishes that that certain someone was the one flirting with him—

"Would you like a drink with that?"

Jumping in his chair, Seokjin's hair stands up on the back of his neck, gasping as he feels an arm extend by his face, coming from behind. For a second, he thinks he's imagining Jungkook's voice and the tattoos on his arm, but then he freezes once he realizes it's real.

He turns in his chair, looking up at the man who's placing a fresh beer down on the table in front of him.

"Jungkook?"

The smile that forms on the server's face is fairly familiar, considering Seokjin couldn't get it out of his head for the entire time he'd spent away from him. And it's much more comforting than the sharp gaze Jungkook had given him from across the room.

"Oh?" Jungkook smiles down at the drink he places. "You remember me?"

Blinking dumbly, Seokjin stares. "Of course, I do. It's only been a week since I was last here."

Jungkook shrugs. "Didn't expect to see you back here at all, especially without your friends," he tells Seokjin, placing his hand down on the table and pressing his chest against the back of Seokjin's chair. He leans into Seokjin's ear. "I'm glad to see you, though."

Pink spreads across Seokjin's cheeks. "A-Anyway... I don't remember ordering a drink."

"You didn't," Jungkook says matter-of-factly. "It's on me, don't worry."

Seokjin never imagined he'd come here and have Jungkook buy him a drink. Hell, he didn't expect Jungkook to care about his existence, really.

"Thank you," he tells the server, smiling to himself as he takes a sip of the beer.

Jungkook nods. "Anything for you." His words cause delusions to filter through Seokjin's brain, but he tries not to let it get to his head because this is all part of an act. "But anyway, Seokjin. It's a busy night at the bar, so I gotta get back to work. Just thought I'd come by and say hi to my favorite customer."

He winks as he walks off, and Seokjin's face goes ablaze despite how awful the wink is (and always will be, apparently). There's a certain charm to Jungkook that Seokjin is addicted to. He just wishes that charm wasn't part of Jungkook's job.

