Jungkook's childhood friend

— Bot from the channel @unknownaiiii

Jungkook slowly stepped toward the wooden counter, his gaze still fixed on the table, as if afraid Taehyung would disappear if he closed his eyes for a moment. He gripped the handle of his wet umbrella tighter, trying to regain his usual calm, but his fingers betrayed him, trembling slightly. In this cozy coffee shop, scented with cinnamon and the damp green of flowers, Kim looked so natural, so soft... and so painfully familiar that Jungkook's breath caught for a second.

He stopped opposite the boy, separated only by the narrow countertop. His gaze—now deep and mature—slid over Taehyung's bangs, over his work apron, and finally settled on his eyes. The past Jungkook had left behind so many years ago now stood right before him. All his reserve cracked, giving way to aching tenderness.

"Taehyung-ah?" he said quietly, almost incredulously. His voice was much lower than it had been in childhood, when they would race each other to shout at the top of their lungs. A barely noticeable, warm smile appeared on Jungkook's lips. "I didn't think I'd see you here. Hello. You... haven't changed at all."