2015 ENTRY #7: the world is in your palm now so take a breath and calm down
Title: the world is in your palm now so take a breath and calm down
Pairing: j-hope/jungkook
Word Count: 5,453
Summary: "I can't do this," Jungkook hisses to Jimin, eyes following Hoseok who makes his way to the table.
Notes: so i know that technically jungkook is supposed to be a fourth year since his birthday is on the first day of the school year (september 1st). but let’s just say that hogwarts wouldn’t make a muggleborn wait a whole year to attend so as an exception, he’s attending a year early (so basically there’s one less school year in between him and everyone else).
“You,” Jimin punctuates the word by slamming his books onto the table, "are absolutely, completely, and utterly ridiculous." He scoffs, sliding into his chair and looks down at Jungkook as he makes a show of rolling his eyes
"No I'm not," Jungkook defends automatically, eyeing the ribs next to Taehyung. Besides Jimin, Taehyung snickers into one hand as he passes Jimin a bowl of noodles that he saved earlier with the other.
"You're hopeless," Taehyung pats his head with a sympathetic smile and Jungkook fixes him with what he hopes is his best glare for siding with Jimin yet again.
"I am not," he repeats, voice steadily climbing upwards as he most definitely does not slam down his chopsticks. Jungkook pinches the bridge of his nose, wrinkling it as he catches Jimin and Taehyung giving each other a look.
"Yes you are," Jimin scoffs and Jungkook sniffs, retaliating by stealing the meat from Jimin’s bowl.
"I'm not," he insists for the third time once he’s swallowed Jimin’s food. He shoves his shoulder against Taehyung's, causing the older boy to bump into Jimin and therefore sending him crashing into Hyunho. Hyunho lets out an indignant squawk before turning back to Sangdo.
Jimin glares at Jungkook, rubbing his shoulder. Jungkook offers a cheeky smile, the one that he knows grates on Jimin's nerves the most.
"Yeah," the shorter boy miffs and Jungkook whistles innocently. "At least I'm not the one who spent a whole ninety minutes yesterday staring at Jung Hoseok during dinner," Jimin says with a small smirk, reaching for Taehyung's hand by his side.
Jungkook can feel the heat rising up to his ears and he hopes that his neck isn't turning red, like it usually does whenever he's flustered.
"And how would you know that if you spent all of Quidditch practice looking at Taehyung," Jungkook deadpans. This time, it's Jimin's turn to flush crimson. "I'm not the one who almost fell off my broom just because Taehyung was waving at me."
Yesterday afternoon, Taehyung had oh-so-conveniently passed by the Quidditch field and while passing by, decided to sit on the bleachers to watch Jimin for a good ten minutes. And by that, Jungkook means Taehyung had gone all the way from the other side of castle and dragged Jungkook along with him. (Though that's only because the dance club meeting was canceled, he didn’t want to study, and he had nothing better to do).
"That's," the fifth-year sputters, hand goingup to the back of his neck. Taehyung lets go of Jimin’s hand, covering his mouth with one as he grips the table with the other.
Jungkook crosses his arms, smirking at Jimin and the shorter boy grumbles something about kids these days. Jungkook decides to take the higher ground and ignores it.
"Yeah, well," Jimin scowls and Taehyung is tugging on his robe. He clumsily places a kiss on Jimin's nose before patting his cheek and Jungkook pretends not to gag.
"It's really obvious you like him," Taehyung says for Jimin and Jungkook wishes he could be more annoyed at how disgustingly cute they've become in the past month since they’ve started dating. (Officially, at least. Jungkook has his suspicions that they actually got together at the end of last year).
Taehyung wraps his arm around Jungkook's waist, pulling him in closer to him.
"I'm not that obvious," he mutters. Jimin lets out a small snort and Taehyung pats his cheek before turning back to dinner.
Okay, so maybe Jimin and Taehyung are right. Maybe Jungkook does like Hoseok. (Just a teensy tiny little bit though.
It's not his fault really, that he came to Hogwarts and Jung Hoseok waltzed into his life like dazzling ray of sunshine, bringing warmth and happiness along with him. His small crush probably started when Hoseok smiled at him during the first meeting of the unofficial dance club- the one Taehyung had insisted he should attend because muggle-related activities were still somewhat rare in Hogwarts despite the recent changes.
It didn't help that Hoseok was kind enough to walk with him in between classes, even though he’s three years older, and explain parts of the wizarding world to him. (Taehyung’s explanations tend to glaze over some aspects, if not skipping them entirely. Though he can’t exactly be blamed since his mother didn’t know anything either).It didn't help when Hoseok would sneak him treats in from Hogsmeade because he was still too young to go, even though Taehyung and Jimin already got something for him every visit.
(Hoseok also helped the other two boys sneak Jungkook into Hogsmeade his second year, much to Namjoon's exasperation. It’s probably one of Jungkook’s escapades that he’s felt the most thrill on for more reasons than one).
It didn’t help that Hoseok got him a new broom for his birthday this year, an old hand-me-down Firebolt Supreme that his father had lying in the closet. And before that, he somehow managed to get Namjoon to buy him a broom (albeit it was a Cleansweeper, but Jungkook loved it nonetheless. He still has it stored in his trunk like a complete sap).
What definitely does not help is Hoseok's dazzling smile, the one where his lips pull back to showcase his teeth. Whenever he smiles like this, Jungkook can see the small chip in his tooth. His bright personality is infectious, and Jungkook often finds himself smiling whenever he's around. His laugh sounds like a dying cat at times, yet Jungkook likes it all the same.
"Well shit," he says to himself, looking down at his glass of orange juice. "I think I like him"
"Aren't you too young to be cursing?" Seokjin snorts from behind his Herbology book. "And who?"
They're both in the kitchens, and it's one of the few times a month that Seokjin has come back to visit. Right now Seokjin is working underneath the Ministry of Magic, but Jungkook knows that he's been eyeing the possible opening of the Herbology teacher at Hogwarts.
"Hoseok," Jungkook mumbles. "And I'm not four," he whines, pouting and Seokjin merely flips another page in his Herbology book. "You will make bulgolgi for me though, right?" He asks, looking at the plastic bag Seokjin had brought with him and licking his lips.
"Yeah, after I finish this page," Seokjin responds and Jungkook beams. He hopes that when Seokjin does become a Herbology teacher, he'll start an unofficial cooking club. Hopefully that'll be before he graduates.
"What do I do, hyung?" he asks and Seokjin snaps shut his book, putting it back inside of his bag.
"Just tell him you like him," Seokjin says, shrugging and Jungkook’s eyebrows furrow.
"No way," he grumbles, crossing his arms with a small huff. "What if he doesn't like me then? What do I do then?"
"Hoseok adores you," Seokjin tells him matter of fact. "Just tell him sometime when you're both alone, it's as simple as that." He advises, reaching across the table for Jungkook’s palm.
Jungkook makes a noncommittal sound in response before reaching for his glass of orange juice to sip once more.
The two of them are up in the owlery, tending to Hoseok's owl. Jungkook has Ikje in his lap, and he's combing through his feathers. They're soft and velvety, and he can't help but admiring the soft sheen to the motley of brown and white despite how rough Ikje looks.
"Wait, can you hold still for a moment?" Hoseok asks from behind him.