Man, he needs to get a life and stop coming here.

~~~~~

All Seokjin wanted to do was go to the store in his loungewear and hide in his hoodie from the world. And yeah, sure, he's doing that right now — dressed in sweatpants and a hoodie, which is covering his head — but how is he supposed to hide from the world when the world hates him?

That's the only explanation as to why Seokjin is practically drowning in embarrassment right now, at least. The world despises him.

Because as he turns the corner at the grocery store, Seokjin bumps right into somebody who was holding an arm full of banana milks, and their bodies collide, which causes the milk to fall, which makes some of them bust open and spill all over both him and the person, and the floor.

"Ah! I'm so sorry! I—"

Seokjin's initial shock and embarrassment from the situation turns into absolute horror and regret as his eyes meet familiar doe-like ones. He swears he tears up as he realizes he's embarrassed himself in front of the cute server from the muscle restaurant.

"Oh? Seokjin!"

Despite the awkward situation, Jungkook's eyes beam.

Seokjin has never seen him fully clothed like this before. He's wearing a huge black bomber jacket with black flowy pants, black shoes, and a black beanie. He looks like a walking shadow, which is probably why Seokjin was jumpscared and shocked when he ran into him merely seconds ago, and his heart is still racing from the scare.

"Jungkook," Seokjin lets out lightly, gulping as he looks down at the mess. "I'm sorry I bumped into you." Then, his eyes widen in fear as he realizes he probably looks like a mess right now. He quickly pulls his hoodie strings, hiding his face, and his voice is muffled as he speaks, "I look like a mess! Don't look at me!"

Jungkook giggles — giggles! — and Seokjin is delighted to hear such a thing. Matter of fact, Jungkook's voice is usually pretty quiet due to the music that plays in the restaurant and at the bar, so this is his first time hearing it in such a chill environment. So soft, so sweet.

One of the store workers comes over with a mop and begins cleaning, and Jungkook bows politely to thank him. Seokjin follows suit like a robot, still with his eyes on the server rather than anyone else. They step off to the side to not mess with the cleaning process.

"Hyung," Jungkook says, then adds on, "Is it alright to call you that?" and Seokjin nods gently. "Alright. Hyung, it's okay. You look fine, you don't have to hide in your hoodie. I actually think you look really cute like this."

Seokjin's eyes grow huge. He lets go of the strings holding his face captive and stares at Jungkook in total surprise, wondering if he heard him correctly.

Jungkook rubs at the back of his neck.

"Was that too much? Sorry."

Quickly, Seokjin shakes his head, desperate. "No, no! It's fine! I just... wasn't expecting you to say something like that to me," he says, and Jungkook's shoulder tense up.

"Oh. Right. Sorry."

He keeps apologizing. Seokjin feels bad because, in his eyes, Jungkook has done nothing wrong. If anything, he'd love for him to continue saying things like that outside of work. It makes him feel a thousand times more flustered, sure, but it's also for a reason.

He likes it.

"Jungkookie," he says, parroting the nickname that he'd heard Namjoon call the server. Those apologetic, Bambi-like eyes become wider, a glint of light shining in them as he looks at Seokjin and hums in question. Seokjin toys with the string of his hoodie, looking down at his feet as he quietly speaks, "I don't mind it, you know."

He can practically hear the smile in Jungkook's voice right now. "Oh?"

Deciding to dismiss his own blush, Seokjin lets out a curt sigh. "Anyways, what are you doing here so late at night?" he asks Jungkook, glancing over him. "I'm assuming you're off work tonight."

"Yep. I'm going home and gaming all night." Jungkook gestures to where the banana milks had fallen. "Those were my gamer juice."

Smiling at the idea, Seokjin asks, "You play video games? So do I."

Somehow, Jungkook's eyes light up brighter than ever. They twinkle so much.

"For real? We should play together!"

Seokjin mirrors him, beaming. "Oh– Okay, I'd love to. Gaming is my thing."

Jungkook lightly laughs. "Me too. Here," he says, digging his phone out of his jacket pocket and holding it out to him. "Give me your number and let me know whenever you want to play sometime."

Seokjin's world freezes for a moment as he stares at Jungkook's tatted hand holding out his phone. He doesn't know how he manages to give Jungkook his number and live through an "I'll text you tonight?" but he does. No gorgeous man can defeat Kim Seokjin.

Except Jungkook does defeat him. In many ways.

Takes down his walls built by shyness, revealing the true playful side of him when they begin to play games together; Seokjin's comfortable. And Jungkook defeats him in video game upon video game, which is only mildly infuriating, just because he's rewarded by hearing Jungkook's cocky voice over his headset and getting to imagine his smirk.

Ah. Kim Seokjin has been defeated.

Whilst in the middle of playing a combat game with him, Seokjin's phone buzzes with an incoming message.

Jiminie:

hyungg!

let's go back to that restaurant this weekend

maybe that cute server will be there again ;)

u know u liked him heheh

Seokjin scoffs at his computer screen as he realizes he got distracted and Jungkook defeated him once again.

"Hey, Jungkookie," he lets out through his headset, earning a little hm? in return. "Do you work this Friday?"

Jungkook hums. "Yeah, why?"

Seokjin may have been defeated over and over, but now he has an advantage on something. Knowing Jungkook works on Friday, Seokjin sends Jimin a message, telling him the exact day and time they'll go.

He tells Jungkook, "No reason."

~~~~~

When he shows up at the restaurant with his two friends again, it's almost like Jungkook's eyes are magnetically drawn to them. Right in the entrance, Jungkook is already looking at him from across the restaurant.

Seokjin laughs a little as Jungkook rushes to the front, clearly wanting to be the one to serve them. Taehyung nudges Seokjin's arm with a grin and Jimin laughs as Jungkook bounces up to them like a bunny.

"You're back!" Jungkook beams as Seokjin nods. "We have a new rule for incoming customers," he says, "I don't know if you caught it last time you were here."

Taehyung tilts his head. "Last time—?"

His words get cut off into a little gasp as Jungkook swoops in and digs his arms underneath Seokjin's knees. Seokjin lets out a yelp as strong arms pick him up off the floor as if he's weightless, and he quickly wraps his arms around Jungkook out of fear of falling down.

He remembers Namjoon doing this to him last time, but he thought it was just to show off. Then again, everything the servers do here is to show off, so of course this is a new thing they have to do.

