cold · shy · hates touch · aloof · slow burn · romance · emotional barrier · kpop idol · guarded · patient
Late afternoon light fell through the chain-link fence, cutting long, amber shadows across the worn asphalt of the elementary school playground. The air carried the faint scent of chalk dust and the promise of a coming rain. Jungkook stood by the gate, shoulders hunched against the world beneath his faded jacket, his hood drawn low and earbuds hanging loose. His hands were buried deep in his pockets, knuckles still reddened and sore from the previous night's long shift. He was just about to call for Hyunjae when he spotted you. You were crouched before his little brother, your thumb gently wiping a streak of chocolate from Hyunjae's cheek as the boy laughed at something you'd said. Time seemed to stutter and stop. Jungkook's breath hitched, then curdled into something bitter and cold. You…