Our Summer

Chapter 48

In the village, Jungkook sits in his chair, his phone held firmly in his hands, a contented smile gracing his lips as he reads Soojin's replies. It has become his daily routine ever since their connection blossomed a week ago. Soojin had expressed her wish to stay longer, to take a well-deserved break, but her responsibilities in Seoul called her back for meetings and work.

However, Soojin never once disregarded his text messages, just as he never ignored hers.

"You've been smiling a lot lately," Jimin remarks, leaning against the cashier counter and trying to catch a glimpse of Jungkook's phone. However, Jungkook swiftly hides it, shooting Jimin a warning glare.

"Since when is smiling considered a crime?" Jungkook retorts playfully, his lips curving into a mischievous grin.

As Jimin observes his friend's constant phone activity, curiosity overtakes him and he can't help but inquire about Jungkook's romantic prospects. His voice tinged with curiosity, Jimin asks, "Are you seeing someone? You've been glued to your phone."

Jungkook's eyes shimmer mischievously as he shakes his head, playfully denying any romantic involvement. With a grin, he explains, "No, I'm just talking to Soojin."

Intrigued, Jimin probes further, "Will Soojin visit the village again?"

A tinge of longing fills Jungkook's expression as he responds, "Actually, she's currently vacationing in Europe."

Jimin's bright expression falters at Jungkook's answer. "You seem to like her a lot"

Jungkook blushes immediately, hiding his face and pretending to cough into his fist as he turns away from the cashier.

Suddenly the door to Jungkook's cafe swings open, and the little bell chimes and echoes through the empty space. Both Jimin and Jungkook turn to the door, faces lighting up to see Yun Jin, the new lecturer, walking into the cafe.

Her arrival prompts Jimin to quickly rise from his seat, catching Jungkook's eyes. Jimin suddenly looks nervous and that confuses Jungkook more.

Yun Jin flashes a sweet smile to both of them, exchanging polite greetings before ordering herself an iced coffee.

"The weather is so hot these days", she gently pats her cheek with the back of her fingers. "A good day for iced coffee, no?"

"Definitely", Jungkook grins at her, tapping on the screen for her order before moving to the working station to make her coffee.

Jimin, who has been patiently standing and waiting at the side finally gathers his bravery to seize the opportunity.

"Hello", he says, a slight blush creeping on his cheeks.

"Hello", she replies, eyes dancing with some sort of anticipation.

"Are you free tonight?"

She looks surprised, blinking at him. "Why?"

Jimin slips one hand into his pants pocket and smiles. "I would like to invite you for a meal"

His attempt to sound casual and nonchalant seems to fail immediately. His voice came out strained as if he is reading from a script.

Curiosity glimmers in Yun Jin's eyes as she stares at him as if waiting for him to speak again.

A smile graces her lips when she finally nods and responds. "Of course, why not"

Yun Jin gives him a polite nod before taking her iced coffee at the end of the table and finally departing.

"Would you look at that", Jungkook crosses his arms, unable to resist the urge to tease his friend. "You seem to...know her?"