"Taehyung! Welcome to my humble abode!" Jungkook opened the door, allowing me to step into the threshold.

"It's a nice place," I responded, setting my keys down and slipping my shoes off my feet.

It was nice to see him so casual. I have only ever seen him well-dressed and put together, but here he was in a pair of gray sweatpants with a black t-shirt. His hair was falling down loosely around the edges, as opposed to slicked and gelled back.

Jungkook smiled, walking down the hallway. "I hope you like kabobs."

I nodded. "Love them."

As we entered his kitchen, he motioned for me to sit down at one of the barstools. My eyes wandered around the room, seeing black cabinets with sleek silver rectangular handles, with a white glittery quartz countertop. The island where I sat stood out for having white cabinets instead of black. Red accents littered the space, including the toaster and the coffee pot in the corner.

The space matched him well. Put together, but also with a hint of surprise, a hint of something to keep it interesting.

I couldn't help but smile. My nerves were beginning to dissipate as we sat here, his back muscles flexing as he stood over the stove.

He turned around quickly to grab plates from a nearby cabinet. Having caught me staring, his lips curved upwards in a smirk. "Enjoying the show?"

More like enjoying the view. "U-Um... I'm sorry for staring. I-I-It's just nice seeing you d-dressed so c-casually."

The male chuckled with a nod. "You could've dressed more casually too, Tae."

The collar around my neck suddenly felt stiff, making me fiddle with it. "I-" I took a deep breath. "You're right. Next time!"

Jungkook quirked up an eyebrow as he placed the kabobs on plates. "Next time, hmm?"

My cheeks burned red as I gave a tiny nod, seeing the kabobs in front of me at this point. I picked one up and instantly took a bite, forgetting that the meat was still hot from being cooked.

My hands fanned my mouth as I stuck my tongue out, praying for relief.

Jungkook shook his head with a laugh, casually grabbing a glass and pouring some lukewarm water in it before passing it to me. "Some lukewarm water will help your burnt tongue," he snickered, making me smack his arm.

After giving my mouth time to cool off, I looked down to see meat juice staining my white dress shirt. I couldn't help but giggle at my luck before sighing. "Any chance you have a stain remover pen or something?"

Jungkook frowned, looking at my shirt. "I don't think I do. I have stain stuff, but it goes on super heavy."

I shrugged. "It's okay. I'll just take care of it when I get home and hope the stain comes out."

The male shook his head. "Nope! Here, come with me!" He stood up from the barstool next to me, grabbing my hand and walking me into another room, which was recognized was his bedroom.

"You can sit down on the bed if you'd like!"

He ravaged through his closet and then groaned before moving to his dresser, making a positive sound before facing me. "Here! Put this shirt on, and we can use the stain stuff on your shirt!"

"There are two things there." I pointed out.

His cheeks flushed slightly. "Um, yeah... if you wanted to get more casual, I threw in a pair of sweats for you."

"Oh." My face burned red. "Thank you."

He set them down on the bed before stepping out of the room, closing the door behind him.

With a sigh, I slipped my shirt over my head, cringing at the stains littering my shirt. I wasn't going to mention to Jungkook that I bought it when he invited me over so I would look good.

I slid the red t-shirt on, instantly feeling comforted at the smell of his laundry detergent. The faint lavender enfulfed me, releasing the tension in my shoulders.

Pondering for a few seconds, I decided to match Jungkook and change out of my pants, putting on the black sweats that he also included in the pile. Gathering my clothes, I took in the lavender once more before opening the door, seeing Jungkook back in the kitchen, food untouched.

"Feel better now?" He asked before turning around, his mouth dropping open slightly. "O-Oh, um..." He shook his head, visibly swallowing harshly. "Here, let me take those clothes!"

He grabbed the pile, disappearing back into his room to put the stain stuff on it. When he returned, his eyes trailed up and down my body before he once again shook his head with a sigh.

"Shall we eat now?" He asked, nervous smile on his lips.

I nodded, resuming our positions prior to the intermission.

After a few moments of just the sounds of chewing, he cleared his throat. "Tae? I-I'm glad you decided to feel comfortable in my home."

•••••

"Still alive but I'm barely breathinnnn"🎵