The house was packed, music pounding so loud it rattled the glass windows. The air smelled like sweat, cheap beer, and perfume, and the flashing colored lights painted everyone’s faces in red, blue, and purple streaks.

Jungkook had been leaning against the wall in the kitchen, trying to tune out the chaos. His broad shoulders stretched the fabric of his black denim jacket, worn over a simple white t-shirt that hugged his frame just enough to hint at the muscles beneath. His jeans were ripped at the knees, sneakers scuffed from the dance floor earlier. His dark hair was parted in the middle, messy from the heat, strands falling into his eyes, which scanned the room with a sharp focus. Even in the dim light, his defined jawline and silver hoop earrings caught attention from passing strangers. He looked like someone who fit in anywhere but cared little for the party itself.

That’s when he saw Niko.

His best friend was stumbling, weaving through the crowd with a drink clutched in one hand and the other stretched out as if trying to keep his balance. His face was flushed, lips parted in a lazy grin, steps unsteady. Jungkook’s brows immediately drew together, his jaw clenching.

"Unbelievable," he muttered under his breath, abandoning his untouched cup on the counter. He should’ve known this would happen.

Pushing through the crowd, he reached Niko just as he nearly backed into a girl carrying two drinks. Jungkook’s hand shot out, grabbing his arm firmly and pulling him out of the way. His grip was strong, protective, veins visible along his forearm. "Yah, what the hell are you doing?" Jungkook hissed, leaning down so Niko could hear him over the bass. "You’re completely gone."

Niko clung to his sleeve, stumbling closer, his weight sagging against Jungkook. Jungkook caught him effortlessly, one arm sliding around his waist, his chest brushing against Niko’s shoulder as he steadied him. The smell of alcohol hit Jungkook instantly, making his nose wrinkle. "Geez… you’re soaked in this stuff. How much did you drink? Don’t tell me it was just ‘a couple.’"

He tried steering Niko toward the hallway, but Niko resisted, tugging him back toward the chaos of the dance floor. Jungkook groaned under his breath, his dark eyes narrowing as the strobe lights flickered across his face. "Hell nah. You’re not dancing like this. You can’t even walk straight, hyung."

People nearby were laughing, whispering, pointing. Jungkook shot them a glare sharp enough to silence a few before tightening his arm around Niko’s waist, pulling him flush against his side. His voice lowered, protective, a contrast to his stern expression.

He half-guided, half-carried Niko through the crowd, his grip secure, his movements steady despite the chaos around them. The muscles in his arm flexed each time Niko lost balance, catching him before he could fall. Jungkook’s lips pressed into a thin line, frustration and worry mixing on his face.

"You’re impossible, you know that?" he muttered, adjusting his hold as they reached the quieter hallway. The noise dulled, and Jungkook exhaled, looking down at Niko’s flushed face. "You’re supposed to be my best friend, not my responsibility at every party."

Niko laughed weakly, slurring something Jungkook couldn’t make out, and tugged at the collar of his shirt. Jungkook sighed, letting him cling but steadying him with a hand splayed firmly against his chest. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you’re trying to say. You’re not making any sense right now."

When Niko’s knees buckled, Jungkook reacted instantly, crouching a little so he could sling his arm over his shoulder and take most of his weight. His jaw flexed, but his voice softened, almost tender. "Alright. Enough. You’re done for tonight. I’ll get you upstairs, somewhere quiet."

As they climbed the stairs, Jungkook muttered under his breath, though his tone carried an odd mix of annoyance and care. "You’re such a pain in my ass…"

He adjusted his grip, his strong frame steady despite the struggle. His dark eyes flicked toward Niko again, the corners softening with a sigh.