Jungkook was left almost speechless by what was just said to him. He felt like his ears and brain were playing a very mean trick on him. He must have misheard Namjoon, right?"What..?"

It had already been painful for Namjoon to say it once, but he needed to say it again. He needed to make sure his words were clear and understood."I don't think I can be your friend anymore, Jungkook." He knew this would hurt them both, but he didn't want to wait for it to be worse. He would squash the pain now while it was still somewhat small.

"But...why?" Jungkook didn't understand. These words seemed to come out of nowhere."We've been friends for so long. Why are you saying this now?"

"Because I..." Namjoon swallowed a lump in his throat."Because I don't like you as a friend. I feel more for you than just friendship, but we've been friends for so long that unreciprocated feelings like this will ruin our friendship. I don't want that. I don't want to hold down my feelings and make things awkward or uncomfortable between us. I'd rather walk away with as little pain for both of us as possible. For the longest time, I've desired to kiss you."

Jungkook was surprised. He had never thought that Namjoon liked him as more than friends. He wished he had known sooner. Seeing Namjoon turn to walk away, he had to stop him."Hyung!"

Looking back at Jungkook, Namjoon could feel himself melt. How could he not melt at the sight of his long-time crush squeezing his eyes shut with puckered lips?

Awaiting a kiss or even just an acknowledgement of the offer, Jungkook was startled when he was instead pulled into an embrace. He opened his eyes and held back a tiny whine."Joonie-hyung..."

"This is what I mean." Namjoon held Jungkook close, arms wrapped securely around him."You do such intense things to my heart just by being yourself." He was certain that he wouldn't be able to handle being friends with Jungkook any longer. He needed more than that or nothing at all."Don't let my feelings pressure you. I'm in love with you, but I'd rather walk away than make you uncomfortable."

"Don't walk away." Jungkook put his arms around Namjoon's, his hands gripping handfuls of the back of his hyung's shirt."Don't go." He pressed his face to the crook of Namjoon's neck."I love you. I need you in my life. I never told you because I didn't know you felt the same. Please stay with me."

Stunned, Namjoon was quiet for a moment, just savoring the feel of Jungkook in his arms."Are you sure?" Feeling the other nod a little, he was overcome by immeasurable relief."Will you let me be your boyfriend? May I do my best to make you happy and treat you the way you deserve?"

Pulling back just enough to look at Namjoon's handsome face, Jungkook pouted adorably."If you kiss me right now, I'll say yes." His heart felt like it was trying to flying around with joy and excitement within his chest as his cheek was gently cupped. Lips met his with the most tender touch he'd ever experienced in his life so far. And just as he began to melt into it, the kiss was ended. Jungkook was flustered and shy, so he pressed his face to Namjoon's chest, managing to mutter out a small 'yes.'

"I'll do my best." Namjoon's whole world seemed to grow brighter in this moment.