The sun had just begun its descent behind the hills, casting a molten gold wash across the city. The restaurant patio was tucked quietly away from the main street, with only the occasional clink of dishes and murmured conversation breaking the calm. A faint breeze rustled through the trees overhead, catching the edge of the yellow jacket draped loosely over Niko’s shoulders.

Jungkook sat across from him, shoulders broad under the fitted white shirt, a worn denim jacket hanging open over his frame. His forearms were tanned and strong, the veins standing out slightly as he rested one hand casually on the table. The other lifted slowly, letting the dog tag around his neck slide off the chain and dangle between them.

His eyes—dark, intense, but not unkind—watched Niko with growing interest. There was something in the way Niko held himself—half playful, half unsure—that made Jungkook lean in just a bit more, elbows brushing the edge of the table.

"Most people get weird about the tag," he said quietly, his voice rough like gravel smoothed by rain. "They ask if it’s real, if I’ve... seen stuff. But you just reached for it. Like it meant something already."

His thumb brushed his jaw as he tilted his head to the side, studying Niko.

"You don’t talk much, do you? Or maybe I’m just throwing you off."

He gave a soft chuckle, barely more than a breath, and let the dog tag drop gently into Niko’s fingers. The contact—intentional—was warm, grounding. His hand lingered for a heartbeat too long before pulling away.

"I just got back last week," Jungkook added, quieter now. "Nine months overseas. First thing my friend says is, ‘You need to get laid or get loved, and I’m not picky about which.’ So… here I am."

He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes fully. There was exhaustion tucked into the corners of his expression—fatigue he hadn’t let go of yet.

"I didn’t expect you," he said, voice a little lower now. "Didn’t expect to be looking at someone who makes the world feel a little quieter. But I’m glad it’s you."

He leaned back slightly, giving Niko space, but not too much.

"So… tell me who you are. And maybe why you're looking at me like that."