The barista at the university's café keeps telling Jungkook not to come back, but Jungkook is too busy daydreaming about kissing the beauty marks on his face to be paying attention to his warnings.
Relationship: Tiger Tae x Bunny Koo
Rating: Explicit
Main Tags: Hybrids AU, College AU, Strangers to Lovers, Slow Burn (kinda), Coffee Shop AU, Tsundere Taehyung, Character Development, Light Angst, Smut, Mpreg, Social Commentary (Race, Gender, Socioeconomic Status), Tooth-Rotting Fluff
Word Count: 92,192
A/N: This is my BIG BOY !!!!!! The longest fic I've ever written (so far ?? maybe I will one day reach 100k). Idk how I did it. I’m listing this as complete, but new drabbles may be randomly added as I think of little slice of life scenarios I want to write. I'll probs post the chapters weekly cuz this is too much to do at once jhdfks.
Playing around still with my new drawing program. Have a Venor, one of my original characters. He's begging for some extra marshmallows on his hot chocolate. (Dogs and foxes may not be allowed chocolate or marshmallow, but dogs and fox usually can't speak, perform magic, or do space physics equations..)
There is a speed paint of this available on my YouTube page, AmberfurJ
The barista at the university’s café keeps telling Jungkook not to come back, but Jungkook is too busy daydreaming about kissing the beauty marks on his face to be paying attention to his warnings.
Relationship: Tiger Tae x Bunny Koo
Rating: Explicit
Tags: Hybrids AU, College AU, Strangers to Lovers, Slow Burn (kinda), Coffee Shop AU, Tsundere Taehyung, Character Development, Social Commentary (Race, Gender, Socioeconomic Status)
Word Count: 3,418
Soundtrack: Series playlist
Series Masterlist
Yoongi hyung
Where are you
You better not be going to that fucking cafe Jeon Jungkook
Jungkook
JEON JUNGKOOK DON’T GO TO THAT CAFE
Biting his bottom lip, Jungkook stares at the text message’s timestamp from five minutes ago. He cups his phone in his hands to block anyone from peering at the screen and dims the screen’s brightness, just in case the predators standing in line with him get nosy.
He’s at the cafe.
Obviously, he’s at the cafe.
It’s a Sunday afternoon, and Jungkook has no idea if Taehyung works weekends, but he’s here at Venor Cafe, waiting in line between a lizard hybrid and a jaguar hybrid. This time, though, Jungkook came prepared. He’s wearing a pair of loose sweatpants and a baggy t-shirt that falls past his butt. He used one of Yoongi’s hair ties to secure his ears and stuff them inside his bucket hat. Totally incognito. He could be a tiger, for all they know!
The thing is, Jungkook genuinely needs some caffeine. He’s taking a break from studying with Yoongi in the music studios, and Venor Cafe is the coffee shop closest to campus that isn’t overpriced. The possibility of seeing Taehyung is an added bonus, just a tiny extra component to the self-care errand Jungkook was planning to run anyway.
At least, that’s what he tells himself.
There’s a little jitter to Jungkook’s movements as he approaches the counter. His wide eyes scan the employees, and his heart sinks when there’s not a single copper curl in sight.
“Hello! Welcome to Venor Cafe; what would you like today?” the hybrid at the register greets. She’s a snow leopard with beautiful blue eyes and a spotted tail.
Exhaling the air he’d been holding in, Jungkook rambles off his order without any mishaps. He even orders something for Yoongi, hoping it can be a sufficient apology for going against his hyung’s advice. It’s nice of Yoongi to be worried about Jungkook, but at this point, Jungkook thinks he has made it clear that he can take care of himself. Just look at him now! A prey in disguise.
Despite the crowd that has gathered in the cafe, Jungkook receives his order fairly quickly. He lingers for a bit, folding napkins into the pockets of his sweatpants and unwrapping straws for both drinks he bought. Eventually, he runs out of things to keep himself busy and can no longer stall.
