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Chapter Text

Jimin sat on his new couch staring at the paperwork in his hand, his chest brimming with a mix of happiness and disbelief. It was official. He was finally divorced.

"Namjoon signed." He whispered in disbelief. "It's done."

Taehyung squealed next to him and pulled Jimin into a celebratory hug. "I am so, so proud of you."

A loud pop sounded through the room as Seokjin opened a bottle of champagne with a whoop. "Cheers to freedom!" Jimin let out a laugh as Seokjin passed him a glass. "How does it feel?"

"I thought I'd feel different." Jimin said honestly. "I know all the back and forth with the lawyers is over, but I still just feel like…me."

"This is a big change." Taehyung said. "It might take a while to sink in."

"But just because you don't feel it yet doesn't mean you shouldn't celebrate." Seokjin pointed out.

Jimin glanced around the apartment he'd gotten months prior when he'd started the process of divorcing Namjoon. "Now that it's all done, I just don't know where to start. How do you move on after two decades of marriage?"

Taehyung rubbed Jimin's back comfortingly. "I know it's not easy. All those years of him putting work over you has got to mess with your head. So we came up with a few ideas."

Seokjin pulled a paper out of his bag and unfolded it. "Ideas on finally putting yourself first. We've been calling it the Divorcee Bucket List."

Jimin smiled. "Why am I feeling grateful and suddenly scared?" Seokjin passed him the paper with a flourish and Jimin scanned down the checklist his friends had put together.

1. Go on a hot date
2. Dress to the nines!
3. Indulge in self-care
4. Embrace spontaneity
5. Treat yourself to comfort food
6. Take a leap
7. Learn to salsa dance
8. Make some mischief
9. Make up for lost time
10. Get laid
11. Shut down a hater
12. Face your fears
13. Choose your happiness

Jimin was definitely not ready for number ten but 'indulge in self-care' should be easy. Number one though… "Some of these might be a little, uh, fast." He said. "I don’t know if I'm ready to 'go on a hot date'."

"Don't tell me you're still carrying a candle for Joon." Seokjin said.

"No way." Jimin shook his head. "You know we've barely been roommates for the last three years. But I haven't been on a first date in almost 20!" His eyes widened with anxiety. "I've never been on the apps! I don't know how any of this works now!"

Taehyung smiled. "That's why we set up a Tinder profile for you this morning."

Jimin stared at him in disbelief. "Please tell me you're kidding." He looked between his best friends, seeing that they were completely serious. "Who is even going to swipe right on a 40-year-old divorcee?"

Seokjin shrugged. "You might be surprised."

In just a few taps and swipes, Seokjin had the app set up on Jimin's phone and logged into the profile they had made for him. As dating profiles went, it wasn't bad. The pictures were flattering, there was no mention of his divorce, and most of the answers were accurate. "Okay, which one of you wrote 'likes long walks on the beach'?" His phone suddenly vibrated with a notification, and he nearly dropped it.

"It just marked some new profiles as compatible with you." Seokjin explained. "Swipe to that screen and you can take a look.

Jimin shook his head slightly. "You are way too blasé about this. Not all of us have been going on hot dates every Friday night." But Jimin did swipe. And the very first profile came with that picture. That smile. All framed by a glittering river in the background.

"Jungkook?" Seokjin read the name off the profile. "More like Work of Art. And his location tag says he's here in Seoul!" He swiped right for Jimin.

"You're forgetting the part where his profile says he's 26." Jimin deadpanned as he yanked his phone out of Seokjin's reach before he could swipe anymore. "If I’m going to go on some random date, which is still a big if, I’m not going to rob any cradle-" His phone vibrated again, that time with a notification that he had matched with the alpha in question followed by a message from him. "He's messaging me! What do I do?!"

Taehyung grinned. "Message him back! It's just a text. It can't hurt." Biting his lip, Jimin clicked on the message.

Hello!

I know it's cheesy, but mark me down as
a fellow fan of long walks on the beach.
I respect that you're willing to admit to
the cliché

Honestly, my friends wrote that for me.

They got a little carried away helping
me with my profile.

Sounds like you've got good friends,
then

But that just makes me curious what
you actually like to do for fun

Jimin hesitated. He could stop there. He didn't owe the alpha anything. But he found himself wanting to know what Jungkook would say next.

The answer might disappoint you

The only way to know is if you tell me
😉

Although when it comes to finding out if
two people really click, it's easier in
person, imo

That snapped Jimin back to reality like a splash of cold water. To the fact that he was flirting with a 20 something alpha on a dating app. Seokjin peered over Jimin's shoulder and let out a gasp. "Your hottie wants to meet up? I will steal your phone and text him for you if you don't ask if he's free tonight."

Jimin bit his lip. "Won't that make me look…thirsty?"

"Jimin, I know how long it's been since you and Joon were anything approaching conjugal." Taehyung deadpanned. "You can't tell us you're not."

"And there's no shame in being thirsty!" Seokjin exclaimed. "You're allowed to have needs!" Jimin turned back to his phone and began typing out a surprisingly nerve-wracking message.

I've never done this before, but… are
you free tonight?

I am, actually. Want to go to that new
bar in Itaewon? Envy? If you're down,
we could meet at 8.

Okay. Tonight at 8.

Jimin slowly looked up from his phone, his hands trembling. "I did it. I'm meeting him tonight. Oh my god, I’m meeting this alpha tonight!"

"Good!" Taehyung smiled. "This will be good for you!"

"I don’t know." Jimin shook his head, biting his lip as he looked over his conversation with Jungkook once more. "But I'll try it once. I'm not expecting much but at least it'll make a good story later, right? That time I went on a date the day I got divorced?"

Seokjin nodded. "Absolutely. And you know what they say. The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else."

Jimin shot him a flat look. "Agree to disagree. But I won't say no to one night out and a few free drinks."

"We're so proud of you, Jimin." Taehyung hugged him again. "You're finally rid of Namjoon, you're smart as hell, funny, and absolutely gorgeous."

"A total package." Seokjin agreed. "So come on, let's find you a look that says, 'I'm hot, I'm finally free, and I'm ready to celebrate me'."

Jimin got comfortable on his bed as Seokjin and Taehyung pored over the options in his closet. It wasn't long before Seokjin held up a partially sheer blouse and shimmery pants. "Oh yeah, this is the one. Fresh new look, here you come!"

He pulled on the outfit and looked at himself in the mirror. "Okay, I do look halfway decent in this." He agreed.

"Forget decent." Seokjin snorted. "You're hot as fuck."

"He's right." Taehyung nodded. "You're going to be fighting them off with a stick."

Jimin took a deep breath and looked in the mirror again, trying to feel like the stylish, confident omega he saw gazing back at him. He was doing it. He just got divorced and he was going on a date.

***

At exactly 8:00, Jimin walked into Envy, pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere and by the sight of his date standing by the bar. Jimin knew the alpha was far too young for him, but he was even more stunning in person, especially in that sleek jacket and well fitted shirt. As Jimin approached, their eyes met and something like a surge of electricity shot through Jimin's core. "Hi." He greeted the alpha shyly. "You're Jungkook, I take it?"

Jungkook smiled, sending another surge through Jimin. "Guilty as charged. And if you don't mind me saying so, that profile pic didn't quite do you justice. You're Jimin, I take it?"

"I am." Jimin nodded. "It's nice to meet you." He held out his hand and Jungkook took it, the alpha's skin warm against Jimin's. Jungkook's fingers were slightly calloused.

"The pleasure's all mine." Jungkook's gaze briefly trailed over Jimin, drinking in his low neckline and the glittering red jewelry he'd chosen. But the moment when Jimin began to second guess whether his makeup was too much, whether Jungkook was remembering that 40 from his profile, the alpha smiled. "You look gorgeous. The red really suits you."

Jimin felt his cheeks heat up. "You don't have to say that but it's sweet that you-"

Jungkook held up a hand, shaking his head. "I know we've only just met but I don’t' say anything just because I have to. I try to always say what I mean. And you do look gorgeous."

Maybe it was the earnestness in Jungkook's voice or the admiration in his eyes or both, but Jimin felt his chest warm with pride. "Then thank you."

Jungkook pulled out a seat at the bar for Jimin and the omega happened to brush against his arm as he slid into it. A thrill zipped through him, making his pulse race. "Thank you for meeting up on such short notice. I've always preferred talking face to face."

"Me too." Jimin said. "It can be heard to read tone in text especially since I haven't, um, had much time for dating apps lately." It was true although Jimin didn't say that he was totally new to dating apps. There was no way he was mentioning the divorce.

"I can relate." Jungkook nodded sympathetically. "My job usually keeps me too busy for this sort of thing."

"So what do people do at 'this sort of thing'?" Jimin asked.

"That's up to us." Jungkook smiled. "But I'd like to start by buying you a drink."

Every recent article Jimin had read about dating implied that people went Dutch in modern times so the offer was surprisingly charming. "I'll have a French martini." Jungkook ordered drinks for both of them and when he passed Jimin's over, their fingers touched. That delicious thrill zapped through Jimin's body again. Together, they sipped their drinks and looked over the menu. "You picked a nice place. I've never seen a bar menu with this many desserts."

"I take it you've also got a sweet tooth then." Jungkook mused. "Could I order for us and surprise you with one?"

Jimin nodded. "If you want to, I won't turn down a treat." There was a distractingly adorable twinkle in Jungkook's eye as he studied the menu before leaning over to whisper to the server behind the bar. In what felt like mere moments, the server trotted away and returned to set a luscious chocolate souffle in front of them. "Wow, I haven't made one of these in…god, it feels like a lifetime ago."

Jungkook raised his eyebrows. "You bake? That's impressive. I'm a pretty good cook but baking takes some real skill."

"More like I used to bake." Jimin said. "I haven't done much of it in the last few years." He didn't say the rest out loud--that the obligations of being married to Namjoon always came first over his hobbies.

Still, Jungkook paused. "You okay? You got pretty quiet there."

"I'm fine." Jimin shook his head slightly. "Just thinking about lost time."

"I do that a lot too." Jungkook said. "But no time like the present to make up for it." He gently nudged the souffle toward Jimin.

Jimin took the hint and dug in. The chocolate melting in his mouth was almost sinfully decadent. "God, that's good." He practically moaned. Jungkook's eyes were on Jimin as the omega lifted another bite to his lips. The alpha wasn't staring but the interest made Jimin shiver a little even in the warm bar. He drew the spoon to his mouth and licked the chocolate, taking his time to taste the sweetness and enjoy every swipe of his tongue. His eyes met Jungkook’s, and the alpha's mouth was slightly open as he watched. Jimin hid a smile, feeling successful for some reason. Jimin was testing the waters, Jungkook was definitely biting. Jimin felt alive for the first time in years.

Jungkook cleared his throat. "So you've told me a bit about yourself. It feels only fair that I even the odds. Is there anything you want to know about me?"

"What's something you did once and never want to do again?" Jimin asked.

"That's easy." Jungkook chuckled. "Backpacking."

"You answered that fast." Jimin mused. "Should I be afraid to ask why?"

"My senior year in college, I went on a trip to New York with some friends and hiked the Adirondacks." Jungkook said. "I literally tripped and rolled down a hill and wound up banging my shin on a rock."

Jimin winced. "That sounds painful."

Jungkook shrugged. "Not as painful as the grass stain I got on my shorts. They called me grass, uh…something that rhymes with grass for the whole trip."

The mention of college reminded Jimin how much closer the alpha was to that time in his life than Jimin was. But Jimin couldn't smiling. It was still endearing. "Can I ask you one more thing?" Jungkook nodded. "What made you decide to match with me? I just can't imagine someone like me caught your attention." Jimin had done it. He'd alluded to the elephant in the room.

Jungkook furrowed his eyebrows. "A beautiful omega with a glowing smile whose profile had a sense of humor? Why wouldn't you catch my attention?" When Jungkook put it like that, it was suddenly hard to explain. "Let me ask you a different question. What inspired you to invite me out tonight?"

Jimin bit his lip. "Well, for starters, my friends didn't give me much choice."

Jungkook chuckled. "That sounds like a story I've got to hear."

"My dating life has been…on hold for a while." Jimin said vaguely. "So my best friends made a bucket list to get me back out there. And number one was 'go on a date'."

"Okay, now I’m curious." Jungkook grinned. "Can I see this list?" Maybe the martini and chocolate and the beautiful young alpha's proximity were getting to Jimin's head, but he pulled up the list on his phone. Jungkook leaned in to read it over Jimin's shoulder, his body briefly pressing close to the omega's. Jimin's breath hitched. "Number two, dress to the nines? I’m here for this. I mean, if what you're wearing tonight doesn't count, I'd love to see you really dressed up. Jimin felt his cheeks warm from the earnest praise and Jungkook's admiring smile. Somehow the alpha made it all feel so simple.

Jimin caught Jungkook smiling but mercifully not commenting when his gaze skimmed past number 10. He got points for tact. "Okay, I have to ask about number seven. Learn to salsa dance? That's very specific."

"I told my friends for years that I'd sign up for lessons, but I never got around to it." Jimin said.

"Then you're in luck." Jungkook smiled. "I happen to know how and I bet I could convince that band playing across the bar to take requests." He held out his hand to Jimin and although the idea of touching the alpha so deliberately felt daring, Jimin couldn't deny the temptation.

The idea of coming to that bar at all felt daunting a few hours before. The idea of dancing with some alpha Jimin barely knew should have felt even more so. But instead, Jimin found himself taking Jungkook's hand. "Okay. Show me what you've got."

Chapter Text

Jungkook's hand was warm in Jimin as the alpha led him to the dance floor. After a few quick words, the band struck up a fast rhythm that had Jimin's blood pumping. "You ready?" Jungkook smiled.

"As much as I'm ever going to be." Jimin said.

"Then let's start with step one--hand placement." Jungkook said. "Since I'm leading, my right hand goes here…" With the alpha's guidance, Jimin lifted his left arm and Jungkook rested his hand higher than the omega had expected, well above his waist, his fingers brushing Jimin's ribcage. "Now step two--set your left hand on my shoulder and relax against me." Following Jungkook's advice, Jimin let his arm relax until it was almost laying atop Jungkook's as his hand gently cradled the omega. The connection was like an electric jolt through Jimin's body. It made his head spin, especially when Jungkook had him hold up his other hand. "Perfect. Now this palm faces outward, and I rest mine here." He gently clasped Jimin's hand and it was like the closing of a circuit. That spark Jimin felt between them was amplified as Jungkook smiled softly at him. "With me so far?"

Jimin nodded. "You're a good teacher."

"You're a quick study." Jungkook said.

"Don't jump to conclusions." Jimin giggled. "You haven't actually shown me how to dance yet."

"Then let's try this." Jungkook's hand gently pressed against Jimin's side, guiding the omega backward as he stepped forward. Before long, the two of them were saying back and forth to the rhythm. At first, Jimin felt a surge of confidence, then a sudden worry over how the two of them must have looked--a young gorgeous alpha dancing with him. But as Jimin glanced over at the other couples on the dance floor, almost none of them paid them any mind. And the ones that did were just smiling at them. It was a balm for Jimin's worries, and so was the sight of Jungkook smiling at him as he gently led the omega across the dance floor. "You still with me?" Jungkook asked.

"Yes." Jimin smiled. "Just trying to keep up."

"I can't believe this is your first time salsa dancing." Jungkook said. "You could've fooled me."

"I'm just doing my best not to step on your feet." Jimin admitted with a laugh. Jungkook laughed with Jimin, and with their bodies that connected, Jimin could feel the vibration of it in his own chest. He suppressed a shiver. "Where did you learn to salsa dance?"

"My grandma taught me." Jungkook said. "She was a ballroom dancer, and she could dance just about anything. But salsa was always her favorite."

Jimin raised his eyebrows slightly. "Good for her. Does she still dance?"

Jungkook nodded. "Sure does. She can kick my ass on the dance floor."

As they swayed to the music, Jungkook walked Jimin through more steps. Jimin felt more and more confident with each one. "I should've done this a long time ago." Jimin mused.

"Why didn't you sign up for those salsa lessons before?" Jungkook asked. "You're clearly a natural."

"I don't know." Jimin bit his lip. But he did know. Because the answer was always Namjoon. He never had time for his own life when he was so busy supporting his now ex's. And Namjoon never made him a priority. But he didn't want to tell Jungkook that. The way Jungkook was looking at Jimin, like he was someone worth knowing, felt far more important than all the disappointment of the past."

Jungkook gently nudged Jimin with the hand on his side. "You can tell me."

Jimin sighed. "I guess life got in the way. It's something about myself I'm working on. Not letting life pass me by."

"It's easy to get bogged down in the mundane." Jungkook said. "Trust me, I know. So I try to do something every day that pushes me out of my comfort zone."