"Sorry," Jungkook laughs, trying not to squirm under the feeling of Hoseok using his back as a writing board. The touch of the pen is soft, but strange nevertheless. Jungkook bends, over, trying to give Hoseok a flatter plane to write on.
Next to him are several other sheets of parchments, all of which are part of Hoseok's letter to his family. Jungkook can't help but frowning, sometimes he still wonders what it would be like if his parents were both more accepting of Hogwarts.
"Done yet?" Jungkook teases, when he feels Hoseok's pen on his lower back. It's slightly ticklish and he tries not to shiver at the light touch. "You're taking an awfully long time," He notes, running another hand through Ikje's plumage.
"Done," comes Hoseok's muffled answer around a pen cap, He takes the scroll off Jungkook's back, fanning it a few times before putting it in the pile with the others. "I've been meaning to write to them for awhile now, but I kept forgetting. So I'll just write an extra long letter to make it up."
Jungkook nods, taking the pile of parchment lying on the ground. He waves the parchment a few times in the air, knowing that Hoseok hates it whenever his letters get dirty with owl droppings. His tongue sticks out as he carefully matches up the corners, folding up the parchment until it's small enough to fit inside an envelope.
"Here you go," he chirps, handing the envelope and letter to Hoseok.
"Thanks," Hoseok grins as he accepts the letter from him.
Ikje hops out of Jungkook's lap and makes his way towards Hoseok, making sure to display his wings. Hoseok lets out a small chuckle, and Jungkook ignores the way his heart soars. (It's the same feeling he has whenever he's flying a broomstick and through the sky. The light, dizzy feeling of vertigo as the wind howls and he climbs higher and higher up into the air).
Jungkook is leaning back on his palms, watching Hoseok figure out the best way to tie his letter to the small package he's sending to his family when he speaks up.
"Hey, hyung," he says slowly and Hoseok's head immediately swivels towards him.
"Yes?" Hoseok hums, carefully tying the ribbon. He's finished and hands it to Ikje, who takes it with his claws before opening his wings to fly off. Hoseok's gaze follows him and Jungkook can't help but think that Ikje does look pretty amazing while flying, despite his somewhat scruffy look.
"I- " Jungkook begins, faltering over his words. Like you? I think your smile is possibly the best thing in this world? Jungkook bites down on his tongue, unsure of what to say.
"Yeah?" Hoseok prompts him when Jungkook hasn't said anything after a few minutes. He leans forward, and Jungkook can feel his cheeks flare up. He wonders when he's started feeling like this around Hoseok, or if it's almost always been this way.
"I wanted to know if you could go with me to Sprintwitches on the next Hogsmeade trip," Jungkook says and inside he's scowling at himself. That is definitely not what he meant to say. "I wanted to look at some of the Quidditch equipment and maybe get some," he continues to babble and Jungkook wants nothing more than to faceplant into the owl droppings.
"Of course I will," Hoseok beams at him and mentally, Jungkook is still slapping himself. Jimin and Taehyung are sure going to have a laugh when they hear about this.
"I can't do this," Jungkook hisses to Jimin, eyes following Hoseok who makes his way to the Ravenclaw table. He slides in right between Namjoon and Yoongi, easily slinging an arm over them both.
"Can't do what?" Taehyung asks, sliding in next to Jimin. He leans over to steal a boiled egg of Jungkook's plate and Jungkook scowls. He was going to eat that during Potions. Now he supposes he'll have to get another one.
"Our Jungkookie wants to ask Hoseok out," Jimin supplies unhelpfully, taking the egg from Taehyung and peeling it for him.
Jungkook glowers, bringing back his foot to kick Jimin in the shin. Jimin's eyes end up watering, and he moves down to clutch his knee. Jungkook can't help but feel a little bit smug, that should put Hufflepuff's star Beater out of commission for today's practice match.
"I hate you," Jungkook says.
"No, you love me," Jimin responds, eyes still watering as he grips his leg.
"Aw," Taehyung coos, leaning over the table once more. He pinches Jungkook's cheek and Jungkook scrunches up his face. The sleeve of Taehyung's robe accidentally dips into a bowl of maple syrup and if Seokjin were still able to sit with them, he'd be horrified.
"Just ask him out," Jimin tells him, handing the egg over to Taehyung. His face is still twisted in pain, and Jungkook resists the urge of taking out his cellphone to take a picture of him.
"But it's- ," Jungkook's ears redden and he pokes at the toast on his plate with his fork. He clamps his mouth shut as soon as he sees Hoseok getting up, making his way over to their table.
"But it's what?" the other Gryffindor inquires, tilting his head to the side. He closes his mouth as soon as he sees Hoseok slide in next to Jungkook, and Jungkook is somehow more conscious than ever of Hoseok’s proximity. Or lack, thereof.
Hoseok slings his free arm around Jungkook's neck, dropping his books onto the ground besides him. He reaches over to ruffle Jungkook's hair and Jungkook unconsciously preens, smiling at Hoseok.
"How are my favorite underclassmen?" Hoseok questions, swiping the piece of toast off of Jungkook's plate. He takes a bite out of the bread, speaking while chewing, "And what's what?"
Jungkook can feel the way Taehyung and Jimin's eyes are glued to the two of them and he willfully ignores them. Hoseok offers the toast to him, and Jungkook takes a bite. Taehyung has a small grin on his face and Jungkook doesn't miss the way he nudges Jimin's shoulder.
"We were just discussing," Taehyung begins with a glint in his eye that Jungkook recognizes all too well (it's the one he has whenever Jungkook, or someone else, suggests a prank), but he's cut off by another sharp kick from Jungkook. His eyes start watering as well, and he sends Jungkook a hurt look. Ordinarily, Jungkook would feel guilty but this is self-preservation and all.
(Maybe this is why Jimin and Taehyung are obviously meant for each other. They're both have the remarkable ability to unintentionally guilt trip others).
"When to finally teach you how to do a handstand," Jungkook blurts out and Hoseok doesn't bat an eyelid. It’s the first thing that comes to his mind and Jungkook mentally breathes a small sigh of relief. He sends another glare towards Taehyung and Jimin. Honestly, sometimes he's not even sure why he's friends with them.
"I can do a handstand," Hoseok objects, lips turning downwards into a small frown.
"Yeah, when you switch your pants and shirt," Jungkook snorts and Hoseok gives him a sheepish grin, eyes crinkling.
"Fine, teach me later tonight then. After Quidditch practice though, because we don't want Gryffindor's star seeker to get injured showing off, now do we," Hoseok teases, pulling Jungkook into his chest. Jungkook smiles back at Hoseok and warmth blooms inside of his chest.
"What is it?" Namjoon says taking off his glasses. He pinches the bridge of his nose, rubbing it as he sets his glasses next to his book with a small sigh. There are small red markings on both sides of his nose.
"Bad time?" Jungkook asks, hopping up onto the library table. He tilts his head in attempt to read the title of the book Namjoon has. He doesn't recognize it at all, and there's no surprise there.
"Nah, I could use a break," Namjoon tells him. He bends over the table, planting his face into the book and Jungkook gingerly pats his back. "I hate studying," the complaint is muffled through the thick cover of the book.
"It's okay, just two more years,," Jungkook reassures Namjoon and Namjoon lets out a loud groan. When he finally lifts his face up, there's a red mark on his forehead matching the two on the sides of his nose.
