"Kookie"

Jungkook turned at the voice. The voice he knows too well. The voice he always admired, but in the past two years, it did something extra to his stupid heart. It made it flutter unnecessarily. Well, why not? Jungkook turned to see a handsome man approaching him with a big smile, a smile that you know comes from the heart.

His heart fluttered. 'Stop it, Jungkook,' he said to himself, but a blush crept onto his face even after he warned it. 'Well, who won't admire if it's him?' Jungkook thought to himself while looking around to see his classmates practically drooling over his "friend", well friend , that's what he says, lying to himself. But even his lies are the line holding them, who knows?

Jungkook shrugged off his thoughts, taking a deep breath. He needed to calm himself down first. After calming down, he smiled at his friend.

"You came?" He gave his infamous bunny smile. The handsome boy came near him, ruffling his hair fondly, the care he always gives him that makes the bunny boy's heart flutter even more. 'How caring,' he thought, blushing slightly.

"What happened, Koo? Why are your cheeks red? Did you get a fever? I told you not to eat ice cream at night, but you never listen to me," the handsome boy started scolding his friend. Jungkook felt his heart warming at the care and affection of "him". He always wondered how someone could be this soft and careful with him, like as if he were a glass that needed to be protected.

"Hyungiee, I'm fine," Jungkook blushed even more. How can someone be so oblivious to his shyness? But one part of him felt happy and safe. Why not? His secret would be safe for now, but at the same time, he wondered how many days he could keep it safe.

He was afraid of when it would burst out, but he wasn't afraid of his love bursting out. He was afraid that it might wound his loved one rather than cherish him. He sighed at the thought.

"Ok, come on, let's go! It's time already. Aunty must be waiting for us. I'm waiting to eat the snacks made by her," Jungkook's friend told him while rubbing his hands enthusiastically. Jungkook chuckled at his friend.

'I want him to be happy like this always, and I'll make sure of it,' he promised himself. Maybe sometimes promises are meant to be broken, but not for him anyway.

They were walking to the gate through their university hallways. "E-excuse me?" they heard someone's voice and turned to see a girl standing there shyly. Jungkook rolled his eyes, thinking, 'Not again.'

"P-please be my boyfriend," the girl extended her hand which held chocolates and a bouquet. He was looking at the girl, mentally glaring, when he heard, "Sorry, miss, but I'm not interested. Come on, Kookie, let's go." Jungkook smiled, looking at "him".

That's what he always liked about him. He was very straightforward. If he didn't like anyone, he would tell them instantly instead of giving false hopes. And that, maybe that, made Jungkook wonder if he might have a chance. A little part of him hoped for it.

Jungkook knows he doesn't have any other friends other than him, maybe one or two who are also his friends. Same goes for Jungkook too. Except for him and their mutual friend, he has only his childhood best friend, and that's enough for him. He doesn't want to make more friends when he has "him".

They both reached Jungkook's house and filled their stomachs with what Jungkook's mother gave them. "Kookie, I'm bored, let's play something," he pouted. Jungkook chuckled at him. "Why not," he was cut off by a call from one of his friends. He took the call and had a small talk.

"Well, Sara and John are coming home, it seems. They're bored too, I guess. Let's all play then," Jungkook said happily, jumping meanwhile. He smiled, admiring his friend.

The four friends settled at Jungkook's house. "Let's play truth or dare, guys," John chimed. "No way," Jungkook said, shaking his head. "Why not? It will be interesting," Sara said, smirking. Jungkook scoffed, knowing his friend's intention.

"Kookie, let's play, ok? They're asking, come on," he said, and well, can Jungkook deny it? A big no. He smiled and nodded with a small "ok". Sara smirked at Jungkook, nudging him, to which Jungkook rolled his eyes.

Well, anyone who saw Jungkook looking at "him" could tell he was a goner for him. The boy was whipped. Anyone could see it from the heart eyes Jungkook gave him.

The game started. The first turn was Sara's, and she chose truth. John smirked at her, "Well, Sara, I heard you kissed someone in the university janitor's cabin. Is it true?" Sara felt her cheeks heat up and nodded slightly.

"Whattt? Sara, why didn't you tell me?" Jungkook jumped, shocked. "Well, it's supposed to be personal, bish," she scoffed, to which Jungkook pouted.

