Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

u/jjk.0901 

I have a crush on my classmate.

“It’s strange how easy it is to be honest when no one knows your name. Any reservations or fears just vanish. Here I can be a more authentic version of myself that I would be too afraid to show anyone in my personal life. So here goes nothing. 

I (23M) have had a crush on my classmate (25M) since freshman year. None of the advice I’ve gotten has been helpful at all, and I just want to get over him.

I’m in the closet, and none of my friends know that I’m gay. But I’ve been secretly crushing on one of my classmates since I started college. Somehow, we always end up in the same class even though I’m positive we have different majors. So no matter how much I want to distance myself from him, apparently, the universe doesn't care about that. Because why else would we happen to always be in the same class? I’m finding it hard to believe it's purely coincidence at this point. It’s been three years, and he is unescapable. 

I just want to move on from him. He isn’t interested in men, and I very obviously stand no chance even if he did. 

Honestly, I could guarantee that he doesn’t even know I exist. I’m a very introverted person who doesn’t talk much. I also don’t really have many friends. I suppose I have one if we count my roommate. 

But him? Oh, he’s friends with everyone and has an indescribable magnetism about him where people just want to gravitate toward him. He’s confident, charismatic, kind, friendly, and the list goes on. 

I’m sure you get my point by now. 

We are two entirely different entities who operate in separate spaces. Yet, just like everyone else I also gravitate toward him. Although at this point I wish I didn’t. 

It’s time for me to move on, but I don’t know how to. 

I’ve had a crush on him for so long that I don't know how to do anything else. 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

TLDR: Have an unrequited crush on a classmate, and need advice on how I can move on.”

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Jungkook hit the send button before he could process the regret of writing out his feelings so publicly. He wasn’t sure what kind of response, maybe none at all. Maybe conveying his feelings into the void would be enough. At least he hoped it would be. 

He stared at the forum, sighing deeply at the sight of hundreds of other anonymous strangers sharing a similar sentiment. It didn't fix anything, but it helped knowing he wasn’t the only one. 

As he stood from his desk, he heard a ping coming from the website. Jungkook sank back into his chair and opened the notification. 

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u/kthv1230 

“I don’t think you want to “get over” him. I think you want to understand why he’s held your attention for so long. 

These might be confusing feelings for you since this is a person you haven’t really interacted with before. You should try to at least say hello to him before writing him off completely.

Perhaps that is just the closure you’re looking for. Maybe talking to him will make you realize that you don’t like him anymore, or will at the very least humanize him from the fantasies you’ve built up in your head. 

Either way, don’t punish yourself for having feelings. Crushes don’t make you weak. They make you human.” 

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Jungkook’s eyes scanned over the words repeatedly. His foot subconsciously tapped against the floor as he processed the stranger’s response. Maybe the stranger is right. Maybe that really is the closure he needs to finally get over him. Or of course, his crush could worsen if they get a chance to talk. Jungook really wants to hope that it can’t get any worse than it is now. 

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u/jjk.0901 

“I think you might be on to something. Maybe I will try to talk to him, and hope that it helps me get closure. 

I’m not sure if I am brave enough to approach him. I will update the post if I do. 

Thank you for your advice, kind stranger. 

Keep your fingers crossed for me.”

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Jungkook stared at the screen for a long time after sending it, as if waiting for his courage to arrive in the form of another notification. 

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Jungkook looked around the lecture hall and was thankful his crush hadn’t arrived yet. He was trying not to think about the forum post, but he couldn't help himself. 

He wondered if he really had the courage to talk to him today. He promised himself he wouldn’t overthink it. It wasn’t a big deal. All he had to do was say hello, and maybe wave if he felt brave. 

He promised a stranger he’d try. That should’ve made it easier. It didn’t. 

Jungkook looked up from his fidgeting hands at the sound of his crush’s voice filling the room. The older man was laughing at something his friend had whispered to him as they walked further inside. His smile radiated a subtle warmth. Something Jungkook wished could be directed toward him. 

He pinched the soft spot between his thumb and index finger roughly. He reminded himself that he’s supposed to be getting over him, not falling harder. 

When Jungkook looked back up, he noticed his crush walking toward him. His mind immediately went into panic mode. He hoped that the older man would move right past him. Because surely, he couldn’t be coming toward him. Right? 

Jungkook’s eyes flickered around the room until they finally settled on the last open seat. It just so happened to be right next to him. Oh no. He hadn’t emotionally prepared himself for this. 

“Hey, is this seat taken?” The older man asked, smiling softly as he gestured to the chair beside Jungkook.

“U-uh, no.” Jungkook hadn’t expected his voice to shake. He hadn’t expected Taehyung’s smile to make it worse. Still, he smiled at me.

It may not have been a conversation. But it was something. He said at least the one word he promised he’d say. Hopefully, the stranger would be pleased to hear that he tried to follow through and engage with his crush somehow. 

Jungkook wasn’t so sure this would give him the closure he needed. Maybe he liked his crush more than he thought. 

The class ended as quickly as it started, and suddenly Jungkook was tempted to say more. Even though he wanted to run away. He allowed himself one last look at his crush before he left. The older man had already been looking at him, and he sheepishly smiled in response before leaving to catch up with his friends. 

Jungkook watched his crush walk away and thought to himself that the stranger’s advice had worked in a way. But now, instead of closure, all he felt was the quiet ache of wanting more.

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u/jjk.0901

Update: I said hello (kind of).

“Thank you to everyone who commented on my last post. I thought I’d give you guys an update on how it went today.

