#but i figured chinese/japanese snacks were a good call given the hong kong setting and in honor of the kaiju genre in general | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

bab-ybird · 5 years ago

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Friday Nights with Defsoul

Pairing: Jaebeom x Reader

Genre: College!au, Best friend!Jaebeom, best friends to lovers, fluff, fluff, and more fluff

Word Count: 8,245 words

[ ft. GOT7 and some DAY6 members ]

A/N Yes, I am aware that I misspelled Jaebeom’s name here, but I wrote this before he clarified the spelling, so until I find time to edit this, you’re just going to have to sit through jAebUm lmao oops; thanks for reading tho! mwah

It's been a while since Jaebum last attended a party. Not because he was busy- even though he was- but because he just didn't feel like it. After all, parties were only fun when he was in the mood to get wasted and spend the night dancing with his best friends, so he didn't see the point of attending one when he felt like doing something else more productive.

Like hosting his radio segment. He'd only decided to join the campus' radio station as a DJ in the October of the previous academic year. It was in his third year of college that he composed a significant amount of songs and gained enough experience to be confident enough to share them with the world that was his university. Finally giving into Park Sungjin’s, his senior, antics about becoming a part of the crew, Jaebum now appeared on the station every Friday night to share his music in a segment he (lamely) liked to call "Friday Nights with Defsoul". Now, he was in his second year of hosting the segment, and his fourth year of college, set to graduate at the end of March- if he managed to not screw anything up.

Despite not being in the mood to party, Jaebum couldn't say no to his friend Jackson's invitation- not when Jackson was using this party as an excuse to finally relax from his hectic life. It was rare that Jackson was willing to let loose for the night (he was always so busy with his extra-curricular activities), and since Jaebum figured that his friend needed all his support during this tough time in his life, he agreed to be present. So here he was, half-heartedly sipping at a drink that his over-enthusiastic friend, Park Jaehyung, had given him, standing at the kitchen counter, and snacking on a bowl of chips that he had poured for himself.

"Jaebum! My man!"

Ah. The sweet sound of a dongsaeng forgetting to call me hyung.

Hong Kong native and fellow performance group member Jackson Wang carelessly calls out his hyung's name as he bounds through the kitchen door with a red cup in his hands. "I've been looking all over for you!"

"Have you really?" Jaebum asks sarcastically. "You seemed so eager to leave me alone, by myself, when you went to go mingle with your Chinese friends."

Failing to notice that Jackson didn't come up to him alone, Jaebum almost misses the small chuckle that comes from Jackson's friend. A girl with a lean frame, pale skin, long black hair, and the warmest brown eyes Jaebum had ever seen watches their exchange silently. You stand behind Jackson, watching amusedly as he playfully hit his hyung's arm. "Aish, hyung, don't be like that. They're Chinese, like me. They remind me of home."

Jaebum nods understandingly, patting his friend on the back. "Okay, okay, I get it. Go have fun- "

"EY, LUCAS! Glad you could make it, man!"

And just like that, Jackson forgets about his friends and leaves the kitchen to go mingle with a handful of people who look too young to be at a college party.

"Don't they look a little too young to be here?" Jaebum comments, eyeing the new arrivals and starting a conversation with the girl that Jackson had left him with to entertain.

You seem to know who he's talking about and nod. "Yeah, they are. They're just in high school."

Jaebum's eyes nearly pop out of his head. "Eh?! And Jackson invited them here? How does he even know them?"

Amused at his reaction, you smile. "They met at a summer camp a couple of months ago. You know what he's like, it's so easy for him to get homesick. I'm happy he's able to make so many friends that let him feel like he's at home, even if just for a little while."

Jaebum watches the kitchen door warily, largely aware of the trouble that the underaged teens could get into if they were caught drinking. Sensing his discomfort, you speak up again. "I wouldn't worry too much about them. I made Jackson swear that he would take care of them tonight. No alcohol, no drugs, no funny business whatsoever."

These words unexpectedly give him comfort, despite the fact that they come from a complete stranger. "Thanks." He says. "That makes me feel better."

You nod, but don’t say anything back as you reach into the fridge and grab one of the many smoothie bottles that Jackson liked to stock up on.

"You seem to be really close to him. How come I've never heard of you before?" Jaebum asks.

Swallowing the sip you had just taken, you sit on a counter stool as you answer. "Jackson and I go back. Summer before freshman year, I think? We met at summer camp."

Raising an eyebrow, Jaebum tilts his head, confused. "Oh, so you're-?"

"Chinese?" You chuckle. "No. I'm Spanish-Korean, actually."

Jaebum's head tilts in confusion. "Spanish-Korean? But then why would you go to one of Jackson's Chinese summer camps?"

"I speak Chinese. At least, now I do. Back then, I wanted to get a better grasp of the language before heading off to college, so I decided to attend a Chinese summer camp." You tell him, taking another sip.

"So how many languages do you speak? Or is it just Spanish, Chinese, and Korean?" Jaebum can't stop himself from asking.

You shake your head, smiling proudly. "I'm also fluent in English, Russian, Japanese, and French."

