A Match Made in Hell | Jinkook

Forty-Five

The rooftop garden had closed to the public hours earlier, but Jungkook ensured the lights remained on, casting a warm, golden glow that wrapped around the trellises and low-hanging vines above them. The city sprawled in every direction, glittering beneath the sky, but up there, it felt distant, almost as if it belonged to someone else. They were high enough for the wind to carry a soft chill, yet not so high that they couldn't hear the occasional faint hum of traffic or the echo of a horn far below. Seokjin took it all in silently as he stepped onto the wooden deck, noting the slight creak beneath his feet, the scent of blooming jasmine and warm soil, and the quiet rustle of leaves in the breeze.

He hadn't expected this when Jungkook told him they were going on a date. He wasn't sure what to expect, but it definitely wasn't this.

Jungkook watched him carefully as they walked between flower beds and raised planters, passing a scattering of lanterns and a small table set up in the far corner. The table wasn't formal; that's not what Jungkook had in mind. However, there was a certain charm to the mismatched ceramic dishes, the thick cotton napkins tied with twine, and the nearby insulated picnic basket. A small speaker played soft jazz in the background, not the overly romantic kind that tried too hard, but the kind that made it feel as if time had slowed just for them.

"Is this where you attempt to win me over with charm and carbs?" Seokjin asked, raising an eyebrow as he finally turned to Jungkook.

"I thought you were already won," Jungkook replied, stepping closer and reaching into the basket. "But I'm not above securing my position with carbs, no."

Seokjin didn't vocalize it, but he enjoyed it. He appreciated that it wasn't a noisy restaurant or an extravagant gesture meant to impress him. It was personal, a bit unusual, and very, very Jungkook.

As they sat, Jungkook took out containers one by one, still warm flatbreads wrapped in cloth, small dishes of grilled vegetables, spiced lamb, garlic yogurt with sumac, and even a tiny jar of chili oil that made Seokjin raise an eyebrow.

"I know you didn't make any of this," Jin said knowingly as he stared at Jungkook.

"No, but I chose everything," Jungkook grinned as he unfolded a napkin and handed it to Seokjin. "I got it from that place you mentioned to your brother, the one you said you never get to eat at because it's always so crowded."

"So, I guess you were eavesdropping on my conversation-"

"I wasn't. However, I always listen when you talk about food, and I just happened to be listening that day. Also, when it comes to food, it's probably the only time you speak to me without wanting to hit me."

"Mmm. Debatable," Seokjin murmured, but the amusement in his eyes gave him away.

They ate slowly, enjoying the meal without any pressure to fill the silence. There was no performative laughter or forced conversation. Every now and then, Jungkook would brush his foot against Seokjin's under the table or lean forward to refill his glass, allowing his fingers to linger when they passed each other a dish.

Halfway through the meal, Jungkook leaned back in his chair, his legs sprawled out in front of him and one arm lazily draped over the backrest. He observed Seokjin with an unspoken intensity in his gaze, something softer than usual. This caused Seokjin to slow down, his fork coming to a pause in midair.

"What?" Seokjin asked, narrowing his eyes.

"You're really beautiful when you're relaxed," Jungkook said.

Seokjin scoffed and took another bite, refusing to meet his eyes. "Don't start."

"I'm not starting anything. I'm just saying you don't look like you're holding your breath tonight, and I like that."