"Can't wait," Namjoon grumbles, reaching for his glasses. "Okay, so clearly this isn't Transfiguration homework otherwise you would have just given it to me. What is it?"
Jungkook bites his lower lip, chewing it thoughtfully as he thinks. Out of all of them- him, Jimin, Taehyung, Hoseok, and Yoongi- Namjoon is the only one who's dated. (Jimin and Taehyung don't really count, since they're dating one another. Hoseok has gone a few dates but never more than a few times. Yoongi just isn’t interested in dating or relationships).
He supposes he could have always asked Seokjin how to ask out Hoseok, since he was the one who suggested he confess in the first place. But it's too late for that right now, maybe he'll write a letter in a few days if he still hasn't worked up the courage (he won't).
"How do you ask someone out?" He blurts out and at first Namjoon's eyebrows furrow before a similar glint to the one Taehyung and Jimin had at the dinner the other day appears in his eyes.
"Is this about Hoseok?" Namjoon asks, grinning. Only it's more of a statement and Jungkook wonders if he really is that obvious.
"How'd you know?" Jungkook demands, only slightly irritated. "Was it Jimin? Taehyung? Both of them?"
"I didn't need anyone to tell me to already know," Namjoon defends and he holds up his hands. "It's already pretty obvious," he tells Jungkook with a small smirk.
Jungkook frowns at Namjoon, crossing his arms. "Urgh, do I really want to know?" He groans, tugging on his hair.
"To be fair, it wasn't you that was being obvious," Namjoon almost mumbles and Jungkook whips his head back at him.
"What?"
"Nothing, nothing," Namjoon says, holding up his hands one more. Jungkook squints at him, deciding to drop the subject.
"I just don't get how I'm supposed to ask him out," Jungkook grumbles. (It's definitely a lie. He does get how he's supposed to ask Hoseok out, only everytime he thinks of doing so his throat becomes strangely parched and clogged up. It's worse than the butterflies in his stomach he gets before Quidditch games).
"Just ask him out when you're most confident," Namjoon answers and turns back towards the desk to open his book. "After you win a Quidditch game, or something like that."
"And you think I'll really be able to ask him out?" Jungkook inquires, leaning in towards Namjoon eagerly.
"I think you can ask him out anytime," the Ravenclaw Prefect shrugs, pushing his glasses back up. "But yeah, I think the confidence boost and leftover adrenaline from a match might help you."
"Thanks hyung," Jungkook grins before leaning back down to where he placed his bag earlier. He fumbles inside for a scroll, slowly sliding it across the table to Namjoon. "Now do you think you can help me with my Potions homework tonight?"
When Jungkook hops off his broomstick, he's immediately swarmed by the rest of the Gryffindor house.
Taehyung is in the front of the crowd, wearing an old lion hat that Yoongi charmed for him last year. It roars every five minutes and every time Gryffindor scores a point. Taehyung has a large grin on his face, and he swoops in towards Jungkook with his arms spread out. The lion opens its jaw, roaring in agreement.
"I can't believe you actually did it," Taehyung hollers above the noise, pulling Jungkook in for a hug. Jungkook lets out a breath, laughing and wheezing because Taehyung's hold is too tight. He's soaked with sweat, bangs dripping and it feels mildly uncomfortable when Taehyung squeezes him.
The rest of the team is around them too, clapping Jungkook on the shoulder and he shakes every few seconds. Taehyung opens his mouthing, shouting something else but it's lost across the stream of congratulations from the rest of the team.
"What?" Jungkook yells back across the roar. He can't hear Taehyung at all with the amount of cheering Gryffindor is doing right now.
"I said," Taehyung repeats, shouting into his ear. Ordinarily Jungkook would cringe at the loud noise, but even with Taehyung yelling into his ear he can barely make out his voice. "Congratulations on catching the Snitch. Now you just have to beat Hufflepuff and Jimin in the next game."
"Thanks," Jungkook screams back, feeling the grin stretch wider on his face. He feels immeasurable pride surging through his chest. His heart is hammering not just from the rambunctious cheers of his house around him, but also from the adrenaline during the game.
He managed to catch the Snitch sometime while the Ravenclaw's Keeper was distracted from blocking the Quaffle. It was then Jungkook spotted the Golden Snitch, and shortly afterwards he managed to catch it.
Jungkook still has a large smile plastered onto his face once he steps out of Gryffindor's locker rooms. His bangs are dripping from the shower he's just taken and he no longer smells like month-old socks.
His heart is still hammering when he's greeted yet again by the rest of Gryffindor team. Jungkook's cheeks ache from smiling, and they only hurt even more when he sees his friends push their way through the crowd.
"Good game," Namjoon congratulates him with as he draws him in for a small hug. He pats Jungkook's back lightly, but Jungkook is sent sputtering the very next second.
"That," Yoongi smiles wickedly at him once he and Namjoon have drawn back, "is my thanks for winning against the team." He reaches up to ruffle Jungkook's hair and Jungkook scrunches up his nose.
"We're going to beat you guys in the next game," Jimin whispers into his ear as Taehyung pulls Jungkook into another hug.
"Sure you are," Jungkook says smugly when Taehyung pulls back.
Jungkook had thought his heart was racing during the game, but it picks up speed when Hoseok pulls him in for a hug. Hoseok has a smile stretched so wide on his face that Jungkook can see his dimple on his right cheek. His eyes are crinkled into crescents, and the same electrifying current that ran through Jungkook when he wrapped his hands around the cool metal of the Snitch runs through him again.
"You were great," Hoseok tells him, breathing into his ear. Jungkook's breath hitches, and if he thought his heart was already beating fast, now it's flying and performing flips midair. Somehow, three words coming from Hoseok brings a bigger swell to Jungkook's chest than all everyone else's congratulations and catching the Golden Snitch ever could.
"Thanks," he breathes out, not wanting to let go. From here he can detect the sharp tang of oranges coming from Hoseok and Jungkook inhales sharply. Jungkook's cheeks feel ridiculously warm, and he knows he has a stupid grin on his face. (He's already begun preparing himself for Taehyung and Jimin tomorrow at breakfast).
"We'll see if you can win against our house next time," Hoseok teases as he draws back and Jungkook's arms feel strangely empty.
"Oh we'll win," Jungkook grins back and his heart pounding loudly against his ribcage he's almost afraid it's going to leap right out.
Jungkook opens his mouth, a thousand different words rushing through his mind. They bubble at his throat, creating an uncomfortable lump and Jungkook closes his mouth only to open it once again.
Just like the first time, no words come out.
Yoongi looks at Jungkook with a raised eyebrow as Jungkook buries his face into his Potions textbook. Again. For what's probably the sixteenth time in the past five minutes.
"Are you alright?" He asks wryly, sliding the book out from Jungkook's head before he can faceplant it into it again. Jungkook ends up hitting the table with a loud crack.
"Now I'm not," Jungkook retorts as he rubs his forehead. He lets out a loud sigh and looks up at Yoongi, whose eyes are sparkling with amusement.
"Sorry," Yoongi shrugs and Jungkook scowls.
"It's so hard," he complains, fully aware of how he's whining right now. Yet he can't help but continue with indignation, "It shouldn't be that hard to ask Hoseok out and tell him that I like him, right? But I've already tried twenty-three times and I still haven't been able to say anything to him."
