SUMMER'S OVER

really, he should’ve known during the ride from the airport. when the roads transformed from metropolitan highways to winding countryside trails, something was up. his flight from seoul landed at an ungodly hour in the morning and in all his frustrations with the situation, jungkook opted to just close his eyes and muttered at his manager to wake him up when they reached their destination.

an hour passed. then, two. when jungkook groggily peeled his eyes open, the car was surrounded by rolling hills of emerald and lush trees that hung dozens of feet into the air in a rigid line. up ahead, there was nothing but dirt paving the way ahead and not a single other vehicle in sight.

now, jungkook’s boots stand on gravel amidst the whir of crickets and the beating sun on his leather jacket. he looks up and squints at a banner hung from two poles, clearly written by hand in a bright blue paint that reads “WELCOME CAMPERS” in bubble lettering. as his manager, seunghyun, leads him further out from the parking lot, there’s a specific noise that drowns out the rest.

the sound of kids laughing and yelling.

nailed onto a towering maple tree, several wooden signs on an attached post point in different directions: dining hall, amphitheater, cabins, rec hall, beach, main lodge, etc.

the surroundings are. . . loud and there’s an enduring scent of sunscreen and paint wafting in the air. maybe even something fishy. through it all, there is, in fact, a hum of waves colliding from a nearby lake. he should have known something was wrong when the ride from the airport took so long.

“this is camp melody?” jungkook huffs in exasperation to seunghyun, who is paying him no mind.

from what was described to him, camp melody is supposed to be an elite international music program for young adults with top-notch facilities and instructors. only the best of the best were admitted to their summer training camp - a sophisticated and competitive option for those who dreamed of sharpening their talents to their full extent and being surrounded by like-minded geniuses.

instead, he smells a cloud of diesel coming from bright yellow school buses and worn, wooden cabins that look like they haven’t been repainted since before jungkook was born. kids haul not only suitcases across the dirt, but guitar cases and speaker amplifiers. a few eyes fall on him, clearly recognizing who he is, but most of them are too engrossed in hugging one another and catching up after a year apart.

surrounded by endless greenery and bug spray, this was not the music camp jungkook expected. with connections to institutions like julliard and the royal college of music, camp melody is said to be this prestigious program of excellence.

this is a summer camp. the kind where you make friendship bracelets and learn how to row a fucking boat. far from what jungkook signed up for - technically, this is all against his will, but all of this is far from what he thought he was getting himself into.

then, he hears a familiar voice.

deoksu has more grey hairs than the last time jungkook saw him and surely more aged than he appeared when he was jungkook’s vocal teacher. of course, that was back when he was a fifteen year old trainee, before the immeasurable amount of fame that nobody foresaw and the toll his idol life has had on his body.

when deoksu meets jungkook’s eyes, he has the same flash of recognition when two old friends see each other - the one where, just for a moment, there’s a mutual realization of just how many years have passed.

“jungkook!” deoksu breathes out, eyes wide.

for the first time since landing, jungkook lets his shoulders loosen and his old teacher brings him in for a tight embrace before the younger man can greet him with a respectful bow. jungkook doesn’t fight it, though, hugging deoksu back just as tightly.

“it’s nice to see you,” jungkook says and sincerity is laced in his tone, despite the situation that has left him tense.

deoksu pulls away and he appears a lot more relaxed than how jungkook remembers him. he wears a plain black t-shirt and cargo shorts, hair slightly grown out and a pair of glasses perched on his nose. even though he looks older, deoksu doesn’t necessarily have such age written all over his face. surely, it has something to do with no longer working with the rigid idol industry. it’s been years since he quit his job at bighit - now hybe - and the only reason why jungkook didn’t put up such a fight against this arrangement is because he heard that deoksu would be here.

jungkook feels like he’s fourteen all over again under deoksu’s twinkling eyes. it takes him back for a second, as he forgets about all his troubles with his old friend at his side.

and boy, has he been dealing with a lot on his plate.

after the usual pleasantries of asking how jungkook’s flight was and going on about how grown up he looks now, jungkook can no longer beat around the bush.

he turns to seunghyun this time, who has been waiting patiently with jungkook’s luggage. seunghyun sees the disapproving look in his eyes and sighs, knowing what’s next.

jungkook clears his throat, looking around them. “so. this is camp melody?” he gestures to the kids running amuck and how there’s nothing but trees for miles.

from what he gathered from the movies, sleepaway summer camps consisted of shit like hiking and bonfires, maybe arts and crafts like finger painting. taking a look around, this place looks like it has nothing to do with performing or making music. he stands in the middle of nowhere in the countryside, looking like a fool and already begining to smell like lake water.

“yes. this is where you’ll be staying and teaching for the summer,” seunghyun replies curtly.

deoksu also notices jungkook’s slight irritation and he smirks. “let me guess, you expected something different?”

“deoksu, you run a summer camp?” jungkook raises an eyebrow.

“a summer camp that is the most elite music program in the world,” he says with a chuckle. “just because we aren’t teaching kids in a fancy building in the middle of los angeles doesn’t mean anything.”

“i was told that i’d be teaching music -”

“- which you will be, young man. as a counselor.” deoksu interjects, placing a hand on jungkook’s shoulder. “you know, camp melody is very special, including our campers and counselors.”

jungkook tries to bite back a scowl. he didn’t sign up for a summer where he’d be wrangling snotty little kids for bedtime.

however, he has little choice to begin with. it was either take the summer off or face legal repercussions for breaching his contract. his company could only turn a blind eye for so long - more importantly, they could only help jungkook cover up his mistakes for so long.

in all honesty, jungkook is exhausted. he doesn’t care anymore.

“i know you’re upset about the tour getting cancelled,” seunghyun says, eying jungkook. “but, the company really thinks this experience will not only help your image, but give you a break from everything.”

“nothing else matters this summer except for music,” deoksu adds, beaming at a sullen jungkook. “maybe this will bring you back, you know?”

“bring me back?

“to help you remember why you fell in love with music in the first place.”

deoksu’s words are heavy and jungkook freezes for a split second, but recovers immediately. he doesn’t know why the sentence leaves him with something uncomforable stirring in his chest. jungkook almost wants to defend himself, tell deoksu that he’s damn sure that he knows why he loves music, but he’s exhausted with arguing.

the younger man shrugs. “whatever you guys say,” he replies with little enthusiasm.

seunghyun shakes his head. “more importantly, maybe this will teach you a lesson,” he mutters.

as he has this conversation with deoksu and his manager, jungkook notices that the crowd of kids begin to grow and grow with each car coming in to drop off their child. at the very least, it’s nice to not get bombarded by attention or have anyone try to discreetly record him on their phone. nobody is paying him any mind, despite who he is, and they’re more concerned with seeing their friends or figuring out their bunk assignments on the huge bulletin board nearby.

in fact, in the few minutes since arriving, the noise around jungkook has heightened to become rowdier and rowdier.

“hey! get off him, jihan! bruno, i swear to god, if you don’t stop -”

“- enough over there! stop giving her a hard time, i need her over here!”

deoksu barks at some boys somehow already embroiled in a screaming match within the first few minutes of arriving at camp. between them, you’ve somehow slithered your way in the middle to separate the two idiot teenagers from getting physical. at the very least, when deoksu yells at the boys, they get the message and stop yelling at each other. you roll your eyes, watching them retreat back to their cabin assignments.

it’s only been, what, an hour? the first day of camp is always the most exhausting, running around and trying to get everyone settled. when kids are returning campers and have known each other for years, like jihan and bruno, you’re not surprised when their juvenile feuds reemerge summer after summer.

when the camp director summons a staff member, you don’t typically have a say in the matter, so you jog over and cross your fingers that you aren’t about to get scolded at on your first day for not breaking up a fight properly.

“what?” you snap. “deoksu, i already gave them a warning,” you try to explain, a crease in between your eyebrows, but deoksu has put his hand up.

at first glance, you’re more than a little intimidating. it has nothing to do with your appearance, but the way you hold yourself. there’s an air of confidence around you that screams experience, especially with how you speak with deoksu, like you’ve known him for years. your chin is held up and you don’t give a single care about the fact that there’s a world famous singer just a few feet away from you. hell, you don’t even blink.

he shakes his head. “no, no. that’s okay. i’ll speak with those two later,” deoksu assures, obviously familiar with the campers’ problems with one another.

you breathe a sigh of relief. “okay, great. i was just trying to help unload some of the buses. may i go?” although it’s a question, you just ask out of formality. you’re already half turned to leave, all too familiar with the opening day routines.

the whole time you’re speaking, you don’t spare a single glance at jungkook. there are too many things for you to worry about on opening day and your mind is scattered everywhere left and right. so, you’re certainly taken aback when you have a new task assigned.

“actually, i’m going to have you do something else,” deoksu says and suddenly gestures to jungkook. “this is jungkook, he will be teaching here for the summer.”

jungkook doesn’t have time for this. he just wants to unpack and try to accept the fact that this is his fate for the next how many weeks. there’s no need to learn names of people he’ll never see again after the seven weeks are up. he glances at you up and down, from your mud-stained converse to your denim shorts that fall under your knees and the sunglasses that push your hair back on your head. the bitten back sigh makes it clear that he’s not impressed and would rather find his living quarters.

“aren’t you going to introduce me to the campers later on?” he asks, wondering why deoksu is wasting time with introductions in the blazing heat.

at that, you stop what you’re doing and send jungkook a blank stare. “huh?” you laugh breathily. “i’m not a camper.”

you don’t think you look that young, but you gather that it’s more of a hierarchal thing, that he thinks he’s automatically above everyone else. so, you fold your arms across your chest, straightening your posture.

even deoksu chuckles. he introduces you by name and claps jungkook on the back. “she will be your cabin co-head while you’re here at camp melody.”

now, both you and jungkook fall in shocked silence.

“i’m sorry, what?” you turn to deoksu, thinking that you’ve heard incorrectly. “my what?”

after working at camp for three summers in a row, you’ve discovered a comfortable routine of expectations each time. you teach lessons, you have your campers to look after, and you have a grand old time. having a cabin co-head has been the norm and with most staff members also returning every year you’re normally able to put in a request for who you will be paired up with, as this fellow counselor will be someone who you’ll be spending the majority of your time with. you don’t like change and knowing your cabin co-head will make or break your experience, you’re more than irritated with this sudden announcement.

meanwhile, jungkook is still trying to figure out what all of this even means. “what do you mean, cabin co-head?”

you ignore his question and continue to bombard deoksu with questions. “did you guys not get my request? what happened to roshan?”

usually, each cabin has a male and female counselor. last year, you were paired up with roshan, who teaches bass to the campers and is a year older than you. the previous months went off without a hitch and the two of you agreed to request to work together again for this upcoming summer. it was safe and usually approved without question.

deoksu just shrugs. “it’s a request, not a guarantee,” he reminds you and your face falls. “as one of the most seasoned individuals at camp melody, i figured that you would be the perfect person to be with jungkook for this summer.”

you would also think that your longstanding loyalty and history at camp would at least grant you a bit of leeway in deciding who your cabin co-head would be. damn. it’s not your personality to hold back when it comes to expressing your frustrations aloud as a staff member, but you force your mouth shut just a little for the sake of newcomers in your presence.

“i didn’t see this in my email,” you say, jaw tense. the camp sent a lengthy introduction message to all counselors weeks before opening day and yours stated that your co-cabin head was still to be determined. “and he was not at orientation.”

you’re more than thrown off guard, to say the least. you spent the last few days with the other counselors, settling in and prepping for the campers’ arrival - all for jungkook to waltz right in not only late, but with a scowl.