"Like what?" Jimin tilted his head.

Jungkook shrugged. "It can be something as simple as trying a new kind of bagel or tasting a new wine." He smiled and squeezed Jimin's hand. "Or agreeing to meet up with a beautiful omega on the spur of the moment and dancing with him."

Jimin felt his cheeks heat up. "Is that what people mean when they say, 'variety is the spice of life'?"

"All I know is that I've never regretted it." Jungkook said.

The rhythm was electrifying. Quick then slow, quick then slow, and before long, Jimin lost himself in the steps. "Who knew exercise could be so fun?"

"It's a hell of a way to get your heart going." Jungkook chuckled. But dancing wasn't the only thing that was making Jimin's pulse race. Jungkook was a phenomenal dancer and every brush of the alpha's body against his own made Jimin's skin tingle.

As the song reached a climactic beat, Jungkook dipped Jimin, one arm braced against the small of his back. Jimin stared up into Jungkook's beautiful eyes. Seokjin was right. Jungkook really was a work of art. Jimin hung suspended in the alpha's arms for a moment, pulse racing, his whole body alight as more patrons flocked to the dance floor, clearly inspired by the show the two of them had put on. As the cluster of dancers began to grow into a proper crowd, Jungkook gently raised Jimin back up, pulling him close. "Sorry if the dip took you by surprise. I got a little carried away."

Jimin shook his head, smiling brightly. "I’m not opposed to surprises when they're the pleasant kind." And Jungkook certainly was. Jimin was breathless and giddy from dancing, and he was only a few inches away from the alpha, Jungkook's breath ghosting over Jimin's lips. Jimin could kiss Jungkook if he wanted. And from the look in the alpha's eyes, Jimin thought Jungkook would kiss him back. Jimin started to lean in and Jungkook did too.

Then another patron accidentally jostled them, nearly knocking Jimin to the ground. "Are you okay?" Jungkook asked as he steadied the omega.

"Yes, fine." Jimin nodded, feeling a little disappointed at the interruption. The moment between them was broken.

Jungkook squeezed Jimin's hand. "Ready for a breather?" Jimin nodded, still a little dizzy from the draw he felt toward the alpha, and Jungkook escorted him off of the dance floor and back to the bar.

"I guess that makes it official then." Jimin said as he settled back onto his stool. He pulled out his phone and opened his Divorce Bucket List, marking off number seven. "You helped me check off an item." He smiled at Jungkook.

"More like you gave me the perfect excuse to get you out on the dance floor." Jungkook said. "But I'm still glad to have helped. Is there anything more satisfying than a good checklist?"

Jimin chuckled. "Before tonight, I would've said plenty of things. But the checklist is growing on me."

Jungkook gave Jimin's phone a quick glance. "It looks like you've got quite a few to mark off."

"Honestly, it's a little overwhelming." Jimin said. "I want to get out of this rut in life but it's harder than I thought it would be."

"Number four was 'embrace spontaneity', right?" Jungkook asked. "So maybe that's exactly what you need." He grinned. "I have an idea, if you're up for it."

Jimin raised an eyebrow. "That depends on the idea. I'm not sure what you're into but I'm not about to go streaking down the street or anything."

Jungkook burst into a warm peal of laughter. "Damn, now I’m mad that wasn't my idea. I promise it doesn't involve any streaking though." His smile softened. "I'd like to show you something special. But you'll have to trust me." He held out his hand and Jimin felt that thrill once more as he took it.

Jimin was led to a tall building down the block--one the omega instantly recognized as a hotel. Sudden anxiety bubbled up within him. Jungkook had seemed so sweet but what if it was all a ploy to take Jimin upstairs for a one-night stand? Seokjin would be thrilled for him and Jimin felt an undeniable rush of heat at the thought. But if that's what Jungkook wanted, the alpha should have communicated that. Torn between worry and curiosity, Jimin followed Jungkook inside the hotel and into an elevator. He could handle it, one way or another.

Instead of taking Jimin to a room, Jungkook led him to a rooftop garden. "I had no idea this was up here." Jimin looked around in awe.

"We'd get less light pollution outside the city." Jungkook said. "But I didn't want to drive you out to the middle of nowhere when you barely know me. This is the second tallest building in the neighborhood which makes it just tall enough to give us a good view of that." He stepped close to Jimin and pointed up.

Jimin followed Jungkook's gaze to see the beginning of a meteor shower. "It's beautiful." Jimin breathed out, staring up into the night as stars shot across the sky, leaving wispy trails. "This is amazing."

"Watching you enjoy it is even better." Jungkook said softly, standing close to shield the omega from the wind.

When Jimin had left his apartment that night, he wasn't even sure he could convince himself to walk into the bar. And there he was, watching a meteor shower with a way too young but still incredibly charming alpha. One who had made him feel more seen than anyone had in years.

"You should make a wish on one of the stars before the shower ends." Jungkook murmured.

Jimin glanced at Jungkook. "What about you? What are you wishing for?"

Jungkook studied Jimin for a long moment, choosing his next words with care. "The courage to ask if I can kiss you."

The words made Jimin's heart leap, and so did the way Jungkook was looking at him. Like Jimin was the most beautiful sight in the whole city. Jimin answered by leaning up to press his lips to Jungkook's. The kiss was soft and sweet, sending shockwaves of pleasure through Jimin's body. Kissing someone new--kissing Jungkook--was easier than Jimin had ever imagined, especially because Jungkook was devastatingly good at it. Jimin knew it should feel wrong, but it felt so right. And there was no one on the rooftop except the two of them. Giving in to the swell of desire, Jimin parted his lips against Jungkook's, deepening the kiss. Jungkook's mouth was hot against Jimin's and Jimin forgot about everything else, losing himself in the moment.

Jungkook spun the two of them around, lips never leaving Jimin's, and pressed the omega against one of the low walls lining the garden. Jimin let a moan slip out at the action. He didn't want to be quiet. It's not like there was anyone up there to hear him. He moaned into Jungkook's mouth again as the alpha flicked his tongue against his own. Jungkook's lips were soft and warm, the kiss making Jimin hungry for more. Jimin hadn't felt desire or desired like that in ages, and that realization left him almost as breathless as Jungkook's touch.

For a moment, Jimin gazed up at Jungkook, his cheeks flushed with heat as Jungkook smiled at him. "You're a pretty decent kisser."

"Decent?" Jungkook raised an eyebrow.

Jimin laughed, squeezing Jungkook's hips. "Okay, more than decent."

Jungkook smiled. "You could put 'rooftop makeout' on your list and check it off. I think your friends would be proud."

"Oh, they'd be ecstatic." Jimin agreed. "But I'd rather not think about them right now."

With that, Jungkook kissed Jimin again, one of his hands running along Jimin's waist. Then the alpha paused to look at Jimin. "Is this okay?"

Jimin nodded eagerly. "It's more than okay. Everything about this has been more than okay."

Jungkook let out a breath, his smile brightening into something warmer, full of promise. "Good." His next words were a husky murmur that made Jimin shiver with anticipation. "Because I've wanted to touch you since you first walked into that bar." Jimin sucked in a breath as Jungkook's hands slid around to grip his ass through his pants. Jimin's body came alive beneath Jungkook's touch in ways the omega had almost forgotten. Jungkook squeezed, making Jimin moan and threw his head back in pleasure. When he caressed Jimin again, the omega met his gaze. "You feel incredible."

There wasn't a moment of doubt in Jimin's mind that Jungkook meant every word. That Jungkook wanted it as much as Jimin did. "So do you." Slick began to pool in Jimin's underwear, and he couldn't remember the last time he was so turned on from over the clothes action and kissing. But maybe it was finally time to stop judging himself and enjoy the moment. Jimin wanted to feel Jungkook. Right there, right then, Jimin let himself do just what he wanted. Jimin reached for Jungkook. "You're not the only one who gets to touch."

"You can-" Jungkook cut off with a soft groan as Jimin ran his hands over Jungkook's chest, feeling his firm pecs beneath his shirt. "You can touch me however you want." Jungkook met Jimin's gaze, his breath coming a little harder as Jimin let his hands roam over the alpha. Jungkook kissed Jimin once more, nipping at the omega's bottom lip before pressing another kiss to the curve of his jaw.

Every second was bliss. From the eagerness in Jungkook's touch, Jimin knew he was just as lost in the heat of the moment as he himself was. Jimin placed a finger under Jungkook's chin, tilting his head up so he could kiss him again.

Just before their lips met, a loud screech and a honking car from the street below snapped them both back to reality. "Damn." Jungkook sighed. "I guess we probably shouldn't stay up here all night."

Jimin took a step back from Jungkook, head spinning. "No, we probably shouldn't." Even as he tried to catch his breath and collect himself, there was no denying what just happened. His lip gloss was smeared across Jungkook's lips, and the alpha looked as breathless as Jimin felt.

Jungkook was a decade and a half younger than him. He barely knew the alpha. They had just made out on a rooftop. And God did it feel good.

Both of them stood there for a moment, the memory of that kiss hanging between them. When Jungkook spoke, his voice was soft. "Thank you for making my wish come true."

Jimin smiled. "Thank you for everything. I don't know what I was expecting when I got to Envy but this whole night has been unforgettable."

"I'm glad." Jungkook said. "You deserved a night to remember." He bit his lip before continuing. "Listen, I don't want to pressure you, but I'd really like to see you again." He pulled out his phone and tapped on the screen. A second later, Jimin's phone buzzed. "I messaged you on Tinder with my number. Just in case."

"I would like that too." Jimin said softly. "Maybe we can talk more later. Make some more plans."

"You know how to reach me." Jungkook reached for Jimin's hand, squeezing. Warmth flooded the omega's body. "Goodnight, Jimin. I really hope I get to see you again."

Chapter Text

Jimin was still mulling over Jungkook's invitation the night before as he pulled up outside the hospital where his ex-husband worked. He hadn't texted Jungkook yet, but he was still distracted by the idea when he passed by the receptionist he'd known for years. "Morning, Seunghyun."

His greeting was met with a scowl and a stiff, "Hello."

"Is something wrong?" Jimin asked.

"I'm just fine." Seunghyun huffed. "But not everyone in this building can say the same."

Jimin had known everyone at the hospital would take Namjoon's 'side' in the divorce. He was the head of their illustrious surgery department, after all. But it still hurt. Jimin never should've let his social life get so tangled up in that place. "I'm just, uh, here to drop off something for Namjoon."

"He's in his office." Seunghyun's tone left no room for further conversation, so Jimin ducked his head and scurried down the hallway.

He was still frazzled when he reached Namjoon's office. The alpha looked up from behind his desk, eyes widening slightly. "Oh. Hi, Jimin."

With a start, Jimin realized that it was his first time seeing Namjoon since the divorce became official. "Hi." Jimin said a bit awkwardly before clearing his throat. "Thanks for, um, making everything easy."

"Of course." Namjoon said. "Does it really surprise you that I'm being cordial?"

"No, not exactly." Jimin shook his head. "Just…this isn't a fun process and you've been kind about it."

"Well, I want us both to be happy." Namjoon said. "And hurting you doesn't make me happy."

Jimin wished he had been so caring when they were married. But there was nothing he could do about that now. "Then I'm sorry for the surprise visit but the welcome dinner for this year's new residents is coming up. I wanted to hand off the plans I arranged for it before…you know." He didn't say 'the divorce' but Namjoon's face still fell, and Jimin swallowed thickly.

"Shit." Namjoon sighed. "The dinner. I totally forgot. I'm sorry, Jimin-"

"Don’t tell me you assumed I'd keep handling the dinners and galas every year." Jimin said. "I only arranged all those hospital functions as your spouse."

"I know." Namjoon nodded. "And I know this is a huge ask but the dinner's in just over a week. All the admin people who would normally help are swamped. If no one takes responsibility, the new residents won't get the welcome they deserve."

Jimin crossed his arms. "Please don't guilt trip me on day one of our divorce."

Namjoon winced, clearly unaware he was even doing it. "Sorry, I didn't mean to. I just-"

"Really want them to have the dinner." Jimin sighed.

"The hospital could really use your help." Namjoon said. "And you'd barely have to see me. I promise. One of my senior residents can help you with the details."

"Fine." Jimin agreed. "But this is the last event I'm running for this place. And I'm not doing it for your sake."

"I understand." Namjoon gave him a grateful smile. "And thank you."

Sighing, turned to go. But as he reached the door, he walked right into a doctor on his way into Namjoon's office. "Sorry." The alpha said.

Stunned, Jimin stared up at the shockingly familiar figure, clad in a doctor's white coat, as Namjoon perked up. "There you are! Jimin, remember that resident I told you about earlier this year? The young surgeon who will probably have my job in a few years? This is him. Jeon Jungkook." Jimin felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over him as he realized he'd gone on a date and made out with his ex's protégé. He barely heard Jungkook saying hi over the roaring in his ears. "Jimin, are you alright?" Namjoon asked.

Realizing he hadn't replied to Namjoon's introduction, Jimin gazed up at Jungkook and fumbled for words. "Yes, hi, nice to meet you, Dr. Jeon." He shot Jungkook a pleading look, silently begging the alpha to go along. "Namjoon's told me all about you. You're a big deal around here."

Jungkook shook his head as if to clear it but there was a flash of understanding in his eyes as he followed Jimin's lead. "I don't know about that. But it's nice to…meet you too."

"Jungkook, this is my hus-" Jimin raised an eyebrow and Namjoon winced. "I mean, my ex-husband, Jimin. Park Jimin."

Sweat prickled along Jimin's lower back as he tried not to look as guilty as he felt. "Hi, Jimin." Jungkook said. "It's a pleasure." He turned to Namjoon. "I'm sorry for interrupting, Dr. Kim, but I wanted to ask you about the patient in room 22. She's recovering now but…"

While Jungkook quickly relayed some medical speak to Namjoon, Jimin was reeling. What exactly had he done? "I'll, um, just leave you two to your business." Jimin quickly excused himself, turning toward the door, desperate for some space and a chance to think.

Namjoon's voice stopped Jimin. "Wait, what if Jungkook helped you with the details for that welcome dinner? The hospital just finished remodeling one of its event spaces so he can take you over there for a look."

Jimin wouldn't have been opposed to death in that moment. If the ground wanted to open up and swallow him, that would be better than what he was currently facing. "Oh, I'm sure he doesn't have time."

But Jungkook gave Jimin a long look, meeting the omega's gaze. "I'd like that, actually. Don't worry, I've got a few minutes."

Jimin was tempted to protest but anything was better than standing there between Jungkook and Namjoon. He managed a weak smile. "Okay. Show me the way."

Once the two of them left Namjoon's office and were out of earshot from anyone else, Jungkook broke the silence. "So when you said you hadn't had time for dating in a while…was that because of Namjoon?"

Jimin nodded. "And when you said your work kept you busy, I had no idea you worked with Namjoon."

"I'm one of the newer surgeons in his department." Jungkook said. "Partway through my residency."

"I knew this was a mistake." Jimin muttered to himself. "I should never have agreed to meet up. All of this was just…" Jimin shook his head. "I knew dating again so soon would be a mess." His self-recrimination was interrupted by a pang of guilt when he saw the hurt in Jungkook's eyes.

"I thought you said you had a good time last night." Jungkook said quietly.

"I did." Jimin assured him. "But-"

Jungkook cut him off. "Then it wasn't a mistake. I had a great time too."

Jimin sighed. "I wish it were that simple."

Jungkook slid his gaze over to Jimin, and Jimin wished he could go back to the previous night before that moment ever happened. "I was hoping you'd take me up on that offer for a second date but that's not going to happen, is it?"

"No." Jimin said sadly. "It isn't. Last night was fun…" Fun was a poor substitute for the truth. Jimin still remember the way Jungkook tasted when he'd kissed him. How alive Jimin felt with him. How seen. "But we have to put it behind us. No one can ever know it happened."

Jungkook started to reach for Jimin's hand but pulled back, stopping himself. "But we still know."

Jimin nodded. "And I'm grateful for that. It was a wonderful night. I mean that." He managed a sad smile, trying not to lose himself in more memories--the first time their hands touched, the easy curve of Jungkook's smile. "But that's where this ends."

Jungkook opened his mouth like he wanted to protest, then closed it and gave a single nod. "If that's what you want." They reached the remodeled even space and Jungkook opened the door for Jimin. "I guess I'll go and leave you to it then."

"Thank you, Dr. Jeon." Jimin said. "I'll see you around."

"Yeah." Jungkook said quietly. "See you around, Jimin-ssi." But as he turned to go, brushing past Jimin, the omega couldn't deny the longing he felt or the wistful look in Jungkook's eyes.