"You actually kept track?" Yoongi snorts and Jungkook flushes.
"It's not easy," he whines petulantly, kicking the leg of the coffee table in front of them. Yoongi rolls his eyes and Jungkook turns towards him, making sure to lower his lips into his best pout.
"Tomorrow," Yoongi drawls as he flops back into the corner of his armchair, turning back towards the bright screen of his 3DS, "meet me in the Hufflepuff Common Room. Bring your homework, because we're all going to be working on it."
The request isn't unusual in itself, since Yoongi, Hoseok, and Seokjin are usually the ones who make them all gather together to actually do their homework for once.
"Isn't that something you should be working on right now?" Jungkook can't help but retort, eyeing the large stack of books and paper in front of Yoongi. He can only count four times when he's actually seen Yoongi do his homework. (Yoongi somehow has the amazing capability of not doing any homework, yet still understanding everything perfectly).
Snorting, Yoongi tells him, "Don't forget to come. Hufflepuff Common Rooms after dinner."
"Yes, sir," Jungkook replies, mock saluting Yoongi before slowly going back to his pile of homework sitting on the table as well.
After dinner, Jungkook makes his way to the Hufflepuff Common Room. He hasn't seen Taehyung or Jimin at all during dinner, a rare occurrence. (He only caught a glimpse of Namjoon at the end of dinner, who shuffled off quickly before Jungkook could say anything).
Hoseok had an appointment during dinner, and Yoongi was no where to be found so for the first time in awhile Jungkook ate dinner alone.
When he finally gets to the Common Room, after turning a right in a nook in the kitchen corner and tapping out Helga Hufflepuff on the barrel second from the bottom in the middle row, the only person he sees is Yoongi.
(Actually, he did see Hansol and Byungjoo making out in the corner of the Common Room, but he'd prefer not to of how enthusiastically his two upperclassmen are shoving their tongues down each others throats).
"You're late," Yoongi sniffs as he snaps his notebook shut.
"Sorry," Jungkook shrugs.
Yoongi lets out an exasperated sigh as he swings his arm over Jungkook's shoulder, steering him towards the dormitory. "Come on, Hoseok is already in the dorm room."
"Where's Taehyung and Jimin?" Jungkook asks as they walks through the hallway.
Yoongi gives him a half-shrug, "They said something about going on a date, or whatever. I'm not even sure, you know how those two are always up to something."
Jungkook frowns as he walks through the door of Hoseok's dorm. Hoseok is seated at the foot of his bed, knees curled up with a scroll lying on top. When Jungkook enters the room Hoseok's head snaps up and his lips slowly start turning upwards into a warm smile.
"And Namjoon?" Jungkook asks, ignoring the way his heart flutters in return. He turns back to look over his shoulder, only to find Yoongi halfway out the door. "Where are you going?" He inquires, pausing mid-step.
"To find Namjoon," Yoongi dismisses with a wave of his hand.
The door slams shut behind him, and Jungkook can hear the gears of the lock rotating along with a small murmur. Only once the noise of grating metal stops does the realization dawn upon him that this is what Yoongi meant by "helping him."
"Have fun with each other," the seventh-year Ravenclaw cackles from behind the other door. Jungkook feels a heavy weight plummet in his stomach as he hears Yoongi's footsteps slowly fade. (He makes a careful note to get back at Yoongi somehow before he graduates).
"Did he just lock us in here?" Hoseok asks incredulously as his pen stops moving. Jungkook nods in affirmation. "I guess he's not coming back
He makes his way towards Hoseok, and for some odd reason his entire body feels tenser than it does before a Quidditch game. Hoseok scoots to the side accordingly, but they're still sitting close enough that their elbows bump into one another when Hoseok starts writing again.
Jungkook hesitates before he leans against Hoseok, gingerly placing his head on his shoulder. He still feels tense, his entire body is thrumming with a nervous kind of energy that he's never felt before. He feels jittery, almost twitchy and he takes a deep breath to calm himself.
Hoseok leans his head on his and Jungkook shuts his eyes. Hoseok radiates a warmth and calmness that Jungkook has never known another person to. (It's almost like the comforting presence Seokjin has, yet somehow much more). He can still smell oranges, only this time it's much softer and mixed in with a buzzing energy.
"Are you alright?" Hoseok asks, pulling back to peer at Jungkook. He moves Jungkook's bangs aside, and Jungkook dimly registers the sound of Hoseok's pen dropping on the hardwood floor.
"I'm alright," he croaks, swallowing the lump in his throat. Once again, the words are bubbling in his throat and Jungkook just can't seem to get them out.
"You've been acting kind of strange lately. Is it the upcoming Quidditch match?" the sixth-year asks, eyes gazing intently on Jungkook. Jungkook feels like his face is on fire. Hoseok has always known how Jungkook feels even before he does, and he's always almost never broached a subject unless Jungkook broaches it himself.
He shakes his head, willing his heart to calm down and for the lodge in his throat to move.
"Is it your parents?" Hoseok asks a moment later, this time much more softly.
"No," he rasps. Summer is only half a year away, and he's stored that train of thought far away (even though he probably should start thinking of it soon, since he's not even sure if he can go back this summer).
Hoseok tilts his head, blinking at him in confusion.
"It's just," Jungkook says. "I've been trying to ask you out and tell you that I like you for over a month but every time I want to say something, the words won't come out!" He blurts out, pulling at his hair in frustration.
The silence following is deafening, and Hoseok is looking at Jungkook with an expression that is, for once, unreadable.
Jungkook freezes, and his heart starts hammering. "I... can we forget I just said that?" He squeaks out when Hoseok still hasn't said anything.
"You've been trying for a month?"
"Y-yeah," he stammers out, confused.
"How about you try one more time," Hoseok suggests, looking down at him.
Jungkook's heart is soaring, performing the same flips in his chest that he does for his friends on the Quidditch field when they're alone. He can feel the corner of his lips tugging upwards, and the tension in his body is no longer the nervous kind.
Jungkook opens his mouth, and this time the words come out.
"You two," Yoongi practically spits out as he wrinkles his face into an expression of utmost disgust, "are absolutely, completely, and utterly disgusting."
"They're taking our spot," Taehyung says very seriously, turning around to look at Jimin. Jimin returns his gaze, and a wide grin forms on both of their faces.
"Oh fuck no," Yoongi hisses as he grabs the nearest object, a blueberry muffin, and throws it. It hits Jimin square in the face, bouncing off his left cheek and onto the floor.
Taehyung ducks down immediately, picking up the muffin, He tears off a piece, popping it in his mouth before tearing off another piece, giving it to Jimin.
Namjoon looks somewhat pained at the way Jimin and Taehyung are staring at each other, an expression so intimate that it's amazing how the two of them are only holding hands. (Though by now, all of them should be used to it. Jimin and Taehyung have been giving each other these looks for almost a year at this point).
Besides him, Hoseok snorts as Yoongi buries his face into the table. He makes a choking sound, spitting his milk back out into his cup. It's completely unattractive, and almost disgusting.
Jungkook finds himself laughing at Hoseok as he wheezes, one hand hitting his back in effort to help ease his pain. His cheeks starting to ache, and he's soon out of breath from laughing too hard. Just looking at Hoseok, Jungkook feels incredibly warm.