“it was last minute decision,” deoksu responds, but his eyes are moving elsewhere. another bus is arriving and he’s already a second away from stepping out of the conversation. “jungkook, i trust that you were briefed about your counselor duties. that includes being in charge of cabin seven with one another. think of each other as partners.”

jungkook is still standing there, completely confused and becoming more irate. “this isn’t what i signed up for -”

“- will you be a dear and show jungkook around? get him settled? i’ll be the one to take over your greeting duties.” deoksu doesn’t even spare the two of you a glance as he begins to walk away.

“deoksu!” you call out in clear frustration, but the man doesn’t turn back.

now, you have to stop ignoring who is exactly standing across from you. there isn’t a chance that you don’t recognize who jungkook is - you don’t live under a rock and it doesn’t help that he has his damn manager next to you, keeping watch of your surroundings.

for the first time since walking over, you get a good look at jungkook. he looks exactly like he does on your tv screen and on billboards - perfect skin, smile, all of the above. not like there's a smile on his face at the moment. however, you can tell within the first few minutes of approaching that he not only doesn’t want to be here, but also has an attitude. you inhale deeply and slowly turn towards him, finally acknowledging his presence.

his manager has also begun to exit the conversation. “i’ll bring things to your cabin and speak to you there before i leave,” seunghyun grunts.

jungkook grits his teeth. “seunghyun, don’t you walk away -”

but, that’s exactly what seunghyun does and ignores jungkook’s yell - even with the side glances in your direction for it.

then, there’s just two.

the arrangement has finally settled into a semblance of reality in your head, as you do your best to process the situation before you. this is your last year at camp melody and the camp director has assigned a freaking k-pop idol as your cabin co-head. you squeeze your eyes tight, grounding yourself. this is what you have to deal with and you know you don’t have a say.

you don’t even look at jungkook before turning your heel, expecting him to follow without even asking.

“follow me. we’ll start the tour with the main lodge.”

there’s no need to bother with further introductions. you know who jungkook is and now, after deoksu’s explanation, he knows who you are.

jungkook barks your name and when he realizes you aren’t coming back, he swallows his pride and runs up to you.

the entire time, you barely take a glimpse his way. after shoving a paper copy of the map into his hands, you begin the tour begrudgingly. obviously, you don’t need to look at the map to know where you’re going, leading the way several paces ahead of him.

you don’t want to be here as much as jungkook doesn’t, maybe even more so.

the summer heat is crawling underneath your skin and you wish you grabbed a water bottle before trekking around the campgrounds. you bring jungkook to the main lodge, voice like dry paint with each explanation.

“then, right next to the main lodge is the dining hall,” you explain, pointing towards the building attached to it with a maroon roof.

most of the campers are still finding their cabins and getting settled, so the area is quiet. you lead jungkook inside the main lodge, just to show him what the interior looks like, then you walk over to the separate entrance into the dining hall. although the air conditioning system is poor, there is still a physical difference once you step inside, as the slightest touch of cold air kisses your skin.

you haven’t looked back at him once since beginning the tour and when you do, you notice that jungkook has gotten rid of the sunglasses on his eyes. now exposed, you can see the displeasure swirling in them.

he meets your gaze and scoffs. “are you not going to say anything?”

for a moment, you’re actually completely confused. you think he’s referring to deoksu demanding you to give him a tour.

“newsflash, this is my job,” you quip, unimpressed. “obviously, i have to give you a tour.”

“not that.”

“what, you think i’m going to ask why you’re at camp?” you ask, thinking he’s joking. when jungkook just stares back at you - although it’s definitely a bit rude of you - you laugh.

you’ve had your fair share of encounters with celebrity instructors at camp over the years. the majority of them are actually quite nice and love the kids, but there’s always been an odd one out that believes they’re to good to be slumming it at a sleepaway camp. arrogance and fame naturally go hand in hand and you’ve become immune to it.

jungkook only grows more annoyed, clenching his jaw. “oh, so you think this is funny.”

“obviously, i think it’s funny,” you shoot back. “you know, i don’t care who you are, jungkook.”

your statement takes him aback and you don’t stop, stepping closer into his space. he takes a sharp inhale, not expecting such attitude from you.

“pardon me?”

“i can already tell you don’t like it here and you think this is beneath you,” you scoff, looking right up at him. “regardless of what you think, camp melody is a first-class music program. you’re not the first celebrity that’s walked in here. why do you think nobody is paying you any attention?”

“that’s not - look, i don’t like it here because i don’t have a choice in being here,” jungkook clarifies, but you don’t care. “you just don’t get my situation.”

you shrug. “honestly, you’re right. i don’t get it.”

“okay.”

“but, i also don’t care. just stop being so uptight about being here.”

a part of you wonders if jungkook is used to such honesty. you figure that famous people have others tell them what they want to hear and nothing more.

he doesn’t falter, which you don’t expect.

“by the way, i don’t care about the attention,” he huffs.

“well, if gives you any peace of mind, everyone here has signed non-disclosure agreements,” you say. “like i said, you’re not the first famous guest instructor that’s come here. you have nothing to worry about, pretty boy.”

although snooping into jungkook’s business seems a little intriguing, you remind yourself that you have a job to do here. of course, there’s some curiosity brewing as to why jungkook is here, especially since it’s obviously out of his hands, and why it’s for the whole summer as a counselor. the celebrity instructors that visit usually just teach a week or so of lessons and then leave. however, you’re a professional before anything and that’s simply because you really do love your job. you wouldn’t have come back after years as a camper, but there really is something so special about being here and how it brings out the best of your love for music.

dealing with annoying little kids and childish co-workers just happened to be a downside.

jungkook doesn’t say much else after that. you figure that either he’s not a big talker or he’s holding back on what he wants to say, but you just want to get through the morning. at the very least, he appears a little less stressed out after you inform him about the non-disclosures.

the tour around the campgrounds continues, with your same lack of enthusiasm and him not even trying to hide his irritation. at the very least, none of it is taken out on you.

you drop him off at the cabins, where his manager waits for him outside.

“this one is for the campers,” you point towards the bigger building with the number seven painted on the door. “two separate entrances - the boys on the left and the girls on the right.”

some of the kids are already filing in, being assisted by other staff members assigned to check-in support. all kinds of bags and luggage line the wooden deck, as the campers find their bunks and are given unpacking instructions. cabin seven is the same size as all of the others - a sun-dappled, rustic building with one story made of logs and weathered sliding of a dark red hue. a few benches with seating bathe in the heat outside and like the other architecture across the campgrounds, the cabin is hugged by hulking trees all around.

“i see,” jungkook mutters, saying no more than three words the same way he has been during the tour.

you gesture to a smaller building next to cabin seven, composed of similar honey-hued logs and a wrap-around porch.

“that’s the counselor cabin, where we’ll be staying,” you say. “we also have our own private entrances and we each get a bathroom.”

from what you’ve seen so far, you don’t really know what to make of jungkook, so you’re glad that you don’t have to share a living space in any capacity - sharing a wall at most. he hasn’t said much except initially voicing his displeasure at being here and hasn’t been exactly friendly, but you also don’t know what’s going on with his situation.

he clears his throat. “alright. i guess i’ll go talk to seunghyun now.”

“alright,” you repeat, unsure of what else to say,

the two of you just stand there awkwardly for another second, as if waiting for the other person to say something. when it’s clear that the conversation is finally over, jungkook walks away to his side of the counselor cabin.

you deliberate if you should stop and see if he even has any questions, but technically all deoksu told you to do was show the guy around. mission accomplished, you don’t owe him anything else.

except, you start to feel a little bad. maybe even a little concerned.

jungkook made it clear that being at camp melody isn’t what he signed up for, so you at least hope that somebody went over his job description with him. you spend the rest of the morning back near the main lodge, helping the last of the late arrivals find their bunk assignments, and to your pleasant surprise, jungkook is ready outside of cabin seven when it’s time for counselor introductions-slash-icebreakers.

there are a total of eight kids assigned to your cabin this year, which is a typical number and since you know nearly all of them from previous years, your confidence grows a little higher. even without jungkook, should he not be able to perform his duties properly, your experience assures you that you might be able to get by after all.

when you arrive back at cabin seven, the kids are sitting around the benches outside and jungkook is awkwardly standing by the porch, waiting for you.

he’s changed out of that leather jacket and into some more weather appropriate clothes, donning a graphic t-shirt and baggy shorts. a bucket hat shields his face from the sun, but even with it, you’re somehow able to get a better look at him than before. you noticed his tattooed arms, the sleeves emphasized by his muscles, and he has one hand shoved into his pocket. the other holds a clipboard not unlike yours, where the schedule for the day is. at least he looks prepared.

“you’re late,” jungkook greets in a gruff tone, glancing at the expensive looking watch on his wrist.

you raise an eyebrow at him, slightly amused by his sudden adherence to the rules. “by two minutes,” you snort. “i was helping - actually, never mind. it’s fine. are you ready?”

he shrugs and you don’t take that for a no. so, you blow your whistle to grab the attention of your campers and start initial orientation. they scramble to their feet and walk over to form a circle where you and jungkook stand.

of course, jungkook doesn’t really know much about what he’s doing and just introduces himself when you prompt him to. thankfully, you’ve brought over the counselor binder that everyone receives - well, apparently everyone but jungkook - where there’s a script for all of the different explanations you need to give to the kids.

he reads off the basic cabin rules about things like cleanliness, respect, and quiet hours. since most of your kids are returning campers, the introductions are short and you rattle everything else off quickly, like explaining daily routines.

one of the campers, thirteen year old christos, raises his hand at one point and calls your name. “where’s roshan?” he asks bluntly, completely off topic from the safety precautions that you’re trying to remind them off.

you can’t help but snort. “trust me, i asked the same question,” you mumble under your breathe, so only jungkook can hear.

“yeah, where’s roshan!”

“is roshan coming back?”

everyone begins barking their own questions, clearly not fazed by jungkook’s presence at camp melody. they all adored your former co-cabin head last year, famously one of the more lax counselors and the two of you balanced each other out.

“if you didn’t see, roshan is assigned to cabin ten this year.” you eventually raise your voice and address the kids this time, tone gentler than what jungkook expected. “so, i hope you can all welcome jungkook warmly, as this is his first year at camp.”

when sixteen eyes stare back at a perplexed jungkook, you do feel a little bad. he looks totally out of his element.

the group does an icebreaker and you remind them that lunch starts in fifteen minutes, where you and jungkook will be escorting them - at least for the first day.

after the kids are dismissed for a quick break, you turn to jungkook with a sigh. it takes a lot for you to swallow your pride, but you realize quickly that cooperation is key here. unfortunately, that means you need to change your outlook on things.

you sit on one of the benches and gesture for jungkook to do the same. the heat enveloping the campgrounds is only growing hotter as the hours dip into noon and you fan yourself with your clipboard.

“look,” you start. “i think we got off on the wrong foot here.”

“yeah?”

jungkook is wary when he sits down next to you, but obliges. when he isn’t scowling, he has these big, doe eyes that really makes you feel bad for him, as if he already didn’t look helpless before. you have to take a deep breath to ground yourself.

now, you really do love your job. maybe it’s for nostalgic reasons, because you love camp melody. it could just be because music is your passion and you like teaching lessons. you see where jungkook’s displeasure stems from, as wrangling together a bunch of kids and dealing with their immaturity on a day to day basis isn’t exactly fun. putting yourself in his shoes, you try to re-align things.