"Ok, now let's resume. Stop fighting, both of you," John said, spinning the bottle. Now it was Jungkook's turn to ask a question, that too, to "him". He chose truth. Jungkook hesitated before starting.

"Well, will we be the same like this always? Like always? Even when someone comes between us? We'll stay the same, right?" Jungkook wanted to ask this. He wanted to confirm if he had a place in his heart. He didn't want to ruin what they had by confessing, so he wanted to confirm certain things.

"Hm, what are you asking, Kook? We'll be the same like this always. There's no reason not to. And who's gonna come between us? I'm confused. It'll be us, always," he said, shrugging. And

Jungkook, well, he was blushing and looking like a tomato now. Sara nudged him, smirking. "Ah, it's nothing, just had this confusion," Jungkook managed to lie.

"Don't think rubbish, Kook. It'll be us now and always."

Well, Jungkook was totally gone now. Now he was sure that his friend liked him back too. He thought he should tell his feelings soon.

He mentally noted that.

Maybe It's him?

The game went on, and it was Jungkook's turn. He had to choose dare this time. Sara smirked at him.

"Sit on his lap, Jungkook."

"W-what?" Jungkook stuttered, his cheeks flushed. How could he sit on him? Isn't it intimidating? 'What if he rejects? I'll feel bad, no... ahhh.'

Jungkook was battling with his emotions when he felt someone pulling his hand, and the next moment, he realized he was sitting on his lap.

"Ohhhhhh," both Sara and John teased, to which Jungkook blushed even more. He turned to see him smiling. "Wait, I should take pictures!" Sara beamed.

"Wait, no," before Jungkook could protest, she took the picture. They both were blushing like a new couple, and both the friends enjoyed that very much.

It was late evening, so everyone decided to leave for home. "You two can go first, I'll join you later," Sara said to her friends, who looked at her confused. "Leave, idiots," she shouted, so they decided to leave.

"Good night, Kookie," he ruffled his hair, leaving after bidding bye to Sara and Jungkook.

"Ahem, Kooks, what do you think? He loves you?" Sara asked Jungkook, who was nibbling his fingers. "I don't know," he pouted. "But it looks like he does, just confess already," she suggested.

"I know, but I'm afraid, afraid of ruining whatever we have," he sighed. Sara smiled gently at her friend. "Kookie, it's better late than never, ok?" She smiled at him, who smiled back.

"Ok, let's do this. To make our suspicion confirm, let's try making him jealous. We'll know, right?" Sara told him. Jungkook shook his head, saying no. "Let's try, Kookie, at least we might know something," she said, to which Jungkook nodded. "Ok then," he smiled.

"That's my boy. Ok, let me take my leave then, see you. Bye," she hugged him and left.

Jungkook was sleeping, well, trying to sleep, in his bed, rolling. He was thinking of today's events and what Sara said. He didn't know which was true, but he definitely needed to try.

He missed his childhood best friend a lot right now because he never made decisions without discussing them with him.

But what to do, that stupid friend of his went to another city for work, and he didn't even take Jungkook's calls. Jungkook pouted, "Meanie, I'll not talk to you when you're back, hmph," he huffed and drifted to sleep, thinking about what to do.

                                                                              \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~

The morning rose. Jungkook was feeling a little excited today, and also nervous too. Today, Sara told him she would help identify if "he" has feelings for Jungkook. It feels surreal. He hopes everything goes well, just as he has always wished for.

While wondering about what he could do, Jungkook packed his bag and went to his uni.

"Kooks here!!" Jungkook turned to see Sara shouting at him. Near her stood a boy. He frowned at her but nonetheless walked towards her.

"Good morning, Sara. Why are you shouting like this?" Jungkook asked, slightly annoyed at his friend.

"Btch, why are you acting nonchalant? Aren't we like this always?" Sara said, to which Jungkook scoffed.

"Anygays, let's start our mission, ohhooo," Sara shouted, flinching both the boys.

Well, boys? Just then Jungkook remembered the boy standing next to his friend. Now he could see his face clearly. Well, Jungkook would be honest while describing someone. This boy looked hella handsome and gorgeous, so much that Jungkook wondered where he got that face card. But well, he is not more handsome than him, according to Jungkook. It's him, always.

Jungkook came out of his trance when the said boy greeted him.

