Jungkook glances at Jimin, who is facing him, staring at the picture of the painting Jungkook’s showing him on his phone. They finished the paper research of their project, with only four days left until the project is due, Jungkook went online looking for inspirations for their painting.

“I was thinking,” says Jimin, “Impressionism consists of outdoors and the changing of the atmosphere and light,” Jungkook stares at him, listening attentively, “We can paint the sunset view from my backyard, we have a beautiful view.”  Jungkook smiles, staring at him as a strand of hair falls on his face, covering his eye. Jungkook stares at it wanting to move away from his face but hesitates, as if he can read Jungkook’s mind, Jimin runs his fingers through his hair, pushing his hair back, “So what do you think? Too simple?”

“We should do it, it is impressionist art, it’ll be fun” replies Jungkook, “Your neighborhood has a beautiful scenery.”

“Cool,” says Jimin, “So I'm not free on Friday but we can work on the painting on Saturday.” Jungkook nods his head, happy with an opportunity to spend some time alone with Jimin. Jungkook shakes his head, not wanting to get ahead of himself. The bell rings, Jimin hands him his phone and turns around facing the class, as Mrs. Jasmine walks to the front of their class,

“Good morning,” she says, leaning against her desk, “So I’m sure the projects are coming off very well, just as a reminder they are due on the twelve and on the thirteen, you guys have the presentation portion of the project. For today, we have an exam, which will take the rest of the class, if you finish early, feel free to work on your project.” The kids whine, the class fills with chattering’s of disappointment, not wanting to take the exam, but she has been telling them about since Monday. Jungkook smiles, he stayed up studying last night, feeling well prepared, he could not share their disappointments. Mrs. Jasmine hands out the exams, Jimin turns around handing the sheet of paper to Jungkook, their fingers brushing, 

“I hate tests,” whispers Jimin, rolling his eyes,

“Me too,” says Jungkook, taking the paper and passing the rest to Sarah.

The test consisted of seventy questions with multiple choice, truth and false and fill in the blanks test, as Jungkook excepted of an advanced class. Already halfway done with the exam, he stares at the clock, they still have a lot of time. His eyes scan the class but quickly looks down at his own paper, not wanting to be excused from looking at the other’s students’ papers. He slowly begins to read the reminding questions and filling them out. With twenty minutes left of class, already done with his exam, he was feeling too lazy to turn it early. His eyes glance at Jimin, eyes glued to his paper with his pen in his mouth. Hmm, he takes tests with a pen? His mind drifts off, thinking about the project, the due date and he just realizes, Valentine’s day is a few days away after their presentation. He is not someone who makes a big deal about holidays in general, so he did not understand why he is thinking about Valentines Day. He glances back at Jimin, realizing that he is getting up to turn in his exam, Jungkook sighs, following him with his eyes. Jimin hands the paper to the teacher and walks back to his desk. 

The teacher announces that there are only ten minutes left of class, Jungkook gets up and turns in his exam with half of the people done, there was slight chatter that the teacher had to hush them, telling them to not talk, as there are students still taking the exam. Jungkook leaning back in his chair, arm crossed, as kids begin to turn in their exams, exhausted from staying up, he just wanted to go home and sleep. When the bell rings, the teacher dismisses the class, Jungkook picks up his backpack, he feels a tap on his shoulder, it was Sarah. Ever since he refused to join the art club, they did not speak to each other besides casual greetings and smiles. He turns around, looking around and back at her,

“Do you have any plans after school next week?” she asks, Jungkook stares at her, blank, wondering what she wanted,

“I don’t know,” he replies,

“Well, the student council is looking for some art members to help decorate the school for Valentines Dance,” she says, “If you’re interested.” Jungkook sighs, not really interested in staying after school just to decorate the school, he sighs, his eyes following Jimin walking out of the door with his friends,

“I’ll let you know if I don’t have anything going,” says Jungkook, “Sounds fun.”

“Okay,” says Sarah, “Thanks.” Jungkook smiles and says bye to her, heading out, disappointed he could not walk with Jimin, even though they did not have any other classes together, he would still like to walk him to class.

Jungkook walks down the hallway to the cafeteria with his hoody and earphones on, feeling like the school has been dreading on, as he walks bumping to the song blaring into his ears, his unbreaking gaze to the floor, he runs into someone. They both stumble backward but catching their balance, 

“,” shouts Jungkook not realizing who it is, he looks up and he freezes, Jimin stares at him, eyes wide, as surprised as he is,

“Jimin?” says Jungkook,

“Jungkook-ah,” says Jimin. They both laugh after realizing they bumped into each other,

“Heading to the cafeteria?” asks Jimin, Jungkook nods his head.