“how much preparation did they -” you’re not even really sure who they is. maybe his manager? “ - give you before coming here?”

he grimaces, thinking for a moment. “not a lot. they went over the safety stuff for the kids and that’s it.”

you slide jungkook the counselor binder and tap your nails against the cover. “just read this, it has everything you need to know,” you say. “maybe we can meet during rec hours to go over everything?”

“. . .what are rec hours?”

an amused chuckle leaves your lips and you point to the clipboard in his hands. “it’s in the schedule. weren’t you listening when i explained it to the kids?” you flip to the correct page. “most days will go like this - group lessons in the morning, lunch, smaller workshops in the afternoon, then rec hours in the evening before dinner.”

“what, is that where the kids learn how to tie knots and do team building?” he raises an eyebrow.

“actually, yes,” you confirm dryly. “or, we’ll have performance nights and casual open mic nights. themed nights, too.”

jungkook’s mouth hangs open. “seriously?”

“i take it you were too busy going on tours and making albums to take part in sleepaway camp growing up,” you remark, now flipping to a page that shows jungkook’s individual schedule.

it’s a little funny - even when jungkook was your age, he was definitel.y doing more important things than doing arts and crafts with kids.

he snorts. “something like that.”

“those are the mornings when you’ll be teaching lessons and each week, we get other rotating assignments. you’ll learn more during the daily staff meeting before dinner.”

at the very least, jungkook is an active listener and nods throughout your explanation. there’s a crease in between his brows and you can tell he’s holding back a sigh, but it seems like he’s slowly accepting his situation. whatever that may be.

the first day goes fast and excruciatingly slow at the same time.

going into lunch, you begrudgingly stick by jungkook’s side for the rest of the schedule. you even sit next to him in the mess hall, since all of the other counselors were too intimidated and you felt bad about leaving him alone. it’s the most awkward meal you’ve ever had, the both of you eating burgers in complete silence until the next activity.

there’s a big opening ceremony at the amphitheatre that takes up the afternoon, an orientation full of more icebreakers. since it’s the first day, there aren’t any intense lessons planned, just a light introdutor class for campers’ specialties.

jungkook goes off on his own, presumably to say goodbye to his manager, after the two of you escort your campers to their first workshops. you take the opportunity to corner deoksu about your arrangement before tonight’s staff meeting.

thanking the sky above for a moment to yourself, you trudge towards the main lodge, where the senior employee offices are. as expected, the camp director is there. deoksu and the others typically split themselves between being stationed at the main lodge on opening day for easy access and scattering themselves around camp.

his office door is wide open and he’s sitting at his desk when you walk in, arms crossed across your chest. the hardwood floors thump with each step of your sneakers. you clear your throat to get his attention, trying to not immediately lose your temper.

deoksu looks up and grins wide when he sees you, greeting you by name. “how’s the first day going?” he queries casually, leaning back in his chair.

you’ve known the old man for years, the mischievous glint in his eye tells you that he knows why you’re here.

“what’s the deal with my co-cabin head?” you get straight to the point, sitting in the chair across from him. “why do i have to be the one babysitting him?”

deoksu takes a deep breath. “jungkook is one of our esteemed guest instructors for the summer. like i said earlier today, i thought it would be best to have him paired up with someone as experienced as you.”

“dude, come on,” you huff, already dipping into a pleading tone. “does he even know what he’s doing? and he looks like he was dragged here all the way from korea.”

while jungkook has mostly been cordial to the kids in their limited interactions so far, he’s so obviously out of his element. not only that, but he’s made it clear to you that being here wasn’t his choice.

“he got a orientation over zoom before he got here,” he clarifies, but it’s not enough for him.

“look, i imagine he’s a great musician, but that doesn’t make him a good teacher,” you retort. “much less counselor. jungkook looks at the kids like he’s scared of them! like they’ll bite him after one wrong move!”

you remember the way he awkwardly escorted the campers to their introductory workshops just a few minutes ago. he walked several feet away from the kids, who were just chatting amongst themselves, silent and with tense shoulders.

deoksu sighs, shutting his laptop and giving his full attention towards you.

he thinks for a moment. “it’s true that jungkook is here without a choice. his company believes that being here will benefit his career, but to be frank,” deoksu pauses. “i think the boy needs it.”

“what do you mean?”

he shakes his head. “i can’t quite explain it, but i’ve known him since he was a kid and ever since then, he’s been on the go. jungkook is in a strange time in his life right now.”

you don’t know what to say about that. like you figured, this is probably some sort of punishment. however, deoku’s words leave you thinking.

“look, i don’t know. . .” you trail off, eyes screwed shut. “this seems like a lot.”

“i promise, it will be worth it. for both of you,” he says calmly.

your eyebrows furrow at that. “both of us?” you repeat, suspicious.

deoksu shrugs. “i suspect this summer will teach both of you some valuable lessons.” he says your name. “it’s your last summer here at camp. this is an excellent way to go out, to really get out of your comfort zone.”

“my comfort zone?”

“to remember why you came here in the first place.”

when you leave the camp director’s office, you’re not only dissatisfied with your request for a new co-cabin head being rejected, but irritated. you didn’t walk into there for a damn life lesson. on your way out, you kick some dirt in frustration and make your way to the rock climbing area to supervise the next block.

as expected, jungkook did not get a good night’s rest.

the cabin was absolutely freezing, even with the thick clothing he packed for himself, and he knows it’s going to take a few days to get used to the constant sound of crickets at night. he got a spacious bed, but the mattress absolutely killed his back. jungkook’s no diva - he’s slept in worse conditions before - but, being at camp is still going to be an adjustment from the condo he owns in the nicest part of seoul.

he already hates how early he has to wake up every morning, at least fifteen minutes before the campers do because of the damn responsibility he has over these kids.

jungkook still can’t believe he got wrapped up in a glorified babysitter job.

he somehow crawled out of bed and prepared himself to face the world with only three minutes to spare before he had to do the wake up call with you. albeit, he accidentally squired toothpaste all over his shirt because his eyes weren’t even open, took him a full minute to realize his shoes were on the wrong way, and nearly stumbled out the door.

you’re standing outside the front of the counselor’s cabin, dressed in a hoodie that enveloped your entire upper body and trackpants - obviously prepared for the early morning chill, even during the summer. before jungkook appears, you have a clipboard at hand, reviewing today’s schedule, when you jump at the sudden bang of the door.

“what, couldn’t sleep well without your silk sheets, your highness?”

“and you? did you sleep with a stick up your ass?”

he doesn’t miss a beat, grumbling back to you as he turns to lock his door, and it does give you a little chuckle. he has a cup of coffee in his hand already, steaming hot into the minty air. the first of the sun is emerging slowly from the horizon, shades of saffron fading into a vibrant blue. you smell the deep aroma from where you stand, along with the faint linger of salt from the lake and an earthyness from the trees surrounding you.

“good morning,” you greet dryly, hiding your smirk at the way jungkook narrowly misses his footing on the steps down. he does barely catch himself and you figure that it’s too early in the morning to be any meaner.

jungkook pretends that it doesn’t even happen, clearing his throat as he approaches you. it’s a better option to avoid pissing him off. you don’t know if jungkook is one of those grumpy morning people and you’d rather not find out.

he barely glances at you, following your figure that leads the way the campers’ cabin. “morning,” he replies back in a scratchy voice.

there’s a thin layer of morningdew on the viridity of freshly cut grass and a similar moisture surrounds the morning air. in the distance, you can hear some other counselors beginning to wake up their own cabins a cruel few minutes early. some of them use pots and pans, while others prefer traumatizing their kids with air horns.

you wordlessly stop and give jungkook your portable bluetooth speaker, shoving it into his free hand. it’s the size of a brick in his grasp.

he blinks groggily, peering down at the small object. “what is this?”

“just hold it and try to look alive.”

then, the opening surf notes to pump it by the black eyed peas suddenly booms from the speaker. jungkook jumps, but is able to prevent spilling any of his coffee and finds his balance quickly. you snicker, gesturing him to follow you to the boys’ side of the cabin first.

“always wake the boys up first,” you yell over the music, pounding on the door.

jungkook carefully places his mug on a nearby surface and rubs his jaw. “why?”

“my daily contribution to fighting the patriarchy. now go!”

the camp prefers the counselor of the same gender to wake up the corresponding side of the campers’ cabin, so jungkook rolls his eyes and waits for luca, the oldest member of the group, to swing the door open. his eyes are bleary - kids usually stayed up until late hours on the first night out of excitement. you know that some even partake in some night time traditions on opening day that you’ve decided to turn a blind eye to.

“you’re evil,” luca glares at you, seemingly used to your wake-up call style. his blonde hair is unruly and his shoulders are slumped. you can hear his twin brother, nico, groan from inside the room.

you laugh without remorse. “are you all decent in there?”

after luca nods, you and jungkook peer into the room and quickly remind them that breakfast starts in thirty minutes.

by the time the song gets to fergie’s verse, the two of you are able to check in on the girls’ side and make sure that everyone is up. you’re impressed at the fact that jungkook finishes his coffee within that short time frame and watch him leave to duck into his room, muttering something about how he already needs more caffeine.

when he comes back with a fresh cup, half of the kids are shivering and lined up outside the cabin. the sun shines bright, the marble of the sky above finally a little more blue than sunrise. they’re not used to waking up so early, evidently. you wait for him a few feet away and he eyes the campers warily.

“they look more exhausted than i do,” he observes and takes a double take especially at how the older kids look. seventeen year old qian looks blantantly hungover and she clutches her head as she chats with the twins.

you snort. “they obviously stayed up past curfew, maybe even snuck out.”

“what? you think so?”

you were them once, after all, doing dumb shit like going for a midnight dip in the lake. touching your earlobes, they bring you back to one of your own late first nights, where your older bunkmates pierced your ears with a cheap gun they ordered off amazon. those memories are the most important to make while at camp. so, you just shrug.

“yeah,” you say, not concerned a bit. “let kids be kids.”

jungkook raises an eyebrow at you. “oh,” is all he comes up with.

“what? you expected me to be a hard ass, huh?”

he rolls his eyes, not answering. by now, the last of your campers have trickled outside and it’s time to escort them to the mess hall. the sound of camp waking up bellows in the distance - laughter, music, and chatter. you’re thankful that this is the last time you have to personally haul these kids around, as campers are expected to be independent after the first breakfast together.

it’s a silent walk - everyone still half asleep the entire way there - and as per tradition, you all sit together for the first breakfast.

“so anyone new to camp doesn’t feel left out,” you explain to jungkook in a whisper, as you line up for the omelette station.

not everyone arrived on time for lunch on opening day and the dinner usually consisted of randomized seating with people outside of your cabin. this is the first time you’ve all sat with one another and to show some sort of unified gesture in front of your campers, you sit right next to jungkook. it’s not unlike yesterday, when you awkwardly sat next to him at lunch, but you’re taken aback when he actually tries to make conversation with you.

he glances over to your side and you can feel his eyes on you before he speaks. “what is that?” jungkook inquires.

you realize that he’s staring at your smoothie, a deep jade colour. “it’s a green juice. they were handing them out by the milk for cereal.” you slide it slightly towards him.

jungkook hesitates before taking a small sip and his eyebrows go to his hairline. “wait, that’s actually really good.”

