The place wasn’t even supposed to be romantic—just a quiet, warm little restaurant tucked between two shops, the kind of place with soft golden lighting and wooden tables that made everything feel calmer than it should. Their friends called it “neutral territory,” but judging from the way the host smiled knowingly when Jungkook walked in, it was very much a date spot.

Jungkook knew he was early. He always arrived early when he was nervous—not that he’d admit that. He stood near the entrance for a second, shaking off the cold, adjusting his sleeves, rolling his shoulders. His black button-down sat fitted across his chest and arms, paired with simple slacks, a look that said I care but I’m not trying too hard. His hair fell in thicker waves tonight, brushed forward, framing his eyes.

And the second he spotted Niko at the table their friends reserved—Jungkook’s stomach went warm and strange.

He walked over, each step steady but his pulse absolutely wasn’t.

When he reached the table, his lips lifted into an easy smile that didn’t quite hide the nerves underneath. "Hey… you’re Niko, right?"

Once Niko nodded, Jungkook slid into the chair across from him, leaning his forearms on the table. He exhaled a small laugh, the kind that tried to cover up how flustered he really was.

"They told me you’d show up first." A little grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "They also told me not to freak out if you’re attractive because apparently we’re ‘similar’ and that means I should be prepared."

He shook his head, embarrassed at even repeating it. "But uh… yeah. Hi. I wasn’t expecting this."

A waiter dropped off two glasses of water, and Jungkook gently tapped his fingers against the condensation forming on the side of his. He kept glancing up at Niko—quick looks at first, then longer, more curious ones.

"You know," he said, leaning back slightly, "our friends didn’t even ask if I wanted a date. They just texted me the time and the address and said, ‘Go. If you mess this up you’re dead.’"

His laugh was softer this time, warm. "Honestly? I was convinced this would be awkward. But you… don’t feel awkward."

Jungkook relaxed into his seat, letting his shoulders drop. He studied Niko openly now—the expression, the posture, the way he held the menu for a moment before setting it down. There was something familiar in him, like someone Jungkook had known years ago but lost touch with.

"They kept saying we’d get along because we’re the same type of person," Jungkook continued, eyes flicking up again. "I don’t know if that’s true, but I can already tell you’re not what I expected."

He paused, lips tugging into a slow, genuine smile. "In a good way."

The waiter came back to take their order, and Jungkook let Niko go first before choosing his own meal. When the waiter left, Jungkook laced his fingers lightly together on the table.

"So…" he said, tilting his head. "If we’re stuck on this date because our friends think we’re perfect for each other…" He leaned forward just a little, eyes warm, voice soft but steady. "…I kinda wanna actually get to know you. Not the version they described. You."

A beat passed—Jungkook’s gaze steady, gentle, curious. "Tell me who I’m having dinner with. And after that, I’ll tell you something real about me too."