“Um, excuse me?” Jungkook calls out from the side of the counter.
The snow leopard hybrid looks up from the drink she’s preparing. “Yes?”
“Is, um, Taehyung working today?”
“Who’s asking?” Her tone isn’t necessarily aggressive, but the downturn of her mouth and the wrinkles between her eyebrows match the defensive question.
“Jungkook,” he replies, too caught off guard to know how else to answer but with the truth – even if Taehyung won’t even know who Jungkook is if his coworker mentions it to him later.
After appraising Jungkook and likely deciding he doesn’t look like a threat, the snow leopard replies with a simple,
“No.”
“Cool, cool. Um, thanks!”
Jungkook lifts the drinks and paper bag of mini donuts he’d bought with gratitude before ducking out of the cafe through the front doors. So much for fixing his bad first impression. Or was it his second? Third? At this point, Jungkook can’t keep track of all the failed opportunities to introduce himself to Taehyung as a normal person would.
Jungkook treks back to the library, balancing the drinks and snacks rather precariously through doors pushed by his hips and kicked open by his sneakers. He and Yoongi have reserved a study room similar to the one Jungkook often books with Suyun. Private study rooms are handy when he and Yoongi don’t feel like dealing with predators misusing the library space and treating it like a social hour.
Yoongi is curled up in the corner of the study room. He decided to forgo the table and sat on a beanbag he dragged from another room in the library. Jungkook thinks it’s typical cat behavior, though he doesn’t dare comment on it. Yoongi might not have claws, but his eyes shoot daggers.
“You went to the damn cafe, Jeon Jungkook.” Yoongi’s tail swats at the ground before flicking back up in the air.
“I brought back snacks!” Jungkook hip-bumps the door to close it and plops on the floor with Yoongi, holding out the iced Americano he knows his friend will like. “A drink for you, a drink for me, and donuts to share. I’m an amazing roommate.”
“You’re a pain in my ass,” Yoongi complains around a mouthful of donuts.
“You love me.”
“Sometimes, Jungkook, I think you are a bit naive.”
Jungkook rolls his eyes and gets up onto his knees to reach his laptop on the table. Careful not to knock anything over, he settles on the floor with his laptop on his thighs and his back leaning against the wall.
“Optimism and friendliness are different than naivety. You wouldn’t know because you’re a grumpy old man,” Jungkook points out as he pulls his hat off. When he finally unties his ears, he massages the base of each as they flop back into place, sore from being pulled backward at such an unnatural angle.
Yoongi closes the book he’s reading and smacks Jungkook in the shoulder with it.
“Take that back.”
“No!”
“Hmph,” Yoongi grunts, sounding just as grumpy as Jungkook knows that he is.
The two hybrids are silent for a while, both focused on their studies. Jungkook is working on designing a mobile app for one of his classes— it’s a video game similar to the Pokemon games he would play on his GameBoy when he was younger. From the looks of it, Yoongi is reading a novel, though Jungkook isn’t sure if it’s for fun or for class. That’s always how it is with the creative types, he supposes.
“Well,” Yoongi says slowly after clearing his throat. It comes out stunted, a little awkward. “Did you see your tiger?”
Cheeks heating up, Jungkook slumps against the wall and shrugs his shoulders to his ears.
“I didn’t…”
“But?” Yoongi gives Jungkook a sidelong look.
“But… he’s kind of in one of my classes now, so I’ll see him on Tuesday…”
Bewildered, Yoongi sets his book down and turns to look at Jungkook. His tail smacks Jungkook’s leg and wraps around his ankle, though Jungkook doesn’t think Yoongi even realizes it due to how excitable he’s getting. Jungkook still doesn’t know why this is such a big deal.
“How is he in one of your classes?”
“Hyung, I’m trying to do my assignment.”
“How, Jungkook?”
With a sigh, