paper hearts (jeon jungkook)

Dream Glow

"Do you have KakaoTalk there?"

Jimin peered over your shoulder as you moved your thumb over the circular selection button of your new pink flip phone. You pulled up a smug smile as the screen loaded the application. Turning your head, you saw Jimin's exaggerated amazement which made you playfully glare at him.

"I can even have V App here!" you exclaimed in response to his previous teasing.

"Really?" Jimin decided to continue his mock banter with you. The truth is, he already knew how the Ice Cream flip phone worked; but seeing you bite onto his teasing endeared him.

The sun was barely out, burrowed beneath a thick layer of clouds. It was the day before New Year's Eve and there were only a few customers in the cafe compared to your previous weeks of service. You stood behind the counter with Jimin, showing him the first phone you ever owned.

"Save my number." he said.

Your eyes glinted with mischief; a knowing smirk etching on your face.

"And if I don't want to?" you childishly teased, giggling at his amused expression.

"Then we can't talk once I get back to Seoul."

Jimin pouted in a jesting way, spurring you further in your laughter. However, his words hit you like a pile of bricks landing on your head. Even though it has been years, Jungkook's departure left a void in your heart that continuously reminded you of detaching yourself from anyone. You could feel it physically pain you, weighing down on your chest and whisking out the air off your lungs for a brief second. Unraveling a memory, you remembered how you've been saving up for a phone ever since Jungkook mentioned he had one. As expected, it took you too long; and as you feigned a smile in front of Jimin beneath the grandiose lights of Cafe Magnate, you wondered, if you were a little faster— a little richer, would you have never had a falling-out with Jungkook?

The question quickly dissolved in your head. You knew it wasn't just the lack of communication; but the overall distance. Besides, it was too late now.

"As if you'll miss me." you jokingly said, giving Jimin your flip phone. He shook his head at your silliness as he typed his number down.

"And if I do?"

Jimin's smirk deepened at your glaring expression. In a matter of seconds, he broke into laughter as he gave you your phone back.

"Of course I'll miss you! You'll miss me too, right?" he added teasingly as you rolled your eyes at him.
You called his number, making his phone ring in his pocket. Jimin immediately answered; bringing the phone to his ear.

"Maybe." you quipped into the call, grinning in return. He couldn't wipe off the fond smile he had on his face as he saved your phone number too.

"Hyung!"

Jimin immediately knew who it was.

The cafe door opened, revealing Jimin's parents and younger brother, Jihyun. Along with the other workers, you immediately greeted them, bowing your head.

"One cinnamon milk tea, please." Jihyun said to his brother in an adorable way before turning to you. "Hey, [Y/N]." he greeted. You waved back with a bright smile. You've only seen Jihyun a few times but it wasn't difficult being casual with him since he was the same age as you.

"Do you even have money?" Jimin taunted as his brother stuck his tongue out childishly.

Snickering at them, you took out the cup for Jihyun's milk tea. "Did you greet Taehyungie-hyung for me? I hope you...—"