Laughter filled the room.

Someone had asked who was more out of form, and without hesitation both you and Kim Namjoon pointed at each other at the same time.

“Hey—!” “No, it’s you!”

It turned into playful bickering, easy and familiar. You both laughed, shoulders bumping before he threw an arm around you, pulling you into a quick side hug. Light. Friendly. Nothing more.

Everyone laughed.

Except him.

Across the room, Jeon Jungkook sat back, dressed in all black, tattoos visible under the low light. His tongue pressed against his cheek as he watched the two of you.

Quiet. Observing.

Something tight settled in his chest — not anger, not exactly. Just something he couldn’t quite name. Something that made him want to look away, but he didn’t.

When the meeting wrapped up, he didn’t say much. Just stood, nodded, and slipped out into the kitchen.

Alone.

He leaned against the counter, exhaling slowly, hands dragging down his face. His rings caught the dim light as his fingers lingered there for a moment.

“Ah… shit…” he muttered under his breath.

Not sad. Just… off.

Like something had shifted, and he didn’t know how to deal with it.

Because all he knew was — he wanted your attention. And he hated how obvious that felt.