“you seem surprised that the food is good here. honestly, i was, too.”

“well, it seems to be the only upside so far,” he mutters, picking at his eggs. so far, his day has been a pain in his ass with how hard it was to do wake-up calls.

it doesn’t help that your campers still either completely ignore jungkook or look at him like he’s not from this planet. this morning, you can tell that it’s going to be the latter. maybe the stares are because jungkook has avoided any sort of casual conversation with the campers. you wonder when the last time he had to interact with teenagers was because he acts so damn nervous around them, like they’ll bite his head off any second now.

qian sits next to fifteen year old nia and the pair eat the same stack of pancakes on their respective plates, eyes fixated on their new counselor. they’re the closest friends in the group, both wearing their hair in matching french braids and handmade jewelry from last summer. they give each other a look. then, the interrogation begins.

“did that eyebrow piercing hurt?” nia blurts out and jungkook is visibly taken aback - probably not expecting such a question.

he blinks. “w-what?”

all of their curiosity isn’t even necessarily inappropriate given who he is, but just as invasive as they would be with another of their counselors who don’t happen to be world famous k-pop idols. you figure that he should just be glad that they’re not asking about if he has a secret girlfriend or what jimin eats for breakfast.

on the other side of jungkook is saburo, the youngest boy of the cabin at eleven. he’s about half of jungkook’s size and has a dimpled smile. he taps jungkook on the shoulder.

“do you know how to kayak, mr. jungkook?”

everyone else begins to join in, once they realize they’ve gotten his attention. you snicker to yourself, letting the scene play out, in spite of jungkook’s widened eyes.

"are you an only child?”

“can you do a backflip? roshan can do a backflip!”

by now, jungkook is convinced he’s having the worst time in the world. he notices how you just snicker to yourself, not stopping the kids and completely leaving him for the wolves. it is a little refreshing to get asked these kinds of question, though - the kind of questions that look at jungkook like he’s just a random counselor and not a member of bts. still, he grows overwhelmed fast and he’s only saved when deoksu comes up to the stage in front of the mess hall, tapping on a microphone to get everyone’s attention.

jungkook tunes out most of the morning announcements, only listening at one point to hear what time the staff meeting is going to be held. he already has enough on his plate, worrying about how his first vocal class is going to go. he has a simple lesson plan for what he’s going to teach, but being around a bunch of kids and teenagers is putting him on edge. they’re just so. . .nosy. and loud.

all he knows that he’s already exhausted at this point. he doesn’t have high hopes for his class, much less the rest of the summer - until he finally gets there.

the room assigned to his class has huge french door windows that allows golden rays to stream gently inside the all wooden interior. his surroundings are warm and inviting, which allows him to breathe, even if it’s just a little bit. about twelve older campers trickle in, taking their seats in folding chairs. there’s nothing else in the room except those and some stands for sheet music. soon, all twenty four eyes stare right back at him.

“ahem, uh, good morning,” he greets the group, trying to have a handle on his nerves.

quickly, jungkook realizes that he had no reason to hold such low expectations in the first place.

after some brief introductions, jungkook asks the kids to share one fun fact about himself - this was one of the things suggested during his orientation, to really make a “personal connection” with the campers. he learns that most of these kids have been musicians for as long as they can remember.

one of the boys that he recognizes from yesterday, bruno, shares his dream of selling out a stadium.

“and then, every single person in the crowd will cheer my name,” he says, making a grand gesture with his hands.

jungkook pauses. it takes him aback because he vaguely remembers saying the exact same thing to deoksu, over ten years ago when he was still a trainee for big hit. it sends a strange feeling buzzing in his chest, like he’s remembering something with blurry eyes.

he doesn’t recall the last time he was able to talk about his dreams like that.

he supposes that’s what happens when dreams come true, when you become famous and sing to millions of people across the world. when the dust settles, jungkook has to figure out what’s left. it leaves him without words for a moment, until there’s a knock at the door.

not that he was overly curious about what you’ll be up to today, but jungkook took a look at your schedule to compare to his own when the day began. he knew that you have the first block of the morning off and that you’ll be teaching a smaller workshop in the afternoon. you stand at the entranceway, probably at least half amused at the fact that this is the first time since arriving to camp where jungkook doesn’t appear completely terrified by the kids.

you clear your throat. “i’m here with the camp director,” you say, gesturing to deoksu popping his head into the room next to you. “mr. choi is coming around to all of the morning classes to say hello to all the campers personally.”

since you had the block free, you were looking forward to getting a nap in back at your cabin, until you ran into deoksu on the way back from the mess hall. his eyes lit up when they saw you and didn’t give you much of a choice when he suggested to go “check up on jungkook” together, giggling like it was a big secret. then, off you went to go greet the kids with him.

unfortunately, when the camp director wants you in on his antics, you can’t say no.

from the front of the classroom, jungkook awkwardly waves at deoksu, who comes inside to make small talk with some of the campers. he can tell that the older man is here to make sure he hasn’t died or lost his mind yet.

you stroll over to where jungkook stands, nudging him. “so,” you whisper low enough that the kids don’t even notice. “what do you think so far? of the campers.”

jungkook pauses and for a second, you think he’s irritated with your presence. you look up and there’s a thoughtful look shining in his eyes.

“honestly, i’m impressed.”

he doesn’t offer anything more than that, but you do feel the slightest of a smile sneak onto your lips.

you glance over at the kids, laughing with deoksu. “yeah. told you they’re all special.”

as the end of the second day of camp approaches, jungkook continuously reflects on what he saw during his lesson. it’s been a really long time since he saw such raw passion, the kind that drives you mad until you achieve the visions you see in your daydreams. he doesn’t just see it in the campers’ eyes, but there’s evidence scattered all over camp melody.

he sees it in the somehow infinite loop of music in the background - something is always singing or playing, from distant noises of footsteps in dance studios to songs played over loud speakers and even the rhythmic pattering of footsteps. everything about camp melody is a love letter to music.

it’s a closed off world to what jungkook knows, in a country where he’s unfamiliar and in the middle of nowhere. but, for whatever reason, he feels at home. he’s never been here before, but there’s something so comforting about the way camp melody embodies the best part of music.

the love, the effort, the dreams.

after capturing the first opportunity he saw to excuse himself from the camp-wide bonfire, jungkook finds himself just beyond the boundaries of camp. he sits on a log facing the lake, far enough to be left alone, but close enough the see the stage. from what he’s gathered, camp melody has this big tradition where they hold a show on the second day. he recalls kids lining up during dinner last night to scribble their names onto the sign-up sheet in the mess hall.

the visuals of the large fire are impressive, as campers take their turns to perform for everyone. the event seems to be a big deal, with the entire camp coming together to watch and cheer on their peers.

saltwater in this lungs and a thick hoodie warming his frame, there’s a lit cigarette in between his fingers as he takes a glimpse over to where the festivities are happening. the show is meant to last at least two hours and he figures that fifteen minutes away from the crowd won’t hurt.

“a singer smoking, aren’t you a cliche?”

nearly two whole days have passed since meeting you and at this point, your sarcastic tone no longer irritates jungkook. he’s come to understand that it’s part of your personality, including your inability to smile for most of the time. if he didn’t know any better, jungkook would think that you hate this job with a passion.

“yeah, yeah,” he grumbles, looking to his side and noticing you approach.

except, you don’t. jungkook can tell because you have that same understanding and appreciation that he has when he looks at the kids. you watch the campers like they’re your damn pride and joy. when he looks at your face, it’s written all over. you’re also looking over at where the opening night showcase is happening, watching the performers receive a big round of applause.

and in that moment, when he sees the look in your eyes, he realizes he’s come to understand you. even if just for a little bit.

you take a seat next to him. jungkook is unsure why - you guys are co-cabin heads, but so far, you only seem to tolerate him at best. he’s pieced together that he’s surely not the choice you had in mind for a partner, so he can’t blame you.

“so,” you begin, clearing your throat. “have you packed your bags yet?” the tone you use is teasing and he rolls his eyes.

jungkook doesn’t answer that. instead he points over to the stage, where there’s now a band playing rock music. “how did the kids get ready to perform so fast? it’s barely been two days.”

“it’s a privilege to play for the camp during these things, so they practice hard,” you explain.

“so, this kind of stuff happens a lot, huh?”

“what, the showcases?” you ask with a snort. “this is a performing arts camp, so obviously.”

he rolls his eyes, but offers no quip back. you had a good point. he just brings the cigarette back to his lips, taking an inhale after he almost puts it out, but you gesture for him to continue, unbothered by the smell.

jungkook does think the camp is interesting. all of the campers have a clear drive being here. it brings him back to his thoughts about his first day and observations so far, making him feel almost nostalgic. the feeling burns something uncomfortable in his stomach.

“it’s. . .nice.”

you hum, eyes still fixated on the stage from where you both sit on the log. “there’s one at least every week until the final showcase.”

jungkook puts out his cigarette, crushing the tip of it into the wood. “final showcase? sounds important.”

“yeah, it’s on the last night before all the campers go home,” you explain. “everything we practice leads up to that stage. all the kids are trying to get the attention of industry people that come or recruiters from their dream school.”

“that explains a lot,” he murmurs, as the sound of an usher song from the stage grows louder. “the campers seem to work pretty hard.”

“uh huh. it’s the biggest deal in the world for their little heads,” you chuckle, kicking some pebbles underneath your shoes. “i know it was for me.”

“for you? you were a camper here?”

you’re not really sure why you decide to open up. a warm glow fans your face, the orange of the sunset casting a certain vibrancy that makes the quiet moment away from camp feel all the more intimate. since the craze of opening day and even the days leading up to it, when you arrived to camp melody with other staff members, you haven’t been able to capture this kind of peace and especially, not with jungkook. it’s the first time where it’s just the two of you and no worries or duties to keep you at arm’s length.

he looks. . .like you. a few years older, but when all of that responsibility is stripped away - for you, your job at camp and for him, his job as a singer - the two of you look like normal twenty year olds. albeit, you would consider yourself far more normal than jungkook, but the connection remains.

offering a light shrug, you say, “yeah. i started coming here when i was eleven. when i aged out, i got hired as a counselor.”

jungkook’s eyebrows raise. “really? you’ve been here for. . .” he trails off, realizing that he doesn’t even know how old you are.

“this is my eleventh year,” you answer, the words still strange in your own mouth. “camp melody is my home. i can barely remember a time without it.”

the last thing you expected tonight was an in-depth conversation like this with jungkook. he leans in slightly as you talk, eyes clear as he listens intently. you can’t figure out why he’s so interested, but something swims in them - understanding.

at first glance, the two of you come from completely different worlds. however, you both sit on the outskirts of a place honing the same passion and talent shared between the two of you. you’ve always known that music brings people together - it’s one of your favourite things about it and you’ve seen it throughout the years, meeting all kinds of campers from around the world - but, this is a moment where you can really feel it.

he smiles softly, looking out into the point where lake water meets the sky. “i was also eleven when i decided i wanted to be a singer.”

it nearly brings a smile to your own face, the gentle way jungkook speaks about music.

“being here reminds me of that feeling,” you murmur, glancing back towards the crowd of campers singing along to whoever is performing. “you see it in the kids all the time.”

“and here i was, thinking you hated your job.”

you snort. “well, i’m not a fan of waking up at six in the morning everyday and catching kids trying to hook up in the amphitheater,” you clarify, rolling your eyes.

although your cabin isn’t frightened of your brash personality, you can’t blame jungkook for his first impression of you. but, now he knows that you truly do love being here. this isn’t just a summer job for you and it’s clear, with the way you’ve returned each year.

he laughs, kicking a pebble lightly off the sand beneath his shoe. “you love camp that much that you keep going back?”

“partly,” you reply. “i’m a music student and teaching here is good for my resume. deoksu gives glowing recommendation letters and makes it sound like the fanciest internship in the world, like we do performances on marble floors instead of tiny wooden cabins.”

“huh, that makes sense. i also thought this would be some upscale music program,” jungkook remarks dryly.

“he’s a great liar, isn’t he?”

he nods with a smirk. “that he is.” jungkook then turn to you again, head slightly tilted to the side. “you said you’re a music student?”

you blink, surprised that he’s initiating this kind of casual conversation.

“i go to berklee,” you say, feeling uncharacteristically shy at his impressed whistle that follows. “i study music production and engineering.”

but, you know it’s a big deal because it’s what you’ve always dreamed of. for years, getting into a school like berklee was all you ever thought about and worked towards. to be frank, you don’t know how far you would have gotten without the things you learned at camp melody. you only want the same experience for your campers, too.

“i can see why the campers respect you a lot,” jungkook suddenly says.

from when you came over, you don’t think that you sat that close to him, but you’re now shoulder to shoulder. your thighs brush against one another and the scent of his musky cologne fills your senses, dizzying you for a second. the casual conversation flows easier than you expected.

you cock an eyebrow. “huh?”

“i know what it looks like when music is someone’s life,” he offers and that leaves you silent for a second.

maybe the two of you aren’t as different as you thought.

the understanding isn’t obvious to the naked eye, but you know exactly what jungkook means. you see it in every new high note reached, every song scribbled in journals, every endless hour in the dance studio. that kind of buzz only exists when you’ve poured your entire heart into music, living in first time campers, the camp directors who see the potential in everyone, and even the people that go to school with you.

you clear your throat and glance at the watch on your wrist. “we should get back. luca and nico are performing with their dance class next, it’s important to be there to support them.”

“right, the twins,” jungkook says, rising to his feet. he offers you a hand and you take it, also getting up. “is the showcase almost over?”

the two of you begin walking back towards the boundaries of camp, the bass booming from the stage pounding harder as you approach.

you nod. “probably two or three more acts to go.” there’s less than an hour left until curfew, so you imagine that it’s about to wrap up.

“so, i’m guessing there’s some sort of prize for the performers.”

“no, not today,” you respond, voice growing louder with each step towards the stage. “we only do that for the final showcase and it’s the cabins competing against each other. didn’t they tell you this during orientation?”

jungkook tries thinking back to his initial zoom call about coming here to teach for the summer, but he draws a blank. “probably.”

you roll your eyes. “don’t make me carry your weight while you’re here,” you huff and he just chuckles.

“well, how many have you won? you said you’ve been here for eleven years.” he asks breezily.

a blush burns your cheeks at the question and you almost want to deflect, but jungkook notices your embarrassed expression. you have to clear your throat before answering and you look away when you do.

“. . .none,” you admit.

it’s definitely a sore spot for you. winning the final showcase is on every camper’s bucket list during their time at camp melody and you came so close too many times for the feeling to not sting to this very day. not only that, but you’ve even been unable to secure a win as a counselor. at the very least, the fact is embarrassing, but you confirm it anyways.

“as a camper? or a counselor?” jungkook asks, as if reading your mind.

“you ask so many questions,” you grumble and that answers enough for him.

he winces at the glare you throw his way afterwards. eleven years is a long time to not win the showcase at least once and you’re painfully aware of it.

jungkook tries to soften the blow. “i was just curious -”

“- curious about how your co-cabin head has the longest losing streak in camp melody history?” you snap back, but you’re not genuinely upset, just miffed at the prodding.

you assumed that jungkook was going to be the big, bad brooding type when he arrived to camp, but he’s clearly made himself a little more comfortable around you. there’s a half smile that plays on his lips as you two walk together and the air is lighter.

he laughs at your statement, still unaffected by your short tone. you’re concerned that jungkook has already become used to it.

“come on, it’s not that bad.”

“this is my last year as a counselor, too,” you sigh. “so, if i don’t help our kids win this summer, then what the hell?”

a glaring part of you doesn’t want to dwell on the fact that you have to move on from camp melody soon, but it’s heavy in your chest. you graduate from college next spring and you know that you have to start figuring out the rest of your life afterwards.

the conversation is cut short for now, as you re-enter the crowd and make your way to the row where the other counselors are. jungkook sits right next to you, having not really acquainted himself with anyone else. being shy by nature doesn’t help when it’s obvious that his co-workers are intimidated by him. they don’t overstep boundaries and have treated him as neutrally as they can, but you’ve noticed that there hasn’t been much of an effort to make friends.

you sigh, deciding to be a good person this time.

nudging jungkook, you gesture to the individuals seated on your other side. “hey, you met misaki and roshan, right?”

the infamous roshan gives a small wave, eyebrows slightly raised when you decide to formally introduce them to jungkook. everyone knows who jungkook is, but this is the first time they’ve been actually able to interact with mr. superstar up close. he’s the same age as misaki, who sends a soft smile in jungkook’s direction, in spite of the blush spreading on her cheeks.

thankfully, the four of you fall into easy conversation in the moments leading up to the next group of performers. you notice jungkook’s shoulder ease ever so slightly and consider it a mission accomplished.

as the night goes on, you even try to get jungkook comfortable talking to the campers.

“can we do ziplining as our next cabin activity?” asks a giddy lina, jumping up and down.

you’re escorting the kids back to the cabin and pull jungkook by the sleeve when you’re chatting with them. he had been walking off to the side, alone and unsure of how to engage. when you tug him over, he muffles a yelp.

"what do you think of doing ziplining, jungkook?” you ask casually, side-eying him for a reply.

“me? i, uh,” jungkook stammers and watches the way lina, haeun and saburo look at him expectanty. “uh, yeah, that sounds fun. anything else you guys wanna do?”

the three youngest campers in your cabin squeal excitedly, obviously pleased with the answer they got. they take to jungkook quite fast, talking his ear off not unlike at breakfast. his eyes are wide like a deer’s at first, until he eases into the conversation. within minutes, jungkook is laughing and teasing the kids like he’s been here for ages.

cabin seven isn’t too far in the distance, as the late hour drags on. the sun has long set after the showcase, enveloping the scattered trees around you in a star speckled sky. it’s one of your favourite things about being at camp - the sight of the summer star twinkling above you in a way that’s hidden for the rest of your months.

your group walks along a dirt trail and it takes you a second you realize that there’s two bodies on either side of you. nia and qian grin wickedly and you already know they’re up to no good before they even speak.

“what?” you snap, irritated.

qian is unfazed, practically a skip in her step. she’s in her last year as a camper and has been around long enough to have been one of your cabin mates when you were one. she’s become akin to a little sister to you and nia isn’t far off, having spent two years now underneath your cabin leadership. they’re all too familiar with you and have no problem talking comfortably.

“our counselor is jungkook,” qian whispers excitedly. “like, hello? we’re not trying to be weird or anything, but he’s so cute.”

nia nods in agreement. “don’t you think he’s cute?”

you groan. you should have seen this coming from the girls. at least they’ve been respectful to him so far, but it is only day two.

“is there anything important you came to me about?” you ignore their questions, replying in your usual nonchalant tone.

qian isn’t buying it. “is he single? you need to find out!”

“like, you’re gonna make a move, right?” nia adds and you need to resist the urge to roll your eyes.

“girls, quit it,” you say in warning, but their grins don’t fade. “you guys are too old to be pairing up counselors in your little heads. leave that to the junior campers.”

they still spend the rest of the walk talking to you, chatting about both their new counselor and other mundane things about the first two days of camp so far. you’re relieved at the other topics, since the last thing you need is your campers romanticizing your grump new co-cabin head. they do mention that, after the opening day, jungkook seems to be a lot more easy going and friendly than he initially seemed.

maybe jungkook has finally come to acceptance about spending the summer here. you heard the way he spoke about his students and your conversation by the water, talking about music. even your perception of jungkook has shifted ever so slightly, recognizing a semblance of a mirror in him.

when you flop down on your bed that night, you shamelessly google him. you’re usually familiar with celebrity guest instructors that come to camp and feel awkward about just looking them up when they’re in the same place as you. however, your curiosity can’t be contained.

your search isn’t obsessively thorough, but you learn more about jungkook than you expect through just a few interviews and performances. of course, you knew he was insanely talented in several things, but you find yourself mesmerized by the way he commands a stage naturally. then, you learn about his background and realize he’s been in the industry for over half his life. so much of it has been covered by the media, including some “controversies” that leave you frowning for their insignificance. jungkook is under a microscope, but he still pushes through and puts out so much of himself in his work.

music is his life, just like you. and suddenly, you come to understand him a little more.

even if it’s just a little bit.

the next morning, you use your free time to enjoy the beautiful weather and shining sun. there aren’t too many people by the beach right after breakfast and you lay down a towel on the sand, enjoying the sounds of waves softly crashing.

usually, you savour the little amount of alone time that you can get, given that the majority of your day revolves around being responsible for a bunch of kids. the surroundings are as peaceful as they can be, as warm sand tickles your skin and a calm breeze laces through your hair. you’re in just your swimsuit - though you aren’t planning to get in the water, but to enjoy the uv and get a tan in. once you settle in, cross-legged, you set your guitar on your lap and bring your notebook close.

these are the best moments to get some writing in, even if you’re just messing around. you have about two hours until the next activity and for a while, you lose yourself in the music.

“nice guitar.”

you did hear some footsteps approach, but figured it wasn’t anything important and didn’t turn around. however, jungkook greets you by name and at his comment, you look up.

shielding your eyes with your hand, you make him out in a squint.

he looks good.

clad in sweat shorts and a graphic tee, your eyes trace over the ridges of muscle along his exposed skin. his hair is effortlessly messy, falling beneath his brows and frame his piercing gaze. even from this morning, you could tell something has changed with jungkook - he looks less stressed and like he’s constantly in his own head.

jungkook even smiles when you make eye contact, to which you raise an eyebrow at. “chipper today, are we?”

“now that i’ve figured out the kiddos aren’t going to eat me alive, yeah,” he retorts.

“hm, i wouldn’t be so confident until the end of the first week.”

he settles next to you in the sand and you’re suddenly hyper aware of how little clothing you’re wearing. your swimwear isn’t scandalous by any means - you work at a summer camp for christ’s sake - but you still feel exposed. jungkook doesn’t seem to notice, only looking at your face and currently, is gazing off into the clear blue waters ahead.

“what, you want me to quit and you’re left alone?” jungkook snorts.

you smirk. “good thing i don’t take you for a quitter. my fingers are actually crossed for you, jungkook.”

“or maybe you need my help so you can win the final showcase.” he’s teasing, but you groan at the thought of your embarrassing losing streak.

“i’ve given up at this point,” you grumble, hating being reminded of the fact. “it doesn’t matter. like i said, this is my last year at camp. i’m graduating college next year and that’s it for me.”

after a beat, jungkook’s next words take you aback. you look at him, thinking you heard wrong.

“i wanna help you win the final showcase this year.”

“what?”

he looks at you with a completely straight face. there’s no infuriating smirk or eye roll of any kind. jungkook nods, like he’s made up his mind a long time ago.

he says, “you heard me. i want our cabin to win.”

“technically, we have to help our cabin with their performance anyways,” you point out, still surprised by jungkook’s initiative.

he shakes his head. “okay, fine, i want you to win,” jungkook clarifies, sighing. “you deserve to leave this place with at least one trophy. you’ve given so much to camp melody.”

“why do you care?” you ask, flicking away some imaginary sand off your lap.

jungkook doesn’t answer. instead, he suddenly rises to his feet and offers his hand once he stands. you don’t move, confused.

“so, about that ziplining. wanna come?”

somehow, you end up at the edge of the tandem ziplining platform, strapped in and attached to jungkook. the view from this position overlooks the camp and you can see so much of it - fields of wildflowers next to the sports hall, kids rock climbing, trails of dirt that lead to every building. the sun shines bright against your skin, the beast of summer at full force. above all, you see nothing but lush greenery hugging the borders of camp melody and endless trees that fill the air with the kind of nostalgia that only exists at summer camp.

jungkook is behind you, getting the last of the equipment secured onto him. he whistles and you presume that he’s taking in the sights.

you nudge him. “don’t even think about screaming into my ear if you get scared.”

“as long as you don’t grab onto me the whole time like a baby,” he snickers and you elbow him lightly.

from what has occurred since opening day, ziplining with jungkook was not on your bingo card. he’s a little too sarcastic, awkward, and doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing. you still think having him here for the whole summer is a terrible idea.

unfortunately, jungkook is also earnest and one of the most talented people you’ve ever met. you think this and realize you haven’t even seen him sing or dance up close yet.

when it’s time to let go and push off the platform, you hesitate for a split second. you’ve done this so many times over the years, but getting started is always the part that has you spooked - inhaling the sheer amount of height you’re at.

“you okay?”

of course jungkook notices and you scoff, trying to save face. “just need a second.”

“i got you,” he says simply and his fingers brush against your waist. when you don’t flinch, he grabs onto it more firmly. “i’m with you, don’t worry.”

his joking nature has dispersed and you let out a huff, seeing how genuine he’s being. you launch off the platform into open air without warning and although jungkook is the one who yelps in a moment of fear, the wind and gravity take over.

you both let howls of excitement, laughing together as you cut across the campgrounds like a flying arrow.

“holy shit!” jungkook whoops, still holding onto your waist, even though he doesn’t need to.

you don’t say anything about it, just cheering along. everything flies by you like a movie scene, the whirl of the cable humming above. the world stretched wide below, a patchwork of wooden cabins and dirt trails beneath your feet.

suspended between sky and earth, it’s just you and jungkook. the wind carries you both forward, light and untethered.

“look! it’s deoksu!” you yell over the breeze, pointing towards the camp director himself, giving some sort of outdoor lecture.

this spurs jungkook on, as he waves wildly to his friend and yells his name. “hey! hey, deoksu!’

the two of you fly past too quickly to hear a reply from the man, but deoksu is on the ground, grinning wide at the sight of you and jungkook on the zipline. jungkook has some life to his skin, a relaxed laugh that wasn’t present during the first two days.

“thank you!”

you think you heard wrong, especially over the gusts of wind and the screech of the zipline.

“huh?” you shout as loudly as you can.

“i said thank you! jeez!” jungkook yells back, still laughing. “for coming on the zipline with me!”

you’re taken aback by the sincerity in his voice and the warmth of his hands on the sliver of skin between your shorts and top, almost forgetting to say ‘you’re welcome’ back. you do and there’s a stupid grin on your face.

jeon jungkook is not a man of a great temper, the kind that explodes all at once in a dazzling display of fireworks. it doesn’t crackle and pop into an anger that bursts in front of your face. his anger simmers and it burns the longer it stirs, whilst enveloping the atmosphere in a dangerous humidity that chokes. it isn’t obvious to the untrained eye - especially amidst the crowded party and flashing lights - but to you, it’s crystal clear.

if you hadn’t broken up just months ago, you wouldn’t need to deny the way his intensity leaves you squeezing your thighs together.

“i’ll be right back,” you murmur to nayoung, who you were previously chatting with at the bar.

there’s little thought behind your actions, but a beating irritation that climbs into your veins when you see the girl cage him in. nobody should stand that close to him. not when you’re several feet away.

nayoung gives you a knowing look when you snatch your drink off the counter - absolutely no hesitation to leave.

she’s been your closest friend for years and so, she’s watched the way you’ve been forever tangled with jeon jungkook with arguably no end in sight. she knows exactly where you’re going and even worse, she knows that there’s no stopping you.

against your better judgment, you push your way through the crowd. the nightclub is closed down for the entire night for jackson’s private event and it’s practically crawling with the who’s who of the korean entertainment industry. it’s a smaller venue and the walls are prone to closing in on you if you aren’t familiar with navigating through the mass. you, however, have been here many times - often with the man in your vision. you’re used to the artificially flavoured clouds that stick to your clothes and the multicoloured lasers hazing your vision.

a few people get out of your way when they see the destination of your walk charged with intention because everyone knows who you’re about to speak to.

they know not to get in your way when it comes to him.

because everyone in the room knows what the two of you are.

the alcohol moves your limbs for you, but you were always going to somehow end up at his side. that’s just how it goes. the beat of the speakers echo each of your careful steps, as you approach with straightened shoulders and an air of confidence that only years being with him have afforded you.

he looks good. he always does, but something about the irritated look in his eye paint such a sexy aura of fierceness. his fist is clenched around his whiskey on the rocks and you watch the way his chest rises with each heavy breath, as the girl in front of him tries to side step into his personal space for the second time. every inhale, you can see the way his muscles tighten against the buttons of his shirt and you can imagine the hard planes underneath your palms. it’s not just the way his black silk shirt is rolled up his forearms and the way his slacks accentuate his muscular thighs.

jungkook’s eyes meet yours like he was looking for them, even though he has no clue that you’re even here. it’s a natural draw, an instinct buried underneath his skin to find you.

the bass booms in your chest, almost like a warning with the way it grows stronger with each step towards him. lights flicker and shine, but your line of sight doesn’t falter. you know exactly where you’re going and nothing will stand in your way. perfume, sweat and smoke curl around you and to your flesh, leaving you with a scrunched up nose.

the girl in front of him still hasn’t gotten the hint. she’s pretty - all legs and fluttering eyelashes. maybe jungkook would go for her in another circumstance, but he’s already nearing his limit with her persistence and with you noticeably approaching, she doesn’t stand a chance.

jungkook says your name, sweet on his tongue, and she whips around to see you, eyes wide.

“you’re supposed to be on tour.”

it’s not like you’re trying to keep tabs on him - you’ve actually been trying your best to push him out of your brain space since your last argument - but all you know is that he’s definitely supposed to be out of the country. you say these words like an accusation, even though jungkook technically owes you nothing.

you aren’t together.

but, the way jungkook holds your stare, it’s as if two puzzle pieces have clicked together like they were always meant to be one.

his lips twitch, as if a smirk dares to turn at the corner, but he fights it. “we have a four day break. our next concert is in osaka.”

he doesn’t explain himself as if he’s caught red handed doing something he shouldn’t be, but it’s a slow drawl that is comfortable. like he’s been waiting to see your pursed lips and clenched jaw.

jungkook’s eyes crawl along your frame from head to toe, from your pretty golden heels to the little black dress that dips just low enough for your cleavage to peak out and your newly dyed blonde hair. you protested against it when you company revealed their plans for your comeback hair, but he seems to be unable to stop staring at it.

he takes his time, too, and heat practically radiates off his gaze. you feel the linger of his appetite warming your skin. his eyes don’t leave yours once. it’s a reunion that feels heavy. not in an anxiety-inducing, breath holding way, but the kind that is careful. too careful, waiting on something to snap any moment now.

the conversation is already charged from the first word - like the air is thick enough to be molasses. the girl’s hand is somehow still on jungkook’s shoulder, but she retracts it quickly when you look at her instead of answering jungkook. it’s almost as if she shrivels down in size from the weight of your glare.

“scram.”

and she does. the girl leaves nearly instantly at your one word, even abandoning her drink in the wake.

jungkook’s shoulders visibly relax and he leans back on the wall, arms folded across his chest when he does so. you can tell that he’s pleased with your quick attitude, even maybe amused with it.

he’s still staring at you and it burns into your flesh. the half smirk is still pressed on his lips. he’s always liked it when you showed a bit of a possessive side, especially when you aren’t supposed to be together right now.

in a room so loud - booming with music and laughter - there’s just silence between the two of you.

you haven’t seen him in almost two months. it’s the longest that you’ve been on a “break” - or whatever this is. you can tell that neither of you are done with each other, not with the way your fingers itch to grab him by the shirt or the way his tongue darts out to lick his lips at the sight of you.

the two of you are never really done.

you don’t know if it’s possible for you and jungkook to ever be done.

jungkook curls a finger towards you, slow and mocking. you send him a glare and he doesn’t move. so, you step towards him, close enough to actually have a conversation amidst the noise of the nightclub, and his scent instantly fills your sense. you smell the intoxicating musk of his cologne, the cigarettes that he smoked earlier, and the whiskey on his breath.

there’s static between your bodies, a buzz that nearly has you falling.

he finally speaks. “didn’t know you’d be here tonight,” he says gruffly, finally letting that smirk come through.

without a doubt, jungkook is lying. you always show up for this party every year. so does he. at least you walked in here with the weight of knowing who you would be running into.

you point a manicured finger at his chest, dragging it down the fabric and feel his breath hitch, even just for a second.

“yes, you did,” you accuse, not backing down against the intensity of his eyes. you look up at him with a certain tense defiance.

you don’t notice it right away, but both you and jungkook begin in lean in towards each other. it’s unconscious and feels right. you hate that.

“why’d you come over here?” jungkook asks, voice low.

he’s inches away from you now. you think you could crumble if it weren’t for the liquor in your system.

you roll your eyes and stick your thumb in the direction of where that girl scurried off to. “was just trying to save your ass. you blow a fuse and it’s fuel for miss thing over there to a submit a blind item about you being a dick.”

jungkook snorts, obviously not believing a word. his company protected him well and he never had anything to worry about. you of all people know this, from the amount of dispatch articles attached to his name and yours that have gone unpublished. he’s a lot of things, but he’s always shielded you from that stuff in your world.

his eyes bear into yours, trying to coax any further argument from you and when you remain silent, he places a hand on your hip. it’s hot and burns through the fabric of your flimsy dress.

of course, you don’t move.

he comes even closer, if that’s possible, and his breath tickles your ear. “it’s cute.”

“the fuck is cute?”

“the way you act like you don’t care,” jungkook answers simply and he doesn’t miss the way your muscles stiffen at his actions.

it feels like the entire room is trying to not stare at the two of you in the corner of the dancefloor. you should be there with your friends, drinking and laughing with them. instead, you’ve willingly crossed the venue with fire in your tracks just to go up to your. . .ex? you don’t think you can call jungkook that. it’s complicated and it seems like it will always be.

they all know. your relationship is one of the best kept secrets in the industry and maybe that’s why that girl didn’t hesitate to get the hell out of there as soon as she saw the look on your face. in a way, it’s a wash of relief and you hate admitting that.

you hate admitting that you, in fact, want everyone to know.

you try your best to hold your glare, but it’s difficult. jungkook chuckles and pulls away, but his hand remains on your hip. you watch him talk a long sip from his drink, watching the way his adam’s apple bobs and the way his eyes never leave yours.