"Hello," the boy smiled at him. The smile looked as bright as his. Jungkook smiled back, greeting him.

"Hello."

Well, Jungkook kinda felt shy talking with new people. He is an introvert, but adding to it, he never tried to make other friends, thinking he might feel bad. So to assure him that he is the only friend, Jungkook never made another friend. Seeing a handsome-looking man other than him talking to him made Jungkook feel shy.

Well, that doesn't mean Jungkook doesn't get proposals — he might — but his friend always protects him. Protect? That's what his friend tells him — that not everyone is safe to be friends with.

"Earth to Kookie!" Sara called Jungkook, knowing too well he might be dreaming about him. She rolled her eyes at the thought.

The man next to her chuckled, and Jungkook felt embarrassed.

"Well, Kook, this is the one I arranged for you to make him jealous. This man here is my friend. He'll help you," Sara said, nodding to herself.

"W-what?" Jungkook was shocked. He didn't know the plan was this big. He pulled Sara close to him, whispering, "Btch, what the hell? Why are you involving someone in our shits? What if he gets stuck in our drama? I don't want anything to be complicated," Jungkook pouted.

He heard a deep chuckle and turned to see the man laughing. Well, Jungkook thought whatever he said wasn't audible — oh, how wrong he was! Now Jungkook felt like the ground wanted to swallow him. His cheeks flushed.

"Jungkook, right?" the man asked, to which Jungkook nodded.

"Don't worry. I'm this idiot's cousin. I studied in this university too, passed out last year. I'm from the business major and currently working on my startup.

You don't need to worry. I'm not interested in these love relationships, and I don't know much about them either. She always speaks about you and really pleaded with me to help you, as she wants both her friends together.

 So she bribed me with a PlayStation and I accepted. I'll help you, you don't need to worry," the man said, smiling fondly. He just likes these kinds of friends who help and care about each other.

Jungkook smiled at the man genuinely. Now he really started to admire him. He's also from business major. Whenever Jungkook tried to initiate a convo about business with him, he always shrugged it off like it didn't matter.

According to him, people from middle class can't start a business. But seeing this man, Jungkook felt motivated. He mentally noted to ask for help once everything goes well.

"Ok, you don't need to tell everything, ok?" Sara pouted, feeling embarrassed about Jungkook knowing she pleaded with her cousin. But she was taken aback when Jungkook hugged her, saying "thank you." She hugged him back, smiling. "Shut up, bish."

"Ahem, if you two are done with your bromance, let's go. I have something scheduled up for me today," the man said, and so both friends gathered themselves back. Later, they discussed what they might do and went towards the canteen. The four friends usually met there for breakfast before returning to their classes.

"John!!" Sara shouted, looking at John who was standing with him. Sara gave a slight nod of understanding to both Kook and her cousin and went towards John.

"You both here?" John smiled at them, then frowned seeing someone with them. Sara looked at his direction and said, "Oh, that's my cousin. Just act along, I'll tell you everything later," she whispered, and he nodded his head.

"Kooks, why are you late?" Jungkook turned to see him. His heart fluttered. 'Handsome as always,'

Jungkook's cheeks blushed. Even looking at him felt like all the weights on him were lifted — as if everything would go right.

"Kooks, who is this?" he asked, looking at the man standing near Jungkook — too close for his liking. Jungkook took a deep breath to start his acting.

"O-oh, him?" he stuttered. "My friend, hyungie. He's also from business major, our senior. He said he'll help me with my studies since I want to submit my final year project soon," Jungkook smiled at him.

The man came forward, extending his hand for a handshake, which was ignored. He smirked and put his hand down.

Jungkook felt heat sweep through his cheeks. 'He never knew the other was this possessive.'

Sara smirked and started, "Well, well, let's eat and talk. I'm hungry, please." Jungkook giggled and took a seat.

Sara motioned for her cousin to sit near Jungkook, and the man did it well. Jungkook expected him to sit near him, but when he saw him sitting on the opposite side with a poker face, he understood it was Sara's plan.

"Well, how long do you know my Kookie?" he asked. 'My Kookie.' Jungkook blushed.

"Oh well, I came to the university for work, and we somehow met and started to talk," the man shrugged. He got a dry "oh" in reply.