So I said I’d try to talk to him. I didn’t exactly have a conversation, but he asked if the seat next to me was taken, and I think that counts as progress. I might’ve forgotten how to form complete sentences, but I did manage to get a single word out. 

He smiled at me though. Like genuinely smiled. And I can’t stop thinking about it. I’ve spent the past three years watching that smile from across rooms, and now it’s kind of permanently imprinted on my brain.

Maybe it’s silly to feel proud of saying one word, but it feels like progress. Maybe small steps count.

Anyway, I don’t know what I was expecting. I guess I just wanted to tell someone that I did it. That’s all.”

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Jungkook hit the send button, hoping a certain someone would respond to his post. He anxiously fidgeted in his chair while he waited for a notification to pop up. He mindlessly scrolled on his phone to distract himself, even though he could hardly peel his eyes away from the screen. 

The notification ping startled him, and he quickly threw his phone to the wayside to investigate.

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u/k.thv1230 

“Starts like the sound of a conversation to me. Don’t pretend you didn’t enjoy it.”

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Jungkook scoffed at the stranger’s response. Maybe he was right. 

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u/jjk.0901 

“You sound awfully confident for someone who wasn’t there, haha.

It’s weird though. I thought finally talking to him would make it easier to move on, but now I feel even more tangled up about it. 

Either way, thanks for replying. Maybe you’re right. It could really be the start of something.”

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Jungkook hit send, and for the first time in a long time, the silence that followed didn’t feel lonely. Having someone who believed in him made it easier for him to believe in himself. 

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Jungkook sat in the empty lecture hall, mulling over his notes. He came early again, just in case. Not because he expected anything, of course. He just wanted to say one word this time without tripping over it. 

Maybe if he were brave, he could aim for two words. But that might be pushing it. 

He started doodling in the margin of his paper to distract himself from the sounds of students filing into the room. 

It’s not like he was waiting for him. Not really. 

He didn’t want to be overly hopeful, but he did kind of want his crush to sit next to him again. 

He looked up from his notes at the sound of the older man’s voice approaching. He was walking directly toward Jungkook. 

“Hey, we meet again.” His voice was softer up close, lower than Jungkook expected, the kind of sound that stuck in your chest after he stopped speaking.

“Yeah, hi,” Jungkook replied, feeling proud of himself for saying the two words he hoped for. 

The man frantically rifled through his bag searching for a pen, and even patted his pockets to double-check. Nothing. He felt embarrassed asking for one, but hoped the shy boy next to him wouldn’t mind, “Oh, uh, do you have an extra pen?” He tried to act nonchalant, but felt anything but, right now. 

“Yeah.” Jungkook nodded and handed one over to him. Their fingers brushed together through the exchange. Just a quick fleeting moment. Over before it began.

Jungkook’s face flushed at the contact. He averted his eyes from his crush and still managed to keep himself distracted through the rest of the lecture. 

The man carefully placed the pen back onto his desk, “Thanks, lifesaver. You’re Jungkook, right?” 

Jungkook barely managed a quiet, “Yeah.” 

He watched the man walk away, thumb brushing against the pen that still felt warm from his touch. 

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u/jjk.0901 

Update #2: He knows my name.

“Okay, so remember the guy I mentioned before? (The one I swore I was going to move on from? Yeah, him.)  He sat next to me again today. I’m starting to think maybe the universe is *too* invested in this.

Anyway, he forgot his pen, and I let him borrow mine. Nothing earth-shattering, except our fingers brushed and my brain stopped working for the rest of class.

Here’s the part that’s messing with me, though. When class ended, he gave the pen back and said my name.

I don’t know why that hit so hard.  Maybe it’s because I’ve spent years thinking I was invisible, and suddenly I’m not. It’s just a name, I know. But I felt seen.

I don’t know where this is going, if anywhere.  But I’m smiling for the first time in a long time, and that has to count for something, right?”

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Jungkook couldn’t help the sudden giddy smile as he read his post over. He quickly hit send, impatiently waiting for a response from the stranger he’d started to grow fond of. 

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u/kthv.1230  

“Names have power. Sometimes saying someone’s name is just a way of reminding them they already exist in your world.”

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Jungkook’s expression shifted the moment he read the stranger’s response. His brow furrowed as he reread the words. He knew it was just advice, poetic like always, but a small part of him wondered if it meant something more. If maybe, somehow, his crush knew him, too.

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u/jjk.0901  

“I keep thinking about what you said about names having power.

Maybe that’s why it felt so strange when he said mine. He shouldn’t even *know* it. We’ve never talked before. I barely talk to anyone, honestly.  I’m not someone people notice, so hearing my name come from him…felt unreal. Like for one second, I actually existed in someone else’s world.

I don’t know if that makes sense. It probably sounds dramatic.  But it’s hard to explain how big something small can feel when you’ve spent years trying not to be seen.”

Jungkook stared at the blinking cursor for a long time after hitting send. He wondered if he was sharing too much again. But somehow, with this stranger, it didn’t feel like oversharing. It just felt like being known.

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Jungkook arrived early for class, not out of habit but anticipation. He hadn’t seen his crush in a while, and the absence left him restless. He told himself he wasn’t waiting, just… hoping.

He felt mentally prepared to have a real conversation. Maybe. But as the quiet minutes passed, the nervous energy settled into something softer. The calm silence of the empty hall was starting to grow on him.

Jungkook scribbled into his notebook idly, trying to think of something other than his crush. 

The doors opened, and his voice carried easily through the room, warm, familiar, and impossible to ignore. “You always get here early, huh?” He slid into the seat next to him like he owned it. 

Jungkook laughed awkwardly, “Yeah, I just like having time to settle in before class.” 

