Back To December [✓]

5.Unintentional Impression

The morning after the wedding dawned with a crisp freshness in the air, carrying remnants of the celebratory mood from the previous night. Jisoo, Wheein, Nayeon, and Joshua gathered for brunch at a local café, recounting the events of the wedding while savoring their morning coffee.

Jungkook strolled into the café, an air of determination enveloping him as he spotted Jisoo seated with her friends. Attempting to exude confidence, he straightened his posture and put on a facade of machismo."Hey there," Jungkook greeted them with a charming smile, attempting to appear suave as he approached their table.

Wheein stifled a laugh at the exaggerated macho display. "Look who's trying to flex," she whispered to Nayeon, unable to contain her amusement.

Jisoo glanced up, a quizzical expression on her face, while Joshua raised an eyebrow, observing Jungkook's theatrics with interest.

"You guys look like you had fun last night," Jungkook commented, trying to strike up a casual conversation. Joshua, always one for playful banter, decided to poke fun at Jungkook's sudden display. "Oh, Jungkook, trying to impress someone?"

Jungkook chuckled nervously, his macho facade faltering under the amused gaze of his audience. "Nah, just here to catch up."

Jisoo, unable to hold back a smile at Jungkook's antics, decided to play along, trying to ease the tension. "Impressive display, Jungkook. You've been hitting the gym?"

Wheein and Nayeon exchanged knowing glances, trying to suppress their laughter as Jungkook's attempt at machismo slowly dissolved into a self-conscious grin.

"Uh, yeah, you know, staying fit," Jungkook stammered, feeling slightly embarrassed by his failed attempt to appear impressive.

As the conversation continued, Jungkook's facade gradually faded, revealing his natural charm and warmth. Despite the initial awkwardness, they found themselves laughing and sharing stories, enjoying each other's company in a way that felt both familiar and new.

Wheein and Nayeon then excused themselves, leaving Jisoo and Jungkook momentarily alone, Jisoo made a move to follow her friends, but Joshua held her back with a knowing smile. "Let them catch up," he whispered mischievously, nudging her lightly.

Feeling a tad awkward in the sudden solitude, Jisoo and Jungkook exchanged uncertain glances until Jungkook broke the silence with a tentative smile."So... life, huh?" Jungkook attempted to steer the conversation, trying to ease the tension.

Jisoo nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. "Yeah, pretty hectic. I'm almost done with my studies, aiming for a position at a top firm."

"Wow, impressive! I'm globe-trotting, exploring new places, experiencing different cultures," Jungkook chuckled. "No plans to settle down yet, just soaking in life."

"I'm genuinely happy for you," Jisoo said sincerely, appreciating his adventurous spirit.Their conversation flowed, infused with humorous anecdotes and playful banter. Jungkook effortlessly made funny jokes, lightening the atmosphere, and drawing genuine laughter from Jisoo.

Amidst their catching up, Jungkook's question hung in the air. "So, are you seeing someone?"

Jisoo smiled, catching on to his playful tone. "No, not at the moment."

With a smirk, Jungkook replied loudly enough for her to hear, "Ah, that's a relief! Cross that off my checklist then."

Amused by his remark, Jisoo couldn't help but smile, appreciating Jungkook's unchanged humor and wit."Remember when we used to be the talk of the town? Me, dating my senior," Jungkook teased, reminiscing about their past. "I still brag about it, you know. I dated the hottest senior," he joked with a playful grin.

"Don't even try to drag me back into those days, Jungkook," Jisoo countered with a chuckle, enjoying the nostalgic banter.Their laughter echoed through the café, intertwining with the warm nostalgia that enveloped them. In those moments, the tension that once lingered between them seemed to dissipate, replaced by the easy camaraderie they used to share.

However, their banter was interrupted by the gentle chime of Jungkook's phone, alerting him to a new message. He glanced at the screen, a smile forming on his face.

"Hey, my family's having a gathering this weekend," Jungkook began, looking up from his phone to meet Jisoo's gaze. "They'd love to have you come along."

Jisoo's eyebrows rose in surprise at the unexpected invitation. "Your family knows we, um, broke up, right?

Jungkook shook his head, a small chuckle escaping him. "Correction, it's never that you left me. We both decided to take a break. But, even if we can't be lovers, I'd like to stay and be friends, Jisoo," he expressed, his voice sincere yet tinged with a hint of longing.

Jisoo met Jungkook's gaze, a mix of surprise and contemplation reflecting in her eyes. His words, though gentle, carried the weight of a heartfelt plea, tugging at the unspoken emotions that lingered between them.

"I understand, Jungkook," Jisoo began softly, trying to navigate the complexities of their past and the tentative possibility of their future. "You've always been considerate, especially about commitment."

She paused, thoughts swirling in her mind as she attempted to find the right words to express the tangled emotions she felt. Memories of their shared history, coupled with the lingering sense of longing, created a complex web of feelings within her.

"I care about you deeply, Jungkook," she continued earnestly, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. "But after everything that's happened, I... I need time to figure things out."

Jungkook nodded, a gentle understanding in his eyes. "I respect that, Jisoo. Whatever you need, I'll be here. Even if it's just as friends."

There was a quiet sincerity in his words, a genuine willingness to honor her feelings and choices. The air between them felt heavy with unspoken sentiments, their shared history paving the way for a delicate yet palpable connection.

"Thank you, Jungkook," Jisoo murmured, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Let's start with being friends."

💌💌💌