“you look good.” jungkook speaks again and his statement runs shivers down your spine because he means it. the way he can’t stop looking at you, touching you. he feels it, too - arguments be damned. “been busy, huh?”

“something like that,” you answer and you keep it short. you have been busy. part of the reason why you think you’ve been so successful at keeping jungkook away isn’t just the fact that’s been out of the country, but the way your company is working you to the bone for the preparation of your new album.

despite your reply, jungkook is visibly distracted. it’s like he’s not even listening to you. his other hand finds your hip as well and he tugs you towards him.

you nearly stumble, steadying yourself with a hand on his chest. his chuckle is dark when you find yourself in a compromising situation, pressed up so closely against him.

“thanks, baby."

it’s unclear if he’s thanking you for warding that girl from earlier away or if he’s thanking you for being the one to cross the invisible line first.

someone calls your name from the other side of the bar, one of your friends. you both curse and thank the air, unsure of what would happen next if you two stayed like that.

then, like nothing, he lets go. you do the same, surprised at how you avoid stumbling when you step back.

the interaction not only leaves you dazed, but angry. to make matters worse, everywhere you go for the rest of the night, everyone asks you about jungkook. it’s hard not to notice when it’s the two of you. it seems like those around you are convinced that you’ve gotten back together - yet, neither of you correct them.

it doesn’t take long for news to spread. someone spoke to someone who saw you shooing that girl away from jungkook. someone else noticed the two of you conversing in the moments that followed. even with the drinks that enter your system, you’re hyper aware of the looks you’re being given. the feeling crawls underneath your skin, but for some reason, you’re not bothered.

you may even thrive on it.

closer to the second hour of the party, you’re on the dancefloor with your sunglasses perched on your nose. even with the dimmed surroundings, you keep them on and you notice the double takes quickly. your friends dance around you and you move your body to the beat of the music, but you’re focused on one thing. hiding behind the shades allows you to watch jungkook on the other side of the nightclub.

he’s with eunwoo and yugyeom at the bar, head tilted back as he laughs at something the boys joke about.

“so, you guys are back together.”

jungkook doesn’t even flinch at the question. his two friends are staring at him with puzzled expressions, as he waves the bartender over for another round.

“oh, are we?” jungkook lazily chuckles, not offering anything more than that.

the worst part is that his friends can’t even tell what the truth is. keeping up with his relationship with you is like whiplash. jungkook doesn’t play about you either, so his boys know not to prod or comment too much into it.

even when you guys aren’t “together,” jungkook makes it known that nobody gets to speak about you a certain way.

he even likes it a little, knowing that everyone is talking about the two of you. everyone is assuming that you’re back together and jungkook, being the possessive bastard he is, doesn’t correct them once.

the nightclub is hot and full of life, growing only busier as the hours go on. amidst a daze of bright strobes and pulsating walls. when jungkook looks up, he spots you instantly on the dancefloor. it’s always been a bit of an uncanny talent of his, the way he’s able to find you in a crowded room instantly. you have your sunglasses on, sipping on a drink, and even then, he just knows that you’re staring at him.

fuck, you look good.

he watches you wrap your pretty lips around your straw, swaying to the music in that sinfully tight dress. the sight rallies something in his chest, remembering the last time he was able to taste you. he can’t even remember what that last argument was even about, not when you’re sitting there looking like an angel. jungkook especially loves the bored demeanour you put on, the way you don’t spare anyone a glance.

you turn your head all of a sudden and his suspicions are confirmed - you were just watching him. a grin spreads across jungkook’s face, as he quickly downs the next shot and claps his friends on the back.

“i’ll be back,” jungkook suddenly announces, not even looking back. “. . . or not.”

he doesn’t hear much of what they say, only some whoops that indicate that they know exactly where he’s going. he can’t hold back much longer.

you know he’s there before he even has to announce himself.

your friends’ movements falter for just a split second, but enough for you to notice. before you can say anything, you feel a presence looming behind you and a whiff of jungkook’s cologne. without thinking, you back into his body and his hands fly to your waist.

at this point, your heart is beating like an army marching.

“we’re gonna go back for some more drinks,” nayoung suddenly yells over the music, offering to take your glass.

you hand it over, along with your sunglasses, and like the wind, they’re gone.

when the girls leave, jungkook pulls you even closer to his chest amidst the frantic atmosphere of the club. the crowd even tightens around the two of you, providing you little breathing room. you’re pressed up all the way against him and your arm snakes up, as you place your hand around the back of jungkook’s head.

it’s too natural, the way you two wordlessly begin swaying with one another and melting into one. nothing needed to be said at all.

he leans close to your ear, breath tickling in a low voice.

“did i wait too long to come over this time?” jungkook asks, almost mockingly. like he knows that the two of you were going to end up like this, entwined as one, no matter how the night was going to go.

you swallow hard, your usual confidence trembling for the first time under the sensual lax in his voice.

“no clue what you’re talking about,” you reply back, even though you both know better.

his arms are so strong around your body, now circling around your torso. with a gasp, you unconsciously push your ass against him, too familiar with this position. jungkook groans, the vibration rumbling in his chest when he feels you press into him. the two of you continue to grind against one another to the thrumming beat of the music, slow and unhurried.

you dance against one another like you’re the only ones in the room, getting lost in the touch of your bodies and the heat radiating off of it. jungkook grips your hips tigher, guiding the way your ass moves in against his already half hard dick. your body is under some sort of spell, raking your nails against jungkook’s skin lightly - just enough to make him feel it, but not leave marks.

yet.

he spins you around and you bite back another undignified sound, as you steady yourself by grabbing his muscular arms. when you look up through your eyelashes, lids heavy, his eyes are darkened and you know that look all too well.

“this isn’t right,” you mutter, as if you’re doing anything to stop him.

he chuckles without regret, leaning into your ear once again. you take a sharp inhale of air when his teeth graze the outer shell, like he’s personally testing you.

“when has that ever stopped us?”

jungkook’s hands slide down, shamelessly pulling you even closer by the ass. you obey without any objection, now closer than ever against his body.

the two of you aren’t supposed to be doing this. the last time you saw each other, you screamed at one another and you told jungkook you never wanted to see him again.

but, of course, that’s what happened the last time, too. and the time before that. only to end up crawling right back to each other, seeking the same familiar passion and heat.

you and jungkook have always belonged to one another. maybe you always will.

“you know where you belong,” you hum and he doesn’t argue once. he even groans at your words.

jungkook replies without hesitation. “nobody fucking does it like you, sweetheart.” his voice is rough, as you tangle your fingers in his hair.

you can feel stares burning into your skin, but none of that matters.

the song changes to a sensual r&b track, only egging jungkook on further. your movements are leisured - despite your initial words, you’re not going anywhere anytime soon. you both match the slow drum of the song, as you squeeze your eyes shut and let yourself feel nothing but his hands on you. the air in the room has somehow gotten blistering, like a fever has fallen on you and you’re all but dissolving into jungkook’s burning hunger. each small movement to the music is too in sync, like you’re one.

your head tilts back slightly and jungkook takes the opportunity to bury his face into the crook of your neck. you whine, feeling the way he teases you - nipping at the sweat-slicked flesh and running a filthy line up to your jaw with his tongue.

you grab a fistful of his shirt, trying to steady your breath. instead, you end up accidentally pressing your tits into his chest and jungkook growls into your skin. his grip on your hips have become steel.

he leans back into your ear with a demand more than a question. “i think that’s enough, don’t you.” jungkook rasps out and you can tell that he’s also struggling.

hearing the pure need in his voice boosts your ego and you’re not afraid to admit it. you smirk, pulling back - only to grab jungkook by the chin and bring him just inches away from your lips. he doesn’t lurch forward, completely under your control. he won’t move unless you give him permission, eyes pleading for your word.

it’s almost pathetic. he towers over you, holding your body like a lifeline, and he’s still waiting for your approval.

you smirk wider. “beg.” is all you say and all you have to say. jungkook folds near instantly when you use that tone on him.

“please, baby.”

as you suspected, that’s all it takes.

there aren’t too many people lounging around in the semi-private booth and all of his friends clear out when jungkook barks at them to go dance or something. the plush, red velvet couches hide behind silk drapes, usually pulled partially closed for some privacy. he drags you to the second floor of the club where these booths are, hand gripped tight around your wrist when he does so. you’ve always liked it when jungkook takes the lead like this, almost providing no room for you to quip your usual sarcastic remarks - not when he has that look in his eye.

“you guys can come back later,” jungkook gruffly says, leaving no room for argument.

they aren’t even surprised when they notice you standing behind jungkook, as he still holds onto you. maybe it’s true - everyone tonight spread the news of seeing you and jungkook near one another and began telling anyone who will listen that you’re back together.

you even give a little lazy wave as they leave, amusing his friends.

when it’s just the two of you now, jungkook yanks you into the confines of the booth. he tugs at the curtains, causing them to fly close and making sure that the message is clear: the two of you are not to be bothered.

you make yourself comfortable when he does so, crossing your leg over the other. there’s so many bottles laid out in the table before you and when you grab a glass and the azul, jungkook suddenly stops you by saying your name.

“nah,” he says, sauntering over to you.

you raise an eyebrow, as he takes the tequila from you. then, he grabs your jaw softly and you know what he wants you to do.

“open up, baby.”

with a smouldering gaze, jungkook watches you open your mouth wide - those glossy lips looking so plush and soft. you don’t break eye contact with jungkook either, waiting like a good girl for his next move.

you tilt your head back and he pours the liquor straight into your mouth. you swallow it all, eyes still fixed on him when you do so. the alcohol burns down your throat and the warmth spreads throughout your body, igniting something in your stomach. it lingers in your cheeks and your eyelashes flutter when he stops.

a drop of tequila is missed - maybe even deliberately on his part - trailing down your chin and to your neck.

jungkook doesn’t hesitate. he sits down on the couch next to you and heaves you onto his lap, straddling him. your dress has ridden up, the lace of your black panties exposed to the cool air and he squeezes the flesh just underneath it. you moan at the sudden movement, even louder when he sucks at the column of your throat and licks at the tequila sticking to your skin.

“fuck, i missed this.” the words fall out of your mouth before either you or your pride could stop yourself.

he makes his way up with his hot tongue, sucking lightly into the flesh and tasting the alcohol combined with the saltiness of your skin. your legs, now perched on either side of his thighs, tremble from the sensation. his clothed erection is more prominent now that your core hovers just above the tent, until you finally lower yourself. when your bodies connect, you both let out a groan.

“been waiting to touch you again for so long,” he admits, teeth gritted together.

jungkook holds your smaller frame against his strong body and he’s always loved the way he completely envelopes you. his thick thighs that you ride until you’re seeing stars, his huge hands wrapped around your throat, the way his arm completely cradles you in a headlock when he fucks you from behind.

“want you to fuck me until i forget my own name -”

at this point, he can’t hold back any longer.

jungkook withdraws his mouth only to press it against yours in a bruising kiss. your lips connect and the crackling sensation leaves you more lightheaded than the liquor did - it’s sloppy, angry, and almost feels like a fight. each time jungkook sucks on your tongue, you reward him with a roll of your hips against his cock.

it’s a messy kiss, a disgusting one. you run your tongue over his lip ring and teasingly bring it in between your teeth, tugging slightly. when you do that, a string of saliva connects your lips with his and you both moan at the sight, until he captures your lips all over again.

by the time you pull away again, your lips are swollen and your gloss is all over jungkook’s reddened mouth. both of your mouths just ghost over each other, the shared air dizzying and tense as you’re so close, yet not touching.