“So, what’s your major, Jungkookie?” The man turned toward him, giving Jungkook his full attention. 

Jungkook’s brain short-circuited at the nickname. He’d never had one before, so it was a little jarring to hear. But now that he had a moment to process, he found he didn’t mind it too much if it came from his crush.

“Oh, uh, I’m an English Lit major.” Jungkook sputtered out, “How about you?” 

“You must be a smart one then, Kookie.” The man laughed softly before responding, “I’m a Communications major.” 

“Ah, that makes sense,” Jungkook said, smiling without meaning to. 

The conversation had lasted barely a minute, but to him it felt like something real. Like a thread connecting two people who had always existed in separate worlds.

The professor arrived soon after, and class began, though Jungkook couldn’t focus. His pen hovered uselessly over the page, tracing invisible shapes. Every now and then, Taehyung leaned over to make a quiet comment or ask a question, and each time Jungkook’s heart kicked like it was trying to make up for lost time.

When the lecture finally ended, Taehyung stood and stretched, a lazy grin curving his mouth. “See you next time, Kookie,” he said easily, as though it was already a given that there’d be a next time.

Jungkook watched him leave, the sound of his laugh fading down the hall. He caught himself smiling again, shaking his head at how ridiculous he felt.

That night, sitting at his desk with the glow of his laptop painting his face, he opened the forum again. His fingers hovered over the keyboard for a long time before he started typing. 

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u/jjk.0901 • 

Update #3: We actually talked today.

“I’m starting to think the universe is playing favorites.

He sat next to me again. I didn’t even have to pretend not to notice this time. We actually *talked*. Nothing dramatic, just… normal. But it felt big.

He asked what my major was. I told him, and he said I must be smart. Oh, and he gave me a nickname. I’ve never had one before, so I wasn’t sure what to think, but if he keeps talking to me then he can call me any name he wants. 

I’m trying not to read too much into it, but I can’t help it. He said my name again. Twice, actually.

I know it’s just small talk, but it’s the kind of small talk that makes you feel seen. I guess that’s becoming a theme lately.

Anyway, I’m smiling like an idiot right now. Maybe that’s enough.”

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Jungkook hit send and released a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He hadn’t expected to make progress like this, and he hoped the stranger would be happy to hear from him again. He sat around staring at his computer until he heard the sound of the notification. 

He clicked on it instantly. 

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u/kthv.1230 

“You sound happy. Maybe it’s about time you finally let yourself be noticed.”

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Jungkook quickly typed out a response. 

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u/jjk.0901 

“I used to think being invisible was easier. But maybe I was just lonely. Thank you for listening. It means more than you probably realize.”

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Jungkook checked the forum again before bed in case he received another response, but there was nothing worth looking at. 

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Jungkook arrived early for class, not out of habit but anticipation. He hadn’t seen his crush in a while, and the thought of seeing him again set his nerves humming. Sitting together before class had started to feel natural,  maybe even something he looked forward to.

His crush sat next to him without any hesitation, “Hey, I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I guessed.” The man handed him a cup of coffee before taking a sip from his own cup. 

Jungkook grabbed the cup from the elder and stared at it. He couldn’t believe that his crush had thought of him and bought him a coffee. He muttered out a quiet, “Thank you,” before taking a tentative sip. 

“So, how is it?” The man eagerly watched Jungkook with bated breath, waiting for a response. 

“Oh, it’s really good actually.” Jungkook genuinely smiled, laugh lines crinkling at the corners of his eyes. 

“I’m so glad you like it,” Taehyung sheepishly grinned in return, “I’ll remember that.” 

The professor had started lecturing before Jungkook could respond. So, he turned toward the front and began taking notes. It wasn’t as hard to get absorbed into the conversation as he thought. He occasionally looked over at his crush, and every time he did, he found the man staring right back. 

When class ended, his crush lingered for a moment, “You headed anywhere after this?”

Jungkook panicked and spat out, “Just back to the dorms.” 

The man laughed and said, “We should get coffee sometime then. You can’t always be stuck in the dorms with a face like that.”

Jungkook froze. His face? What did that even mean? Before he could gather his thoughts, his crush was already walking away, laughter trailing behind him.

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u/jjk.0901 

Update #4: I think he might actually like talking to me?

“Okay, so he brought me coffee today. Like, he actually thought about me outside of class?

We talked before class started, and it felt so normal. Easy, even. 

He said we should get coffee sometime. Then he ran off before I even had time to respond. I wouldn’t have even known how. 

I know I’m probably reading into this too much, like usual, but he’s making it hard not to. It’s weird, I’m usually terrified of people, but around him, I just feel normal. 

Is this what it feels like when the world starts noticing you back?”

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Jungkook hit send and leaned back in his chair. Even though he saw his crush hours ago, he still hadn’t processed everything that happened today. He had been making way more progress than he expected. Maybe it was this easy the whole time, and he never felt brave enough to try. 

Jungkook barely registered the notification ping from being so absorbed in his own thoughts. He quickly opened his inbox and read the stranger’s response out loud. 

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u/kthv.1230 

“It sounds like he already sees you, and you’re only just realizing it. Maybe it’s time you start believing you deserve to be noticed.”

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u/jjk.0901 

“I want to believe that. I’m just scared that if I do, I’ll wake up and it’ll all disappear.  

But for now, I think I’m going to let myself be happy about it. Even if it’s temporary.”

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Jungkook closed his laptop after sending his response. His reflection glowed faintly in the dark screen, eyes a little glassy but smiling. He looked over at the pen Taehyung had borrowed and whispered,

“Maybe I do deserve to be noticed.”