Either way, Seokjin is being held close to Jungkook's chest, with Jungkook's muscly arms wrapping around him, and his own places over Jungkook's shoulders.

It's like a dream come true.

Jimin and Taehyung mutter suspiciously about how they aren't getting the same treatment as Jungkook walks him towards their table. But then two muscular men come up to them and Seokjin laughs as they both giggle in pure joy when they're picked up — Seokjin recognizes Namjoon as one of the men, and the other one smiles like the sun.

Once they finally settle into their seats and his friends' flirting ends, they're left alone with just one server; Jungkook.

He's already brought them their drinks, and now that the ruckus is over, he smiles down at Seokjin, soft yet bright.

"So this is why you asked if I work today."

His question to Seokjin makes Jimin and Taehyung look at each other with parted lips, and then they look at Seokjin with that same confusion, going "What?!" and "Huh?!"

Brushing off their confusion for now, Seokjin orders his food. They follow suit right after, but when Jungkook goes to put their order in, the two immediately ask him what Jungkook meant. So, he tells them everything.

They seem so excited that Seokjin has actually taken an interest in someone. He tries to tell them that they're just friends and nothing more will come out of it.

Still...

As Jungkook walks by their table to head to the front door, dread swarms over him. Yeah, they're just friends, so it shouldn't matter when Jungkook picks up some random woman in bridal style. Shouldn't matter that he openly shows off his muscle and smiles politely, flirting as he's paid to do.

Realization slaps Seokjin in the face that Jungkook carries everyone to their seats, not just him. He's not special.

When Jungkook brings them their food, Seokjin is quieter than before. Jungkook tells him to enjoy his meal, and it's obvious that Jungkook made sure to give their table the best plates, and extra sides, and also even offered them free beers.

But it doesn't matter.

Seokjin picks at his food for a minute before finally scoffing at himself and hurrying it all down, wanting to leave this place because watching some group of girls feel up on Jungkook's abs is sickening to him.

He blinks his gaze away whenever Jungkook looks over at him a few times, even when he's across the room at another table.

Somebody needs to smack the reality back into Seokjin's pretty little head.

He looks over at his friends, noting that they're finished with their meals.

"Let's go," he tells them, and their eyes widen. "We've been here long enough."

Taehyung looks genuinely confused. "What?! Been here long enough? It's the weekend!"

Jimin pouts. "I thought we were getting drinks tonight, hyung?"

"Sure. But let's go somewhere else and do that. They're starting to get busy and probably need the table."

"Then we can sit at the bar—"

"Somewhere else," Seokjin begs, pleading with his eyes. His two friends glance at each other, and Jimin's gaze wanders off to Jungkook, who's currently pressing his entire damn chest up to someone's face as they giggle happily about it.

"Oh." Jimin frowns and nods. "We can go somewhere else," he says, and Taehyung looks back at Jungkook as well, totally obvious.

They both give Seokjin worried looks, but he brushes it off. Deciding to just leave their payment at the table, they all chip in, leaving cash next to their plates before getting up and heading towards the door.

Seokjin tries to ignore the odd expression on Jungkook's face when he notices them leaving. Tries to ignore the weird glint in his big doe eyes as their gazes briefly meet.