***

Jimin met up with Taehyung and Seokjin for lunch. Unfortunately, they were desperate to know how the previous night's hot date had gone. "You've barely texted us since." Seokjin said. "So let me guess--the sparks have been flying." He took in Jimin's expression. "Damn, unless it was really bad. Was it bad?"

"The opposite." Jimin sighed.

Taehyung smiled while Seokjin set down his chopsticks and let out a triumphant whoop. "I knew it was good! You little minx."

"I am not a minx!" Jimin denied, staring at the meat he'd barely touched, wishing he was hungry. He didn't want to get food, but Taehyung and Seokjin had said lunch couldn't just consist of coffee.

"So did Jungkook live up to expectations?" Taehyung asked. "Because I had hopes after seeing that Tinder profile."

Jimin swallowed thickly. "Jungkook was…" He sighed. "He was everything I hoped he would be. Other than the part where, you know, he's one and a half decades younger than me."

"Not quite one and a half." Taehyung corrected. "Plus, age is just a number."

"In this case, it's a big number." Jimin insisted.

Seokjin tilted his head. "Did Jungkook mind?"

Jimin pushed his meat around his plate. "No but that's not-"

"Then I don't see the problem." Seokjin shrugged. "So did you two go Dutch or did he pay for the date?'

"He insisted on buying our-"

Seokjin once again cut Jimin off. "Aww, that's cute. So chivalry isn't dead yet."

Taehyung smiled. "Did you, perhaps, share a kiss?"

"Forget a kiss!" Seokjin exclaimed. "Did you share a night of passion?"

Jimin gave him a flat look. "Nobody says 'night of passion'. I know I've been out of the dating game for a while, but you can't tell me that's a thing."

"Fine, maybe not." Seokjin conceded.

"But was there passion?" Taehyung asked. "Chemistry? Sparks?"

Jimin felt his cheeks flush as he remembered the heat of Jungkook's kisses, the alpha's hands trailing over his body. "Does getting handsy on a rooftop under a meteor shower count?" Seokjin and Taehyung cheered loudly, bringing other diners' attention to their table. Jimin cut off their excitement by burying his face in his hands. "You don't understand. He's not just way too young for me. He's also Namjoon's protégé."

Taehyung's mouth fell open. "He's what now?" Jimin briefly filled his friends in on the awkward run in at the hospital. The table was silent until Taehyung reached out to squeeze his shoulder. "I'm so sorry. But you were right to nip this thing in the bud. Seeing Jungkook again would be way too awkward. Plus, there are plenty of other hotties in the dating pool. Including ones over the age of 30."

"Oh please." Seokjin snorted. "You're both making too much of this age gap thing. I've had plenty of flings with people around Jungkook's age. I don’t see why it has to be a deal breaker."

"Jungkook works for my ex!" Jimin reiterated. "Things with Namjoon are awkward enough. The idea of him or anyone knowing I went out with his star surgeon is mortifying."

"Does it have to be?" Seokjin asked. "You had a fantastic first date with an alpha you liked. There's nothing mortifying about it."

Taehyung grimaced. "But there kind of is though. I'd feel weird in your shoes too, Jimin."

Seokjin groaned in exasperation. "He and Namjoon are done! He's allowed to date whoever he wants!"

"It's just not that simple." Jimin argued. "Yes, Jungkook is gorgeous and sweet and yes the kiss was amazing. But I barely know him."

"I can fix that." Seokjin whipped out his phone.

"What are you doing?" Jimin asked anxiously.

"Calm down." Seokjin said. "Just finding his social media." He tapped on his phone until he finally found Jungkook's instagram account. "Why don’t we scroll through and learn more about the gorgeous, sweet Dr. Jeon Jungkook? The insta vibes never lie. Either there will be a parade of red flags, and you can feel validated about never seeing him again or you'll see that he's a total catch and worthy of another date. It's a win-win."

Jimin bit his lip, unable to deny the temptation. "I guess it can't hurt." He said quietly before sighing. "We can snoop a little. A little."

Seokjin grinned. "Whatever you say." He handed his phone to Jimin with Jungkook's profile pulled up.

"So this is how cyber stalking works these days?" Jimin asked. "This is how the youths find out about their crushes?"

Taehyung and Seokjin laughed. "We could always do an internet search for Jeon Jungkook, but I think his insta will be more revealing." Taehyung said.

"Less talking and more scrolling." Seokjin demanded.

With a deep breath, Jimin looked at Jungkook's pinned post, which was the same photo he had used as his profile pic on Tinder. "Go, he still looks so good in that swimsuit."

"I'll say." Seokjin hummed in agreement.

Then Jimin saw Jungkook's most recent post--a picture of the stars. "He posted this last night." Jimin said in surprise. "Just a few minutes after we said goodbye." He tapped on the photo and read the caption aloud, his voice soft. "I can't stop smiling. That can't be about me…can it? He probably went to another bar after we said goodbye or met up with someone el-"

"Jimin." Seokjin said sternly. "Please. This is totally about you."

"I so agree." Taehyung nodded. "You obviously made his night."

Jimin shook his head. "Agree to disagree. We can't know for sure why he posted it." But the idea of Jungkook stopping to make that post on his way home from their date, smiling nonstop because of Jimin, was undeniably flattering. He scrolled down to see a few images of Jungkook whitewater rafting with friends. There was one of him posing by another riverbank with a bright smile. "This looks like a fun trip." And it didn't hurt that he got to see more pics of Jungkook shirtless in shorts that showed off his v line, the alpha's skin glowing in the sun as water droplets gleamed on his bare chest, his tattoos on display.

"Does it though?" Taehyung frowned. "Don't some people wind up going over waterfalls and plunging to their doom?"

"Yeah, I don't think that happens very often." Jimin said.

"I told you, Tae, stop watching those 'it could happen to you' docs." Seokjin scolded him.

Taehyung narrowed his eyes at Seokjin. "That one taught me to always keep a compass in my car just in case."

"And how often have you used that compass?" Jimin asked but didn’t give Taehyung an answer. "Actually, how often do you even drive your car?"

"Not the point." Taehyung said. "Keep scrolling."

Jimin shared a laugh with his friends before turning back to Jungkook's profile. He scrolled through lots of hiking pics, including a striking shot of Jungkook in some mountains. "That looks like America." Seokjin mused. "Seems like your hot surgeon has an adventurous side."

"He's not my anything." Jimin shot Seokjin a look.

Seokjin raised an eyebrow. "Sure."

"He's not!"

"But do you want him to be?" Seokjin asked.

Jimin felt his cheeks flush again under Seokjin's stare. "Stop making that face at me and swipe to the next pic."

As they continued to browse the photos, Jimin suddenly spotted a familiar building. A smiling Jungkook stood in his white coat outside of the hospital. "He looks good in white." Seokjin said. "That's a hard color to pull off."

Taehyung nodded. "And he's got this comforting aura even in these pics. I bet he has a good bedside manner."

"I'm sure he does." Jimin said. "He was really kind on our date."

"See?" Seokjin smiled. "This is why you have to go out with him again."

Jimin tapped the hospital building in the background. "No, this is exactly why I can't." His heart ached even as the smile on Jungkook's face made him want to smile back at the image. He read the caption to himself. Finally here. I can't wait to save lives.

"Jungkook must be pretty talented." Taehyung said. "Namjoon's picky about the surgeons he lets into the residency program, right?"

"Yeah, Jungkook seems happy with it." Jimin said.

"My hat's off to him." Taehyung said. "Four years of college was more than enough for me. I can't imagine going through med school and residency."

"No kidding." Seokjin agreed. "I could never."

Jimin shook his head. "After watching Namjoon go through the whole process, I can safely say that Jungkook isn't afraid of hard work."

"That seems like a great quality in a date." Taehyung mused.

"I thought you were team No More Dating Jungkook?" Jimin frowned.

Taehyung shrugged. "I'm Team Jimin and your happiness. That can mean a lot of different things."

"We still haven't answered the most important question." Seokjin said. "Is he single or is he a secret player?"

"Right." Jimin nodded. "Scrolling."

Most of the pictures were of nature, although they let Jimin know that Jungkook was a good photographer. Other pics were selfies and there were several of the alpha with a larger group. In one, he was carrying moving boxes for a friend. "Wow, this guy still helps his friends move in exchange for fried chicken and beer?" Taehyung asked. "That's generosity right there."

Then Jimin spotted one of Jungkook and him. They were both smiling and Jungkook's arm was around Mystery Omega's waist. Jimin already felt like he'd crossed a line with Jungkook and now… "Look at this pic. Did I just kiss someone who's in a relationship?"

Seokjin raised his eyebrows. "Uh oh. No caption on this one. Let's see if we can figure out who he is." He scrolled through more pics, looking for other signs of Mystery Omega. Finally, he found one and tapped on it, smiling once it loaded. "Good news. Check out this caption."

Jimin read over Seokjin's shoulder and suddenly felt like he could breathe again. "I don't get to see my cousins much, but I'm so glad I got to hang out with Siwoo on our family camping trip. Thank God. I thought I was suddenly a cradle robber and a homewrecker."

Taehyung reached over to pat his arm. "Hey, you are neither. I don't see any other signs of a relationship in here."

"Now let's see if there are any more flirty beach pics." Seokjin said excitedly. He and Taehyung both scrolled while Jimin tried to exercise restraint. But as Seokjin and Taehyung bumped hands in the middle of scrolling, they jostled the phone, and a little heart appeared beside one of the beach pics. One of the 'Jungkook in a bathing suit' beach pics.

"Oh my god, I’m throwing your phone in the nearest sink!" Jimin exclaimed.

"Don't you dare!" Seokjin clutched his phone protectively. "That ridiculously priced little gadget is my life!"

"I know but-"

Seokjin cut him off. "For your information, Jungkook's never gonna know that like was from us. I pulled up his page on my anonymous profile for a reason."

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. "Do I even want to know why you have one of those?"

"For times like this, obviously." Seokjin said.

"Then thank you for your wisdom and discretion." Jimin said. "But fake profile or not, that was way too close. I think it's a sign for us to stop scrolling."

Taehyung nodded as Seokjin put his phone face down on the table. "So how do you feel about what we found?"

"Relieved there weren't any glaring red flags and that I didn't go out with a secret asshole, I guess." Jimin sighed. "But if anything, seeing more of his life just made me like him more." The temptation to reach for Seokjin's phone--or worse, to pull up Jungkook's profile on his own phone--was very real. There was so much he still didn't know about Jungkook. So many different shots showing off those kind eyes and his beautiful smile.

"I'm still not sure that's a bad thing." Seokjin said. "Jungkook seems great."

Taehyung shot Seokjin a look. "Great or not, he still has a lot of strings attached." He turned to Jimin with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, we'll find you someone just as amazing."

"I'm not in a rush." Jimin said. "I promise." He finally picked up a piece of meat and bit into it. "Maybe it's enough to know I had a good date with a genuinely nice alpha. That I'm still capable of putting myself out there."

Seokjin smiled. "Cheers to giving it a shot." He lifted his drink, and the others clinked theirs against it. But as they turned back to their lunch, there was still only one thing on Jimin's mind.

How was he supposed to forget about Jeon Jungkook?

Chapter Text

Jimin was home alone and bored out of his mind. He never thought he'd miss apartment hunting or calls from Namjoon's lawyers or divvying up their furniture but at least with those he was doing something. Now that it was all over, he was left in an apartment he'd barely finished furnishing. And half the people on his social calendar were other doctors' spouses or hospital staff. He had the feeling none of them were too keen to see them. Besides the dinner Namjoon talked him into, Jimin didn't have any plans whatsoever. So he pulled out his phone to text Taehyung and Seokjin.

Heyyyy

Please help, I'm so bored!

Seokjin
Go for a run. Or pop some champagne
and take a long bubble bath!

It's the middle of the afternoon, Seokjin.

Seokjin
So? It's after five somewhere.

…Do you have any ideas that don't
involve champagne?

Taehyung
Have you taken a look at The List lately?
Maybe it'll give you some info!

Now THAT I can do!

Jimin closed out of his texts and pulled up the bucket list. "Number five--treat yourself to comfort food…" He murmured to himself. It had been years since he'd made his special glazed lemon cookies. Namjoon never liked them, but the alpha wasn't there to object. That thought lifted Jimin's spirits a little, as did the memory of his favorite baking recipe. He just needed to get the ingredients.

So he headed to the grocery store, still getting used to the pleasant but weird feeling of shopping for one instead of two. It was nice that no one was going to complain about him expanding his dark chocolate collection in the cupboard. The cookies were best with fresh lemon juice, so Jimin headed to the produce section and reached for the perfect lemon at the same time as someone else. "Sorry." His fingers brushed theirs and he turned to apologize only for his breath to catch in his throat.

"Hi." Jungkook greeted him a bit awkwardly.

It felt both absurd and inevitable that Jungkook was standing there. He was in casual clothes--a baggy shirt and sweatpants--but was still gorgeous as ever. "What are you doing here?" Jimin blurted out.

Jungkook laughed and it was like a balm to Jimin's soul. The alpha's mere presence was calming as he held up a grocery basket. "The usual thing people do at grocery stores."

"Right." Jimin nodded. "Of course."

"I just moved down the street last month, so this is my new go to spot." Jungkook explained. "I'm still trying to get the lay of the land though. Learning my cereal aisle from the chips aisle."

"And you do all your shopping in the middle of random weekdays?" Jimin asked.

Jungkook shrugged. "Only when I've just gotten off a night shift. Although lately that happens a lot." He tilted his head. "Since we're both here though, maybe you could show me around? Otherwise, we'll just be awkwardly passing each other for the next half hour."

Jimin was torn. He knew he should resist the draw he felt to Jungkook. But it wasn't like grocery shopping was flirty or anything. They were just two acquaintances who happened to be at the same store. It would be fine. "Okay, I can be your grocery tour guide."

"Great." Jungkook smiled, and Jimin's heart briefly fluttered.

"Looks like you've already seen our illustrious citrus aisle." Jimin said, pushing down the sensation in his chest. "But over here we have leafy vegetables, apples, and melons."

"Perfect." Jungkook said. "I can cross watermelon off my list." He added a ripe watermelon to his basket and literally pulled up a checklist on his phone to tick it off.

"Wow, someone's organized." Jimin mused.

Jungkook chuckled. "It's the only way to avoid coming back here an hour later because I forgot the milk or the plastic wrap."

Jimin smiled. "That was a compliment, to be clear. Not a critique." Not that Jimin would mind him going back there. Having another excuse to see the alpha. But Jimin tried to push those thoughts aside.

"Compliment taken then." Jungkook said. "And it's a trick of the trade. Behind every organized doctor you meet, there's usually a bunch of spreadsheets."

"Oh, I know." Jimin said, feeling the awkwardness grow again. "I've seen Namjoon's desktop."

Jungkook must have felt the awkwardness too as his expression changed the tiniest bit. "Right. Of course you have."

They strolled through the rest of the fresh produce side by side. Jimin wanted to say it felt far too comfortable, but it felt easy. Just like the other night had. "I think I’m all set for produce." Jungkook said.

Jimin glanced at the scant contents of Jungkook's basket--the watermelon, a few peaches, a small bag of lettuce--and he couldn't help but ask, "So you don't have any roommates?"

Jungkook shook his head. "I live alone. I can be the neat freak of my dreams that way."

Jimin laughed as his brain unhelpfully filed away that tidbit of information. "I know what you mean. I'm on my own for the first time in a while and it definitely has its perks."

"There are drawbacks too though." Jungkook said.

"Like not having anyone else around to capture spiders and put them outside?" Jimin spoke from experience.

Jungkook nodded, widening his eyes comically. "You read my mind. That is the worst part by far."

"How do you like living here otherwise?" Jimin asked. "If you've had time to explore the neighborhood, that is. I know first year interns don't get much-"

"I'm actually two years into residency." Jungkook said. "I transferred from another hospital uptown." Jimin raised his eyebrows, and as if reading the omega's mind, Jungkook gave him a sheepish grin. "I finished college in three years and fast tracked through med school. Got a bit of a jump start."

"I'm impressed." Jimin said. "That can't have been easy."

Jungkook shook his head slightly. "I won't pretend it was, but I've known this was what I wanted to do for a long time. So why wait, right?"

Jimin took Jungkook through the dairy aisle where he spotted a bowl of chocolate fondue laid out with samples of the store's cheese and fruit. "Wow, they do samples here?" Jungkook asked with an excited grin.

"Only on Tuesdays." Jimin said. "So you're lucky you came by today."

Jungkook's gaze flickered over to Jimin for just a moment. "Yeah, I'm lucky I did."

Jimin dipped one of the apple slices into some chocolate. As nice as it was, it was nothing compared to the sight of Jungkook slipping a strawberry into his mouth. When he bit into the ripe fruit, Jimin felt that rush of forbidden desire again. There was something so carefree about how Jungkook did it, like he couldn't care less if anyone was watching. Jimin couldn't help but watch every movement of Jungkook's lips, remembering how they felt against his own that night atop the hotel.

"Here, you've got to try one of these." Jungkook picked up another strawberry and held it out to Jimin.

For one wild moment, Jimin was tempted to just bite into it, to find out what it would feel like if Jungkook's fingers brushed his lips. But he couldn't. Especially not there. With an effort, Jimin plucked the strawberry from Jungkook's grasp and took a bite. But even in that brief motion, their hands still touched. "You're right, they're perfect."

For better or worse, the next aisle didn't have any samples, but Jungkook restocked on some spices. "Do you go through this much dried mint and turmeric on the regular or are you just getting in on the sale?" Jimin asked in amusement.

"I happen to like turmeric and cooking." Jungkook said. "Although I don't have as much time for it as I'd like these days. I've got a day off tomorrow, but I'll be holed up in the medical campus' library studying for my SSQE."

Jimin winced. "I remember seeing the prep books for that back when…well, back in the day."

Jungkook nodded. "Everything's in PDFs now but somehow even the files still feel like doorstoppers."

"Well after you ace your SSQE, maybe you can cook yourself something nice to celebrate." Jimin said.

"We'll find out in a few months, I guess." Jungkook mused. "But what about your plans? I saw you grabbing some nutmeg and cinnamon. Are you finally getting back into baking?"

Jimin looked at Jungkook with wide eyes. "You remembered that I bake?"

"Of course." Jungkook said. "I remember everything from that night." He didn't quite meet Jimin's gaze which was a small mercy. But it didn't stop the tiny thrill that ran through Jimin at his words.

"Then I…yes." Jimin nodded. "I'm going back to a recipe I haven't touched in a long time. Glazed lemon cookies."

Jungkook smiled. "That sounds delicious. I’m a pretty decent cook but I've never done much baking." As the two of them got ready to check out, Jungkook met Jimin's gaze. "It'd be fun to learn from an expert. If you're up for company, maybe you could show me a few tricks?"

It was a daring request given their discussion at the hospital. But the thought of Jungkook in Jimin's kitchen, in his home, was undeniably thrilling. It was just one baking lesson. How much could it possibly hurt? "Just this once." Jimin agreed. "I'd love some company. There aren't a lot of tricks to baking cookies, but I'll show you what I know."

"I have a feeling I'll still learn a lot." Jungkook said.

Before Jimin knew it, he was ushering Jungkook into his apartment. "Sorry it's a bit sparse. I haven't lived here long. I'm still working on decorating."

Jungkook shook his head, walking over to admire the framed paintings over the sofa. "I like it. Lots of light. It feels warm. And this rug really brings the room together. You sure you aren't an interior designer?"

"I'm sure." Jimin wrapped his arms around himself as he watched Jungkook. "You don't have to hype up my apartment, you know."

"I'm just being honest." Jungkook insisted. "You've made a nice space here. Seriously. It feels like you."

Jimin felt his cheeks flush a bit. "What do I feel like?"

Jungkook brushed a hand across one end of the coffee table and glanced at the drapes over the window. His gaze was thoughtful. "Elegant but down to earth. Vibrant. Beautiful."

That last word should have been a reminder of all the reasons Jimin should never have invited Jungkook there. But it only made the omega's chest feel warm and oddly light like he could float away at any moment. "That's incredibly kind." Jimin said softly. "Thank you."

"Like I said, I'm just being honest."

That warm smile again. That perfect sincerity. Having Jungkook there was even more distracting than Jimin had imagined so he headed to the kitchen to busy himself by setting out the ingredients. "We should get baking, otherwise you'll be stuck here all day."

"Anything I can do to help?" Jungkook asked.

Jimin nodded. "Grab the sugar and some mixing bowls. They're in those cabinets over there." He pointed and Jungkook helped gather what the omega needed. His body brushed against Jimin's when he reached around him to grab the bowls and Jimin tried to ignore the full body tingles that rushed through him.

"Looks like that's everything." Jungkook mused. "So where do we start?"

Jimin set a handwritten recipe card on the counter. "We're basically making a classic lemon cookie dough with a glaze but the glaze and the dough both have a twist."

"Can you tell me the twist?" Jungkook asked. "Or is this a 'if I tell you, I have to kill you' type thing?"

Jimin laughed. "Normally yes. But since you're helping me make them, I guess I can let you in on the secret. I mix extra vanilla into the dough and instead of topping the icing with lemon zest, I sprinkle it with chili flakes."

Jungkook raised his eyebrows. "Now I can't wait until they're done so we can taste them. And don't worry, your secret recipe is safe with me." He mimed zipping his lips and throwing away the key, grinning at Jimin the whole time.

Jimin had Jungkook measure the dry ingredients while Jimin mixed up the wet ones, sharing a few basic baking tips. "It's not as big a deal for most cookie recipes but a kitchen scale is always more accurate than a measuring cup for flour."

"I'm here for precision." Jungkook said. "Kind of important in my line of work. You can't exactly do a stitch that's 'close to good enough'."

"No, I guess not." Jimin giggled.

As Jungkook added half a teaspoon of salt, he looked over at Jimin. "So you made this recipe yourself? That's impressive."

Jimin shrugged and cracked an egg as Jungkook rolled up his sleeves and began mixing the dough together. "It's not though. It's still based on a basic glazed lemon cookie."

"But with your twist." Jungkook said. "That's what recipe development is, right? Adding your own spice to the building blocks of good cooking?"

"When you put it like that, it's hard to argue." Jimin said. "Careful, don't overmix."

Jungkook slowed his mixing, tilting the bowl toward Jimin every now and then so the omega could keep an eye on it. The sight of the alpha's forearms flexing was affecting Jimin more than he liked to admit but it was impossible not to admire the easy strength of his movements. "Can I ask what got you into baking?"

"I needed a hobby when I moved here from Busan." Jimin said. It was after he'd followed Namjoon to Seoul for him to attend medical school, but Namjoon was the last person Jimin wanted to talk about right then.

"I'm from Busan too." Jungkook said.

Jimin paused, the idea of fate briefly flitting through his mind before he shook it off. "It was a lonely time. I didn't really know anyone. I felt adrift, I guess. But baking gave me something to do. A chance to explore the neighborhood looking for ingredients. It was something to look forward to every day."

Despite Jimin's smile, Jungkook picked up on the wistfulness in the omega's voice. He gave Jimin a sidelong glance. "Big moves are always hard. I get that feeling of being isolated in a new city. But it seems like you've really made this one into a home."

As isolating as the divorce process had been, Jimin thought of Taehyung and Seokjin's unending support and of Jungkook there in his kitchen, comforting him even though he barely knew him. "I've tried to. It's nice to have people in your corner."

"Cheers to that." Jungkook murmured.

With the dough fully mixed, it was time to start forming the cookies. Jimin laid out two baking sheets and settled onto one of the stools at his kitchen's island. Jungkook took the other. "Use that scoop right there and then once it's in your palm, roll it until it looks like…" Jungkook's gaze followed the deft movements of Jimin's hands as he shaped a lump of dough into an almost perfect sphere. "This."

"Got it." Jungkook nodded. As they began shaping more of the dough into balls, Jungkook's arm brushed against Jimin's in passing. It was clearly unintentional. He didn't even glance at Jimin. But Jimin still felt a spark zip through him at the contact. Jimin shouldn't have been doing that. It was only making him like Jungkook more. But he didn't move away from Jungkook. He didn't want to. "These are gonna be extra tasty. I can feel it."

"What, they'll be extra tasty just because you're helping?" Jimin asked in amusement.

Laughing, Jungkook gestured at the rows of picture-perfect cookies laid out on his baking sheet. "I happen to think I'm doing a pretty decent job."

"Better than decent." Jimin said. "You're very good with your hands."

Jungkook grinned. "It's a major prerequisite for being a surgeon."

"Sure." Jimin nodded. "But I didn't realize it would translate so well to baking."

"You haven't seen anything yet." Jungkook said. "Maybe make me shape a pie crust next time."

The thought of Jungkook's capable hands pinching and forming the peaks and valleys of a crust was an image Jimin immediately tried to push away. There couldn't be a next time. They both knew that. "I think that's all of our dough." Jimin finished spooning the cookie dough onto his baking sheets then double checked the oven temp. "You know, I'm not sure you needed my tutoring. You really do know what you're doing."

"Don't give me too much credit." Jungkook said. "The dough is forgiving, and I had a good teacher."

Jimin smiled softly. "He's alright."

"Please." Jungkook scoffed. "The cookie aren't even in the oven yet and they already smell good. That lemon zest keeps hitting my nose."

Jimin focused on getting the baking sheets into the oven. Without Jimin even having to ask, Jungkook began washing some of the bowls and measuring spoons. "Don't wash the spatula just yet." Jimin said. "That's my most important--if controversial--tradition. You have to lick off some of the dough. I know it's not safe or whatever but trust me, it's good."

Jungkook laughed and shrugged one shoulder. "In my expert medical opinion, the risks of one bite of raw cookie dough are worth it."

"Then here goes nothing." Jungkook's gaze stayed fixed on Jimin as the omega licked the batter off the spatula, enjoying the tart sweetness. He licked up the remaining batter and Jungkook's throat bobbed. The feeling of the alpha's gaze was even sweeter than the taste on Jimin's tongue.

"I'm glad it, uh, was up to your standards." Jungkook said.

"Me too." Jimin said softly before clearing his throat. "We're almost done now but while these bake, we need to whip up the glaze."

With Jungkook's help, that last step was over far too soon. Once the cookies were out of the oven and cooled, Jungkook helped Jimin drizzle glaze over the top. Their hands brushed again as the two of them arranged the batch onto a plate. "These smell just as good as I remembered." Jimin smiled. "Thanks for all your help."

"Thank you for showing me the ropes." Jungkook said.

"I'm sure you've got other things to do today so let me pack some of these up for you." Jimin offered.

Jungkook shook his head. "I came here for the lesson and the company. I know this recipe means a lot to you. You should get to enjoy the fruits of your labor."

"But we both worked on them." Jimin pointed out. "You have to at least try one."

"If you insist." Jungkook chuckled. Jimin picked up one cookie and held it out to the alpha, who leaned right in to take a bite. His lips brushed against the tips of Jimin's fingers, sending a jolt of heat through the omega as he pulled back and swallowed, eyes widening. "Wow, this is incredible."

Jimin smiled, his cheeks burning. "I hope you'll, um, enjoy the rest of it just as much." He wrapped up the remainder of the cookie and walked Jungkook to the door.

"Thanks again." Jungkook said.

"You're very welcome." The ache at the thought of Jungkook leaving--of never sharing another moment like that--was so strong that Jimin had to stop himself from kissing the alpha.

"I'll…" Jungkook cleared his throat. "I mean, enjoy the rest of your afternoon."

Jimin nodded. "You too." Then Jungkook was gone, and the whole rest of the day, Jimin's apartment felt even emptier than it had before. And every time he passed by his platter of way too many cookies, the smell of lemons only reminded him of Jungkook.

Was his mistake bringing Jungkook there at all or not kissing him?

Chapter Text

After a restless night, Jimin allowed himself one indulgence. He was going to bring Jungkook some cookies. After all, they would just go stale if he didn't share them. He headed to the medical library attached to the hospital, but he didn't see Jungkook at first. Maybe it was for the best. Maybe he shouldn't have gone there at all. But right when he was turning to go, Jimin spotted the alpha.

Jungkook lit up at the sight of Jimin. "Hi." He smiled. "What are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to bring you something sweet." Jimin held out a wrapped plate of cookies and Jungkook's eyes went wide. "It sounded like you’ve been working hard so I thought you deserved a treat." Jimin's own flirtiness surprised him. Who even was he?"

"I enjoyed the one you sent me home with." Jungkook said.

"Enough that you wouldn't be opposed to more?" Jimin asked.

Jungkook's gaze flickered over Jimin, intrigued, curious. "The opposite." Jimin passed Jungkook the cookies and Jungkook gently took his hand, his thumb brushing over Jimin's knuckles. "This was really thoughtful. Thank you."

Jimin shook his head. "It was nothing. Don't mention it." When Jimin pulled away, Jungkook hesitated for a moment before letting his hand fall. Jimin turned to go.

"Wait." Jimin's heart beat wildly in his chest as he stopped and looked back at Jungkook. The alpha lowered his voice so that only Jimin could hear the next words. "I know we agreed to put this behind us, but I can't stop thinking about that date the other night. I can't stop thinking about you." His gaze flickered over Jimin, and the omega shivered, remembering Jungkook's hands on his hips. On his waist. Sliding lower… "And I don't think you would've invited me over yesterday if you didn't feel the same way."

"I…" Jimin took a shaky breath. "What are you asking me, Jungkook?"

Jungkook hesitated, and in that moment, Jimin felt his whole world shift as he gazed into the alpha's eyes. "What would you say to one more date?"

Jimin stared at Jungkook, torn for all the obvious reasons. But watching Jungkook smile at him… "Okay." Jimin nodded. "But just one more date. After that, we go our separate ways. We can't make this more of a thing."

"Of course." Jungkook agreed. "But one more date?"

"One more date." Jimin confirmed.

"I'm off on Friday." Jungkook said. "Are you free that evening? 8:00?"

"I should be." Jimin said. "Barring any unforeseen emergencies."

Jungkook smiled. "Great. I've got the perfect place in mind. I'll text you the address the day of."

Jimin raised his eyebrows. "So you're just going to leave me in suspense?"

"I want you to enjoy the surprise." Jungkook said. "If you trust me, that is." Remembering the alpha's last surprise, that night on the rooftop, Jimin did. "But you'll want to wear something classy to this place. That's all I'll say."

"Okay." Jimin smiled. "I'll see you on Friday then."

"I'll be counting down the days." Jungkook said.

Moments later, Jimin was in his parked car outside the medical library, frantically texting Taehyung and Seokjin.

🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨!!!

Seokjin
What's up?? Did you get into an
accident??

Taehyung
Are you okay?

Jungkook asked me on a second date.

I… kind of ran into him, and he just
asked me.

Taehyung
O.M.G.

Seokjin
Sooo what did you say???

Jimin blinked at his phone, before relaying the whole conversation to his friends. Then he locked his phone and started his car, deciding to deal with whatever Seokjin was about to dump on him once he was home.

***

Friday morning, Jimin met Seokjin at a boutique to find something classy to wear. "I am so proud of you for saying yes to Date Number Two." Seokjin squealed. "But I've gotta admit, it was a surprise after the whole 'it'll never work, he works for Namjoon and I'm a cradle robber' thing at lunch."

"Honestly, it surprised me too." Jimin said.

"So what made you say yes?" Seokjin asked.

Jimin shrugged. "I just want to let him down easy."

Seokjin raised an eyebrow, peering at Jimin around a rack of dresses. "You sure that's it?"

"Of course!" Jimin insisted. "This is a goodbye date."

"That's a new one to me." Seokjin said. "But you do you." Jimin meandered toward a rack of clothing along the wall, looking for something that grabbed him. "So you really don't know anything about where you're going?"

Jimin shook his head. "He's going to text me the address later. All I know is that I need to wear something classy."

Seokjin smiled. "Good news then. This dress is so classy I think it might have a degree." He held up a dress with a lacy embroidered neckline that trailed down to a subtle crimson ombre. Jimin took it into the changing room to try on, emerging to Seokjin's appreciative whistle. "Oh, your hot doctor is gonna love this."

"He's not my anything, Seokjin." Jimin reminded him but he secretly hoped his best friend was right.

***

At 8:00, Jimin arrived at the address Jungkook had texted him and stepped into a gorgeous speakeasy. Jungkook was by the bar, dressed as nicely as he was on their first date. The alpha's eyes lit up when he saw Jimin. "Wow." Jimin felt his cheeks flush. "I mean, hi. But mostly wow." He drank in the sight of Jimin and looked utterly awestruck.

"You don't look so bad yourself." Jimin said.

"Nothing compared to you though." Jungkook said. "I was standing here trying to picture how you'd look walking through the door, but you've blown away all my expectations."

Jimin's face grew even hotter. "You're very kind."

"Not trying to be kind." Jungkook smiled. "Just honest. Like I told you last time, I always say what I mean."

Jimin glanced around at the polished bar top and leather seating. It all gave the place an air of luxury from another time. "So tell me, why this place specifically for our date?"

"Two reasons." Jungkook said. "One, I can't picture anyone from my work coming here."

"Neither can I." Jimin said.