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Jungkook arrived early again, but this time, he wasn’t empty-handed. It wasn’t much, but it felt like something. Like proof that he was trying. 

He took his usual seat, waiting. His leg bounced under the table while the room slowly filled with students. When he finally heard his crush’s laugh echo across the hall, his heart did that fluttering thing he couldn’t control.

“Morning, Kookie,” The older man greeted as he approached, smiling like the sun itself had chosen him to shine on. “You beat me here again.”

Jungkook’s throat went dry for a moment. He slid one of the cups toward the man before he could lose his nerve. “Uh, you brought me coffee last time… so I thought I’d return the favor.”

He blinked, caught off guard, and then his face softened. “You remembered?”

Jungkook nodded, cheeks tinged pink. “You said you liked caramel macchiatos.”

The older man’s grin widened, slow and genuine. “I can’t believe you actually remembered that.”

“I pay attention sometimes,” Jungkook said, a small smile tugging at his lips.

He laughed quietly, taking a sip. “Well, you make a damn good coffee date, even if it’s just before class.”

Jungkook’s pen almost slipped from his hand. “D-date?”

Taehyung leaned back in his chair, smirking playfully. “Figure of speech… unless you’d prefer it not to be.” For just a second, his eyes softened, something unspoken flickering there, before he looked away.

Jungkook stared at him, entirely unsure how to respond, which only made the man’s grin deepen. The lecture started before he could recover, saving him from answering, but also leaving his thoughts in an absolute mess.

He tried to focus on his notes, but his handwriting came out shaky, uneven. Every time the man shifted beside him or sipped from his cup, Jungkook could feel it.

When class ended, his crush gathered his things and said lightly, “Next time’s on me again, okay? Can’t let you win this easily.”

Jungkook just nodded, smiling despite himself. “Deal.”

It wasn’t just polite conversation. Not this time.

The way Taehyung said it, light, teasing, but with something real tucked underneath. It felt like possibility.

Jungkook smiled to himself, whispering Taehyung’s name quietly, almost like a secret.

He liked the way it sounded when he said it.

Soft. Personal. His.

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u/jjk.0901 

Update #5: I think I’m falling for him again. 

“I bought him coffee today. I wanted to return the favor after last time, and he said something that felt promising. 

Something to suggest that he might be interested in me. I might be reading too much into it, but I don’t think I am. 

Every time we talk, I feel more like myself. Or maybe it’s a version of myself that’s not afraid to exist. 

I don’t know if he likes me, but I do know that I like the person I’m becoming around him. Maybe that’s all I really needed after all.”

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Jungkook hesitated to post his update, feeling unsure of his own words. He’d typed them out, but they still didn’t feel real. Still, he hoped to hear from the stranger again, so he screwed his eyes shut and hit send. 

He couldn’t bring himself to open his eyes until he heard the notification ping, since he didn’t want to second-guess himself and end up deleting his post in haste. 

The sudden ping startled him out of his overthinking. 

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u/kthv.1230 

“Maybe that’s how love starts. Not with certainty, but with the quiet realization that someone makes you feel more like yourself.”

For what it’s worth, I think he probably likes you, too. He just hasn’t found the words yet. 

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Jungkook read it again and again, his heart hammering in his chest. He leaned back in his chair, the glow of the screen painting his face in soft blue light.

He whispered aloud to himself, “It almost sounds like...you know me.” Jungkook laughed it off, not wanting to believe it could be true. 

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Taehyung

You still owe me that coffee date 😏

Don’t think I forgot.

Jungkook

I suppose I do.

How could I forget?

Taehyung

Good. I was starting to think I’d have to chase you down after class.

Are you free later?

Jungkook

Yeah

Taehyung

Okay

So, I guess I’ll see you later?

Right, Kookie?

Jungkook 

LOL yes, I’ll see you later

Jungkook smiled warmly at his phone. The soft light reflected the pink hue dusting his cheeks. By the time he set his phone down, Jungkook’s pulse hadn’t slowed. He still had hours until class, but suddenly, the day felt shorter.

He’d be seeing Taehyung in just a few hours for their first hang. Date? He wasn’t too sure which it was, but either way, he was excited to see the elder outside of class for once. 

It was happening much sooner than he thought. When was the last time he hung out with someone anyway? Jungkook couldn’t even remember. He’d gotten so used to being alone that he forgot how nice it was to have company. 

He just hoped he wouldn’t be too nervous. 

The hours between class and their coffee date stretched endlessly. Jungkook kept checking the clock, rereading their messages, wondering if he should’ve dressed differently. He told himself it wasn’t a date. His heart disagreed.

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The cafe door chimed as Jungkook pushed it open. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries filled his senses as he stepped inside. His eyes naturally gravitated toward where Taehyung sat by the window. 

“Hey, did you wait long?” Jungkook approached the elder before sitting down across from him. 

“Oh, hey!” Taehyung smiled, “I haven’t been here long.” He stirred his coffee slowly, the spoon clinking against the mug in a rhythm that made Jungkook’s chest ache for reasons he couldn’t name.

Jungkook shrugged out of his jacket and hung it up on the back of his chair. “Oh, good.” He turned toward Taehyung and saw him scribbling in a journal, “Whatcha working on?” 

Taehyung’s features bloomed with joy, “Nothing serious, just a little drabble.” He shifted away from Jungkook and used his hand to cover the pages. 

“Hmm,” Jungkook squinted at him, “If it wasn’t serious, then why’d you cover it?” He teased, tilting his head with an easy grin.

“Okay, you caught me,” Taehyung rolled his eyes, “I write a lot because of my major, so I’ve gotten into the habit of journaling.” 