"Wow." Jaebum's voice comes out filled with awe. "That's amazing. It really is, I've never met someone fluent in so many languages. You could conquer the world, probably."

Chuckling softly, you brush the hair out of your face. "Thanks. I'm flattered."

"If you don't mind me asking, why so many?" Once again, Jaebum can't keep his nose out of your business.

"Oh, I want to be a translator or a travel guide." You tell him honestly. "I love travelling, and the only thing I'm good at is talking to people, so I figured I'd make a career out of it."

"That sounds fun." Jaebum comments. "So, your major is-?"

"Majoring in Linguistics, minoring in World History." You answer. "What about you?"

The conversation is suddenly about him, and he thinks it’s such a shame because he could spend all night learning the tiniest details about this very interesting girl.

"Major in Film, minor in Music Theory." He says.

"Oh, you're into music?" You ask. "Do you compose?"

Jaebum nods at this, takes a sip of his drink, and gestures for you to share his bowl of chips.

"Are you, perhaps, on the campus radio?" You raise an eyebrow.

Jaebum is shocked. Unless he told them directly, no one ever even guessed that he was a DJ for the campus' radio station. "How did you know?"

You snap your fingers, looking at him with a triumphant look in your eyes. "I knew your voice sounded familiar! You're Defsoul, aren't you? The DJ that comes on every Friday night?"

Oh, my god. For the first time in his life, Jaebum is speechless. How did this girl, who didn't even know him before this, figure that out faster than any of his actual friends?

"Um- I, uh- "

Taking a sip from your drink, you continue. "I love your segment. I've been listening to it ever since you started."

Wow. "Thank you. That means so much to me, really." Jaebum finally finds his words.

"Although..." You hesitate, and this makes Jaebum even more curious.

"What is it?" He pries.

"Well," You pause. "Have you ever considered, um...calling it by a different name?"

...excuse me? "Come again?"

"Don't misunderstand me, please!" You hurriedly apologize. "Not to be rude, or anything, it's just...your segment name is sort of..."

Jaebum senses that you’re having difficulty putting it nicely, so he offers words of his own. "Lame? Boring? Cliché?"

You nod, relieved that you don't have to say it yourself. "Exactly."

Jaebum gives you an expression of distaste. "I happen to like calling it that, thank you very much. My friends think it's a good name too!"

"I'm not saying that they don't! It's just that you could have a name that's catchier, more unique, more memorable- so maybe one with not too many syllables in it- "

"Okay, okay, stop. I get it." Despite himself, Jaebum finds himself laughing, thoroughly amused by this girl and her personality. "I still don't know your name."

"I’m Y/N." You tell him.

Jaebum offers his hand for you to shake. "Im Jaebum."

"Finally." You say, firmly gripping onto his hand as you shake it. "A name and face behind the lamest radio segment name in the world."

Jaebum's jaw drops as he watches you laugh with an incredulous look on his face. "Wow, you really- "

"I'm joking, I'm joking!" You cackle unreservedly. "Forgive me."

Jaebum decides to poke some fun at you. "No, I don't think I will."

Your face falls. "Ah, oppa, please! We only just met!"

Jaebum shakes his head stubbornly, taking a sip of his drink.

"Fine." You resolve. "If it helps my case in any way, I'll personally make it my mission to find you a better segment name."

Jaebum shrugs, swallowing his drink as he watches you munch on his chips. "I don't see the point of changing it, to be honest. I'll be gone in a couple of months."

"Okay, first of all, graduation's still in March. It's only September, you still have a long way to go." You point out. "Second of all, that's all the more reason to change it! You don't want to leave this school known as the guy who couldn't come up with a cooler name for his segment now, do you?"

Jaebum narrows his eyes. "As much as I hate to admit it, you make a valid point."

"Of course, I do." At this, Jaebum scoffs, making you laugh. "Look, since you're obviously incapable of doing it yourself, I'll do it, okay?"

Jaebum looks at you incredulously. "Yah. Don't you think you've insulted me enough?"

"Sorry! Sorry, I'm joking." You apologize quickly. "I can't help it. I'll stop, I promise. As an apology for my behavior, how about I make you a drink?"

Jaebum accepts, looking into his cup with distaste. "Why the hell not? You owe it to me to make me one, and this one tastes like shit anyways."

You get up from your stool. "I'll be right back."

The both of you fall into conversation so naturally that night, that neither of you notice how long you talk for until the music dies and the small crowd goes quiet. You exit the kitchen to be greeted by the sight of passed out bodies sprawled across the floor, the party host nowhere in sight. While you do a thorough check of the first floor for any conscious party-goers, Jaebum does a sweep of the second floor to find Jackson unconscious on his bed. Setting some painkillers and a glass of water on his bedside table, Jaebum goes back downstairs and leaves the house with you, locking the door as you walk out. You quietly chat about random things as he walks you back to your dorm, and Jaebum decides he wants to be your friend. Obtaining your number, the both of you text each other the next day. And the day after that. And the day after that.

Suddenly, going to parties doesn't seem so bad anymore.