They walk side by side, occasionally stealing glances at each other, casually chatting. Feeling shy, Jungkook smiles at him, it is the first time, he is walking with Jimin at school. They usually talk in class, but he never really sees him after that until lunch time and at the time, they both sit with their friends and with Jungkook being shy, he never could approach him. He would just awkwardly smile at him from a distance if he is caught staring at him, walking beside Jimin and chatting is a big deal and attention he does not want. As they walk inside, Jungkook’s eye scans the cafeteria that is filled with kids chattering and laughter’s, he gulps, feeling nervous as if people would know he likes Jimin just from a glance. He spots Yugyeom, who waves at him, Jungkook looks at Jimin and back at his friend, he really wanted to sit with his Jimin, but he did not want to sit with Jimin’s friends.

“I’ll see you later,” says Jimin before Jungkook could make up his mind, Jimin was already walking away towards his friends. Jungkook sighs disappointed, he really wanted to sit with Jimin, he walks to his friends.

“Wow,” says Yugyeom as Jungkook takes a sit, “Was that Jimin beside you?” Jungkook rolls his eyes, ignoring him,

“You guys became close huh?” asks Crystal, staring at him suspiciously, feeling cornered Jungkook, ignores his friends, taking out his lunchbox his sister made for him.

“Anyway, we have our first game this Friday, you guys better be there,” says Crystal, glaring at them,

“This Friday?” says Yugyeom, “I don’t think I can make it, I have an appointment with a friend for a game.” Crystal looks at him, pouting,

“Seriously?” she says, “Your video game is not more important than my game, you promised to be there.” Jungkook looks at Yugyeom who had a smirk, he sighs, he knew he was messing with her, as always,

“He’s ing with you Crystal,” says Jungkook, “The only friend he plays against is me.” Crystal slightly punches him on the shoulder,

“, that hurts,” shouts Yugyeom, “You punch like a dude, are you even a girl?” Crystal continues to hit him, Jungkook laughs, his eyes glances over at Jimin’s table. Jimin was smiling and chatting with his friends, as he can feel Jungkook’s gaze, he looks up, their eyes locking across the cafeteria. Jungkook smiles at him and he laughs,

“Jungkook, stop her,” shouts Yugyeom, Jungkook turns back to his friends,

“You’re going to send him to the hospital if you keep hitting him,” teases Jungkook, Crystal sits in her chair, pouting at her friends for teasing her.

“You, doofuses are the reason no guy approaches me,” she retorts, tossing a popcorn chicken in ,

“Or it’s the fact that they're scared of you,” says Yugyeom, he and Jungkook exchange looks and burst out laughing,

“ you,” says Crystal, “I’ll have a date by Valentines Day, you just wait, losers.” Jungkook and Yugyeom continue laughing,

“Wait, you don’t have a date for the dance yet?” says Yugyeom, “I already do.”

“Wait, you guys going to the dance?” asks Jungkook, flabbergasted, “I thought you guys said dances are for rejects last year.”

“Well, we were sophomores,” said Crystal, “We are juniors, we’ll be lame if we don’t to the dances.” Jungkook guffs, shaking his head, he finishes his sandwich and offers the other one to Yugyeom but Crystal quick grabs it, taking a bite of it. Yugyeom yanks it out of her hand, Jungkook laughs, at how silly his friends are acting, but it reminded him of their freshman year, they always use to think they were too cool to join any school events, such as dances, spirit week and assemblies.

The weekend came faster than Jungkook anticipated, after running errands for his father and sister, he heads to Jimin’s house since the sunset is at around 5: 43, he decided to go to Jimin’s house at 4:30. Since they are going to be using paint, he wore an old shirt, a black t-shirt and red basketball shorts and an old pair of converses. He pulls up to Jimin’s house, not wanting to just show up, he texts him to let him know he arrived. Jungkook looks around, the neighborhood is beautiful, the streets are quiet with architectural jaw-dropping designs and very suburban atmosphere. The door opens and Jimin in a loose white t-shirt and basketball shorts, Jungkook laughs,

“So cute,” he mutters underneath his breath, as Jimin walks towards his car, he rolls down the window, Jimin leans against the car,

“You can go park your car in the garage,” he says, Jungkook nods. Jimin moves away from the car, Jungkook drives the car into the garage and parks it. He gets off the car with his backpack, he closes the door, walking towards Jimin who is waiting for him.

“I already have the canvas and paints set up in the backyard,” Jungkook follows him as they walk around the house to the backyard. The backyard is large with a bean-shaped pool with trees surrounding it, it has a feng shui feel to it. The canvas was set up in the shade facing the pool with the watercolor paintings on the table. Jungkook puts his backpack on the table, taking a seat at the chair across from where Jimin is sitting,

“So, do we just wait for the sun to set?” asks Jimin, they laugh, Jungkook shakes his head, he looks at his watch, just twenty minutes, he looks up the sky, the sun was dimming but still full, they wanted it until the sky was different shades of orange and the sun was beneath the horizon so they can start painting the transition from when the sun starts to move behind the ocean. Jungkook glances at Jimin, who was staring back at him, he clears his throat, trying to think of something to break the silence,

“So, you going to the dance?” he asks, Jimin stares at him, blank for a second as if Jungkook interrupted his train of thought,

“I’m sorry what?” he says,

“Are you going to the school dance?” repeats Jungkook, hating the thought of Jimin going to the dance with someone,

“I’m not really into Valentine’s day,” he replies, “But my friend Sasha wants me to go as her date, so I have no choice.”