Jungkook’s face stilled for a moment before replying, “And? What’s wrong with journaling?” His head turned in confusion. 

“It’s not weird to you?” Taehyung questioned, seemingly surprised by his answer. 

“No, I actually think it’s great that you can do that,” Jungkook stopped to think of his next words carefully, “I’ve spent so much time keeping everything to myself that I think it would be hard for me to allow myself to be seen in that way.”

“You know, there’s nothing wrong with being noticed. Maybe you just have to believe you deserve it.” Taehyung’s lips quirked up into a genuine smile. His body leaned over the table, closing the gap between them. 

There was something about Taehyung’s words that felt familiar, yet unnerving. 

“I’m starting to believe that now.” Jungkook couldn’t help but notice the softness in Taehyung’s eyes as he spoke. Maybe he imagined it. Still, he found himself leaning closer. 

“I’m glad to hear that, Kookie.” Jungkook still wasn’t used to the nickname, but when Taehyung said it softly like that, it didn’t sound strange anymore. It sounded like it belonged to him.

Taehyung gently touched Jungkook’s hand. It was barely a touch. So fleeting it might’ve been coincidental. Jungkook wasn’t even sure what to think of anything anymore, so he tried to ignore his overwhelming thoughts and just focus on being with Taehyung. 

The afternoon seemed to end as soon as it started. Jungkook found himself replaying the moments from earlier in his head. The way Taehyung laughed, the way his hand brushed his, the way it felt easy. 

Jungkook had a persistent smile on his face while he wrote out his next forum post. 

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

u/jjk.0901 

Update #6: We got coffee. 

“I don’t even know if it was a date. It didn’t feel like one, but it didn’t not feel like one either. 

We sat there talking for hours about anything and everything. I didn’t even have time to feel nervous. He kept looking at me like I was something worth listening to. 

Maybe it’s just that easy. 

I really don’t know what I was so afraid of. 

It’s weird, though. Every time I talk to him, I end up seeing myself differently.

Maybe that’s what liking someone really does — it changes the way you see yourself, not just them.”

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

Jungkook hesitated before posting it, even rereading it twice. It felt more honest than any of his other updates, and maybe that was in part inspired by his conversation with Taehyung earlier. 

Without too much thinking, he hit send. 

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

u/kthv.1230

“It’s not about whether it’s a date or not. It’s more about how he makes you feel. 

Honestly, it sounds like he feels the same. Maybe he’s afraid to say something.”

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

Jungkook read the message over, his stomach flipped at the words. The phrasing felt too familiar, as if it were something Taehyung would say. 

He shook his head and laughed it off because that would be crazy, right? 

Jungkook closed his laptop and stared outside his dorm room window. Rain tapped against the glass. He whispered to himself, barely audible, “If you really knew me…would you still say that?” 

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

Something possessed him to reread the stranger’s messages and compare them to Taehyung’s. The more he read, the more he felt sick to his stomach. He couldn’t be sure, so he decided to respond to the stranger’s message to see how the stranger would respond to him. 

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

u/jjk.0901

“It’s strange, something you said reminded me of someone I know. 

The way you talk about seeing people, about noticing them… it felt familiar somehow.

Maybe it’s just a coincidence, but it’s funny how the right words always seem to find you at the right time.”

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

He hovered over the ‘send’ button for a long time. He didn’t want to ruin what they had, but something in him needed to know.

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

u/kthv.1230 

“Maybe it’s not such a coincidence.

I guess some words just sound the same when they come from the same person.”

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

Jungkook’s breath caught as he reread the message. His heart stuttered, mind racing back through every post, every word that he'd once read. It all made sense now. The advice, the phrasing, the timing. It was him. It had always been him.

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

“Maybe it’s not such a coincidence,” Jungkook whispered to himself. The stranger’s last message played over in his mind like a mantra. 

The flickering light from his laptop filled his vision as he continued to read. He scrolled through their messages and saw the echoes of Taehyung’s voice in each one. 

Jungkook’s breath hitched. His pulse roared in his ears. Every message, every word of comfort, every quiet kindness, had all been him.

“It’s him,” he whispered, the truth settling in like gravity.

Jungkook wasn’t sure how he felt about the situation. He felt betrayed and touched by Taehyung’s actions. The incredible kindness and understanding all came from him, but at the same time, he knew everything all along. Jungkook detailed all of their interactions over the past three years. How long had Taehyung known it was him? 

Honestly, he felt more embarrassed than anything and wasn’t sure how he’d be brave enough to face Taehyung again. Especially since he was too afraid to respond to any of his messages right now. 

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

Jungkook barely slumped into his chair before the lecture began. He wanted to save his conversation with Taehyung till their class ended.

The professor was talking, but Jungkook couldn’t focus on anything over the sound of his pounding heartbeat. He kept his eyes on his notes, afraid of accidentally making eye contact with Taehyung. Even though he could feel the elder’s presence beside him. 

When the lecture ended, Jungkook turned toward Taehyung and blurted out, “Can we talk?” He internally cringed at how small his voice came out. 

“Uh, yeah.” Taehyung nodded in agreement and gestured for Jungkook to stand up first.

Jungkook grabbed Taehyung’s hand before turning around and dragging them toward the exit. He stopped once they reached a quiet corner at the end of the hallway. 

“It’s you, isn’t it?” Jungkook’s voice trembled. His fingers twisted the hem of his sleeve. “You’re the one I’ve been talking to online.”

Taehyung looked down toward the floor and nodded. “I didn’t plan to. At first, I just wanted to help. But then I realized it was you, and I didn’t know how to stop.”