-=-=-=-

Jaebum feels his phone vibrate in his pocket as he exits his last class of the day.

Y/N: Hey, are you doing anything for the rest of the day?

He feels a smile growing on his lips, but he stops himself from smiling at his phone in public.

JB: No, why?

Y/N: Last class' prof isn't showing up, and everyone else is busy. Want to get dinner?

JB: It's like...5pm.

Y/N: Fine. Want to eat food, extend eating into the hours of the night, and call it dinner?

At this, Jaebum allows the corners of his mouth to curl up in a grin.

JB: Sure. Where do you want to meet?

Y/N: I'm at the convenience store in front of the social sciences building. Bring your wallet.

Jaebum can't help but chuckle at this. He immediately stuffs his notebook in his bag, and heads for the social sciences building. When he gets there, he sees you standing outside the convenience store across the street. He's about to cross when he sees you motion for him to stay put, crossing the street yourself. In your hand is a plastic bag of various snacks and drinks that you had just purchased.

"Take this, please." You heave, holding the bag out for him to take. Jaebum receives it, noticing red marks on your hand, left behind by the weight of the bag. "Thank you. God, that's heavy."

"You could've asked for two bags." Jaebum points out, falling into step beside you as the both of you walk in the direction of a nearby park. You shake your head adamantly.

"Tsk, tsk, Jaebum. Don't think like that. It's not good for the environment." You tut, imitating the tone of a mom scolding her child. "Do you want help with your bag?"

He raises an eyebrow. "You just gave this to me, and now you want it back?"

"Not the convenience store bag, dummy." You smile. "Your backpack, I meant."

"Ah. No, I'm fine." Jaebum refuses.

"You sure?" You press. "The bag I gave you is quite heavy, and I'm not carrying anything. I'd feel bad if you were the only one doing the work here."

Jaebum smirks, turning his head to look at you. "What kind of man would I be if I made you carry my bag for me?"

Your jaw drops and you put a hand to your chest dramatically. "Now why'd you have to bring gender roles into this? I'm just offering an exchange of baggage!"

Shaking his head, Jaebum's smile doesn't leave his face as the both of you arrive at the park and settle on the grass. He sits, crossing his ripped-jean clad legs. You mirror his position, sitting in front of him, comfortable in your leggings. Tugging the plastic bag closer, you pours out its contents onto the grass, revealing bags of chips, and four bottles of drinks, two of each kind.

"First things first," You start. "Don't think I'm some kind of gold digger or anything like that just because I told you to bring your wallet."

Jaebum smirks, looking at you with amusement. "Wasn't planning on it."

"I only asked you to bring your wallet because since I bought us snacks, I expect you to pay for dinner." You declare, ripping open a bag of chips. "And not in the gentleman-should-always-pay manner, but in the it's-my-turn-to-pay manner."

"Sounds fair." He helps himself to another bag, opening it and setting it in between them so that the both of them can share. "What are you, some kind of feminist?"

You cock your head to the side in genuine confusion. "Huh?"

"That's the second comment you've made today about gender roles."

"Oh." You laugh, understanding. "No, I'm not. I just don't like it when people hear my words but listen to a different meaning, so I have a habit of saying things explicitly. Miscommunication is so common these days, don't you think?"

He nods in agreement. "Too true."

"Besides," you add, lifting a chip to your mouth but not eating it yet. "it's easier to let people know what type of person you are straight up instead of having them judge every single thing you do."

Jaebum thoughtfully watches you as you continue to munch on your salty snack. As a student, he was too familiar with the saying 'honesty is the best policy', having heard it almost every day, but you take it to a different level, give it a completely different meaning.

Noticing his blatant staring, you raise an eyebrow in the middle of chewing. "Why are you staring at me like that?" You ask, voice muffled by the hand you raise to cover your mouth.

"Oh. Uh, nothing." Jaebum answers, averting his eyes. "You're probably the most honest person I've ever met."

The expression on your face is unreadable, Jaebum decides, as you nod.

"It's a good thing." He adds, just in case it isn't clear.

Not failing to pick up on this, you chuckle, tucking your hair behind your ear. "Really? Most people don't think so."

"Oh? Why not?"

You shrug. "A lot of people say I'm too blunt. Too brutal when it comes to expressing myself. That I don't know how to sugar coat even the harshest words."

"And how do you feel about that?"

You shrug, meeting his eyes. "I don't really care. They're all empty words. At the end of the day, the truth is the truth, and nothing can change that."

At that moment, Jaebum notices the sun starting to set. Its light tints everything in hues of orange and purple, reflecting off of the brown of your eyes. The last rays of the day kiss your skin and the strands of your hair, giving you an ethereal glow.

"Stay put." Jaebum orders, reaching into his bag and digging around for his camera.

"Didn't have plans of moving at all." You comment.

Jaebum brings out his camera and turns it on, hoping to capture the scene before him.

"Smile." He tells you.