If Seokjin gets drunk off his ass that night at a different bar, it's because he deserves it, not to drink away that look in his eyes.

~~~~~

Seokjin wakes up with a pounding headache and a buzzing phone. He winces as he picks it up, looking at his notifications.

It's a text.

Jungkookie:

hyung

where did u run off to last night?

you didnt say bye...

A weird sense of guilt settles in his stomach, or maybe it's the alcohol from last night.

Seokjin:

didn't think you cared for goodbyes

Jungkookie:

what?? course i do

i woulda wished you a good night..

Seokjin:

why?

Jungkook's next message takes a beat longer to come through.

Jungkookie:

wdym why?

Seokjin sighs and sets his phone aside.

He doesn't go back to the restaurant the next weekend. But he also doesn't want to ruin a potential friendship at the very least, so he still plays games with Jungkook, swallowing down his guilt and jealousy.

Jungkook asks Seokjin why he didn't come to the restaurant. Seokjin says he's been busy.

It's not too much of a lie.

But then Seokjin doesn't go this week, either. Jungkook mentions work through his headset and Seokjin avoids the conversation like the plague. He doesn't want to risk hearing about Jungkook flirting with people other than him. Sure, he's selfish. Whatever.

Jungkook doesn't question the constant change in subject, though.

The only thing that finally breaks Seokjin's game of dismiss and pretend is a text.

A singular message changes everything.

Jungkook asks Seokjin if he wants to come over and play games, and eat... ramen.

Eating ramen at Jungkook's place?

Seokjin freaks out. The little blushing smiley face Jungkook ended the message with is not helping, either.

He tells Jungkook he'll come, but then messages his friends and screams in their group chat with them about it. Jimin tells him to wear something cute but Taehyung tells him to wear something comfortable.

He decides on both.

Somehow, he just knows Jungkook will be wearing a cool, comfortable outfit, like matching his sweatpants with a sweater or something. In the photos he sends Seokjin during random parts of his day, he's always dressed so cool.

Deciding on his creamy white sweater and jeans, Seokjin feels cute and totally ready to kick Jungkook's ass in video games in person.

When he gets to Jungkook's apartment, his nerves going wild, he realizes he hasn't actually seen Jungkook in person since a few weeks ago. He shakes a bit nervously when he knocks on the door, but he lets out a sigh of relief whenever the door opens and a sweet, familiar face welcomes him.

"Hyung!" Jungkook beams, eyes bright like stars as he pulls Seokjin into the doorway. "It's been so long since we've seen each other."

He practically drags Seokjin into his apartment. It's a cute little place, and Jungkook has anime figures lining his entertainment center. Seokjin smiles as he sits down on the sofa and nods when Jungkook offers him a drink.

They sit and chat for a bit before Jungkook nudges Seokjin and asks him if he wants to go make that ramen.

Seokjin blushes, and is completely relieved when Jungkook takes him to his kitchen and not his bedroom — he should've elaborated on the whole ramen text, honestly.

There's a lot of different ramen packets and bowls, and it's hard to choose just one. So, they end up with four bowls of ramen, and they finish it all quickly, learning that they both love the hell out of food.

Once they're so full that Seokjin can hardly move, they sit back on the sofa and spread out like starfish. It's such a comforting experience that Seokjin never wants to leave.

Jungkook tosses him a gaming controller and that settles it; they play two-player games until sunset, then order takeout once it begins getting dark.

Seokjin playfully nudges Jungkook's arm to try and mess him up while they go against each other in a racing game, but Jungkook is so strong and muscly that it hardly does anything to affect him.

When Jungkook does the same thing to him in return, Seokjin laughs and his cheeks dust red, finding it amusing that Jungkook can push him aside so easily.

He loses the race and pokes Jungkook in the side as he teases Seokjin for losing.

"Quit mocking me, or else."

Jungkook huffs out a confident laugh. "Or else what?" He smiles mischievously, poking Seokjin back. Seokjin squirms. "Say, hyung, what will you do? Hm?"

With butterflies in his tummy, Seokjin looks away, crossing his arms. "Okay, let's play a real match. This time, no cheating."

"You're the one who—"

"Yah! Quit yappin' and start the game!"

Jungkook laughs lightly, pressing the Play Again button on the screen.

When he wins yet again, Seokjin slumps dramatically over his own lap in defeat and utter disbelief. He asks, "Can't you at least pretend to let me win one match?"

"Nope."

Jungkook's body relaxes better into the sofa next to Seokjin, spreading his legs and brushing his thigh against Seokjin's.