"Ok, Kookah, take my milkshake too. Think of it as a present, you helped me," the man said, ruffling Jungkook's hair. 'Well, it's acting, Kook, act along, he's doing it for you,' Jungkook whispered to himself. He smiled at the man and took the milkshake from him, saying, "Ahh, you're just being generous."

"What help?" Jungkook turned at the cold, sharp voice from him.

"That's something personal," the man shrugged.

"Did I ask you?" he replied. This time, it was harsh too, not only cold. Jungkook shivered. He didn't want to continue this and create a problem here. Before he could say anything, his friend stood up. Jungkook stood up too.

"You're going to class, let me come with you."

But what Jungkook didn't expect was—he got hugged. He got hugged. He GOT hugged. Well, by his friend. By HIM. His heart was beating fast, he couldn't think of anything to say. He is on cloud nine is an understatement.

While hugging Jungkook, he looked back at the man as if saying only he can do this, for which the man smirked. After all, what they wanted, they got it.

"Kooks, I have some work today. I'll tell you about it later. You go to class, I'll call you later. Take care, bye," he ruffled Jungkook's hair and smiled, then turned to leave.

After he left, Jungkook was standing there still frozen. Millions of thoughts running in his head, but now he got clarity. Or even a statement?

It will be Him, always!

The day went on and Jungkook couldn't even find a trace of his friend. He was wondering where he went, why he couldn't see him. He texted his friend asking about his whereabouts, but there were no replies. He sighed at the thought.

Finally, the university bell rang, and Jungkook started his way towards the gate, having slight expectations that he would see his friend again, that he would wait for him.

"Jungkook?"

He turned expectantly upon hearing his name. Well, deep in his thoughts, he didn't recognize the voice. He turned to see, Sara's cousin? What is he doing here? Jungkook frowned, looking at him.

"You didn't go home? Sara went early," the man said.

"Yeah, I had evening class," Jungkook said, and he got a hum in return. The man noticed Jungkook looking worried; he was not the same as he looked in the morning.

"You okay? Did something happen? Where is your friend?" the man asked. Jungkook just smiled, shrugging his head.

"Ah, he? He said he had some work. And I'm ok, leave me. What are you doing here?" Jungkook asked, trying to change the topic. Well, to the man, he couldn't accept those lies; he knew there was something wrong, but he chose not to question. How would he, after all, they are strangers.

"Going home, right? Let's talk while walking," the man said, to which Jungkook nodded.

"I actually had some work here. Mr. Ken, he is my mentor. I still ask his suggestions if I have any problems or anything happening at my startup," the man said, chuckling to himself. Jungkook just "oh"-ed, then he remembered.

"Actually, I thought I could get help from you only if you are willing to. I have this idea in my mind. I want to start a startup too, but you know what, my parents, even him, they said it's not that easy and I should drop that idea and start trying for some other job. But it is my dream," Jungkook pouted, to which the man smiled.

"You know, if I could pitch my idea to you and get insights from you, I would be grateful," Jungkook asked with sparkling eyes. He really needed a mentor for his work, and something in him told him that the man here would be a good mentor for him. The man chuckled.

"Jungkook," he called. Now they both were standing at the bus stand; they had walked till here while talking.

"You know what, whatever you do, people will judge. They will cheer their favourite actors but say, 'You want to become one?' They will say it's not possible, forgetting even the actor might have had the same dream.

Tell them you want to be a singer; they will say it won't suit you, as if every singer out there jumped directly from clouds. Same goes for everything. So at the end, they are definitely going to judge.

If it's someone close to you, tell them, make them understand. Remember, if they love you, trust you, they will understand you no matter what, ok?

And as for the help thing, I'm going to the States for a month, so when I'm back, I'll contact you through Sara. Let's meet and have a discussion. I guess you all will be graduated by then, right? It will be perfect, so let's meet then,"

the man said and smiled, that charming smile that comforts you, that tells you everything will be ok.

Jungkook smiled back, nodding his head, feeling relieved right now. He was feeling stressed from morning, but this man's words made him feel warm, protected, and more than that, they felt comforting.

"And Jungkook, another thing," he started. Jungkook frowned at that.

"I don't know what happened to you, but after all the things that happened today, I want to tell you — just confess to your friend already, ok? That boy, he looked like he would kill me or something. I think he might feel the same way too, but instead of assuming, just talk with him and confess how you will. It will be good for you. I'm wishing you the best of luck," the man said, ruffling Jungkook's hair.