Lightly grinning and striking a casual pose, you stare back at the camera lens. You watch as Jaebum frequently changes his position, making sure to not leave any angle uncaptured. He even plucks a random daisy he found, asking you to hold it up to your face and pose with it. You oblige, even moving your snacks aside so you could get up to stand and pose as Jaebum directs you from behind the camera.

By the time Jaebum decides he's done with the impromptu photoshoot, the sun's completely gone, and your space on the ground is dimly lit by a nearby streetlight. You finish the rest of your snacks and drinks while looking at the pictures he took, and when that's done, fall into natural conversation as you walk around, looking for a good restaurant.

"Was that for a project?" You ask as you’re seated at one of the tables in a barbeque restaurant.

"The pictures? No." Jaebum answers, picking up the menu card and scanning it. The both of you had previously decided that since he would be the one paying, he would be choosing the menu for tonight.

"Then why take so many?" You ask, thanking the waitress that comes to bring them your side dishes.

Before the waitress leaves, Jaebum places his orders and returns the menu card. "I had to take a photography class in my freshman year. It became a hobby of mine."

"Do you have a photography account on Instagram or something?" You ask. "Photographers are into that, right?"

"Yeah, I do." He confirms, somewhat baffled. "How are you so good at that?"

"Hm?" You raise your eyebrows. "Good at what?"

"You're the only person to ask me these without me having to mention it first. None of my friends asked about the radio segment or my Instagram. I've barely known you for a week and you've already figured out both!"

You shrug, smiling and sitting up as the meat is served. "Intuition, I guess."

As Jaebum gets to work in grilling the meat, you nibble on the side dishes. Dinner is quiet. The two of you fall into a comfortable silence, your chewing being accompanied by soft sounds of approval at the taste of the meat.

You guys finish eating just before the clock strikes 8pm. You wait outside as Jaebum settles the bill, and you both decide you want to take a walk before returning home.

"Before I forget," You start, brushing your hair back. From his angle, Jaebum can see the way the streetlights illuminate your face, giving your skin a warm glow. The shadows that fall across your features contrast greatly against the milky color of your skin, giving your face depth and definition. The moonlight kisses the highest points of your face and brings a twinkle to your eyes, nature giving you an ethereal glow for the second time that day. Despite it only being his second time to witness this kind of natural beauty, Jaebum didn't think he would ever get tired of seeing you like this, nor did he think he would ever stop craving to capture every single moment like it.

"Def's Soul." You say.

Jaebum blinks. "What?"

"I told you I would come up with a new name for your segment." You state simply. "I decided on one just in time for your next appearance on the station."

"But, that's just my code name."

You hum in disagreement. "No, it's not. Def's Soul. As in, the soul of Def. Your soul."

Jaebum looks at you in amusement. He has to admit; it is kind of catchy.

"Music comes from within, right? By sharing your music to the world, you're giving everyone who listens a peek into your soul, your mind. I thought of calling it 'Peeking Into Defsoul', but that's just not attractive to listen to, it has a weird connotation, and it's worse than what you've got now. You can also call it 'Soul in Seoul; by Def', but I think 'Def's Soul' is the best." You finish your mini ramble about the segment name, turning to look at Jaebum's reaction. Jaebum can see on your face that you’re happy with what you had come up with, and abandons all plans of bickering with you about not needing to change the name of his segment at all.

"Okay." He concludes. "Def's Soul it is."

-=-=-=-

"Hey, everybody, welcome back. I hope you all had a wonderful week, hung out with some friends, aced all your tests. I know I certainly did. Even if you didn't, there's always next week.

Before we get down to business and listen to some sick tunes, I just want everyone to know that I'm going to be changing my segment name. That's right, from now on this segment will no longer be known as 'Friday Nights with Defsoul', but 'Def's Soul'. As in my soul.

If you want to know why, ask away and I'll reply in a bit, but for now, let's welcome the weekend with Sucker by the Jonas Brothers."

The live comments feed is suddenly full of questions on why he suddenly decided to change the segment name. When the song comes to an end, Jaebum turns the microphone back on.

"A lot of you are asking why I suddenly decided to change the name.

To be honest, it wasn't my idea at all. I was content with the previous name, but I met someone who recognized my voice from radio and told me that it was such a corny name. So, she helped choose a new name, and that's when she mentioned 'Def's Soul'.

Basically, it means that by showing you all my music and my personal playlists, I'm giving you guys a peek into my soul, my mind. A song says a lot about the composer and lyricist, the same way you can tell a lot about someone by the way they compile their personal playlists.

In my opinion, it's one of the most intimate things a person can bare, yet also one of the vaguest. As those of you who study the arts should know, art can be interpreted in many different ways. Some interpretations are exactly the message you want to convey, and others are the exact opposite. So, by sharing my music with you, I'm baring my soul while at the same time, covering it up for you guys to decipher and uncover.

Here's your next look: we have one of my personal favorites, Teenager, by yours truly, featuring my friend, Jackson Wang. Enjoy."

Jaebum switches off the microphone, leaning back in his chair and sipping on a bottle of water as he listens to one of his latest compositions blare through the speakers of the studio.

Things in front of my eyes look new...

You brighten even the deep part of my heart...