Seokjin relaxes into the sofa as well, staring at the TV screen that still has tiny characters bouncing around in their racecars. The rush to win wears off and the two sit there, silently smiling to themselves. Seokjin nudges Jungkook with his knee, and Jungkook nudges him back with his arm.

A small laugh leaves Jungkook, and he suddenly decides to scoot closer. Seokjin's mouth goes dry as their bodies flush up against each other and Jungkook quietly raises his arm to lay it behind Seokjin, heavy on the sofa cushion. The warmth is enough to spread from Seokjin's neck to his ears and cheeks, blood rushing through.

Seokjin idly fiddles with the bottom of his sweater. He can't keep still. Moving his foot, bouncing his leg, letting his eyes search for answers he can't find.

Jungkook taps Seokjin's head with the hand behind his shoulders.

"Hyung, why are you so fidgety?" he asks, sounding genuinely concerned. But as their eyes meet, Seokjin swears that the glint in Jungkook's eyes means that he knows why.

"It's just... you're very close."

Whispering low, Jungkook asks, "Does that bother you, hyung?"

Seokjin gently shakes his head, still looking into his eyes. His heart beats so loudly he just knows Jungkook can hear it.

"No," he whispers back. "Does it bother you?"

Jungkook lets out a laugh, his shoulders relaxing even more. "Why would it bother me if I'm the one who did it?"

Seokjin's brain offers an awful thought.

"Because you get paid to flirt—"

Quickly, Seokjin presses his palm to his lips, eyes wide as he realizes he's speaking aloud. And of course, Jungkook catches it, his eyes also widening in response.

It's too late to cover his mouth.

He already said it.

He's going to hide in his apartment for the rest of his life and not speak to a soul.

Heat swarms Seokjin's entire body from head to toe, especially as Jungkook stares him down hard, his eyes flickering from head to toe, then smirking.

"I see, now..." He leans closer to Seokjin, their faces coming closer than ever. Doe eyes trail down to Seokjin's lips. "Does it look like I'm getting paid right now? Pretty sure this is free will."

Seokjin blinks profusely, a trillion thoughts running through his mind. "W-Why would you want to do this without getting paid?"

Jungkook's eyes widen a little in confusion. "Isn't it obvious? I like you."

The entire world flips upside down. Seokjin lets out an exasperated breath, unable to process, unable to believe. He whispers mostly to himself, "All this time..?" Jungkook's leg presses into his further.

"I've been flirting with you for real."

"Not because of the restaurant?"

Jungkook shakes his head. "Definitely not just because of the restaurant. Not at all."

Now, Seokjin just feels silly. The way Jungkook smiles at his misreading makes his ears burn like a bonfire. Seokjin huffs, fisting his fingers into Jungkook's shirt.

"Then what in the hell are you waiting for?" he asks, sounding offended to mask his embarrassment. Jungkook chuckles as he's pulled forward.

When their lips meet, it's mostly Jungkook leaning in. Seokjin doesn't have to do much. He's kissed deep into the sofa, being pressed in and engulfed by thick muscles.

Jungkook's lips are soft and plush against his. He's warm, tastes a bit salty, and he's greedy with the amount of breath he steals straight from Seokjin. Now that he's confident in his feelings being reciprocated, Seokjin wraps his arms around Jungkook's neck and holds him close, testing what he can for now.

By the time Seokjin relaxes into the kiss, it's Jungkook who has to pull away, hardly centimeters apart as he gasps for air.

"Hyung." Jungkook inhales deeply before diving right back into Seokjin's smile, kissing and sucking at his lower lip until Seokjin feels like mush.

Seokjin lowers his hands to Jungkook's arms, squeezing his firm biceps and letting out pleased hums as Jungkook flexes and grabs hold of his waist, squeezing in return.

When Jungkook pulls away for another breath, Seokjin nudges his nose against his and grins.

"Wanna see who can kiss the longest?"

Jungkook smiles as well, laughing lightly. "Always gotta be a challenge with you, huh, hyung?" He leans in slowly. "I'll win, though."

Except, as they cuddle into the couch and lazily kiss each other all night, they both find something that they can actually challenge each other to, and come out as equals.

Neither of them win.

They fall asleep against each other's lips, tangled up on the sofa in blissful peace.

Seokjin has never slept better than he does now, pressed up against those muscles he's grown to cherish as more than just as a restaurant server; Jungkook is his now, and not just some cute guy working his job.

And Seokjin is his, too. Though, Seokjin already knew that much. He's pretty sure he's always been Jungkook's, and always will be.

~~~~~

The end! :D

Hope you enjoyed this cute little fic hehe I'm sure they go on dates and fall in love and get married and live happily ever after c;

Also this fic was commissioned by an anon, and I wanna thank them for asking me to write this for them!! I loved writing it 🥹🫶

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