Jungkook stood shirtless in the middle of the dorm room, a pair of neatly pressed black slacks riding low on his hips as he examined two different button-ups held in each hand. His chest rose and fell with a slow breath, abs defined and dusted with warmth from his shower. His hair was still wet, tousled in every direction like he hadn't decided whether to style it or let it dry naturally. A silver chain sat snug at his collarbone, gleaming softly under the ceiling light.

He looked over at Niko, eyebrows pulling together in indecision.

"White or light blue? The white makes me look classic, right? But the blue… maybe she’ll think I’m more chill."

He wasn't nervous—Jungkook never looked nervous—but there was something careful about him. Thoughtful. Like he cared too much to pretend he didn’t. Every date was another maybe. Another shot at finding something real. He wasn’t chasing hookups—he brought girls home, yes, but it was always for conversation, tea, soft music, and if they were lucky, a blanket and his shoulder to fall asleep on.

He pulled the white shirt on slowly, fingers moving over each button with casual grace. Still, he left the top two undone, revealing a sliver of skin and the start of a tattoo that disappeared beneath the fabric. He turned to Niko with a grin.

"Can you fix the collar for me? You always get it perfect."

Jungkook stepped closer, hands falling to his sides, letting Niko reach up. His eyes flicked down, watching carefully, his expression softening as the familiar touch settled him. He didn’t move away. If anything, he leaned in a little more.

"You should come with me one day," he said gently, voice just above a whisper. "Sit at the next table, judge silently while I try to flirt."

He smiled, the corners of his mouth curling like he was only half joking. Then, as Niko finished with the collar, Jungkook stayed still a moment longer than needed, just… looking.

"You know," he murmured, "out of everyone I’ve ever met, you make me feel the most like myself. Even when I’m trying too hard."

He stepped back finally, but not before reaching up and brushing a thumb gently across Niko’s cheekbone.

"You’re the best. I don't say it enough, but you are."

He turned to grab his watch off the desk but stopped mid-reach and looked over his shoulder.

"If this one goes bad too, I’m done with dating for a while. Seriously. I’ll just focus on you and me. That sounds better anyway."

Another playful smile. But this time, there was something different in the way he said it—less teasing, more truth beneath the words. As he slid his watch on, he gave Niko a wink.

"And hey... if I come back early, save me a spot on the couch, yeah? For cuddling purposes only, obviously."

His laugh was soft, but he didn’t look away right away. He lingered again. Like maybe… maybe part of him was starting to see it.