-=-=-=-

"You were right." Jaebum comments, sinking down on the grass. You look up, and, seeing the cat in Jaebum's arms, take hold of it immediately, cooing and petting its head. "Def's Soul is a much better name."

You raise an eyebrow, looking at him triumphantly. "Oh? What made you realize it?"

"A couple of kids in my cinematography class were talking about it." He says. "Then I passed a couple of people on my way here who were also talking about it. I guess it just rolls of the tongue more easily."

You grin as you strokes the cat's head. It purrs, nuzzling its head against your arm. "I'm glad."

You stroke it a couple of more times. "What's her name?"

Jaebum looks at you blankly, clearly not paying attention. You chuckle. "Your cat. What's her name?"

"Nora." Jaebum watches as his cat cozies up to you, looking the most content she ever had. "She likes you."

"Really? I like her too." You grin widely, bringing Nora to your face to rub cheeks with her.

"You should cat-sit sometime." Jaebum suggests. "I tend to get really busy with practice."

"Practice? For what?" You ask.

"Dance practice. I'm part of a performance group."

You stare at him unbelievingly. "No way. For real?"

Jaebum nods nonchalantly.

"That's so cool! You're so multi-talented, can I watch you guys practice? I'll take care of Nora in the practice room and I'll stay out of your way. Promise!"

Chuckling at your enthusiasm, Jaebum finds himself nodding. "Sure. You can stay with Youngjae's friend who always comes."

"Yes!" You cheer, then lean down to talk to Nora. "You hear that Nora? We're going to see Jaebum-oppa dance!"

A strange feeling appears in Jaebum's chest, one he can't explain. "What?"

Looking up innocently, you meet his eyes. "Hm?"

"What did you call me?"

Tilting your head confusedly, you answer. "Oppa?"

Calm down, Jaebum, your heart's beating a little too fast right now. Stop thinking about how cute she is when she does that. "Why? You never call me that."

"I was...talking to Nora..." You say, confused as to why it was such a big deal.

Oh, Y/N. If only you knew.

-=-=-=-

A couple of days later, you find yourself walking alongside Jaebum, Nora's carrier in hand. He's leading you to their practice room, telling you stories on the way there. Like how one time, the boys had a bonding night and ended up drinking too many bottles of soju. One of their maknaes, Bambam from Thailand, had apparently unbuttoned the top buttons of his shirt and, singing wildly, started swinging around on a streetlight as if it was a pole. When the both of you arrive at the studio, your stomach hurt from all the laughing you did on your walk there.

As you approach the door, muffled sounds can be heard through the walls from the inside.

"Yah, get that away from me!" Youngjae, Jaebum notes.

"Kim Yugyeom, I swEAR to god I will kick your ass if you- " Youngjae's friend, Nayoung.

"I'm joking, noona, I'm joking!" That's Yugyeom.

"Hyung, please-!" Youngjae again.

"What happened to my hair?!" Bambam, in front of the mirror, probably.

"Really, no one cares." Jinyoung.

Plus, a loud cackle that can only belong to Jackson. That leaves Mark, though he's probably resting on the couch, so everyone's present.

As he slowly swings the door open, you clearly hear the commotion inside- though it sounds more like chaos to you.

"Sorry. They're a bit noisy." Jaebum tells you as he holds open the door so you can walk through.

"A bit?" You scoff. "I'll say."

Fully stepping into the room, your suspicions are only confirmed as you’re met with the sight of five guys and a girl causing a scene in the wide space. From where he stands, Jaebum can see Jackson chasing Youngjae with something furry in his hand, the latter not realizing that it was fake and running away screaming for his hyung to stop. Yugyeom's holding out something as equally furry, except it's directed towards the only other female in the room. The girl, Nayoung, then proceeds to take one of the few pillows on the couch, raising it above her head to protect herself from whatever Yugyeom is threatening her with, before knocking the thing out of his hands and chasing him around the room, ready to beat his ass. Bambam stands in front of the mirror in a state of distress as he runs his fingers through his now blonde hair. Jinyoung stands at his side, looking like he had better things to do, yet still taking the time to laugh at Bambam's situation. All this chaos and Mark is calmly perched on the couch, tapping away at his phone and playing a game.

At the sight of a newcomer, this all stops.

"Everyone, this is- "

"Y/N!" A loud voice that can only belong to Jackson yells. You laugh as one of your closest friends comes running and tackles you in a hug. Jaebum suddenly feels the need to unwrap Jackson's arms, but since he knows that you guys are close friends, he controls himself from following through with his tendencies.

One by one, the others unfreeze from their positions. Bambam is the first to approach, though for a completely different reason.

Sitting down in front of you, he unlatches the opening of Nora's carrier and lets her crawl onto his lap. "Hi Nora~ I missed you. It's been a while." He coos.

Jaebum sets his things down in a corner of the room and watches as Jackson introduces you to everyone. The group's practice ensues after that, and you and Nayoung sit on the couch, making sure to keep out of the boys' way.

