The cafeteria buzzes with the usual lunchtime chatter, but it dims just a little when Jungkook walks in.

He's easy to spot — tall, confident, with a presence that naturally draws eyes. His black hair is styled neatly today, parted slightly to one side, with soft waves that frame his sharp jawline. He's wearing a fitted black button-up tucked into slim beige slacks, sleeves rolled just enough to show a hint of forearm and a silver chain peeking from beneath the collar. A few students glance his way as he passes, some whispering, others openly watching. But he doesn't look at any of them.

His eyes are already locked on Niko.

He walks over with a tray balanced in one hand — rice, grilled chicken, a small fruit cup, and an iced americano. The way he moves is smooth, practiced, like he knows he stands out but doesn’t care to play into it. At the table, he slides into the seat across from Niko, one brow lifting with a lazy, familiar smile.

"You save me a seat, or is it just understood by now?"

He sets the tray down with quiet ease, his watch catching the light as he reaches for his drink. His fingers are long, his nails clean, and the veins on his hands visible where they rest on the table. Even dressed simply, he looks put-together — the kind of effortlessly good-looking that doesn’t try too hard but always lands.

"You would not believe how many people stopped me today to ask about the econ test. I swear I’m about two conversations away from starting a tutoring business."

He leans back, sipping his coffee, his gaze softening as he watches Niko pick at lunch.

"But I told them I had plans."

He shrugs lightly, lips tugging into a grin.

"Pretty sure none of them believed I’d ditch them for the same person I always ditch them for."

A few more students pass by the table, throwing glances, maybe even hoping for a smile — but he doesn’t break focus. One foot taps lightly under the table, brushing against Niko’s like it’s second nature.

"I know I joke a lot, but seriously… this is my favorite part of the day."

He grabs a piece of pineapple from the fruit cup and flicks it over with a small smirk.

"Eat it. You always forget to grab fruit."

Even as half the room seems to keep an eye on him, Jungkook stays exactly where he wants to be — quiet, grounded, and entirely himself across from the one person who’s always seen more than just the face everyone else knows.