“Why didn’t you just tell me?” Jungkook protested, his hands immediately covering his face. 

“At first I just wanted to help,” Taehyung said softly. “But then I started waiting for your posts. They were the only thing that made my nights feel less lonely.” He paused, searching for the right words, “Because you opened up to me there in ways I was scared to ruin.”

Jungkook exhaled, slow and shaky. “I should be mad,” he said quietly. “But I can’t be. Because if it weren’t for you… I don’t think I’d ever have had the courage to talk to you at all.”

Eventually, he realized that without the posts, they would have never met and gotten to know each other. That’s all he wanted anyway. The more he learned about Taehyung, the more he felt himself falling for him. 

“You know, all this time, I was scared to be seen. But you saw me first, even when I didn’t know it was you.” Jungkook’s voice was barely above a whisper. He finally looked into Taehyung’s eyes, not realizing his own had begun to water. 

“Then maybe now we can start seeing each other for real.” Taehyung smiled softly

Jungkook nodded, a small, shaky smile breaking through. Taehyung’s fingers brushed his, a promise more than a touch.

It wasn’t a kiss, not yet,  but it felt like one waiting in the wings.

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

Later that evening, Jungkook sat at his desk scrolling through the recent updates on the forum. He realized that he no longer needed to rely on strangers for advice, when he had everything he could ever want right now. Still, he decided to write one last update. Not for the readers, or for himself. But for Taehyung. He really just wanted to show him how far he’d come through all of this.

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

u/jjk.0901

Final Update

“I didn’t know what love was when I started writing these posts. I still don't, but I think I’m closer to finding out than ever. 

It’s about finding someone who can see me for everything I am. I think I can finally allow myself to be seen, to be noticed, and to be loved. 

I don’t know where this will go, but for once, that doesn’t scare me anymore.”

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

Jungkook closed his laptop after hitting send and turned to see a new message pop up on his phone. 

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

Taehyung

u/kthv.1230 

“You don’t have to write about me anymore, you can just text me.” 

Jungkook used to write about the boy who never noticed him.

Now, he didn’t have to write at all — the boy was right there, looking back.

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

Chapter Text

The café looked the same as always, the hum of the espresso machine, the chipped wooden counter, but walking toward it now felt different. Like stepping into a memory that finally belonged to him.

There was no anxiety this time, just a quiet flutter of excitement as he grew closer. Things were different now, they weren’t just hanging out, they were going on a date. A real one this time. 

He used to be terrified of moments like this, of being seen too clearly. But Taehyung’s gaze didn’t scare him. It felt like coming home.

The door chimed above him as he carefully pushed it open. The sights and smells were familiar, but this time Taehyung was the one waving him over. Like he’d been staring at the door, waiting for him. 

“You’re late. I was beginning to think you stood me up.” Taehyung pouted before sliding a cup of coffee toward him. 

“You’re the one who made me wait all this time. I figured it was fair.” Jungkook chuckled in response as sat down across from the elder. 

“Touché. You win this round, Kookie.” Taehyung sipped from his mug.

He’d been toying with his coffee mug since they began talking. Now, after hours of conversation, the ceramic was cool beneath his fingers and his hands felt steady again. 

“You know, I used to refresh that forum way too often. I couldn’t wait to see what you’d say next.” Taehyung fidgeted with the mug, eyes turned down toward the table.

“You’re kidding.” Jungkook’s face flushed in embarrassment at the confession. 

“Not even a little. You made my weeks more interesting.” Taehyung admitted. 

“And here I was, writing about you like you were a dream.” Jungkook covered his face with his hands as he processed the new information. 

“Guess dreams come true sometimes.” Taehyung teased.

He laughed, really laughed. Taehyung reached across the table, and this time Jungkook met him halfway, their hands brushing deliberately. 

The cafe was nearly empty now. The light outside had softened, leaving only the street lights to illuminate the way. Jungkook felt the world slowing down around them, like they existed in their own little world. 

Taehyung leaned closer, eyes asking permission. Jungkook nodded before he could even think. 

Their lips met briefly, and it felt like everything finally made sense. 

Jungkook spent months writing about moments like this. But now that he had it, he didn’t want to describe it. He just wanted to live it.

For once, the story wasn’t for anyone else to read.

Chapter Text

Taehyung suddenly felt shy as he turned toward Jungkook. "So... you’re gonna stay over, right?"

Jungkook reached out, intertwining their fingers. "Of course, Hyung”

Taehyung nodded, a smile spreading across his face. They set off down the sidewalk, their intertwined hands swinging gently between them. The streetlights cast a soft glow on the empty sidewalk as they walked back to Taehyung’s dorm.

They walked in silence for a few moments, the only sound the soft tapping of their shoes on the pavement. Jungkook found himself sneaking glances at Taehyung, admiring the way the moonlight played across his features.

The soft glow accentuated the sharp line of his jaw and the gentle curve of his lips. As if sensing Jungkook's gaze, Taehyung turned to him, a tender smile gracing his face.

"What are you thinking about?" Taehyung asked, his voice low and intimate in the quiet of the night.

Jungkook felt a blush creep up his neck. "Just... how lucky I am," he admitted softly.

Taehyung's grip on his hand tightened, and he pulled Jungkook closer as they walked. The warmth of Taehyung’s body against his side sent a pleasant shiver down his spine.

As they approached Taehyung's dorm building, the familiar facade came into view. The old ivy that clung to the walls rustled gently in the night breeze, and the warm glow of the lights spilled out onto the sidewalk.

Taehyung fumbled with his key card, suddenly feeling nervous. The lock beeped, and he pushed the door open, holding it for Jungkook.