While he dances, Jaebum steals glances of you in the mirror. His chest becomes warm and his smile only grows bigger whenever he manages to catch you enjoying the song they're dancing to- his song. Page.

By the end of it all, the nine of them gather in a circle on the floor, sharing tupperwares of Nayoung's homemade kimbap, stir-fried pork, and rice balls. Then, as if the heavy snack isn't enough to satiate their hunger, the group leaves the studio and heads for a restaurant just halfway down the block.

Jaebum ends up sitting beside you and across Jackson. The group place their orders for boxes of chicken and bottles of beer. Once the food arrives, everyone's mouth is soon preoccupied with eating.

"Hey Jaebum-hyung. Are we still up for that music video shooting next week?" Jinyoung pipes up, taking a sip of his beer. "I need to know whether or not I can visit home."

"I'm still looking for someone to help me film. A lot of the people in my class are too busy with their own projects." Jaebum answers. "If I don't find anyone by Thursday, you can tell your mom you'll be home for the three-day weekend."

"Why don't you ask Y/N to do it?" Jackson says, gesturing to you with nod of his head. "You were a videographer at one point, right? In high school?"

You narrow your eyes at him. "I don't remember telling you that, but yes, I was."

"Really? Would you be willing to help us film?" Jaebum asks, turning to his left to face you. "It's for my final project, and you'll be fully credited."

You shrug. "Sure. Just give me a time and place and I'll let you know if I'm free."

The following weekend, you help them film, and Jaebum finds that he really likes the way you do it. He also has fun editing the music video for his cinematography class, and decides that it would be a good idea to film more music and performance videos. The credits are always the same; you as the camerawoman, Nayoung as the hair stylist and makeup artist, Jaebum as the editor, director, and producer, and GOT7 as the cast. It's a fun little hobby.

Months pass and before you know it, it's the last month of your senior year. In a couple of weeks, you would be taking the last exams of your college career and a few weeks after that, you'd be graduating and leaving this place forever.

That should've been Jaebum's only worry.

But he started noticing recently that you were looking a little worse for wear. Your undereye area was looking a lot darker than normal, your skin turned a sickly pale tone, and you lost a lot of weight. He knew that you were aware of these changes as you started wearing masks more, and often hid behind baggy clothing- most of which consisted of his hoodies.

He'd tried talking to you about it, but you, like him, weren't the type to be open about your struggles and personal problems. So, he'd let you be, watching over you from afar, and taking care of you in whatever way he could. Jaebum would drive you to your part-time job if he was free, so you could rest in his car instead of tiring yourself out by taking the bus and walking. He'd show up at your apartment in the morning when he knew you would still be in there, more often than not holding a breakfast pastry and smoothie in his hands. He'd make sure you ate properly and didn't miss any meals, and even helped you study for your exams (Most of his were practical, anyway. He didn't have as much to memorize as you did.). He was the reason the amount of cup noodles you were accustomed to consuming lessened significantly.

Despite all of Jaebum's efforts, you didn't seem to improve at all.

On this particular Thursday morning, Jaebum knocks on your door holding a ham and cheese croissant in one hand and a jug of organic orange juice (courtesy of Jackson) in the other. There's a stumble from the inside of the unit, and you open the door, flustered.

Cute. Jaebum watches as you stand there in your mismatched pajamas, bare face, and messy hair that's sticking up all over the place. You cover your mouth, yawning. He frowns at the sight of your eye bags and sickly skin, but covers this up with a cheery grin. "Good morning!"

"Jaebum?" You mumble sleepily. "What time is it?"

He checks his watch. "Almost 10 in the morning. I wanted to wake you up so you'd have time to eat before your 1pm exam."

At the mention of the academic enemy, your eyes widen. "Shit. I was supposed to wake up two hours ago! I'm not done studying!"

You run back into the apartment, leaving Jaebum to let himself in and lock the door behind him. He watches as you frantically flip through your notes and continues studying your reviewer in obvious distress.

Setting the food beside her, he ruffles your hair. "Eat."

Without looking back to check if you listen, Jaebum makes his way into the kitchen and starts cooking up lunch for the two of you. He figures a healthy serving of spicy soft tofu stew would be just what you needed to get through the day.

Jaebum adds lots of meat to the pot, and even cooks rice for the both of you. While the stew is boiling, he sets the table, bringing out utensils, glasses, and a pitcher of water. By the time he finishes cooking, it's 11am, and he guesses that you have just enough time to eat, shower, and cram study some more.

He brings the steaming pot of jjigae to the dining table and literally has to peel you away from your notes. It doesn't take much to make you eat; you quickly figure out that the sooner you finish your share of the meal, the sooner Jaebum would allow you to return to your cramming. Scarfing down the food with no shame, you finish eating in less than ten minutes, while Jaebum sits beside you, leisurely consuming his portion. He eats slowly, calmly, and watches amusedly as you become frantic about studying again.

Jaebum finishes up his meal and cleans the table, even doing the dishes. When the clock strikes exactly 12:15pm, he forces you to take a shower, holding the door close from the outside. He only leaves after you stop trying to pry it open and he hears the water running.