"Sorry," he says smugly as he reaches for Hoseok's hand with his free one to intertwine their finger and he's not sorry in the slightest.
Pairing: j-hope/jungkook
Word Count: 5,453
Summary: "I can't do this," Jungkook hisses to Jimin, eyes following Hoseok who makes his way to the table.
Notes: so i know that technically jungkook is supposed to be a fourth year since his birthday is on the first day of the school year (september 1st). but let’s just say that hogwarts wouldn’t make a muggleborn wait a whole year to attend so as an exception, he’s attending a year early (so basically there’s one less school year in between him and everyone else).
“You,” Jimin punctuates the word by slamming his books onto the table, "are absolutely, completely, and utterly ridiculous." He scoffs, sliding into his chair and looks down at Jungkook as he makes a show of rolling his eyes
"No I'm not," Jungkook defends automatically, eyeing the ribs next to Taehyung. Besides Jimin, Taehyung snickers into one hand as he passes Jimin a bowl of noodles that he saved earlier with the other.
"You're hopeless," Taehyung pats his head with a sympathetic smile and Jungkook fixes him with what he hopes is his best glare for siding with Jimin yet again.
"I am not," he repeats, voice steadily climbing upwards as he most definitely does not slam down his chopsticks. Jungkook pinches the bridge of his nose, wrinkling it as he catches Jimin and Taehyung giving each other a look.
"Yes you are," Jimin scoffs and Jungkook sniffs, retaliating by stealing the meat from Jimin’s bowl.
"I'm not," he insists for the third time once he’s swallowed Jimin’s food. He shoves his shoulder against Taehyung's, causing the older boy to bump into Jimin and therefore sending him crashing into Hyunho. Hyunho lets out an indignant squawk before turning back to Sangdo.
Jimin glares at Jungkook, rubbing his shoulder. Jungkook offers a cheeky smile, the one that he knows grates on Jimin's nerves the most.
"Yeah," the shorter boy miffs and Jungkook whistles innocently. "At least I'm not the one who spent a whole ninety minutes yesterday staring at Jung Hoseok during dinner," Jimin says with a small smirk, reaching for Taehyung's hand by his side.
Jungkook can feel the heat rising up to his ears and he hopes that his neck isn't turning red, like it usually does whenever he's flustered.
"And how would you know that if you spent all of Quidditch practice looking at Taehyung," Jungkook deadpans. This time, it's Jimin's turn to flush crimson. "I'm not the one who almost fell off my broom just because Taehyung was waving at me."
Yesterday afternoon, Taehyung had oh-so-conveniently passed by the Quidditch field and while passing by, decided to sit on the bleachers to watch Jimin for a good ten minutes. And by that, Jungkook means Taehyung had gone all the way from the other side of castle and dragged Jungkook along with him. (Though that's only because the dance club meeting was canceled, he didn’t want to study, and he had nothing better to do).
"That's," the fifth-year sputters, hand goingup to the back of his neck. Taehyung lets go of Jimin’s hand, covering his mouth with one as he grips the table with the other.
Jungkook crosses his arms, smirking at Jimin and the shorter boy grumbles something about kids these days. Jungkook decides to take the higher ground and ignores it.
"Yeah, well," Jimin scowls and Taehyung is tugging on his robe. He clumsily places a kiss on Jimin's nose before patting his cheek and Jungkook pretends not to gag.
"It's really obvious you like him," Taehyung says for Jimin and Jungkook wishes he could be more annoyed at how disgustingly cute they've become in the past month since they’ve started dating. (Officially, at least. Jungkook has his suspicions that they actually got together at the end of last year).
Taehyung wraps his arm around Jungkook's waist, pulling him in closer to him.
"I'm not that obvious," he mutters. Jimin lets out a small snort and Taehyung pats his cheek before turning back to dinner.
Okay, so maybe Jimin and Taehyung are right. Maybe Jungkook does like Hoseok. (Just a teensy tiny little bit though.
It's not his fault really, that he came to Hogwarts and Jung Hoseok waltzed into his life like dazzling ray of sunshine, bringing warmth and happiness along with him. His small crush probably started when Hoseok smiled at him during the first meeting of the unofficial dance club- the one Taehyung had insisted he should attend because muggle-related activities were still somewhat rare in Hogwarts despite the recent changes.
It didn't help that Hoseok was kind enough to walk with him in between classes, even though he’s three years older, and explain parts of the wizarding world to him. (Taehyung’s explanations tend to glaze over some aspects, if not skipping them entirely. Though he can’t exactly be blamed since his mother didn’t know anything either).It didn't help when Hoseok would sneak him treats in from Hogsmeade because he was still too young to go, even though Taehyung and Jimin already got something for him every visit.
(Hoseok also helped the other two boys sneak Jungkook into Hogsmeade his second year, much to Namjoon's exasperation. It’s probably one of Jungkook’s escapades that he’s felt the most thrill on for more reasons than one).
It didn’t help that Hoseok got him a new broom for his birthday this year, an old hand-me-down Firebolt Supreme that his father had lying in the closet. And before that, he somehow managed to get Namjoon to buy him a broom (albeit it was a Cleansweeper, but Jungkook loved it nonetheless. He still has it stored in his trunk like a complete sap).
What definitely does not help is Hoseok's dazzling smile, the one where his lips pull back to showcase his teeth. Whenever he smiles like this, Jungkook can see the small chip in his tooth. His bright personality is infectious, and Jungkook often finds himself smiling whenever he's around. His laugh sounds like a dying cat at times, yet Jungkook likes it all the same.
"Well shit," he says to himself, looking down at his glass of orange juice. "I think I like him"
"Aren't you too young to be cursing?" Seokjin snorts from behind his Herbology book. "And who?"
They're both in the kitchens, and it's one of the few times a month that Seokjin has come back to visit. Right now Seokjin is working underneath the Ministry of Magic, but Jungkook knows that he's been eyeing the possible opening of the Herbology teacher at Hogwarts.
"Hoseok," Jungkook mumbles. "And I'm not four," he whines, pouting and Seokjin merely flips another page in his Herbology book. "You will make bulgolgi for me though, right?" He asks, looking at the plastic bag Seokjin had brought with him and licking his lips.
"Yeah, after I finish this page," Seokjin responds and Jungkook beams. He hopes that when Seokjin does become a Herbology teacher, he'll start an unofficial cooking club. Hopefully that'll be before he graduates.
"What do I do, hyung?" he asks and Seokjin snaps shut his book, putting it back inside of his bag.
"Just tell him you like him," Seokjin says, shrugging and Jungkook’s eyebrows furrow.
"No way," he grumbles, crossing his arms with a small huff. "What if he doesn't like me then? What do I do then?"
"Hoseok adores you," Seokjin tells him matter of fact. "Just tell him sometime when you're both alone, it's as simple as that." He advises, reaching across the table for Jungkook’s palm.
Jungkook makes a noncommittal sound in response before reaching for his glass of orange juice to sip once more.
The two of them are up in the owlery, tending to Hoseok's owl. Jungkook has Ikje in his lap, and he's combing through his feathers. They're soft and velvety, and he can't help but admiring the soft sheen to the motley of brown and white despite how rough Ikje looks.
"Wait, can you hold still for a moment?" Hoseok asks from behind him.
"Sorry," Jungkook laughs, trying not to squirm under the feeling of Hoseok using his back as a writing board. The touch of the pen is soft, but strange nevertheless. Jungkook bends, over, trying to give Hoseok a flatter plane to write on.