“Oh,” says Jungkook, “My friends are kind of forcing me to go too.”

“Well, looks like we’re both in the same boat then,” says Jimin, “You are telling me no one asked you to the dance?”

Jungkook shakes his head no, he spends most of his time at school with Crystal and Yugyeom, he had a girl ask him if he is going to the dance on Friday in his history class but he said no. She did not ask any more questions, now that he is thinking about it, maybe she wanted to ask him to the dance, he is glad she did not, he hates rejecting people, it always put him in an awkward position.

“How about you no one asked you?” asks Jungkook, biting his lip, anticipating his answers even though deep down he knows the answer is yes, with all the girls after him, it’s impossible that no one asked him. Jimin sighs, looking irritated,

“So in’ annoying, I mean what’s the point of a Valentines Day dance anyway,” he says, crossing his hands, “Most of these kids are forced to confess their feelings to their crushes, their crushes say yes just cause’ they want someone to go to the dance with, and then they never talk again. But that’s nothing compared to how annoying those cards are, they fill up my locker with them, saying the same like if you going to tell me you like me at least be original.” Jungkook looks at him, mouth open at his rant, he really hates valentine’s day, was it the fact that he receives a lot of meaningless cards, So a valentine card is out of the question, Jungkook tells himself. Jimin smiles at him, feeling embarrassed,

“Anyway, don’t let my opinion keep you from enjoying the romance,” he says, voice trailing off, he gazes at the sky. The door to the backyard opens, they both turn around, a woman in a long skirt and red blouse comes outside, with two glasses of lemonade, it was the same lady he saw the first time he came over.

“I thought you boys would want some refreshment,” she says, placing the glasses on the table, Jimin clears his throat, sitting up, barely even looking at her,

“Thank you, ma’am,” says Jungkook, with a smile,

“You’re the young man that came here a few weeks ago,” she says, smiling at him. She seemed nice, Jungkook did not understand why Jimin did not get along with his stepmom,

“Do you think you’ll be done before dinner?” she asks, looking at Jimin,

“I don’t know,” he replies in a low voice. 

“Okay,” she says, heading back inside. Jimin clears his throat, Jungkook looks at him as he gets up from his seat, 

“We should get ready to paint,” he says, Jungkook nods his head.

Their brushes move in sync as their eyes gaze at the fiery red orb of light slowly sinking beneath the horizon. Even though its motion seemed invisible with each , they capture the changes of the hue in the sky and effects of the city lights starting to shine as the sun slowly dims. They smile at each other but focused on their duty, taking turns when they need to and in low tone voice, they discussed what they were doing as to not make a mistake but everything is coming along well; their communication seen clearly through the motion of the paintbrush against the canvas, wanting to capture the essence of the sunset rather than focusing on the details.

With paint on their shirt and shorts, they smile at each other, proud of their accomplishment, Jungkook slightly goes over it, not wanting to miss anything, they stare at the canvas that was covered with intense colors, brilliant reds and oranges, yellows and blues illuminating the canvas as the city lights. Jungkook glances at Jimin, noticing the red paint on his cheek, it gets quiet, Jungkook with eyes locked on the paint on Jimin’s cheek reaches over with his finger to wipe it off. Taking Jimin by surprise but remains still, Jungkook’s thumb slightly touches his face, he locks eyes with Jimin who was staring at him, as if he is trying his thought, everything turning into a meaningless backdrop. Jungkook’s heart starts to beat faster and stomach flutters at the unexpected eye contact. He wanted to wipe off the paint on his cheek but got lost in his eyes instead, his finger lingering on his soft and smooth egglike skin, breathing at the same pace, unable to look away.

The sound of the door opening breaks their gaze, both quickly turning away, feeling shy, they both start to laugh,

“Mom wants to know if you’re done, dinner is ready,” says his sister, they both stare at her, minds blank for a few seconds, they exchange a glance, Jimin clears his throat,

“Yeah, I’ll be inside soon,” he says, “Go ahead and eat if you guys want to.” She stares at them for a second before turning and heading back inside, Jungkook smiles at him, not knowing of what to make of what just happened, wondering what would have happened if his sister did not interrupt them? Was it just the heat of the moment or does Jimin like him too? Jungkook shakes his head, clearing his thoughts,

“It came out great huh,” he says,

“Yeah,” replies Jimin, staring at the painting, “We make good partners.”

“Yeah,” says Jungkook, “We better ing get an A+ on it, ha-ha.”

They glance at each other, unable to keep eye contact, they burst out laughing, trying to get rid of the awkwardness and tension in the air. Jungkook looks at him from the corner of his eyes, wondering if Jimin felt that intense pull between them? or Was just one sided?