Jungkook grinned. "And reason number two was, well, Item Number Two on your list--dress to the nines." His gaze trailed over Jimin again and heat raced over the omega's skin like the crackle of an oncoming storm. "I wanted to give you an excuse to check that box, and you did it in style."

"You remember the list." Jimin mused. "Again."

Jungkook blinked in surprise. "Of course I remembered. It seemed like a big deal."

Jimin raised his eyebrows. "And do you always remember this many details about your dates after one night out with them?"

"About the ones that make an impression, yes." With the way Jungkook was smiling at him, Jimin couldn't argue with that.

Jungkook gallantly offered Jimin his arm and led him to a cozy table surrounded by elegant leather chairs. Once they settled in, a server came over to greet them. "What can I get you folks to drink?"

Jimin's nerves were still buzzing from that brief moment of contact, so he glanced at Jungkook. "If you're up for leaning into the 1920s theme, we'll have two Pisco Sours please."

"Coming right up."

The server returned in moments with their drinks and Jimin raised his glass to Jungkook. "Cheers." He took a long sip, letting the foamy texture melt on his tongue. "Let me guess. You're going to insist on paying for these drinks just like you did last time?"

"And dinner, if you'll let me." Jungkook said. "I'm the one who invited you out, so I feel like-"

Jimin interrupted him. "I'm not objecting. It's just…new." Namjoon paid for their bills, of course, but Jimin couldn't remember the last time he'd gone out on a date. "And by new I mean nice."

Jungkook smiled. "That's what I was going for. So what can I treat you to while I've got you?"

Jimin glanced at the 1920s themed menu. "I'd like to try the House Steak."

"You can't go wrong with a classic." Jungkook mused.

"Is there anything else that you'd recommend?" Jimin asked.

Jungkook laughed, relaxing against his plush leather seat. "Your guess is as good as mine. This is my first time here."

Jimin's eyes widened. "You seemed to know it so well, I thought…"

"I've known about this place for a while." Jungkook said. "But I wanted to save it for a special occasion. And if this is my last chance for a night out with you, I didn't want to waste it."

A smile spread across Jimin's face as his heart fluttered. "Then let's not."

Jungkook's smile stretched from ear to ear as the server returned to take their orders. In what felt like moments, their dinner was served. Jungkook tucked into a hearty looking stew as Jimin dipped a bite of his steak into the rich pan sauce pooling around it. He moaned a bit as he placed the steak into his mouth. "They know their steak, huh?" Jungkook mused.

Jimin nodded. "They know how to make the best steak I've ever had. Eating this almost feels like a sin." The moment the word slipped past his lips, Jimin shivered. If there was anything taboo going on there that night, it wasn't his meal. "I just haven't gone out for a fancy meal like this in ages."

"Really?" Jungkook asked in surprise.

Jimin shrugged one shoulder, sipping his cocktail. "I mean, I've been to dozens of fundraising galas for the hospital but those didn't really compare. And when I was with…past partners-"

"Meaning Namjoon." Jungkook said bluntly.

"Right…" Jimin cleared his throat. "With him, I was mostly in 'have friends over to our house for dinner' mode."

Jungkook frowned. "Was that fun for you?"

"At first." Jimin said. "It used to make me feel good to feed Namjoon and our friends. I'd always bake something new, and they'd be my guinea pigs."

"Then you're braver than me." Jungkook said. "I'd be so nervous cooking new food in front of people."

"Honestly, I thrived on that part." Jimin admitted. "But it got exhausting because Namjoon expected it of me. All the time. And he never thought about having someone cook for me."

"Ouch." Jungkook winced. "So much for equitable distribution of household labor in modern relationships, huh? I know it's in the past now, but you deserved better."

Jimin smiled. "I'm certainly having a better time right now."

"Good." Jungkook nodded. "And if it makes you feel better, most of my nights out aren't like this either. My work schedule's all over the place and back in med school, most of my nights just meant grabbing a bite to eat between exam prep."

"Your life sounds exhausting." Jimin said.

Jungkook chuckled. "Don't pity me too much. I did make room for fun when I could back at med school. Sometimes too much fun."

Jimin raised his eyebrows. "Define 'too much fun'."

Jungkook took another bite of food, lips curving in a smile as if considering how much he should admit to. "Right before graduation, I threw this big blowout party that got a noise complaint. And I might have tried to bribe the cop with beer."

"Oh, god." Jimin let out a laugh.

"It's all water under the bridge now." Jungkook said. "But don't ever let anyone tell you that med students don't know how to party."

"So did you break a lot of hearts back then?" Jimin asked.

Jungkook shrugged, glancing at Jimin with a smile. "A few. Not as many as you did, I bet."

Jimin snorted and sipped his drink. "Then you might be surprised. My dating life was pretty abridged. I was busy focusing on my business degree in undergrad. And then there was Namjoon. And I never got up to much trouble." There was an ache of jealousy at the thought of how different Jungkook's early 20s were from his own. And how much more recent. "Sometimes I feel like I missed out on my chances to make mischief. That's probably why my friends put it on The List."

"Maybe you weren't missing out." Jungkook said. "Maybe you were just waiting for the right opportunity." With a mischievous grin, he reached down and produced a bottle of top shelf gin from beside his chair. "What if I helped you check off Number Eight right now?"

Jimin's eyes widened. "Where did you get that?"

Jungkook smirked. "I nabbed it off the bar while I was waiting for you. I could put it back but if you're looking for mischief, this place has a private balcony. We could sneak out there and share the bottle."

Jimin couldn't deny the thrill that went through him at that thought. "You know what? We deserve a little fun. Let's do it." He stood from his chair. "But fair warning, if one of the waiters catches us, I might throw you under the bus."

Jungkook laughed. "Guess we shouldn't get caught then." He took Jimin's hand and led him toward a nearby door as a tingle went through Jimin. It was a feeling the omega hadn't felt in ages, like he was sneaking out at night with someone he shouldn't. "Just stay put for a sec until that waiter goes past us." Jungkook whispered. They both pretended to be studying the décor for a moment, then once the coast was clear, Jungkook opened the door and gestured Jimin through. "Hurry."

Chapter Text

Jimin and Jungkook stepped out into the cool night air of the thankfully unoccupied balcony. "Looks like the coast is clear." Jimin said.

"Then here." Jungkook held the bottle of gin out with a smile. "We should drink to our success."

Jimin took a drink straight from the bottle before passing it back to Jungkook who did the same. "God, I haven't drunk out of a bottle since college." Jimin laughed.

"Me neither." Jungkook grinned. "What if we made a game out of it? Throw it right back to college and play truth or drink."

Jimin took a deep breath and one more sip of the gin to fortify himself before nodding. "I could be interested. Tell me more about the stakes of truth or drink."

"We'll take turns asking each other a question and you have to share an honest answer or take a drink." Jungkook said. "I'll even let you have the first question."

"How generous." Jimin glanced at the beautiful alpha leaning on the railing beside him, considering his options. "What's something I wouldn't expect of you?"

One of Jungkook's hands flexed on the metal railing as he thought. "I played college basketball."

"Really?" Jimin asked in surprise. "I didn’t take you for a sports guy."

"I get that a lot." Jungkook nodded. "It was mostly a fun way to blow off steam. There was a semester where I wondered if I could ever go pro, but I knew I could never juggle that and medicine so here I am."

"Do you still shoot hoops for fun?" Jimin asked.

Jungkook nodded. "I've been known to every once in a while. The hospital actually has a hoop set up by some of the staff parking."

Jimin hummed. "I guess that makes it your turn for a question."

Jungkook watched Jimin for a moment as the omega looked out at the brilliant Seoul skyline. "Are you happy you agreed to come out with me tonight?"

Despite all of the doubts and worries Jimin had felt since his first date, it was an easy answer. "Yes. I'm really glad I'm here."

"I'm glad you are too." Jungkook smiled. "That makes it your question."

Jimin took another sip just to enjoy the gin, but the liquid courage made him feel bold, leading to him asking the real question he'd been wondering since they'd met. "Why are you so unfazed by all of this? The age gap thing I mean."

Jungkook didn't even need a second to think. He answered immediately. "It's not about that for me. It's about you."

“So 40-year-old divorcees aren't usually your type?" Jimin asked.

"I didn't say that." Jungkook said. "I just wasn't out looking for anything too specific. And then we matched and the more I talked to you, the more it just felt right." He smiled softly. "I like that you know what you want out of life. That you make me laugh. That I feel lighter around you." He locked eyes with Jimin and Jimin almost forgot how to breathe. "So why say no to something good?"

Jimin swallowed thickly. "You make it sound so easy."

Jungkook shrugged. "For me it is." They both stood there in relative quiet, the city noises almost drowned out by the loudness of Jimin's thoughts. What if he didn’t care so much about what other people thought? What if he could forget about everything else and just enjoy it? Jungkook reached for the bottle and took a sip before passing it back to Jimin. "So what about you? Why are you so bothered by the age gap?"

"Because I don't want people thinking I'm a cradle robber." Jimin said.

Jungkook snorted and shook his head. "Please, I'm nowhere near young enough for that stereotype to be true."

Jimin frowned. "Aren't you though?"

"I'm 26, Jimin." Jungkook said. "Not 18. I have a life. A career. And do I really look that young to you?"

Jimin studied Jungkook for a second. "Maybe you don't. But it's the principle behind it." He blew out a frustrated breath, half annoyed at himself, half charmed by Jungkook's utter fearlessness about whatever was going on between them.

"It seems like you care a lot about what other people think." Jungkook said quietly.

"Believe me, it doesn't annoy anyone more than it annoys me." Jimin muttered.

Jungkook shook his head slightly. "I'm not saying it's a bad thing. I'm just saying, would it be so bad to focus on this right here? On the fact that we're just two people enjoying a bottle of gin and each other's company on a beautiful night?" He sidled closer to Jimin, letting his hand brush one of the omega's where it rested on the railing. Biting his lip, Jimin leaned into the contact, lacing his fingers through Jungkook's. Every touch should feel illicit, but all Jimin could think about was how warm Jungkook's hand felt in his. How right. As Jimin considered his answer, the speakeasy's band struck up a new song that they could just hear through the balcony's doors. "Would you dance with me?" Jungkook asked.

Jimin glanced around but there was still no one else in sight on the balcony. "Yes, since you asked so nicely." Jimin placed his hand that wasn't already holding Jungkook's on the alpha's shoulder, Jungkook's free hand going to his waist. The wind was cool against Jimin's bare shoulders as they swayed to the music together, but Jungkook's embrace was steady and warm. "And to answer your question, this part--being here with you--it isn't so bad."

Jungkook let out a soft laugh. When he leaned in to murmur a reply, his lips brushed the shell of Jimin's ear. "I'm glad."

Jimin pulled Jungkook a little closer. Even after the song end, that question never quite left Jimin's mind. Would it really be so wrong to let himself have that?

When Jungkook walked Jimin home, he found himself walking slowly, not wanting the night with the alpha to end. "So tell me why you decided to become a doctor." Jimin said. "A surgeon of all things."

"That's a bit of a story." Jungkook said a bit hesitantly. "When I was a kid, my best friend was in a bad car accident. Someone hit his mom's car, and she walked away unhurt. But Mingyu ended up in critical condition."

Jimin frowned. "Oh my god, that's awful! Did he…"

"He's fine now." Jungkook said. "We're still close. But I only got to have all those years of friendship with him because a surgeon saved his life. I know it's unbearably cheesy but ever since then, I wanted to give other people that same time with their loved ones. So I got the MD and now here I am in residency."

"You're pretty incredible." Jimin said. "I hope you know that." Jungkook snorted quietly and shook his head. "That wasn't cheesy." Jimin insisted. "It was one of the most earnest things I've ever heard, and coming from you, it makes perfect sense."

Jungkook laughed softly and shrugged. "I'm not doing anything special. It's just that nothing ever called to me the way being a surgeon has."

"The fact that it's all so simple for you is exactly what makes you incredible." Jimin said. "This drive, this passion, not everyone has that. You're something special, Jeon Jungkook."

That got a smile from Jungkook, and the sight made Jimin warm with pride. "It means a lot that you think so." Jungkook's arm brushed against Jimin's as they walked further down the street side by side and Jimin resisted the urge to lean against the alpha. "So what about you and your work? Namjoon never mentioned much, and I've never heard you talk about a job." Thinking about all the unknowns in his future was like a sudden weight pressing down on Jimin. But when he hesitated, Jungkook noticed. "You okay? You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

Jimin shook his head. "It's not that. It's just that there's not much to tell. I majored in business back in college, started to work in human resources afterward, but I gave that up a few moves into my married life with Namjoon. So here I am now with all this time on my hands, a degree I've barely used in two decades, and almost nothing to show for it."

"And is this an urgent problem you need to solve?" Jungkook asked in concern. "Is your landlord breathing down your neck about the rent?"

"No." Jimin smiled. "Good news is I got a lot of money from the divorce settlement even after buying my apartment."

Jungkook raised his eyebrows. "A homeowner in this economy? Good for you."

Jimin giggled before sighing. "The bad news is that I just don't know what I want to do with it. Or with all of my time." He bit his lip. "I could try getting back into HR I guess."

"Hang on." Jungkook held his hand up. "Let's forget about what you used to do for a sec. What do you want to do? Isn't that what The List is all about?"

Jimin remembered that conversation over the souffle on their first date and the happiness he'd felt mixing dough in his kitchen. "It's silly but when I was younger, I had this fantasy about opening a bakery one day."

Jungkook furrowed his eyebrows. "Why is that silly? I've seen your baking skills in action, remember?" For a moment, it was like Jimin was right back in his kitchen with Jungkook at his side, the alpha's laughter and the bright smell of lemon zest hanging in the air. "And I tasted those cookies we made. They were life changingly good."

"You're sweet." Jimin said quietly, his cheeks flushing. "But some dreams you have to learn to put behind you."

Jungkook stopped suddenly. The sadness in his eyes caught Jimin off guard. "I don't think that's true. Not if it's something you really want."

"Maybe." Jimin sighed. "But I'm not sure this is the dream I should be-"

"Wait." Jungkook cut Jimin off with wide eyes as he looked at a storefront along the street. "No way." Jimin followed his gaze to see a 'FOR LEASE' sign hanging in the window. "This shop used to be a bakery."

Jimin rolled his eyes playfully. "Now you're just teasing me." But as he glanced into the window, he saw racks for loaves of bread and empty countertops.

"What if you leased it?" Jungkook suggested.

Jimin stared at Jungkook, his heart pounding. He'd given up on that dream years before and Jungkook had known about it for five whole minutes. And Jungkook was still taking it utterly seriously. Taking Jimin seriously. "I…" Jimin shook his head. "That's way too big a leap for me to think about right now." He let himself take a step closer to Jungkook. "But the fact that you even suggested it is one of the sweetest and hottest things anyone's ever done for me."

Jungkook tested the shop's door handle and grinned playfully. "Then you might also want to know that this place is unlocked. Someone should really fix that, but we could take a look around."

The invitation in Jungkook's voice was clear and Jimin was barely thinking about the shop at that moment. All he could think about was kissing that gorgeous, thoughtful alpha. "I'd love a private tour." Jimin accepted the offer.

Hearing the heat in Jimin's tone, Jungkook instantly opened the door. "After you."

The space was mostly empty except for the built in furniture--a countertop, shelves, a door to what Jimin assumed was a kitchen in the back. "Nice layout." Jimin mused. He only took a moment to glance around the space before stepping close to Jungkook who was watching him with a playful smile.

"Well?" Jungkook asked. "Can you picture yourself baking in here?"

"Right now, I'm picturing other things." Jimin pushed Jungkook up against the nearest wall and kissed him. Jungkook let out a low groan of approval as his hands found Jimin's hips, pulling the omega against him. Jimin let his hands slide up Jungkook's chest beneath his jacket, tracing the contours of the alpha's body. Even with Jungkook's shirt between them, his pecs were firm beneath Jimin's touch. Jungkook let out another husky groan. "I couldn't keep my hands off you any longer." Jimin murmured.

"I'm not complaining." Jungkook whispered.

Jimin kept his hands on Jungkook's chest as he kissed him again, feeling the powerful rise and fall beneath the thin fabric. Jungkook's mouth was hot and insistent against Jimin's, and Jimin flicked his tongue against the alpha's. As hot as the kiss was, there was also something sweet about it. Something that made Jimin want to keep kissing.

Jungkook suddenly walked Jimin back, lifting him onto one of the empty counters. Jimin's dress slid up his thighs as he spread his legs for the alpha. "God, you're strong." Jimin moaned.

Jungkook slotted himself between Jimin's thighs with a chuckle. "As a doctor, I think it's important to keep an active lifestyle."