Next to him are several other sheets of parchments, all of which are part of Hoseok's letter to his family. Jungkook can't help but frowning, sometimes he still wonders what it would be like if his parents were both more accepting of Hogwarts.
"Done yet?" Jungkook teases, when he feels Hoseok's pen on his lower back. It's slightly ticklish and he tries not to shiver at the light touch. "You're taking an awfully long time," He notes, running another hand through Ikje's plumage.
"Done," comes Hoseok's muffled answer around a pen cap, He takes the scroll off Jungkook's back, fanning it a few times before putting it in the pile with the others. "I've been meaning to write to them for awhile now, but I kept forgetting. So I'll just write an extra long letter to make it up."
Jungkook nods, taking the pile of parchment lying on the ground. He waves the parchment a few times in the air, knowing that Hoseok hates it whenever his letters get dirty with owl droppings. His tongue sticks out as he carefully matches up the corners, folding up the parchment until it's small enough to fit inside an envelope.
"Here you go," he chirps, handing the envelope and letter to Hoseok.
"Thanks," Hoseok grins as he accepts the letter from him.
Ikje hops out of Jungkook's lap and makes his way towards Hoseok, making sure to display his wings. Hoseok lets out a small chuckle, and Jungkook ignores the way his heart soars. (It's the same feeling he has whenever he's flying a broomstick and through the sky. The light, dizzy feeling of vertigo as the wind howls and he climbs higher and higher up into the air).
Jungkook is leaning back on his palms, watching Hoseok figure out the best way to tie his letter to the small package he's sending to his family when he speaks up.
"Hey, hyung," he says slowly and Hoseok's head immediately swivels towards him.
"Yes?" Hoseok hums, carefully tying the ribbon. He's finished and hands it to Ikje, who takes it with his claws before opening his wings to fly off. Hoseok's gaze follows him and Jungkook can't help but think that Ikje does look pretty amazing while flying, despite his somewhat scruffy look.
"I- " Jungkook begins, faltering over his words. Like you? I think your smile is possibly the best thing in this world? Jungkook bites down on his tongue, unsure of what to say.
"Yeah?" Hoseok prompts him when Jungkook hasn't said anything after a few minutes. He leans forward, and Jungkook can feel his cheeks flare up. He wonders when he's started feeling like this around Hoseok, or if it's almost always been this way.
"I wanted to know if you could go with me to Sprintwitches on the next Hogsmeade trip," Jungkook says and inside he's scowling at himself. That is definitely not what he meant to say. "I wanted to look at some of the Quidditch equipment and maybe get some," he continues to babble and Jungkook wants nothing more than to faceplant into the owl droppings.
"Of course I will," Hoseok beams at him and mentally, Jungkook is still slapping himself. Jimin and Taehyung are sure going to have a laugh when they hear about this.
"I can't do this," Jungkook hisses to Jimin, eyes following Hoseok who makes his way to the Ravenclaw table. He slides in right between Namjoon and Yoongi, easily slinging an arm over them both.
"Can't do what?" Taehyung asks, sliding in next to Jimin. He leans over to steal a boiled egg of Jungkook's plate and Jungkook scowls. He was going to eat that during Potions. Now he supposes he'll have to get another one.
"Our Jungkookie wants to ask Hoseok out," Jimin supplies unhelpfully, taking the egg from Taehyung and peeling it for him.
Jungkook glowers, bringing back his foot to kick Jimin in the shin. Jimin's eyes end up watering, and he moves down to clutch his knee. Jungkook can't help but feel a little bit smug, that should put Hufflepuff's star Beater out of commission for today's practice match.
"I hate you," Jungkook says.
"No, you love me," Jimin responds, eyes still watering as he grips his leg.
"Aw," Taehyung coos, leaning over the table once more. He pinches Jungkook's cheek and Jungkook scrunches up his face. The sleeve of Taehyung's robe accidentally dips into a bowl of maple syrup and if Seokjin were still able to sit with them, he'd be horrified.
"Just ask him out," Jimin tells him, handing the egg over to Taehyung. His face is still twisted in pain, and Jungkook resists the urge of taking out his cellphone to take a picture of him.
"But it's- ," Jungkook's ears redden and he pokes at the toast on his plate with his fork. He clamps his mouth shut as soon as he sees Hoseok getting up, making his way over to their table.
"But it's what?" the other Gryffindor inquires, tilting his head to the side. He closes his mouth as soon as he sees Hoseok slide in next to Jungkook, and Jungkook is somehow more conscious than ever of Hoseok’s proximity. Or lack, thereof.
Hoseok slings his free arm around Jungkook's neck, dropping his books onto the ground besides him. He reaches over to ruffle Jungkook's hair and Jungkook unconsciously preens, smiling at Hoseok.
"How are my favorite underclassmen?" Hoseok questions, swiping the piece of toast off of Jungkook's plate. He takes a bite out of the bread, speaking while chewing, "And what's what?"
Jungkook can feel the way Taehyung and Jimin's eyes are glued to the two of them and he willfully ignores them. Hoseok offers the toast to him, and Jungkook takes a bite. Taehyung has a small grin on his face and Jungkook doesn't miss the way he nudges Jimin's shoulder.
"We were just discussing," Taehyung begins with a glint in his eye that Jungkook recognizes all too well (it's the one he has whenever Jungkook, or someone else, suggests a prank), but he's cut off by another sharp kick from Jungkook. His eyes start watering as well, and he sends Jungkook a hurt look. Ordinarily, Jungkook would feel guilty but this is self-preservation and all.
(Maybe this is why Jimin and Taehyung are obviously meant for each other. They're both have the remarkable ability to unintentionally guilt trip others).
"When to finally teach you how to do a handstand," Jungkook blurts out and Hoseok doesn't bat an eyelid. It’s the first thing that comes to his mind and Jungkook mentally breathes a small sigh of relief. He sends another glare towards Taehyung and Jimin. Honestly, sometimes he's not even sure why he's friends with them.
"I can do a handstand," Hoseok objects, lips turning downwards into a small frown.
"Yeah, when you switch your pants and shirt," Jungkook snorts and Hoseok gives him a sheepish grin, eyes crinkling.
"Fine, teach me later tonight then. After Quidditch practice though, because we don't want Gryffindor's star seeker to get injured showing off, now do we," Hoseok teases, pulling Jungkook into his chest. Jungkook smiles back at Hoseok and warmth blooms inside of his chest.
"What is it?" Namjoon says taking off his glasses. He pinches the bridge of his nose, rubbing it as he sets his glasses next to his book with a small sigh. There are small red markings on both sides of his nose.
"Bad time?" Jungkook asks, hopping up onto the library table. He tilts his head in attempt to read the title of the book Namjoon has. He doesn't recognize it at all, and there's no surprise there.
"Nah, I could use a break," Namjoon tells him. He bends over the table, planting his face into the book and Jungkook gingerly pats his back. "I hate studying," the complaint is muffled through the thick cover of the book.
"It's okay, just two more years,," Jungkook reassures Namjoon and Namjoon lets out a loud groan. When he finally lifts his face up, there's a red mark on his forehead matching the two on the sides of his nose.