By 12:50pm, Jaebum is walking you to your exam hall, where he stops a few feet from the door to let you go in by yourself. You stop in your tracks, turn to face Jaebum, and give him a shy smile.

"Thank you..." you start. "For doing what you did. You didn't need to, but you did. All of it."

Jaebum finds himself smiling, his chest warming up. "It's no big deal."

"No, but," you continue. "I'm really grateful. More than you could ever know. I owe you one."

"You don't owe me anything." Jaebum tells you. "Consider this as payment for all the times you filmed for us."

You start to shake your head, but Jaebum speaks up again. "Besides, as your friend, it's sort of my job to take care of you."

You chuckle and smile, staring at him with fond eyes. "Still. Thank you."

Jaebum doesn't expect what you do next. He's frozen in place as you step forward to stand on your toes and press a soft kiss to his cheek. There's no trace of shyness on your face as you step back, give him a bright smile, and turn around to enter the exam hall.

Jaebum's sure that his ears had gone red by the time he finally moves (a good five minutes later). Unable to calm his heart down, he takes deep breaths as he makes his way back to his apartment. The moment he steps in and closes the door behind him, Nora comes padding up to him with her soft paws- the exact moment he decides to let out an excited and joyful scream.

She kissed me. She actually kissed me.

The smile on Jaebum's face never leaves him for the rest of the day.

-=-=-=-

It's a couple of days later that Jaebum convinces you to finally take a break. Between your part-time job and studying for finals, you were exhausted, and it was starting to show physically.

Since he knows that you would study if he left you alone in your apartment, he manages to drag you out of yours and into his with the goal of hanging out by eating a big meal together. Jaebum had prepared multiple boxes and orders of delivery food; pizza, hamburgers, jokbal, fried chicken, bossam, you name it. He's rather proud of how he set it all up in his living room: a comfortable layout of pillows and blankets, the coffee table in front of them completely covered in the food, and his TV ready to play whatever movie Netflix could provide.

"So how do you think you did on your exams so far?" Jaebum asks as you both begin to open up the different boxes of food.

"Let's not talk about that, please. I'm going to want to study again and that completely defies the purpose of this break." You respond, helping yourself to the jokbal.

Jaebum nods. "Fair enough."

He clears his throat. "How are you, then?"

You shrug. "Fine enough. How are you?"

"Fine enough." Jaebum repeats, a small grin on his face. You mirrors his expression when you catch onto what he did.

Meeting with you was always like this. Somehow, you brought out the playful side of him and you almost always ended up giggling at nothing.

"I'm just a little tired but I'll be fine." You add, bringing a piece of meat to your lips and giving him a half-hearted smile.

Jaebum studies you as he eats, stealing glances at you every now and then. When you both decide you're done eating, Jaebum persuades you to rest on the couch while he cleans up. He walks back into the living room to find that you had started watching a movie, and sinks down onto the couch beside you. Hardly paying attention to the movie, Jaebum finds himself watching you.

He's under the impression that you’re completely immersed in the movie and didn't think you'd notice, but you pause the movie and set the remote down, turning to look at him with a questioning look on your face.

"What is it, Jaebum?" You ask.

Jaebum gives you an innocent look. "Hmm?"

"You've been staring at me since dinner. What's the matter?"

Jaebum sighs. He isn't getting out of this one. "I'm just worried, I guess."

"About what?"

"You. You suck at taking care of yourself. Every time I see you, it's like your eye bags have gotten darker, you've lost more weight, you have less energy, you're paler-"

"Okay, okay, I get it." You cut him off, chuckling. Jaebum stares at you incredulously.

"Are you laughing?" He asks. "Is this funny to you? I'm worried about your health and well-being and you have the audacity to laugh at me?"

You shake your head, smiling at him. "You're too cute, Jaebum-ah."

Jaebum stops and his body has no other reaction other than to huff and turn away.

"I'm not laughing at you. Promise. It's just cute how you're so worried." You say. "Why are you even bothered so much anyway? It's not like I'm dying."

Jaebum gives you a deadpan look. "This is what I get for being concerned? You're an ungrateful friend."

This makes you burst out into loud laughter, and it's so contagious that Jaebum can't help but join in. When the both of you calm down, you give him another smile. "You don't need to worry, Jaebum. I'm fine."

Jaebum doesn't agree. He always worries about you. But he doesn't say that and just nods.

You turn away. "Geez, you worry too much. It's not like you're my boyfriend or anything."

Jaebum freezes at that statement. For some reason, it hurt. A lot.

You’ve already resumed playing the movie, so he mumbles to himself. "What's so wrong with that?"

"Hmm? What was that?" You ask, pausing the movie again to look at him.

Jaebum turns his face to look at you. He has no doubt his emotions are displayed all over his face. His heart feels heavy- is it really so bad that he wants to be yours? You made it seem so...unappealing.

"Hey." Your voice comes out cautious, gentle. "You okay?"

Jaebum breaks his silence, raising his eyes to look at you properly. "Would it really be so bad? If I wanted to be?"