"You okay?" Taehyung murmured, his breath warm against his ear.

Jungkook nodded, leaning into his embrace. "Just a little nervous, I guess. It's silly, I know."

Taehyung turned to face him, gently cupping his face with both hands. "There's nothing to be nervous about. It's just us."

Jungkook's heart fluttered at the tenderness in his eyes. Taehyung leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips.

As they pulled apart, he felt a rush of warmth flood through him. Taehyung's eyes were soft and full of affection as he gazed at him.

Taehyung pulled him close, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. "You're adorable when you're nervous," he murmured.

Jungkook huffed out a laugh, burying his face in his chest. "Shut up," he mumbled, but there was no heat in his words.

Taehyung chuckled, the sound reverberating through his chest. "Make me," he challenged playfully.

He looked up, meeting Taehyung's teasing gaze. Without hesitation, he surged forward, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. Taehyung responded immediately, his arms wrapping tightly around his waist to pull him closer.

The kiss deepened, and Jungkook felt his back press against the wall of the dimly lit entry way.

He tangled his fingers in Taehyung’s soft hair, reveling in the quiet moan that escaped his boyfriend's lips.

After a long moment, they broke apart, both breathing heavily. Jungkook rested his forehead against Taehyung's, his eyes dark with desire.

"Come on," Taehyung whispered, his voice husky. He took Jungkook's hand, leading him towards the bedroom.

As soon as they were inside, they stumbled toward the bed, hands tentatively exploring each other’s bodies, shedding clothes as they went.

Taehyung gently pushed Jungkook onto the bed, his arms framing Jungkook’s face as he hovered above him. The moonlight filtering through the window cast a soft glow on Jungkook’s soft features. 

Their eyes locked, and Taehyung felt all of the tenderness and love in the younger’s expression. He leaned down and pressed feather-light kisses along his jaw. 

“Can I tell you what I wanna do?” Taehyung whispered, his breath hot against Jungkook’s ear. “All you have to do is say yes.”

The question sent a shiver down his spine. Jungkook arched up, pressing his body against Taehyung’s, reveling in the feeling of skin on skin. 

His face flushed a deep crimson, the heat of his blush spreading down his neck and chest. He bit his lip, his eyes darting away from Taehyung’s intense gaze. The silence stretched between them, broken only by their ragged breathing.

"Yeah." Jungkook started, his voice barely above a whisper. He trailed off, the words catching in his throat. His fingers traced abstract patterns on Taehyung’s back, a nervous habit.

Taehyung took a deep breath, gathering his courage. When he spoke again, his words came out in a rush, tumbling over each other. "I-I wanna suck you off.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Taehyung's embarrassment intensified. He covered his face with his hands, unable to look at Jungkook.

Jungkook gently pried Taehyung's hands away from his face. Jungkook's eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and desire flashing across his face. 

"Hey," Jungkook said softly, pressing a tender kiss to Taehyung's forehead. "Don't be embarrassed."

Taehyung's eyes darted up to meet Jungkook's, searching for any sign of hesitation. Finding none, he felt a surge of confidence. With a swift movement, he straddled the younger’s hips. 

Jungkook let out a surprised gasp that quickly turned into a low moan as Taehyung began to trail kisses down his chest. Taehyung took his time, exploring every inch of Jungkook's toned body with his lips and tongue.

When Taehyung finally reached the waistband of Jungkook's boxers, he looked up, silently asking for permission. Jungkook nodded, his bottom lip caught between his teeth in anticipation.

Taehyung slowly pulled down Jungkook's boxers, his breath catching in his throat as he took in the sight before him.

“God, I’ve been dying to do this.” He wasted no time, wrapping his hand around the base of Jungkook's length before taking him into his mouth. Jungkook let out a deep groan, his head falling back against the pillow.

"Fuck, Hyung, you can’t just say that," he breathed, one hand tangling in Taehyung's hair.

Encouraged by Jungkook's reaction, Taehyung hollowed his cheeks and took him deeper. He set a steady rhythm, alternating between long, slow strokes and quick flicks of his tongue. Jungkook's fingers tightened in his hair, guiding him gently.

Taehyung looked up through his lashes, meeting Jungkook's heated gaze. The sight of Jungkook, lips parted and eyes dark with desire, sent a shiver down his spine. He redoubled his efforts, determined to unravel the usually composed man beneath him.

He gripped Taehyung's hair tighter, guiding him gently. Taehyung hummed in approval, the vibration sending jolts of pleasure through Jungkook's body.

As Taehyung worked, he found himself lost in a haze of sensation. The wet heat of his mouth, the sight of his lips stretched around him, the soft sounds of pleasure Taehyung was making, it was overwhelming in the best possible way.

"Tae... Tae, wait," Jungkook gasped, gently tugging Taehyung's hair to pull him off. "I'm close. I don't wanna finish like this."

Taehyung released him with a soft 'pop', looking up at Jungkook with swollen lips and hooded eyes. "Why'd you stop me?" he asked, his voice husky.

"Because," he murmured, pressing a kiss to Taehyung's neck, "I want to make you feel good too."

Taehyung shivered as Jungkook's hands roamed his body, leaving trails of fire in their wake. "You already are," he breathed.

Jungkook swiftly pinned Taehyung to the bed. He began a slow descent down the elder’s body, pressing open-mouthed kisses to every inch of skin he could reach. When he reached Taehyung's hips, he looked up, his eyes seeking permission.

"Is this okay?" he asked, his fingers hooking into the waistband of Taehyung's boxers.