"Can't wait," Namjoon grumbles, reaching for his glasses. "Okay, so clearly this isn't Transfiguration homework otherwise you would have just given it to me. What is it?"
Jungkook bites his lower lip, chewing it thoughtfully as he thinks. Out of all of them- him, Jimin, Taehyung, Hoseok, and Yoongi- Namjoon is the only one who's dated. (Jimin and Taehyung don't really count, since they're dating one another. Hoseok has gone a few dates but never more than a few times. Yoongi just isn’t interested in dating or relationships).
He supposes he could have always asked Seokjin how to ask out Hoseok, since he was the one who suggested he confess in the first place. But it's too late for that right now, maybe he'll write a letter in a few days if he still hasn't worked up the courage (he won't).
"How do you ask someone out?" He blurts out and at first Namjoon's eyebrows furrow before a similar glint to the one Taehyung and Jimin had at the dinner the other day appears in his eyes.
"Is this about Hoseok?" Namjoon asks, grinning. Only it's more of a statement and Jungkook wonders if he really is that obvious.
"How'd you know?" Jungkook demands, only slightly irritated. "Was it Jimin? Taehyung? Both of them?"
"I didn't need anyone to tell me to already know," Namjoon defends and he holds up his hands. "It's already pretty obvious," he tells Jungkook with a small smirk.
Jungkook frowns at Namjoon, crossing his arms. "Urgh, do I really want to know?" He groans, tugging on his hair.
"To be fair, it wasn't you that was being obvious," Namjoon almost mumbles and Jungkook whips his head back at him.
"What?"
"Nothing, nothing," Namjoon says, holding up his hands one more. Jungkook squints at him, deciding to drop the subject.
"I just don't get how I'm supposed to ask him out," Jungkook grumbles. (It's definitely a lie. He does get how he's supposed to ask Hoseok out, only everytime he thinks of doing so his throat becomes strangely parched and clogged up. It's worse than the butterflies in his stomach he gets before Quidditch games).
"Just ask him out when you're most confident," Namjoon answers and turns back towards the desk to open his book. "After you win a Quidditch game, or something like that."
"And you think I'll really be able to ask him out?" Jungkook inquires, leaning in towards Namjoon eagerly.
"I think you can ask him out anytime," the Ravenclaw Prefect shrugs, pushing his glasses back up. "But yeah, I think the confidence boost and leftover adrenaline from a match might help you."
"Thanks hyung," Jungkook grins before leaning back down to where he placed his bag earlier. He fumbles inside for a scroll, slowly sliding it across the table to Namjoon. "Now do you think you can help me with my Potions homework tonight?"
When Jungkook hops off his broomstick, he's immediately swarmed by the rest of the Gryffindor house.
Taehyung is in the front of the crowd, wearing an old lion hat that Yoongi charmed for him last year. It roars every five minutes and every time Gryffindor scores a point. Taehyung has a large grin on his face, and he swoops in towards Jungkook with his arms spread out. The lion opens its jaw, roaring in agreement.
"I can't believe you actually did it," Taehyung hollers above the noise, pulling Jungkook in for a hug. Jungkook lets out a breath, laughing and wheezing because Taehyung's hold is too tight. He's soaked with sweat, bangs dripping and it feels mildly uncomfortable when Taehyung squeezes him.
The rest of the team is around them too, clapping Jungkook on the shoulder and he shakes every few seconds. Taehyung opens his mouthing, shouting something else but it's lost across the stream of congratulations from the rest of the team.
"What?" Jungkook yells back across the roar. He can't hear Taehyung at all with the amount of cheering Gryffindor is doing right now.
"I said," Taehyung repeats, shouting into his ear. Ordinarily Jungkook would cringe at the loud noise, but even with Taehyung yelling into his ear he can barely make out his voice. "Congratulations on catching the Snitch. Now you just have to beat Hufflepuff and Jimin in the next game."
"Thanks," Jungkook screams back, feeling the grin stretch wider on his face. He feels immeasurable pride surging through his chest. His heart is hammering not just from the rambunctious cheers of his house around him, but also from the adrenaline during the game.
He managed to catch the Snitch sometime while the Ravenclaw's Keeper was distracted from blocking the Quaffle. It was then Jungkook spotted the Golden Snitch, and shortly afterwards he managed to catch it.
Jungkook still has a large smile plastered onto his face once he steps out of Gryffindor's locker rooms. His bangs are dripping from the shower he's just taken and he no longer smells like month-old socks.
His heart is still hammering when he's greeted yet again by the rest of Gryffindor team. Jungkook's cheeks ache from smiling, and they only hurt even more when he sees his friends push their way through the crowd.
"Good game," Namjoon congratulates him with as he draws him in for a small hug. He pats Jungkook's back lightly, but Jungkook is sent sputtering the very next second.
"That," Yoongi smiles wickedly at him once he and Namjoon have drawn back, "is my thanks for winning against the team." He reaches up to ruffle Jungkook's hair and Jungkook scrunches up his nose.
"We're going to beat you guys in the next game," Jimin whispers into his ear as Taehyung pulls Jungkook into another hug.
"Sure you are," Jungkook says smugly when Taehyung pulls back.
Jungkook had thought his heart was racing during the game, but it picks up speed when Hoseok pulls him in for a hug. Hoseok has a smile stretched so wide on his face that Jungkook can see his dimple on his right cheek. His eyes are crinkled into crescents, and the same electrifying current that ran through Jungkook when he wrapped his hands around the cool metal of the Snitch runs through him again.
"You were great," Hoseok tells him, breathing into his ear. Jungkook's breath hitches, and if he thought his heart was already beating fast, now it's flying and performing flips midair. Somehow, three words coming from Hoseok brings a bigger swell to Jungkook's chest than all everyone else's congratulations and catching the Golden Snitch ever could.
"Thanks," he breathes out, not wanting to let go. From here he can detect the sharp tang of oranges coming from Hoseok and Jungkook inhales sharply. Jungkook's cheeks feel ridiculously warm, and he knows he has a stupid grin on his face. (He's already begun preparing himself for Taehyung and Jimin tomorrow at breakfast).
"We'll see if you can win against our house next time," Hoseok teases as he draws back and Jungkook's arms feel strangely empty.
"Oh we'll win," Jungkook grins back and his heart pounding loudly against his ribcage he's almost afraid it's going to leap right out.
Jungkook opens his mouth, a thousand different words rushing through his mind. They bubble at his throat, creating an uncomfortable lump and Jungkook closes his mouth only to open it once again.
Just like the first time, no words come out.
Yoongi looks at Jungkook with a raised eyebrow as Jungkook buries his face into his Potions textbook. Again. For what's probably the sixteenth time in the past five minutes.
"Are you alright?" He asks wryly, sliding the book out from Jungkook's head before he can faceplant it into it again. Jungkook ends up hitting the table with a loud crack.
"Now I'm not," Jungkook retorts as he rubs his forehead. He lets out a loud sigh and looks up at Yoongi, whose eyes are sparkling with amusement.
"Sorry," Yoongi shrugs and Jungkook scowls.
"It's so hard," he complains, fully aware of how he's whining right now. Yet he can't help but continue with indignation, "It shouldn't be that hard to ask Hoseok out and tell him that I like him, right? But I've already tried twenty-three times and I still haven't been able to say anything to him."
"You actually kept track?" Yoongi snorts and Jungkook flushes.