"And what sorts of activities do you recommend, doctor?" Jimin asked. Jungkook answered by kissing his way down Jimin's neck. With each kiss, heat coiled through Jimin. Jimin threw his head back a little, exposing more of his neck.

"You're so beautiful." Jungkook murmured against Jimin's skin.

"You probably say that to all the omegas." Jimin whispered.

Although he was half joking, Jungkook stopped. He pulled back to meet Jimin's gaze and the intensity in his eyes took the omega's breath away. "No. I'm saying that to you." He meant it. And that certainly only made Jimin want him more.

"Do you know how hot it is when you're thoughtful?" Jimin asked.

The corners of Jungkook's mouth quirked up in a playful smirk. "I'm starting to figure that out." Jimin leaned forward and kissed Jungkook's neck, eliciting a groan from him. Making out on a counter was the most daring thing Jimin had done in over a decade and Jungkook's reaction to him made it all worth it. "I like that coming in here got you so inspired. Do you like the place that much?"

Jimin pulled away from Jungkook's neck and leaned in to nip at his bottom lip. "I like that you cared enough to suggest it."

"It's not hard to care about you, Jimin." Jungkook said softly.

"You either." Jimin replied. "It's like I want to know everything about you. Your favorite color-"

Jungkook's hands squeezed Jimin's thighs that were still bracketed around his hips, leaning forward to murmur in the omega's ear, "Yellow."

Jimin bit his lip. "Your favorite food…"

Jungkook shifted to capture Jimin's lips in his, replacing Jimin's teeth on his bottom lip with his own. "Ramen."

"All of those things." Jimin said. "I want to know them all."

"That's how I feel about you." Jungkook said. "And I want to know…" He leaned forward, the firm planes of his stomach pressing right against Jimin's center. The pressure was slight, but it still made the omega melt. "Just how you like to be touched."

"Like this." Jimin whispered as he spread his legs a hair further.

Getting the message, Jungkook trailed kisses down Jimin's body, over his chest, down his stomach, until he pressed a kiss just above the apex of Jimin's thighs. The only thing separating Jungkook's lips and Jimin's most intimate area was the barely there fabric of Jimin's clothes. "I've wanted to kiss you all over." Jungkook groaned, placing another kiss directly against the crotch of Jimin's panties where Jimin knew he could feel the wet patch from the slick he'd been steadily leaking. Even with the fabric between them, the pressure was irresistible. Jimin's thoughts were a whirlwind, torn between the forbiddenness of everything with Jungkook and how desperately he wanted more.

Then he heard footsteps and muted voices outside the store. "Shit, I think someone's outside." Jimin hissed. The two of them froze. For a paralyzing moment, Jimin was afraid the door was about to open. But then the footsteps passed by, the voices fading. Jimin sighed in relief, collapsing against Jungkook's chest. "That was close."

"I'll say." Jungkook smiled. "We're lucky they didn't try the dor."

They shared a laugh and Jimin could feel the vibration of it as Jungkook stood there between his thighs. "I hate to say it but maybe we should get out of here before our luck runs out." Jimin said.

Jungkook sighed. "You're probably right." He pulled Jimin in for one last kiss, good enough to make Jimin's toes curl. "Just to be clear, I wasn't trying to pressure you about this place. It's your life.  Your dream to follow or not." He lifted a hand to cup Jimin's cheek. That simple gesture was even more intimate than everything that had come before. "But I just wanted you to know that you deserve to follow it if you want to."

Jimin looked at Jungkook in amazement. "God, you really are hot when you're thoughtful."

Jungkook grinned, a pleased look on his face. He took Jimin's hand, pulling it to his mouth and kissing the omega's knuckles. "Good to know that that does it for you." Part of Jimin wondered how exactly Jungkook might use that info the next time they met. But the next time they met would be back at the hospital. Jimin tried to push those thoughts aside as Jungkook helped him off the counter, the two of them heading toward the front of the store. Before shutting the door behind them, Jimin took one last look over his shoulder, hoping whoever got to lease it felt as lucky as Jimin did in there.

Chapter Text

Jimin's heart ached as he looked up at Jungkook on his doorstep. "Tonight was…" He couldn’t even finish the sentence. It hurt knowing that was his last night to see Jungkook like that.

"I know." Jungkook nodded. "It was for me too."

"Thank you." Jimin said softly. "For everything." He turned to unlock his door and step inside.

Before Jimin could close the door--on that, on him--Jungkook held up his hand to stop it. "Jimin, wait. I know we said just one more date so if you say no now, I promise I'll respect that. But this…us…you can't tell me it doesn't feel right."

It would have been so much easier to tell Jungkook no if it had been one day earlier. But after that night, Jimin couldn't deny feeling the same thing. "What we feel doesn't make this any less complicated." Jimin whispered.

"For you, I can handle complicated." Jungkook insisted.

"But you shouldn't have to." Jimin said.

Jungkook shook his head. "You don't need to make that decision for me. I want this, Jimin. And there are a lot of items left on that list, right? I'd like to help you enjoy them if I can."

Jimin opened his mouth to respond but the 'no' he tried to form died on his lips. For once in his life, he needed to say yes to himself. So he took the leap. "If this is going to happen, no one can know."

"I can work with that." Jungkook smiled. "Assuming that means…"

Jimin leaned forward and pressed his lips to Jungkook's. That simple gesture sealed everything that had come for both of them. "Yes." Jimin whispered against Jungkook's lips.

***

"So does that sound good for the menu?" Jimin asked Miyoung, one of the hospital administrators, as they were finalizing plans for the resident welcome dinner.

Miyoung smiled. "It sounds fantastic. Thank you so much for handling the fine print, Jimin."

"No problem." Jimin said. "I know how important this dinner is."

"And I know that it shouldn't have been your responsibility." Miyoung said sincerely. "So I truly appreciate it. You know, I probably shouldn't say this but it's big of you to show up and help us even after…well…things with Namjoon. I know what it's like to be let down by a partner."

Jimin raised his eyebrows. "You do?"

Miyoung smiled ruefully. "I divorced my ex three months ago."

"I'm so sorry." Jimin frowned. "I had no idea you and Sanghoon were-"

"Yes, we were." Miyoung sighed. "No regrets but I understand how difficult the process is."

Jimin nodded. "Sounds like we both have a chance to start fresh."

"If I weren't on the clock, I'd drink to that." Miyoung mimed raising a glass in a toast and the two of them laughed.

"My friends keep telling me to enjoy the new single life." Jimin said. "So maybe pour yourself a drink about it after work anyway."

Miyoung grinned. "I just might." She put a hand on his shoulder. "Hang in there, Jimin. You'll be okay. And you deserve to be okay."

"Thanks." It was more sympathy than Jimin had expected from anyone there and he felt lighter than he had in a while as he turned back to his to do list. "Now that I've got your sign off on the menu and decorations, I think we should be all set for-"

"Sorry, there's one more thing." Miyoung interrupted. "The main speaker for the dinner."

"Dr. Won does the big speech every year, right?" Jimin asked. "I already put her down."

Miyoung shook her head. "You'll have to cross her out. She had to leave town for a family emergency last night. She'll be gone for the next two weeks."

The door to the event space swung open and Jungkook walked in, smiling warmly at the two omegas. "Hi, Miyoung. Jimin-ssi."

Jimin did his best to keep his expression neutral despite the butterflies going crazy in his stomach. "Hello, Dr. Jeon. Did I get that right?"

Jungkook nodded, playing along. "But please, call me Jungkook. If I'm gonna help you with this dinner, you don't need to 'Dr. Jeon' me all the time."

It wasn't a bad ruse, and to Jimin's relief, Miyoung nodded approvingly. "I'm glad you came to check in, Jungkook. I've got to run to a meetin but why don't you two chat and Jimin can take notes for me?"

"No problem, Miyoung." Jimin said.

"Then I'll leave you in Jungkook's capable hands." The mention of Jungkook's hands made Jimin think about things that were absolutely not appropriate at the hospital. Jimin suppressed a small shiver as Miyoung headed out, leaving him alone with Jungkook.

Jungkook turned to Jimin with a grin. "So I am 100% down to help you with dinner prep but full disclosure, that was mostly an excuse to see you." Jimin felt his cheeks flush at the confession. "Just texting since the other night hasn't been the same."

The texts they'd exchanged had mostly been light conversation and a few selfies, but they'd still been the highlight of Jimin's days. Until that moment. "No, this is much better." Jimin smiled.

"Then while you're here, how about you come on a walk with me?" Jungkook suggested. "I'm sure you know your way around, but I can give you an inside tour. Show you what it's like here for the guests this dinner will be welcoming."

Jimin bit his lip, worry making his stomach tighten. "Do you think anyone will be suspicious?" He didn't want anyone getting the wrong--or the right--idea about him and Jungkook.

Jungkook shrugged. "We'll just be talking to each other and working on the dinner. That's a perfectly legit excuse for us to hang out."

"That's true…" Jimin met Jungkook's gaze and smiled. "Okay, show me around."

Jungkook walked Jimin through halls the omega had passed many times, but it was much more than the cursory tour Jimin had received when he'd started helping with events years before. "So that's one of the nurses' stations." Jungkook pointed out. "My favorite nurse, Sungmin, works there."

"Why is he your favorite?" Jimin asked.

"Because he's old enough to be my grandmother and he doesn't take shit from anyone." Jungkook grinned.

Jimin let out a slight laugh. "He sounds feisty. I hope we run into him."

"If we do, just don't get in his way." Jungkook warned before pointing out a door along the hallway. "That's my go to doctors' lounge. If you're going to hit up any lounge, it should be that one."

"What's so special about it?

Jungkook wiggled his eyebrows. "The snacks. People always leave home baked goods there and it's got the best stock vending machines in the whole hospital."

Jimin raised his eyebrows in amusement. "What's your favorite snack? Do you go for salty or sweet?"

"Sweet." Jungkook said without hesitation. "Always."

That explained how excited he was about the souffle they'd shared that first not. Although, if Jimin really thought about it, it might not all have been about the dessert. "That works out in this baker's favor then." He smiled.

Jungkook shook his head. "It works out in my favor." As they passed through an intersection, Jungkook nodded toward an ICU wing on the left. "You've probably passed by our ICU but what you might not know is that this side is the hottest commodity in the department."

"And why's that?" Jimin asked.

"It gets nicer sunlight." Jungkook said. "Good for patient and staff morale."

"You've really put a lot of thought into working here." Jimin said.

Jungkook shrugged. "Hard not to when I'm here 50 plus hours a week."

"In your professional opinion then, what would new residents appreciate in a raffle at this dinner?" Jimin asked. "Pens? Stethoscopes? A map to the good snack room?"

"No to the map." Jungkook immediately said. "That intel is way too valuable for a raffle. And everyone gets a basic stethoscope when they start here." He held up the stethoscope that was dangling around his neck. "They're cheap but they're not bad. Here, give it a try."

Jimin glanced up and down the hallway, but no one was paying them any mind as other hospital staff bustled about on their own business. "Let me listen to yours." Jimin said, feeling like that would be less risky somehow. But then Jungkook handed him the stethoscope and Jimin inserted the ear tips. The moment he slipped the diaphragm beneath the top of Jungkook's shirt and pressed it over his heart, it suddenly felt all too intimate. "Sounds good to me." Jimin smiled up at Jungkook. "Maybe a little fast though." He removed the ear tips and handed the stethoscope back to Jungkook. "How much caffeine have you had today, doc?"

"My caffeine intake is perfectly average." Jungkook assured him. "I think the elevated heart rate is due to other reasons."

"Good to know." Jimin said quietly before reminding himself to keep some space between them. He took a step back as Jungkook tucked the stethoscope around his neck once more.

"So all the new residents will have one of these." Jungkook returned to the original topic of conversation. "But what they could really use is good footwear. You never appreciate the importance of arch support until you've been running around a hospital for 14 hours straight."

Jimin smiled. "That's great. I can do gift cards for high end footwear. I never would've thought of that." He jotted some notes down as Jungkook paused outside a door.

"I need to check on a patient while I'm on this floor." Jungkook said. "Mind if we stop for a sec?" He led Jimin into the patient's room where an adorable boy was watching cartoons on a tablet. "Hey, Youngjin. Mind if I come in with a guest?"

Youngjin looked up and smiled. "Hi, Dr. Jeon! Sure."

"You're feeling well enough to stay up all night watching shows, I hear." Jungkook mused.

The boy gave Jungkook sheepish look. "Please don't tell. My mom's not here to put my tablet away so…"

Jungkook chuckled. "It's okay, Youngjin. Your secret's safe with me." He mimed zipping his lips which made Youngjin giggle. "Youngjin, this is my friend, Jimin." Jungkook then introduced them.

Jimin waved at the boy with a friendly smile. "What were you watching?" He asked. "I'm always looking for new shows."

"Then you've gotta watch Soyeon the Big Blue Robot!" Youngjin exclaimed. "She's the best! She has a robot dog and a robot cat, and she flies around saving the robot galaxy."

Jimin nodded very seriously. "The whole robot galaxy? Wow, I'll have to check it out."

Jungkook smiled as he watched the two of them bond. "Just don't stay up as late as Youngjin here if you get hooked." He plucked a chart from beside the door and marked something off while Youngjin paused his show.

"Did you know I had a hole in my heart?" Youngjin suddenly asked. "And Dr. Jeon fixed it!"

"I helped your heart surgeon, buddy." Jungkook corrected with a chuckle. "Dr. Cheon did all the hard work, and I got to learn." Youngjin didn't seem to pick up on the difference. He was just glad to be better. "I just need to check your vitals, Youngjin, if that's okay?"

Youngjin frowned, a quiet whimper escaping him. "With a needle?"

"No needles." Jungkook assured him. "I promise." He bent down so he was at Youngjin's eye level. "I've never broken a promise, right?"

"Okay." Youngjin nodded. "You can check my vittles if you really need to."

While Jungkook warmed up the metal diaphragm of his stethoscope, he mouthed a few words to Jimin, Can you keep him distracted?

Jimin gave a subtle nod before turning to the child. "So, Youngjin, what's your favorite thing to do after school?" Jungkook moved to take Youngjin's pulse, giving Jimin a quick wink.

"I love riding my bike!" Youngjin exclaimed.

"Wow, you have your own bike?" Jimin asked as if that were the most amazing thing in the world. "What color is it?"

"Blue with white flames on the side." Youngjin said. "It's so cool!"

"I bet it is!" Jimin smiled. "Do you have a picture?"

He kept talking to Youngjin while Jungkook listened to his heart and breathing. Before long, Jungkook stepped back from the bedside. "You're all set, buddy. You're doing great and let me know if you need anything, okay?"

"Okay, Dr. Jeon!" Youngjin waved at Jimin. "Bye, Jimin! You were nice!"

"So were you." Jimin chuckled. "Get some rest, okay, Youngjin?"  Youngjin nodded then immediately went back to watching his show as Jimin and Jungkook slipped out of the room.

Chapter Text

"You were really good with him." Jimin said as he and Jungkook continued their tour through the hospital.

Jungkook shrugged. "I wasn't doing anything special. Just checking in."

"You forget that I've spent a lot of time around surgeons." Jimin said. "I know all the department stereotypes--cold, efficient-"

"You can say control freaks." Jungkook laughed. "I won't be offended."

"But you're the opposite!" Jimin exclaimed. "I mean, do most surgeons even do postop check ins like that?"

"A few check ins are standard." Jungkook informed him. "Especially after a big surgery like Youngjin's."

Jimin raised his eyebrows. "To make sure his stitches are holding up, sure. But I don't think the average surgeon stops by to check on patient vitals and say hi."

Jungkook shrugged again and shook his head. "I guess I don't see the point of medicine if you aren't treating your patients like people. And I really wanted to make sure Youngjin was okay." He frowned. "He's got a single mom and she's been worried sick. Reminds me of my mom raising me solo. So I try to send her updates when she can't be here."

Jimin gazed at Jungkook in awe, wondering not for the first time how the alpha could seemingly be so perfect. "That is one of the sweetest things I've ever heard. You're pretty special, Jeon Jungkook. I hope you know that."

"Hey, I think that's my line." Jungkook joked.

"It's not a line." Jimin smiled. "It's just the truth."

Jungkook chuckled softly. "Also kind of my line. But thank you. I know how hard Youngjin's mom must be working to look after him and I can't exactly pay her rent the way I do for my mom so this feels like the least I can do."

Now Jimin understood why Jungkook had pushed himself through school so fast. Not just for his career but to help support his mom. Jungkook's ambition and passion was a stark contrast to Jimin's current lack of direction, but it was also inspiring. "Jungkook, I-"

He was cut off by two nurses rushing down the hallway with a cart. "Sorry! Out of the way!"

