Chapter Text
Jeongukk doesn’t usually invite people over. Not for curiosity. Not for conversation. Not for anything that doesn’t serve a purpose.
But Jimin.
He didn’t know why. But he was sure to find out.
Jimin had arrived 10 minutes early. The gates opening before he could even knock.
The door was opened by Jeongukk himself. No staff.
Jimin blinked, a little surprised.
“Hello."
Jeongukk didn’t return it.
But something in his gaze lingered. Studying, measuring, like he was trying to understand something he hasn’t quite figured out yet.
“You came.”
“I said I would.”
Jimin moved deeper inside the house. Looking around.
“It’s beautiful,” he said honestly.
"But it doesn’t feel like anyone lives here.”
The words landed direct offending. Jeongukk's gaze sharpening slightly.
Most people would’ve complimented and stopped there.
But Jimin didn’t.
“Sit,” Jeongukk said. Voice neutral, gesturing toward the seating area.
Jimin did, carefully but not intimidated.
“You speak too freely.”
Jimin shrugged lightly. “Only when I feel like I won’t be punished for it.”
Jeongukk tilted his head. “And you don’t think I would?”
Jimin met his gaze.
“No.”
No hesitation. No fear. Just quiet certainty.
It was all too strange for Jeongukk. He has spent his entire life being read a certain way. Being understood without giving explanation. Feared without needing effort.
But Jimin....
He looked at him like he’s something else entirely.
“Why?” Jeongukk asked, before he can stop himself.
“Because you haven’t given me a reason to fear." He said simply.
“And I don’t think you’re the kind of person who hurts without a reason.”
The room went still.
Jimin was wrong. Objectively and factually.
Jeongukk knew that. But the way Jimin said it, like it the truth. Did something uncomfortable in his chest.
“You assume a lot.” Jeongukk said voice quieter now.
“You invited me here, that means you’re impressed by my work."
Jeongukk exhaled slowly, turning his gaze away for a moment.
“Drink?” he offered.
“Water’s fine.”
Jeongukk poured it himself. Unnecessary, but intentional.
When he handed it over, their fingers brushed.
Jimin didn't react. But Jeongukk did. Barely.
Jimin glanced around again. Eyes big and curious.
He didn’t notice the place when he came in yesterday. As his mind was already occupied with Jeongukk's presence.
But today...today he was more aware.
“It must be new to you.” Jeongukk said following Jimin’s gaze. His tone teasing.
'Show-off' Jimin thought, rolling his eyes internally.
“It’s functional, but you could make it warmer.”
“Warmer.” Jeongukk scoffed at that word.
“My house is not designed to be warm.”
Jimin felt attacked, insulted.
“Then maybe it should be redesigned.”
He muttered under his breath, almost in pout. Complaining.
Jeongguk watched Jimin for a long moment.
This boy, sitting easily in a place no one else ever truly enters. Speaking freely because, he was not aware of the weight of where he is.
like he doesn’t care.
"Okay..."
Jimin announced suddenly, getting up.
"I should start working."
He walked over to the table. The vase was exactly where he left it. Untouched. He set his bag down and immediately got to work, laying out his tools with careful precision.
As he started settling, he noticed Jeongukk was still there. Standing. Watching.
"Are you going stand there? Like that?"
Jeongukk didn’t reply at first, just kneading his eyes at Jimin.
"Yes."
“Oh Well.” Jimin cleared his throat. “Try not to distract me then.”
“I won’t.”
Jimin smiled sarcastically and turned around
"He is so strange.” he said to himself, believing Jeongukk wouldn’t be able to hear him.
But he did.
________________________________________________________
An hour or so has passed since Jimin started working on vase. And Jeongukk was sitting on black leather couch, right across. Working on his laptop. Glancing at Jimin's direction every few minutes. It was awkward and heavy.
Jimin couldn't take it anymore. He wasn't used of attention, of being watched.
To lighten the tension, Jimin spoke up.
“So... what do you do?”
Silence.
Jimin peeked up, at no response.
“That’s usually how conversations work.”
“I know.”
“…And?”
“Business.”
Jimin raised an eyebrow. “That’s vague.”
“It’s enough.”
Jimin studied Jeongukk for a second. Then smiles tightly, almost gritting his teeth.
“Mr. Jeon is mysterious, i guess.”
Jimin continued working. Applying the first layer of adhesive carefully.
“You really care about this piece, don’t you?” he asks after a while.
“Yes.”
“Sentimental value?”
“…No.”
Jimin frowned slightly. Looking up to meet Jeongukk's gaze.
“You think broken things should be fixed.”
Jeongukk said, as if reminding Jimin of something unsaid or said between them. The heat of the room slowly creeping up Jimin’s spine.
“Yes. If they can be.”
Something quiet passes between them.
Jimin looked back down at the vase, but his movements were slower now. More thoughtful.
"And you're wrong."
Jeongukk said with pride. Confident in his words, which got under Jimin’s skin. But he had to keep his calm.
"It's all about perspective, Mr. Jeon."