"And don't forget to tell me after your confession, ok?" he smiled.

Now Jungkook was hella shy. He had been waiting for this day, and he felt now he should tell his friend soon. The wait was over. He smiled genuinely at the man and bowed to him, thanking him.

"Ok then, let me take my leave. Go home safely." Saying this, the man turned back and walked away. Jungkook looked at him, wondering.

We all might have met someone who had a cameo in our life — a total stranger, yet they taught us more than even our close ones did. They might have felt comforting. Even if we didn't know about each other, their presence might have felt relaxing, comforting, and they might have taught us a lesson that could help us. Jungkook mentally thanked that stranger and smiled, looking at the walking figure.

Jungkook reached his home. He tried contacting his friend but in vain. Then he got a message.

"Sorry Kooks, got really stuck with that work. I'll explain everything tomorrow."

Jungkook sighed. He should talk, that too, in person.

The next day came. Jungkook met his friend at university, who was quite silent. He always looked silent, but this was a different silence, even with him? he wondered.

"Hyungie, are you ok? What happened? Is something bothering you? Tell me, na?" Jungkook asked expectantly.

He got a reassuring smile in return.

"Nothing, Kooks, I'm totally fine." Jungkook pouted at that.

"You're not even telling what happened yesterday?" Jungkook asked, and the other sighed.

"I told you, right? My mother asked me to do her a help. I went to my aunt's house, and I got stuck there, that's it. Don't stress your lil brain," he said and laughed, but Jungkook knew this was not his actual smile — the one that comes from his heart.

Like this, days passed, but Jungkook felt a little distance toward his friend. Each time he told this to his friend, he shrugged it off, saying, "You are just overthinking, Kook." But Jungkook couldn't put this together. He knew something was wrong. He knew it very well.

Jungkook could see the changes in his friend; he looked happy, really happy. So he knew there might not be any problem, but why did he feel like there was some distance? Each time he thought about this, he might get a headache. He stopped himself, saying he should just stop overthinking, like his friend told him.

But he couldn't keep it, so he decided to confront his friend.

"Hyung, let's talk," Jungkook said to his friend, who was sitting in the canteen, talking with their other friends, laughing without caring about the world. His friend turned to look at him, frowning.

"What happened, Kooks? Are you ok?" But Jungkook didn't reply, just nodded his head and pulled his friend's hand outside with him.

"Kooks, wait! What are you doing? Why are you dragging me? What if someone sees us?" Jungkook stopped at the word.

"What do you mean by 'someone sees us'?" Jungkook asked, frowning. He could see his friend getting tense.

"Ah—I, I mean the teacher might catch us and scold us. We have class now, we should leave," he said, looking elsewhere but not at Jungkook. Jungkook sighed.

"Hyungie, are we ok?" he asked.

"What do you mean, Kooks?"

"Stop acting, hyung. Nothing feels normal. Why are you distant from that day? Is there any problem? Oh wait, about that friend thing, he is not—"

"Shut up, Jungkook. This is your problem, you're assuming things yourself. I told you I'm ok, right? And what friends? I know about you, and you know about me, then what's the issue?"

The tone was harsh, which made Jungkook shiver. This was the first time his friend talked to him like this. He couldn't form words.

Well, seeing his reaction, his friend might have understood, it seems. He sighed. He came near Jungkook, ruffling his hair.

"Kook, I'm ok. Let's not talk about this again, ok? We only have a few weeks till graduation. Let's enjoy our uni life till then, ok?" he said, to which Jungkook just nodded.

But Jungkook was not ok. How could he be, after seeing this side of his friend? He didn't even know what went wrong. When he came home, he got a call from Sara.

"Kooks, what happened? Did you talk with him? What happened?" She was questioning nonstop. Jungkook sighed.

"Calm down, Sara. I don't know. He's telling everything is fine, but I can't brush my thoughts off." He could hear Sara sighing.

"Calm down, Kooks. There's only one thing left,  just confess to him. Let's find out what he's holding up, ok? Think about it," Sara said calmly. Jungkook always felt a sister's love from her, and he hummed.

That night, Jungkook wondered. He couldn't sleep properly. He was rolling on his bed, a lot of thoughts running in his head that he couldn't quite decipher. But out of all, only one thing kept repeating.

Is it Him?