Jungkook stepped aside just in time, but one nurse accidentally knocked Jimin against a nearby gurney. They vanished down the hallway in an instant as Jungkook reached out to steady Jimin, his gaze sweeping over the omega's face. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Jimin assured him. "I'll have a fun bruise on my thigh later but nothing to worry about."

"Are you sure?" Jungkook frowned in concern. He nodded toward a nearby exam room. From the lack of a file folder beside the door, Jimin could tell that it was empty. "I could give you a quick once over. Make sure you're okay."

Jimin knew he was fine apart from the forming bruise, but it would be the perfect excuse for the two of them to be alone for a while. "If you insist." Jimin smiled. "I guess I could make time for a checkup."

"Thank you." Jungkook said. "I'll make it worth your while." He ushered Jimin inside the room and gestured toward the table. "Please have a seat on the exam table, Jimin-ssi."

"Okay, Doctor." Jimin played along.

Once Jimin was settled on top of the exam table, there was a playful glint in Jungkook's eyes as he ran his gaze appraisingly over Jimin's body. "So I heard you have a contusion on your left thigh. What happened that led to this injury?" He winked and leaned in to whisper, "I know I was there but it's good practice to ask."

"In that case…" Jimin cleared his throat and sat up a little straighter. "A nurse hip checked me by accident. I kind of fell into a gurney."

"That sounds painful." Jungkook said. "I'm so sorry."

Jimin shrugged. "I'll live. I've got a great doctor caring for me."

Jungkook smiled. "Good news for both of you then." He took a penlight from his pocket and shined it into Jimin's eye, his hand resting on the omega's knee while he checked his vision. "Any preexisting conditions you're worried about?"

Medically, Jimin had a clean bill of health. But while he had Jungkook there, there were a few things that came to the omega's mind. "Lately I've been a little breathless."

Jungkook raised an eyebrow and Jimin tried to keep a serious expression on his face. "That could be nothing to worry about, but we should double check. When did these symptoms start?"

"Well, I went on a few dates with this alpha." Jimin said. "And now when I think about him, sometimes I forget to breathe."

Jungkook's fingers flexed against Jimin's knee, his touch gentle but warm. "I see. I think the best medicine for that is exposure therapy. Keep seeing this alpha and with time you'll learn how to breathe again."

Jimin hummed. "You drive a hard bargain, doc, but I think I can manage that."

Jungkook glanced at his clipboard then back at Jimin. "Are you on any current medications?"

"Nope." Jimin shook his head. "None."

"Alright." Jungkook nodded. "Do you have any other medical concerns?"

"Yes actually." Jimin said.

"What's on your mind?" Jungkook asked.

Jimin fought the urge to grin, letting himself tease the alpha a little. "There's this doctor I really like seeing."

Jungkook raised his eyebrows. "And that's a concern?"

Jimin nodded. "Because I really shouldn’t be into him, but I can't seem to help it." Jungkook scribbled something on his clipboard then handed Jimin the piece of paper. Jimin glanced down, reading it out loud. "Dr. Jeon prescribes one dose of letting yourself be happy."

"Doctor's orders." Jungkook said.

"Oh, I can't possible ignore doctor's orders." Jimin giggled.

Jungkook smiled as he put down his clipboard. "I think that wraps up my questions for now. May I take a look at your injury?"

Within the privacy of the rom, Jimin let a suggestive lilt decorate his response. "Please do, Dr. Jeon. As long as you're gentle."

"As gentle as you need me to be." Jungkook promised. "You took quite a tumble." There was a sparkle in his eyes that made Jimin's stomach flutter.

"Good thing I've got you here to look me over then." Jimin said.

Jungkook nodded. "All I need you to do is relax for me." He began gingerly pressing a few other spots on Jimin's leg and arm on the same side as the injury. Then he moved Jimin's joints. "I'm testing for soreness. How does that feel so far?"

"It feels normal." Jimin said. "No pain."

"Good." Jungkook smiled. "That's what I like to hear." His gentle hands on Jimin's body made the omega's heart race as he attended to him. He worked his way up Jimin's legs, pushing the hem of Jimin's shorts up a bit more to examine the bruise setting in on his lower thigh. "Ouch. That's gonna look like a watercolor sunset this time tomorrow."

Jimin shrugged. "I think its bark is worse than its bite. It doesn't hurt too much."

Jungkook gently rubbed his thumb around the area, checking for any broken skin. "Then good news. I don't see any other issues aside from the bruise."

"There aren't any more bruises hiding around it, are there?" Jimin slid Jungkook's hand up higher along his inner thigh.

Jungkook sucked in a soft breath. "Only one way to be sure." His fingers trailed over Jimin's skin, gently pressing and teasing while the omega's heart raced. There was a sudden ache between Jimin's thighs that had nothing to do with his run in with a gurney. "Looks like you're all good. But if you ever want a follow up exam…" He slowly let his hand drop as he smiled at Jimin, leaving the invitation hanging in the air.

"I'll let you know, Doctor." Jimin said.

"I'm happy to report you have a clean bill of health." Jungkook said. "Aside from the bruise, there are no fractures or anything to be concerned about." Jimin let out an exaggerated sigh of relief. "And if you don't mind my saying so, Jimin-ssi, you seem to be in perfect health otherwise." He was obviously flirting but it was still flattering to hear.

"I'm glad to hear it." Jimin smiled. "Your thorough exam put my mind at ease."

"Good." Jungkook said. "And if you have any other concerns, feel free to come to me. I'll happily check you out." He winked.

Jimin laughed brightly. "If you were this worried about a bruise, I'd hate to scare you with an actual injury."

Jungkook grinned, shrugging one shoulder. "I can handle the tough stuff, I swear. This was just an easy excuse to be close to you."

Jimin inched toward the end of the exam table and reached for Jungkook's hands, tugging him closer. "A nurse could knock into me every day if it means I get to spend quality time with you."

"I'm flattered but I think we can find plenty of other excuses to be alone that don't involve bodily harm." Jungkook chuckled.

"I'm open to ideas." Jimin said.

As Jungkook smiled, the scant space between them suddenly felt like nothing at all and entirely too much. Heart racing, Jimin started to lean in for a kiss only for someone to knock on the door. Jungkook quickly stepped away from Jimin and unlocked the door so the nurse outside could poke her head in. "Sorry to interrupt. I was hoping to use this room, but I can try to find another if you're busy."

"Not at all." Jungkook shook his head. "We're finished here."

They stepped out of the room and Jimin slipped back into the 'we're just acquaintances' mode, making sure to keep a decent distance between himself and the alpha. "Thank you for, um, all your help today." Jimin said, sharing a small knowing smile with Jungkook that made his heart leap.

"Any time." Jungkook said. "It was fun to show you my world."

"It was really nice to see you a-"

"Jimin?" The omega froze, swallowing the words he'd been about to say as Namjoon strolled down the hall toward them. "I didn't know you were here."

"Namjoon." Jimin greeted him politely, taking an instinctive step further away from Jungkook. "Nice to see you."

"You too." Namjoon said. "What are you up to?"

A bead of sweat slid down Jimin's lower back. He'd never been a good liar. Thankfully Jungkook jumped in. "He's doing some last-minute dinner planning. I ran into him in the hallway and decided to help."

Namjoon smiled. "That's great! Thanks, Jungkook." He looked between them. "Hey, why don't you two join me for a bite to eat? You can fill me in."

Jimin's stomach dropped as he shared a look with Jungkook. He wanted to say no but what if that made Namjoon suspicious? He took a deep breath and gave his ex-husband, Jungkook's boss, a weak smile. "Food sounds perfect."

Before he knew it, Jimin was sitting in the hospital's cafeteria with his ex and the alpha he was…well, not not dating. "So how's the dinner planning going?" Namjoon asked. "Any updates?"

"We've got some great ideas for the raffle items." Jungkook said. "And I've been thinking about asking Dr. Kim Seoah to do our keynote speech."

"Damn, I forgot Dr. Won would be out." Namjoon said with a frown. "Seoah might be on call that night." While the two alphas chatted, Jimin tried to keep a cool expression on his face and not let his eyes linger on Jungkook. "Jimin, I have to say, I'm a little surprised."

Jimin nearly choked on a cherry tomato. "You are?"

Namjoon nodded. "After I strong armed you into this dinner, I figured you'd just want to check a few boxes and get it over with. I didn't realize you were this invested."

"Yeah, well, I'm doing it for the new residents." Jimin said. "They deserve to start off on the right foot. I wasn't going to let any personal feelings get in the way of that." He let a bit of anger into his voice, and it felt good to see Namjoon wince. Jungkook glanced at Jimin before quickly turning back to his food.

"Right." Namjoon cleared his throat. "I wasn't trying to say that you would. I just-" He sighed and ran a hand over his face. "What I'm trying to say--badly--is thank you."

Jungkook gave Jimin a small grateful smile and Jimin fought the urge to return it with one of his own. "Yeah, thank you. It means a lot to the program to welcome our new people the right way."

Namjoon fell into conversation with Jungkook again which gave Jimin a moment to breathe. But it was hard to sit next to Jungkook and pretend he barely knew him. Pretend he hadn't kissed him, felt his hands on him, sighed against his lips. Maybe if he texted Taehyung, he could fake an emergency and call him? Or Jimin could always fall out of his chair. Anything would be preferable to keeping that ruse up a moment longer.

Thankfully before Jimin could do anything dramatic, Miyoung approached their table. "Namjoon? I'm sorry to interrupt but we need you to look at a patient in room nine."

"No problem." Namjoon nodded.

Jimin stood and gathered his tray, ready to make the quickest exit in history. "Well good luck with that! And, um, thanks for lunch, Namjoon. Nice seeing you again, Miyoung."

Miyoung smiled. "You too. I hope you know you're always welcome here." Namjoon headed off with Miyoung while Jimin returned his tray and headed for the exit with Jungkook by his side.

Chapter Text

Jungkook whistled softly as soon as they were far enough away from the cafeteria and Namjoon. "So that was the most awkward thing imaginable. Are you okay?"

Jimin nodded. "I'm about 50% adrenaline right now. I don't think he picked up on anything but god that was not fun."

"I'm sorry." Jungkook sighed. "I can't believe he actually suggested we all have lunch."

"Do you know how many times he ever had lunch with me when we were married?" Jimin asked almost sadly.

Jungkook frowned. "I'm guessing not many."

"Nope." Jimin shook his head. The stress of running into Namjoon made his heart race, and so did the sympathy on Jungkook's face for very different reasons. The later wasn't totally a bad feeling.

Jungkook glanced at Jimin then suddenly stopped near a door labeled 'Viewing Room'. He made sure no one was in earshot before murmuring, "That room should be empty right now. We could sneak in for a quick goodbye."

From the warmth in his voice, Jimin knew exactly what kind of goodbye Jungkook had in mind. Something they hadn't been able to share all day. "I'd love to see what your viewing rooms have to offer, Dr. Jeon." Jimin smiled.

"Right this way then." They both made sure no one was in the hallway before Jungkook opened the door and let Jimin in.

Sure enough, there was no one in the viewing room or the operating theater it overlooked. "You were right." Jimin said. "No one but us."

Jungkook grinned. "Lucky us then." Jimin took a step toward Jungkook and gently pushed his shoulders, walking the alpha backward until his back was against the wall. "That's one hell of a goodbye."

"I couldn't resist." Jimin said. "it's been a long afternoon of having to pretend we're basically strangers."

"I know." Jungkook said. "I kept wanting to put an arm around you while we walked down the halls."

Jimin tilted his head coyly. "Is that all you wanted?"

Jungkook laughed. "Not by a long shot."

Jimin leaned up to press his lips to Jungkook's. The alpha's lips were soft and warm against his own and Jimin locked his hands together on the back of Jungkook's neck. They kissed and kissed and kissed. With every flick of Jimin's tongue against Jungkook's, Jimin only wanted more. They kissed until they were both breathless.

"It was…" Jungkook pressed his lips against Jimin's for another moment. "It was hard to walk around acting like we barely know each other."

"For me too." Jimin said. "I was paranoid that I'd look at you and then Namjoon or someone else would be able to tell."

"Then it's a good thing we're here now." Jungkook said. "I can finally do what I've been thinking about all day."

Jimin could guess the answer, but he asked anyway. "And what's that?"

Jungkook kissed Jimin in response, his tongue curling against the omega's making a fire spark in Jimin's belly. "This." Jungkook whispered against Jimin's lips.

"You're a bad influence, you know that?" Jimin grinned.

"Can't blame me." Jungkook said. "You just happen to look beautiful all the time."

Jimin leaned forward and kissed Jungkook again. That kiss was soft but insistent and Jimin pressed up against Jungkook, desperate for more contact. "No one can see us through the other side of that window, right?" Jimin asked. "Because if they could, I'd be mortified."

"Don't worry." Jungkook assured him. "NO one can see a thing through that side of the glass."

"So you're saying there's no reason for us to stop then?" Jimin asked.

Grinning, Jungkook kissed him again. With each flick of Jungkook's tongue, Jimin's worry about someone spotting them waned. "Exactly." Jungkook said. "We can't waste this perfectly good empty room."

Jimin peppered kisses along Jungkook's jaw, inhaling the alpha's scent. "You scoped this room out pretty quickly. Have you done this in here before?"

Jungkook shook his head and kissed Jimin at that deliciously sweet spot just behind the omega's ear. "This is a first."

"Wow." Jimin smiled. "I must be special then."

Although Jimin said it jokingly, Jungkook pulled back so he could gaze into his eyes. "You are special, Jimin. I'm gonna keep saying that until you believe me." The sincerity in Jungkook's voice almost knocked Jimin off his feet. Want surged through Jimin's body. Holding Jungkook's gaze, Jimin untucked the hem of the alpha's shirt from his pants and slid his hands underneath, splaying them over Jungkook's stomach. Jungkook groaned softly, his sculpted muscles tensing beneath Jimin's touch. "God, I've been thinking about you touching me like this since the moment we met."

"Then it's a shame I didn't have a chance to do this sooner." Even on their dates, Jimin didn't feel quite that bold but somehow knowing they only had a few stolen minutes made Jimin want more. HE spread his fingers over Jungkook's abs, counting every single one. "What is that, an eight pack?"

Jungkook chuckled. "I don't know if I have that many but I’m glad…" He sucked in a breath as Jimin trailed his hands a little lower, brushing them against Jungkook's belt. "Glad you're touching every single one."

"I could touch you all day." Jimin said. "Maybe we should forget the whole saying goodbye part of this."

"I wouldn't say no to that." Jungkook murmured.

Keeping his hands under Jungkook's shirt, Jimin slipped them around to the alpha's lower back, pulling him flush against himself. Jimin kissed Jungkook again, but that time Jungkook parted Jimin's lips with his, deepening the kiss. It set every nerve in Jimin's body on fire. In between kisses, Jimin murmured, "How many rooms are in this hospital?"

"I’m not sure." Jungkook answered against Jimin's lips." Somewhere over four dozen." He kissed the hollow of Jimin's throat, making the omega moan a little. "Why?"

"Just curious." Jimin said. "It' snice to think about exploring more of them like this." It was a risk Jimin knew they shouldn't take. But even the fantasy made heat pool in his stomach.

Jungkook laughed, soft and low. "That's good. You could add it to The List."

Jimin giggled. "You're really invested in my list, aren't you?"

Jungkook kissed the bare skin above the neckline of Jimin's shirt and the omega threw his head back. "What can I say? I’m a completionist."

"How am I supposed to leave when you're doing that?" Jimin whined a bit.

"How am I supposed to watch you leave?" Jungkook retorted.

Jimin tilted Jungkook's head up to kiss him again, nipping at the alpha's bottom lip before soothing away the sting with his tongue. "Maybe we'll just have to meet up again soon?"

One of Jungkook's hands clutched the small of Jimin's back, pressing the omega flush against him. "I'm counting on it."

They kissed until Jimin's lips were swollen. But when he heard conversation out in the hall, he reluctantly peeled himself away from Jungkook. "I hate to say it, but we probably shouldn't draw this goodbye out any longer."

Jungkook nodded. "You're right. We're lucky we got as long as we did."

As Jungkook tucked his shirt back in, Jimin reached up to wipe some of his lip gloss from the corner of the alpha's mouth. Seeing how disheveled Jungkook got for him was its own kind of turn on. "Now you should be good to go." Jimin smiled.

Jungkook caught Jimin's hand before he could pull it back and kissed the inside of his wrist. "Thanks for looking out for me. And for the goodbye."

"Believe me, it was my pleasure." Jimin said.

The two of them snuck back into the hallway, glancing around to make sure no one saw them come out of the viewing room. The hallway was empty. "I had a great day with you." Jungkook said. "I hope-" He was cut off by his pager beeping. "Damn. I'm sorry, I have to run. I'll see you soon though?"