Taehyung nodded frantically. Jungkook slowly pulled off his boxers, breath catching as he took in the sight before him. He was beautiful, all long limbs and smooth skin flushed with desire. Jungkook pressed tender kisses to his inner thighs, savoring the soft gasps and moans he elicited.

"God, you're gorgeous," Jungkook murmured against Taehyung's skin. He looked up, meeting Taehyung's eyes. "Do you have lube? And condoms?"

Taehyung nodded, reaching for his nightstand drawer. He pulled out a small bottle of lube, but shook his head at the mention of condoms. "I... I want to feel all of you," he said softly, a blush creeping up his cheeks.

Jungkook's eyes widened slightly, but he nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Fuck, okay," he whispered, leaning up to capture Taehyung's lips in a tender kiss.

He coated his fingers generously with lube, warming it between his hands before gently circling Taehyung's entrance. He gasped at the touch, his body tensing slightly.

"Relax," Jungkook murmured, pressing soft kisses to Taehyung's hip. "I've got you."

Slowly, carefully, Jungkook worked one finger inside. He moved with deliberate gentleness, watching Taehyung's face for any sign of discomfort. But he only moaned, his head falling back against the pillow.

"More," Taehyung breathed, his hips pushing down against Jungkook's hand.

Jungkook obliged, adding a second finger. He took his time, stretching and scissoring his fingers, preparing Taehyung with utmost care. When he curled his fingers just right, brushing against that spot inside Taehyung, the older man cried out, his back arching off the bed.

"There," Taehyung gasped, his hands fisting in the sheets. "Right there, Jungkook, please."

Jungkook continued his ministrations, adding a third finger when Taehyung was ready. He worked Taehyung open carefully, alternating between gentle thrusts and teasing brushes against his prostate.

Soon, Taehyung was writhing on the bed, his skin glistening with a light sheen of sweat. "Jungkook," he moaned, his voice thick with need. "Please, I need more. I need you."

Jungkook withdrew his fingers slowly, eliciting a whimper from Taehyung at the loss. He positioned himself between his legs, lining himself up.

"Ready?" Jungkook asked softly, his eyes searching Taehyung's face.

Taehyung nodded eagerly. "Yes, please."

With agonizing slowness, he pushed in, pausing every few inches, giving Taehyung time to adjust. When he was fully seated, he stilled, his forehead resting against Taehyung's.

"I don't know how much longer I can last," Jungkook breathed, his voice strained with the effort of holding still.

Taehyung wrapped his legs around Jungkook's waist, pulling him impossibly closer. "Move," he pleaded. "Please, Jungkook."

Jungkook began to move, setting a slow, deep rhythm. He angled his hips, searching for that spot that made Taehyung see stars. When he found it, Taehyung cried out, his nails digging into Jungkook's back.

"There" Taehyung gasped. "Right there, don't stop."

Jungkook picked up the pace, driving into Taehyung with increasing intensity. The room filled with the sounds of their pleasure, skin against skin, breathless moans, and whispered endearments.

Taehyung could feel himself getting close. He reached between them, but Jungkook batted his hand away, replacing it with his own. He stroked Taehyung in time with his thrusts, bringing him closer and closer to the edge.

"Jungkook," Taehyung moaned, his voice breaking. "I'm close, I'm so close."

"Me too," Jungkook panted. "Let’s cum together, Hyung."

With a cry of Jungkook's name, Taehyung came, his body arching off the bed. The sight and feel of his release pushed Jungkook over the edge, and he followed moments later, burying his face in the elder’s neck as he came.

They lay there for a moment, both trying to catch their breath. Jungkook peppered Taehyung's face with soft kisses before carefully pulling out and collapsing beside him.

Taehyung immediately curled into Jungkook's side, resting his head on the younger man's chest. Jungkook wrapped an arm around him, pulling him close.

Jungkook pressed a gentle kiss to Taehyung's forehead, then carefully disentangled himself from his embrace. "I'll be right back," he murmured, his voice husky.

Taehyung watched through half-lidded eyes as Jungkook padded across the room, admiring the moonlight reflecting off his muscular back. The soft click of the bathroom door closing echoed in the quiet room.

A moment later, Jungkook returned, a warm, damp washcloth in hand. He sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes full of tenderness as he gently cleaned Taehyung. The washcloth was soft against Taehyung's sensitive skin, and he couldn't help but sigh contentedly at Jungkook's attentive care.

"You didn't have to do that," Taehyung murmured, a blush creeping up his cheeks.

Jungkook smiled, leaning down to press a soft kiss to Taehyung's lips. "I wanted to," he replied simply.

After ensuring Taehyung was comfortable, Jungkook set the washcloth aside on the nightstand. He slipped back into bed, immediately drawing Taehyung into his arms. He nestled against him, relishing the warmth of Jungkook's skin and the comforting beat of his heart.

They lay in comfortable silence for a while, their breathing synchronizing as sleep began to tug at the edges of their consciousness. Jungkook's fingers traced lazy patterns on his back, while Taehyung nuzzled closer, inhaling the intoxicating scent of his skin.

"Kookie?" Taehyung whispered, his voice barely audible.

"Hmm?" Jungkook hummed, his eyes already closed.

"Thank you for tonight. For everything."

Jungkook's arms tightened around Taehyung, and he pressed a soft kiss to the top of his head. "Thank you for being with me," he murmured.

As the night deepened, their breaths slowed and evened out. Taehyung drifted off first, lulled to sleep by the steady rhythm of Jungkook's heartbeat. Jungkook followed soon after, a small smile playing on his lips as he held Taehyung close.

They slept peacefully, tangled in each other's arms, as the moonlight cast a soft, silvery glow over their intertwined forms.