“ - gonna fuck you until you only know my name,” jungkook pants, as your hand fly to unbutton his shirt.

you make quick work of it, as he hikes your dress up even further. a harsh slap falls on your ass and you jerk up slightly with a moan, only worsening the damp spot in your panties. when you straighten up, jungkook attaches his lips to the valley of your breasts, tugging the material of your dress down when he does so.

“god, you’re an angel,” he growls against your skin. you’re too fucking beautiful and he never fails to fall under your spell, like some sort of witchcraft. you hold a certain power over him and you both know it, the way jungkook has always been utterly mesmerized by you.

your tits fall out of the top and he finds one of your nipples, swirling his tongue around the bud. he’s obsessed with them, the other one is cupped by his hands, pinching the sensitive area until you’re left writhing in his lap.

“koo - god, suck hard like that again -” you squeak, back arching into his touch.

he grazes his teeth around the bud, causing you to squirm even more, and he has to release your tit with an obscene pop. the smear of his saliva sticks to your puffy skin.

“- fuck, quit moving like that,” jungkook shakily warns, suddenly clutching your hips and stopping you from moving. “gonna make me cum in my pants, swear to god.”

you grin wickedly, but your triumph doesn’t last long. jungkook brings two of his fingers into his mouth and widens his thighs so that your legs open up for him. at this point, your dress is bunched up all the way to your waist and your stockings have ripped.

“p-please,” you whisper, the desire unwavering in your pleading. all of your walls crumble when he has you in this position, as you remember to finish unbuttoning his shirt.

you pull away at his dress shirt, exposing his bare chest. the sight leaves you clenching around nothing - the way the bass of the speakers still vibrate on the walls and the chatter of the party guests drift into the semi-private booth. you’re only barely separated away from the rest of the club, that flimsy curtain doing little when you’re spread out nice and pretty for jungkook on this couch.

“god, that’s my slut,” he croons, his fingers now grazing the sopping fabric over your folds. “looking like such a mess - you’re gonna let me fuck you here, when anyone can walk in?”

he’s always known how to set you off. he looks at you like he knows it, too - an searing frenzy at the surface.

“i need it - ah - always needed it,” you gasp aloud, trying to grind your pussy into his hand.

“bet you’d let me fuck you anywhere,” he says darkly and you can’t even disagree.

jungkook clenches his jaw, hard. he could devour this sight. you do look like a mess. your dress is barely on anymore, just some fabric around your waist when your entire ass is out and he lazily draws circles on your exposed nipples. you’re holding onto him for dear life, but jungkook is no better.

his chest rises with uneven breaths, his dress shirt open all the way to reveal his sculpted muscles and the trace of his abs. his cock strains painfully against his pants and although his strong thighs balance your body on top of him, he’s a second away from losing control.

which, he does.

you both hear the tear of the fabric when jungkook roughly rips your panties off of you - just the way you like it. he’s always had this habit and kisses you on the forehead after it’s all said and done, promising to buy you five new pairs. he does it without warning and without breaking eye contact, slipping it into his damn pocket when he’s done.

“oh my god,” you whimpers, finally feeling him.

he drags two fingers past your walls, just easing them in to see how ready you are. a smirk appears on his lips when he feels how soaked you are.

jungkook licks his lips. “that’s what i fuckin’ thought,” he breathes, feeling your heat. “so tight - you sure you want my cock?”

you don’t answer with words, especially not with the way he’s moving so damn slowly. you try to sink deeper down onto his fingers, but jungkook makes sure to pull a little bit away. so, instead, you begin unbuckling his belt.

he doesn’t protest and shifts you off his lap, just enough to pull down both his pants and briefs. his thick cock springs free, slapping the underside of his exposed stomach. a bead of precum is visible on his angry, red tip and you wrap your pretty hand around the length. you only get a few strokes in, about to lean down, before jungkook suddenly stops you.

“want you now,” he grunts, placing you back on his lap. “i’ll get that pretty little mouth next time.”

next time. you don’t even protest because even though this is supposed to be a “break,” you both know that it’s about to end. neither of you can resist the mangetism that’s brought you together. this always happens and usually ends like this - with jungkook fucking your brains out, no matter where you are.

you sigh at the feeling of his cock rubbing against your pussy, just on the outside. you smear your slick arousal all over, teasing slightly.

jungkook isn’t impressed. he grabs a fistful of your hair, tugging hard enough for you to hiss and for tears to appear at your eyes. the worst part is that he feels you clenching on the length of his cock when he does so.

“what did i say?”

“you want me now,” you breathe heavily, biting your swollen lip.

he hums in approval, especially when you finally line yourself up with the tip of his cock.

“this what you wanted?” you ask, eyes open and he can see that there’s nothing but sinful desire swirling in them. you’re a goner for him and he’s gone for you, too.

jungkook nods wordlessly and you finally sink down onto his throbbing cock, inch by inch. he gasps at the feeling of your tight walls, swallowing him whole.

“fuck,” he mutters. “two. fucking. months -”

and it’s two months too long. neither of you could even defend such time apart, not when jungkook is so close to burying himself to the hilt. your walls flutter around his thickness and the stretch leaves your legs trembling.

“- too long,” you whimper, finally taking his cock all the way.

the both of you gasp at the same time, when jungkook bottoms out. you have to still for a moment and jungkook knows the drill, letting you get comfortable first.

then, you move.

you move slowly at first, your breasts bouncing with each careful motion. jungkook grinds his teeth together, as one hand find your waist again and help you guide your movements. the other moves to your clit, thumb lazily rubbing circles into it and you moan jungkook’s name when he does so, feeling the way you loosen with each wave of arousal it sends to your bloodstreams.

“nobody makes me feel this good,” you breathe huskily into his ear as you bounce on his cock, setting a rhythm.

“yeah?” jungkook grunts, the words taking over his body as he snaps his hips up harshly.

you cry out, letting jungkook fuck into you like that. he takes control, gripping you tight as he slams his cock into your pussy. you hold onto his shoulder, looking down to watch the way his thickness disappears into your wet heat.

“y-yeah, you’re so deep -” you squeak raggedly, his cock making you feel so full. “filling me up, oh god.”

“how the hell are you this wet and still so tight -” jungkook’s eyebrows furrowed as he loses himself in the sweet slick of your cunt. “- messy girl.”

he knows just how to drive into you, moving your legs and angling them just right until he slams into the spot he’s looking for. he doesn’t give a damn that they’re just inside a booth, on some couches that don’t belong to you. you mewl as his cock finds your g-spot, as you uncontrollably gush all over. the wetness coats his pants that aren’t even fully off, the velvet of the couch, and on your own legs.

“more, oh, you make me feel so good,” you choke on your own moans, tears prickling at your eyes again.

feeling a knot in your stomach form, you dig your nails into his chest, surely hard enough to leave crescent moon shaped imprints into his skin, but it only spurs jungkook on.

“yeah?” he breathes out. “bet you tried to move on with some losers that couldn’t fuck you like this.”

“g-god, they weren’t even close to you,” you admit heatedly, a shiver running up your spine.

it’s not a secret that either of you go and try to find new people when you’re on these “breaks,” but it’s clear that none of that ever matters. not when you end up bouncing on jungkook’s cock one way or another.

your confession makes jungkook pound into you harder and you’re so close now. he grabs you by the hair again, pulling you in for a searing kiss. you only let go when you breathlessly gasp into his lips after you feel his thumb circling your clit again.

he suddenly lifts you off his lap and you’re about to whine at the loss of his cock stuffing you full, until he bends you over so that your hands and knees are on the couch. you arch your back perfectly, ass wiggling in the air as he slams into you again in one fluid motion.

“jungkook - koo, i need you to -”

“- i know, baby,” he coos, reading your mind and wrapping his other hand around your throat. “take it like a good girl.”

you moan loud, not caring if people walking past the booth can clearly make out what the two of you are doing. the new angle is even deeper and you’re so damn close. he harsly lands a slap on your ass, gritting his teeth when the fat of it jiggles.

the lewd sound of his balls slapping against your ass fills your ears, as he continues muttering filthy things into your ear.

“every girl i fucked,” jungkook is panting as he also feels his release near. “i always imagined it was you underneath me.”

shit.

you’re babbling jungkook’s name now, completely drunk on his cock, and teetering over the edge.

he continues, voice full of nothing but lust. “couldn’t even cum unless i imagined it was these perfect tits -” jungkook pinches one of your nipples. “ - that it was your tight little body bent over, that it was your pretty mouth i was fucking - god, you’re mine.”

with those last words, you see fucking stars. your climax washes over you like a tidal wave, completely shattering your vision. you cum with a shout, nearly collapsing, but jungkook holds your body up as he pounds into you. your eyes are screwed shut as you continue sputtering jungkook’s name, your legs going weak, but you still meet his pace.

“ - yeah, keep throwing that ass back like that, i’m gonna -” he trembles, his rhythm turning frantic and uneven.

“please, i need you to fill me up so bad, i need it, i need it -” your begging words are filthy and you’re completely dazed, your walls still clenching and fluttering around jungkook.

he can’t last long. his hand moves from your throat to your hair, roughly tugging you backwards until you turn your head for a messy kiss, muffling jungkook’s cry as he spills deep into you with one last sharp thrust.

you feel the warm release fucked deep inside you, as you milk him completely. both of your movements slowly falter, as you catch your breath and come back to earth.

neither of you say anything - you never have to. jungkook kisses your spine like he always used to and just like that, everything is back to normal.

whatever your “normal” is. all you know is that jungkook isn’t going anywhere and neither are you, at least not any time soon. that’s how it goes.

he slowly pulls out and you whimper at the loss of contact. you’re about to stand up, but jungkook places his hand at the small of your back, arching you again just so that he can spread your ass cheeks and watch his release drip down your puffy folds.

“my favourite sight in the world,” he mutters and before you can respond, he’s buried in his face into your pussy from behind.

you bite back a whimper as jungkook cleans up his cum with his tongue. the mix of your releases is like candy on his mouth. you both know that you need to get the hell out of the booth, though, as much as you would love to grind your pussy on his face longer.

when he pulls away and you straighten up, you both look a mess. his hair sticks up in every direction possible, shirt wrinkled and like you, his lips are reddened. your makeup is ruined and you have marks all over your body. once the two of you open up these curtains, even with the darkened atmosphere of the club, everyone can tell what the two of you were up to.

but, that’s not what matters to you right now.

what matters is the way jungkook zips your dress right back up for you, touch gentle. the way you button his shirt back up for him. there’s a silent understanding of what’s happened here - an understanding of that pathetic pull that you two have on one another.

“guess we made the rumours come true,” you mutter, pouring the both of you another drink for good measure before you step out.

jungkook chuckles lowly, his arm snaking around your waist. “i really did miss you,” he murmurs.

“missed you, too. always.”

after taking a shot, you feel enough courage to tear away the curtain. the two of you step back into the party without a single care in the world, not when your hands are intertwined. the boom of the music greets you once again, as you drag jungkook back into the crowd of the club under vibrant lights and the daze of the night. when you do, you realize that there’s something silver gleaming under the lights - his matching bracelet for you. your own is stacked in between other bangles and chains on your wrist, but it’s still there. never taken off because you knew.