Jimin nodded. "See you soon." Jungkook was gone in a flash and Jimin stared after him wistfully.

***

Jimin poured himself a glass of wine, his mind racing as he thought about the ups and downs of the day. Getting to see Jungkook made all the dinner planning worth it. Despite the risk, there was a thrill in walking through the hospital halls beside Jungkook with only the two of them knowing their secret. But he could have done without Namjoon showing up. Thankfully he wouldn't have to see Namjoon at the dinner.

After all the bustle and adrenaline of the day, sitting alone in his quiet apartment made Jimin feel restless. Until his phone rang, shattering the silence. When he saw the name on the screen, his stomach dropped. "HI, Jimin." Namjoon's voice rang out as soon as Jimin answered the call.

"Two convos in one day?" Jimin asked. "That's new."

"Ouch." Namjoon sighed. "But okay, I kind of deserved that."

"Just a little." Jimin said. "Why are you calling me?"

"Miyoung told me you need a keynote speaker at tomorrow's dinner since Dr. Won and Dr. Kim Seoah can't make it. And I figured I owed you one, so I volunteered to fill the spot."

Jimin's eyes widened. "That's…great. Just great."

***

"I don't know if I can do this." Jimin said as he paced his bedroom.

"It's dinner, Jimin." Seokjin deadpanned. "How bad can it be?"

Jimin looked at him incredulously. "It's my first hospital dinner since the divorce and my ex-husband and my…Jungkook will both be there!"

Taehyung tilted his head. "I was going to ask, what is Jungkook to you now that you two are going to keep seeing each other? Like is it too early to say boyfriend? Or is this a 'we're not putting labels on it' kind of thing?"

Jimin shook his head. "I can't even think about that right now." He stopped pacing to stand in front of his best friends. "Less fourth degree, more pep talks please! Or I may ditch this thing and get to know the tub of strawberry cheesecake ice cream in my freezer!"

Taehyung smiled. "You can always go and enjoy some strawberry cheesecake goodness afterward."

"I'm just glad you decided to go out with Jungkook again." Seokjin said. "I haven't seen you smile like this in a long time. This alpha is good for you."

"But you will have to be careful tonight." Taehyung said. "I don't want anyone to catch on and stir up some drama if they suspect that you and Jungkook are…whatever you are."

Jimin nodded. "I will be careful. No one will know."

Taehyung reached out to give Jimin's hand a quick squeeze. "I know you can pull it off."

"Boo!" Seokjin gave a thumbs down. "Worry less about pulling it off and more about having fun!"

Jimin sighed. "I'm trying not to blow up my social life any more than this divorce already has. I have to worry about what people think."

"Alright, I'm sorry." Seokjin said. "Just, while you're being careful about your hot new thing, don't forget how much good you have going on."

"I won't." Jimin smiled a bit. "I promise."

Seokjin finally got Jimin to sit down at his vanity so he could start doing his makeup for the hospital dinner. "And remember, this isn't just about your jungkook situation." Seokjin said as he began applying a cleansing balm to Jimin's face. "This is your chance to show the Seunghyun's of the world that you're thriving post-divorce."

"You seriously are glowing." Taehyung said. "I'm going to have to steal some of your skincare products because mine clearly aren't doing it."

Jimin would have laughed if he wasn't so stressed. "But I don't feel like I’m doing that great. I've just sort of been drifting these past few weeks. And all I have going on is a situationship I can't talk about!"

Taehyung squeezed Jimin's hand again. "That's okay. You don't have to have everything figured out right now. You just got out of a decades old marriage. Anyone would feel adrift."

"Exactly." Seokjin said. "Be good to yourself, Jimin. And if anyone gives you grief over the divorce, remember Number 11 on The List--Shut down a hater."

"Seokjin's right." Taehyung said. "you've handled the divorce as civilly as anyone could have and you don't deserve any flack for that."

Jimin took a deep breath. "Thank you. My head knows all of that but sometimes it's easy for my heart to forget."

"We'll remind you as many times as you need us to." Seokjin assured him.

Once Jimin's make up was finished, he changed into the wine-red cocktail dress he'd purchased for the dinner. "How do I look?" He asked as he gave a little twirl in front of his friends.

Taehyung clasped his hands together. "Good enough to eat!"

Seokjin smirked. "Maybe if you're lucky, Jungkook will-"

Jimin cut him off. "Thank you, both of you."

Taehyung and Seokjin pulled Jimin into a tight hug. "You've got this." Taehyung said encouragingly. "Whatever happens tonight, it's just dinner."

Chapter Text

When Jimin arrived at the event space, he was wowed by how all his hard work had turned out. Yet anxiety set in as he glanced around the packed room, doing his best to smile as he passed familiar people. "Hi, Miyoung. Everything looks fantastic."

"Speak for yourself!" Miyoung exclaimed. "You look fantastic." She gave Jimin an approving nod.

"Oh, this little thing?" Jimin giggled. "It's nothing."

"Oh, please, you look great tonight." Miyoung said. "And you deserve to."

Encouraged, Jimin gave Miyoung one more smile before weaving through the crowd toward his table. He could do it. All he had to do was avoid Namjoon and play it cool with Jungkook and he would get through that dinner just-

"Hi, Jimin." Namjoon looked up at Jimin from a seat across the table.

Jimin realized too late that he had finalized the seating before Namjoon subbed in as the speaker, meaning the other staff put him in Dr. Won's spot. He cleared his throat as he took his seat. "It's nice to see you." He said politely.

"You too." Namjoon said. "Great turnout tonight. And this place looks nice."

"Miyoung gets all the credit for the décor." Jimin said. "She did great."

"Yes, it's nice to see that some people are invested in this place." Jimin suppressed a sigh as Seunghyun settled into one of the other chairs at the table along with a few other hospital regulars that Jimin knew.

Jimin looked around to see if he could find Jungkook. If he could just see the alpha, he knew- "Got room for one more?" As if on cue, Jungkook appeared at the table with his signature bunny smile. "Miyoung told me this was my table." Jimin did his best to keep his expression neutral as Jungkook sat down next to him.

Namjoon smiled at Jungkook. "Glad you made it."

"Wouldn't have missed the welcome dinner for the world." Jungkook said before looking over at Jimin. "Hi."

"Hi." Jimin said quietly.

Jungkook's gaze briefly flicked over Jimin, but he kept his voice perfectly polite. "That dress is nice."

"Thank you." Jimin hoped it wasn't obvious the way his stomach was fluttering. Someone tapped Namjoon on the shoulder and when he turned around in his chair to speak to them, Jungkook gave Jimin a slightly longer admiring look. Seeing Jungkook was a relief just like Jimin had thought but sharing a table with him and Namjoon was way more than Jimin had signed on for. Why did Namjoon have to volunteer as the speaker? But there was nothing he could do about it at that point so as dinner was served, Jimin tried to make small talk with the other guests at the table. "So, Siwoo, how's your son? Still on the, um, basketball team?"

Siwoo smiled. "He is! Made honor roll again last semester too!"

As Siwoo dug into his food, Jimin caught the eye of Jiho, one of the new residents whose photo Jimin saw while organizing the dinner. He resisted the constant urge to glance over at Jungkook and instead turned to Jiho. "Welcome to the hospital, Jiho. I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here."

Jiho smiled. "Thanks so much. I've been looking forward to this dinner."

"Glad to hear it." Jimin said. "I did a little work on the planning, so I hope it's a fun evening."

"Jimin's being modest." Jungkook chimed in. "He did more than 'a little' work on this dinner."

Jiho glanced between them in slight surprise. "You two know each other?"

Nervousness washed through Jimin but thankfully Jungkook just gave a simple nod. "I've been helping with some of the dinner details. I just started here last year so who better to talk about what new residents need, right?"

"I actually introduced the two of them." Namjoon said. "Jimin was in my office and Jungkook…"

While Namjoon relayed the story of how Jimin and Jungkook 'met' to Jiho, Siwoo turned to Jungkook with a smile. "So no plus one for you tonight? I would've thought our star resident would come with someone special."

Jungkook didn't miss a beat, but Jimin nearly startled in his seat, almost choking on his japchae. "Nope, just me. Residency doesn't leave a lot of time for dating."

A strangled noise escaped Jimin as he tried to get air back into his lungs, causing every single person to look at him. "Everything alright, Jimin?" Siwoo asked.

Jimin felt his face heat up as he scrambled for something to say. "I just thought there was a bug on my leg. But it was nothing. My skirt moved kind of funny on my thigh." That made everyone laugh and he blew out a breath of relief.

"Seems like a cry of attention if you ask me." Seunghyun grumbled.

Jimin turned away from the passive aggressiveness as another doctor Jimin had known for years addressed him with a smile. "So lots of big changes lately, Jimin." Jiyoo mused. "How have you been keeping busy these days?"

The question was cordial, but Jimin still froze, trying to think of the right thing to say in front of his ex's friends and colleagues. "Oh, you know, I've been…doing lots of jogging. I found a new route by the Han River, so it's been nice to get out in nature."

"Oh, I'm there every morning at 4:00." Jiyoo said. "Maybe I'll run into you."

"Not that early you won't." Jimin said and the female alpha gave him a polite smile as an awkward silence stretched over the table.

Jungkook cleared his throat. "I think it's great that you're getting in some exercise. Nothing we doctors can fault anyone for, right?" Jimin flashed him a grateful smile, glad he was helping the conversation along.

But that relief was short lived. "It must be so interesting to be a late bloomer in life." Siwoo said.

Jiyoo nodded. "I can't imagine. I've known what I wanted to do from the moment I started playing with toy stethoscopes."

Siwoo turned to Namjoon. "And what have you been up to?"

"Yes, do tell." Jiyoo said. "I feel like I only ever see the back of your head as you're hurrying down the halls to another patient."

"Life's been busy, that's for sure." Namjoon said. "I've been sleeping here a few nights a week because I don’t want to waste time walking to the subway."

"Tell me about it." Jiyoo laughed. "That's me half the week."

Maybe it was the indignation of being glossed over or the self-satisfied look on Namjoon's face, but Jimin pushed back his shoulders and spoke up. "I'm actually doing more than just jogging. I've been thinking of starting a small business. I've even been looking at some spaces to lease." He caught Jungkook grinning as the others blinked at him in surprise.

"You're what?" Namjoon asked.

Jimin nodded. "Just something to keep me busy. I've heard the hours can be long, especially for a startup."

"Quite long." Jiyoo agreed.

"That sounds like a lot." Siwoo said.

"I'm sure it will be." Jimin shrugged. "But I'm up for it."

Jiho smiled. "That's cool. Good for-"

Namjoon interrupted him. "It just sounds like an awfully big risk." His brow was furrowed with a skeptical look Jimin knew too well and any enthusiasm from the others suddenly vanished.

"I don't think it's that-"

Jungkook's attempts at being on Jimin's side were spoken over by Seunghyun. "Risky and inappropriate, in my opinion. For someone who's newly divorced, you seem awfully together, Jimin. Like you moved on rather fast."

Namjoon went quiet and Jimin felt a white-hot surge of anger. Beside him, Jungkook shifted in his seat, jaw tensing. Jimin could tell the alpha was restraining himself from leaping to his defense. Maybe Jimin should take Seokjin's advice and cross Number 11 off of The List. Brimming with indignation, Jimin did what he rarely let himself do with Namjoon--he put all the anger he was feeling into words. "You might not realize this, but you just said that out loud."

Seunghyun glared at Jimin. "Yes, and I meant it."

"Then who do you think you are that you get to judge me?" Jimin asked. "I've seen you maybe once a week for the past four years, Seunghyun. That doesn't make you an expert on my life." Seunghyun opened his mouth to respond but Jimin held up a hand to silence him. "I wasn't finished. Seunghyun, Namjoon and I handled ourselves like adults out of respect for each other. Would you rather I'd thrown all his books out on our lawn? Or taken him to the cleaners in the divorce? Would that have been more 'appropriate'?"

"I'm sure you did." Seunghyun said.

"You're the office gossip." Jimin said. "You'd know if I'd taken Namjoon for everything he's worth."

Namjoon cleared his throat. "He didn't. I can confirm that."

Seunghyun scoffed. "That still doesn't make this right! You're still being inconsiderate of Namjoon's feelings by being so chipper!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I missed the memo where people aren't allowed to smile after being divorced!" Jimin retorted. "And who do you think arranged this entire dinner as a favor to his ex? I'd call that pretty considerate!"

"I saw Miyoung coming up with seating arrangements." Seunghyun said. "You clearly just-"

Namjoon interrupted him. "Jimin did arrange the dinner, Seunghyun. Miyoung just consulted on it."

Jimin raised an eyebrow as he stared Seunghyun directly in the eyes. "Okay, you did one thing for Dr. Kim." Seunghyun sneered. Big deal. And it's not like you planned this dinner alone."

"I never said I did." Jimin shook his head. "But you work here and did nothing."

Seunghyun sputtered at being called out. "I'm quite busy at my job! I think I do enough around here without planning dinners."

"Whatever you have to tell yourself, Seunghyun." Jimin said. "You know who's also busy?"

"I'm sure you're going to tell me." Seunghyun said.

"Oh I am." Jimin nodded. "It's Miyoung. She's just as busy if not busier than you and she still stepped in to plan."

Jungkook sat up straighter beside Jimin, chiming in with a. heat the omega had never heard in his voice before. "I worked with Jimin on this dinner to. He went the extra mile for a night that literally isn't about him. And I've gotta say, I didn't think this hospital was a place where we tear guests down for no reason."

Jiyoo cleared her throat. "Yes, this has all been, dare I say, disruptive."

"Exactly." Jungkook agreed. "Tonight is supposed to be about showing our new residents the community we have here." He gave an apologetic nod to Jiho before turning back to Seunghyun. "And you've turned it into an argument about the personal lives of an employee and someone who is trying to do right by our staff. I thought we were all better than that but maybe I was wrong."

Seunghyun's cheeks turned a shade of red that Jimin didn't know was possible. "I-I've held my tongue long enough! I had to say something!'

"No you didn't." Jimin deadpanned. "My marriage, my ex, and my life are none of your business. You didn't have to say anything."

"So now it's my fault for voicing a concern?" Seunghyun asked.

"Yes." Jimin said. "You literally started this. And you know what? I could maybe accept that you were worried about Namjoon. You've known him for a long time. But you could've pulled me aside at any point and asked to talk to me about your concerns for his feelings. If you'd done that, we might have been able to have a productive conversation."

Seunghyun blinked. "I didn't think about that."

"I'm aware." Jimin said. "Because you're not really worried about Namjoon here. You wanted to get back at me to start drama. But I hope you understand that I’m not going to sit here and take it."

"And you shouldn’t have to." Jungkook said.

"Jungkook's right." Siwoo nodded. "This has all crossed a line, Seunghyun."

Seunghyun's mouth opened and closed as he tried to think of something to say back. But he had nothing. Jimin had eviscerated him. "Excuse me." He shoved back his chair and left the table in a hurry.

Jimin took a deep breath and tried to slow his pulse as adrenaline pumped through his body. "I'm sorry, Jimin." Siwoo said. "Even before Seunghyun stuck his foot in his mouth, we were being nosy. Your personal life is none of our business. I'm glad to see you and Namjoon are able to get along and that's all that matters here."

"Thank you." Jimin said.

"My apologies too, Jimin." Jiyoo said. "I wish you all the best in your future endeavors."

"I appreciate it." Jimin said. "I wish that hadn't happened at this dinner, but I hope you all understand why I couldn't let it go."

Siwoo nodded. "I wouldn't have been able to either. And my earlier comments didn't help. I should have been more supportive of whatever you and Namjoon are doing to find your peace and happiness."

Everyone finally went back to their food and, under the table, Jungkook gave Jimin's thigh an encouraging squeeze. The touch sent a small thrill through Jimin that lingered even as his adrenaline continued to fade. "Jiyoo, have you heard about the new equipment we're getting in the western surgery suite?" Namjoon asked. "There's this camera with absurd resolution…"

"You know I love talking specs." Jiyoo grinned. "Go on."

Siwoo turned to Jiho. "Has anyone onboarded you with our EMR yet? We changed record systems last year and this one has been so much better."

"Hey, if it actually saves my notes, I'll be happy." Jiho chuckled.

As the others got into lively conversation about hospital tech and systems, Jungkook found a moment to lean over and murmur in Jimin's ear. "I'm glad you gave Seunghyun a piece of your mind. Way to make the most of Number 11."

Jimin bit back a giggle. "What did you do, memorize all of the things on that list?"

"I'm trying to." Jungkook said sincerely.