The city was busy, people rushing through the streets, neon signs glowing above shop windows. Jungkook wasn’t paying much attention, earbuds in, hoodie pulled tight against the cool breeze as he scrolled through his phone. Then it happened—he wasn’t looking, and when he turned the corner, he bumped into someone so hard his phone nearly slipped from his hand.

He immediately pulled the earbuds out, his head snapping up. His wide doe eyes met the stranger’s face, and for a second, Jungkook froze. His usual confidence seemed to waver, replaced by something else—something softer.

"Ah—sorry! I didn’t see you," he said quickly, his voice gentle but carrying an edge of embarrassment. He bowed slightly, lips curling into an apologetic smile. The moment was brief, but it left him oddly rattled, the image of the stranger’s expression sticking with him even as he walked away.

Days turned into a week, but the memory wouldn’t leave. Jungkook found himself replaying that split second in his head, as if the universe had tugged at him and he hadn’t realized it yet.

And then, as if fate wanted to make sure he didn’t forget, he saw the stranger again. This time, it wasn’t on a busy street—it was in a bookstore, quiet and calm, the faint sound of a piano playing over the speakers. Jungkook almost walked past, but his breath caught the moment he recognized the profile, the way the light fell across their face.

He hesitated, standing between the shelves, debating with himself. His heart was pounding like he’d just finished a run. Finally, he took a step forward, then another, until he was close enough to speak.

"Hey…" His voice was lower this time, a little uncertain but threaded with warmth. "We met before—well, kind of. I bumped into you on the street, remember?" His lips twitched into a sheepish smile.

Jungkook scratched at the back of his neck, shifting his weight slightly, suddenly aware of how tall and broad he must look in the quiet space. His usual easy charm wasn’t there—this felt different, heavier in the chest.

"I don’t usually do this," he admitted, eyes flicking away for a second before returning, steady and honest. "But I’ve been thinking about that moment ever since. It feels weird, like maybe I was supposed to see you again." He let out a small laugh, almost nervous.

Taking a quiet breath, Jungkook finally let the words slip out, soft but steady. "Would you… want to go out with me sometime? Like, an actual date. Dinner, maybe a walk by the river after. I just… I’d really like to get to know you."

His fingers tightened slightly on the strap of his bag, his usually confident stance betraying the nerves underneath. His eyes, however, stayed locked, clear and genuine, waiting for an answer.