"It's not easy," he whines petulantly, kicking the leg of the coffee table in front of them. Yoongi rolls his eyes and Jungkook turns towards him, making sure to lower his lips into his best pout.
"Tomorrow," Yoongi drawls as he flops back into the corner of his armchair, turning back towards the bright screen of his 3DS, "meet me in the Hufflepuff Common Room. Bring your homework, because we're all going to be working on it."
The request isn't unusual in itself, since Yoongi, Hoseok, and Seokjin are usually the ones who make them all gather together to actually do their homework for once.
"Isn't that something you should be working on right now?" Jungkook can't help but retort, eyeing the large stack of books and paper in front of Yoongi. He can only count four times when he's actually seen Yoongi do his homework. (Yoongi somehow has the amazing capability of not doing any homework, yet still understanding everything perfectly).
Snorting, Yoongi tells him, "Don't forget to come. Hufflepuff Common Rooms after dinner."
"Yes, sir," Jungkook replies, mock saluting Yoongi before slowly going back to his pile of homework sitting on the table as well.
After dinner, Jungkook makes his way to the Hufflepuff Common Room. He hasn't seen Taehyung or Jimin at all during dinner, a rare occurrence. (He only caught a glimpse of Namjoon at the end of dinner, who shuffled off quickly before Jungkook could say anything).
Hoseok had an appointment during dinner, and Yoongi was no where to be found so for the first time in awhile Jungkook ate dinner alone.
When he finally gets to the Common Room, after turning a right in a nook in the kitchen corner and tapping out Helga Hufflepuff on the barrel second from the bottom in the middle row, the only person he sees is Yoongi.
(Actually, he did see Hansol and Byungjoo making out in the corner of the Common Room, but he'd prefer not to of how enthusiastically his two upperclassmen are shoving their tongues down each others throats).
"You're late," Yoongi sniffs as he snaps his notebook shut.
"Sorry," Jungkook shrugs.
Yoongi lets out an exasperated sigh as he swings his arm over Jungkook's shoulder, steering him towards the dormitory. "Come on, Hoseok is already in the dorm room."
"Where's Taehyung and Jimin?" Jungkook asks as they walks through the hallway.
Yoongi gives him a half-shrug, "They said something about going on a date, or whatever. I'm not even sure, you know how those two are always up to something."
Jungkook frowns as he walks through the door of Hoseok's dorm. Hoseok is seated at the foot of his bed, knees curled up with a scroll lying on top. When Jungkook enters the room Hoseok's head snaps up and his lips slowly start turning upwards into a warm smile.
"And Namjoon?" Jungkook asks, ignoring the way his heart flutters in return. He turns back to look over his shoulder, only to find Yoongi halfway out the door. "Where are you going?" He inquires, pausing mid-step.
"To find Namjoon," Yoongi dismisses with a wave of his hand.
The door slams shut behind him, and Jungkook can hear the gears of the lock rotating along with a small murmur. Only once the noise of grating metal stops does the realization dawn upon him that this is what Yoongi meant by "helping him."
"Have fun with each other," the seventh-year Ravenclaw cackles from behind the other door. Jungkook feels a heavy weight plummet in his stomach as he hears Yoongi's footsteps slowly fade. (He makes a careful note to get back at Yoongi somehow before he graduates).
"Did he just lock us in here?" Hoseok asks incredulously as his pen stops moving. Jungkook nods in affirmation. "I guess he's not coming back
He makes his way towards Hoseok, and for some odd reason his entire body feels tenser than it does before a Quidditch game. Hoseok scoots to the side accordingly, but they're still sitting close enough that their elbows bump into one another when Hoseok starts writing again.
Jungkook hesitates before he leans against Hoseok, gingerly placing his head on his shoulder. He still feels tense, his entire body is thrumming with a nervous kind of energy that he's never felt before. He feels jittery, almost twitchy and he takes a deep breath to calm himself.
Hoseok leans his head on his and Jungkook shuts his eyes. Hoseok radiates a warmth and calmness that Jungkook has never known another person to. (It's almost like the comforting presence Seokjin has, yet somehow much more). He can still smell oranges, only this time it's much softer and mixed in with a buzzing energy.
"Are you alright?" Hoseok asks, pulling back to peer at Jungkook. He moves Jungkook's bangs aside, and Jungkook dimly registers the sound of Hoseok's pen dropping on the hardwood floor.
"I'm alright," he croaks, swallowing the lump in his throat. Once again, the words are bubbling in his throat and Jungkook just can't seem to get them out.
"You've been acting kind of strange lately. Is it the upcoming Quidditch match?" the sixth-year asks, eyes gazing intently on Jungkook. Jungkook feels like his face is on fire. Hoseok has always known how Jungkook feels even before he does, and he's always almost never broached a subject unless Jungkook broaches it himself.
He shakes his head, willing his heart to calm down and for the lodge in his throat to move.
"Is it your parents?" Hoseok asks a moment later, this time much more softly.
"No," he rasps. Summer is only half a year away, and he's stored that train of thought far away (even though he probably should start thinking of it soon, since he's not even sure if he can go back this summer).
Hoseok tilts his head, blinking at him in confusion.
"It's just," Jungkook says. "I've been trying to ask you out and tell you that I like you for over a month but every time I want to say something, the words won't come out!" He blurts out, pulling at his hair in frustration.
The silence following is deafening, and Hoseok is looking at Jungkook with an expression that is, for once, unreadable.
Jungkook freezes, and his heart starts hammering. "I... can we forget I just said that?" He squeaks out when Hoseok still hasn't said anything.
"You've been trying for a month?"
"Y-yeah," he stammers out, confused.
"How about you try one more time," Hoseok suggests, looking down at him.
Jungkook's heart is soaring, performing the same flips in his chest that he does for his friends on the Quidditch field when they're alone. He can feel the corner of his lips tugging upwards, and the tension in his body is no longer the nervous kind.
Jungkook opens his mouth, and this time the words come out.
"You two," Yoongi practically spits out as he wrinkles his face into an expression of utmost disgust, "are absolutely, completely, and utterly disgusting."
"They're taking our spot," Taehyung says very seriously, turning around to look at Jimin. Jimin returns his gaze, and a wide grin forms on both of their faces.
"Oh fuck no," Yoongi hisses as he grabs the nearest object, a blueberry muffin, and throws it. It hits Jimin square in the face, bouncing off his left cheek and onto the floor.
Taehyung ducks down immediately, picking up the muffin, He tears off a piece, popping it in his mouth before tearing off another piece, giving it to Jimin.
Namjoon looks somewhat pained at the way Jimin and Taehyung are staring at each other, an expression so intimate that it's amazing how the two of them are only holding hands. (Though by now, all of them should be used to it. Jimin and Taehyung have been giving each other these looks for almost a year at this point).
Besides him, Hoseok snorts as Yoongi buries his face into the table. He makes a choking sound, spitting his milk back out into his cup. It's completely unattractive, and almost disgusting.
Jungkook finds himself laughing at Hoseok as he wheezes, one hand hitting his back in effort to help ease his pain. His cheeks starting to ache, and he's soon out of breath from laughing too hard. Just looking at Hoseok, Jungkook feels incredibly warm.
"Sorry," he says smugly as he reaches for Hoseok's hand with his free one to intertwine their finger and he's not sorry in the slightest.