Your eyes widen. "Jaebum, I-"

"Answer me. You make it seem as if dating me is such an unappealing concept. Is it really that bad?" Jaebum's voice came out weak, insecure, and he hates it. He was never really the insecure one. Everything he did, he did it with the security of hard work and perseverance to support his confidence.

But not this. How could he ever have prepared for this?

"Of course not." You answer immediately.

"Then why say it like that?" Jaebum snaps.

Oops. Maybe that was a mistake.

You frown. "What are you getting mad at me for? I was just checking up on you, and now you're being all snappy!"

"I just-" Jaebum gives up. "Never mind."

He feels like collapsing. The conversation escalated pretty quickly from him checking up on you, and he hates feeling like he's on the edge of breaking your friendship. He hates not being able to do more. Why couldn't he just man up and tell you how he felt already? How hard could it be?

Evidently, it's extremely difficult.

"No, I will not. Talk to me. You keep avoiding the topic and it's obviously bothering you." You press. "What's the problem?"

Jaebum groans in frustration. "I said don't mind it. I'm fine."

"Do you think I'm stupid, Im Jaebum? You think I'm an idiot?"

"No."

"Then talk to me!"

"No!"

"You're being ridiculous-"

"I said I'm fine!"

"Why's it so hard for you to open up-"

"Because I like you, okay?!"

Oops. That wasn't supposed to come out.

"All I want to do is care for you and take care of you because I hate seeing you suffer. Why do you think I dragged you over here to rest? Why do you think I worked so hard to take care of you all these past weeks? Why do you try to deny everything that I do for you, saying I don't need to? Okay, maybe I don't need to do anything for you, but I want to. Why can't you let me care for you the way I want to?"

Jaebum's heart is racing. He'd never felt anything as overwhelming as this before. The pain of wanting to do so much for someone who didn't want him to- what did that tell him?

You’re frozen, quiet, so Jaebum continues. "If you want me to stop, if you really don't want me to do anything for you anymore, say it here and now. I'll stop for you. Tell me you don't like me back and I'll stop it all."

"It's not that I don't like it-" you start.

"Then what?" Jaebum cuts in, voice hard. "Why-"

"Jaebum!" You snap in a tone that had the ability to zip Jaebum's mouth shut. "Let me speak!"

Jaebum backs down immediately.

You sigh. "Look. I'm sorry I ever made you feel that way. I didn't mean to make it seem like I didn't want you to take care of me. I like it when you show that you care, I really do. It's nice to have someone looking out for you, you know?"

"Then why deny it?"

"I guess I didn't want to be a burden to anyone." You shrug.

Jaebum stares at you disbelievingly. "You'd never be a burden to me."

"And I know that now." You say. "I just- ugh, I didn't want to impose. I felt like I was just an extra load to everything else you were carrying. You already do so much, and here I am, like a newborn baby, terrible at taking care of her own body and needing one of her best friends to take care of it for her."

Jaebum's face lights up. "I'm one of your best friends?" He asks with a cheeky smile on his face.

You hit him on the arm. "Yah. Is that all you got?"

"Aish. I listened, I did!" He insists. "But am I really that important to you?"

You huff and turn away, but mumble under your breath nonetheless, "Yeah."

A wide smile breaks out on Jaebum's face and he can't help but throw his arms around you in a bear hug.

"Y-yah. Wha-what is this? Don't people usually hate it when their crushes call them a best friend? Why are you so happy?" You stutter.

Jaebum lifts his head to look at you. Your face is quickly going red and there's a nervous look in your eyes. He gives you a big smile. "You calling me one of your best friends means you consider me one of the most important people in your life. Even if you don't return my feelings, it's fine. I'll take what you're ready to give me, even if it's just a friend-zone."

And you understand. Jaebum sees it in the way your features soften and the way your body relaxes against his. Suddenly gaining a shot of courage, you lean forward a little bit, smirking lightly.

"I never said I friend-zoned you." You say lowly. You’re mere inches away from his face and Jaebum can feel your breath against his lips.

It's his turn to stiffen, his turn to grow nervous. "You just did..."

You daringly bring your hands up around his neck to bury your fingers in his hair- a sensation Jaebum realizes he'd never get tired of. You smile teasingly. "That was before."

Jaebum gulps audibly. "B-before what?"

You chuckle fondly. "Is the Im Jaebum stuttering? What a historic day."

"N-no, I'm not-"

Jaebum never finishes his sentence because his lips are suddenly trapped in a lip-lock with those of the woman in his arms.

And no, sparks don't fly. They never really do, Jaebum realizes. What happens is much better.

His heart beats faster than he ever thought was possible and his head goes fuzzy. Before this, he was frozen stiff, but the second your lips start to move together, electricity courses through his veins, his entire body awake- alive.

You take over all his senses- he feels intoxicated in the best way possible. His senses are heightened and he's suddenly aware of everything that is you. Only you.

He feels you smiling as you lean back into the couch, pulling him with you. Jaebum can't help but smile himself, as he crawls over your body on the couch, the kiss never breaking.

This. This is a billion times better than the friend-zone.

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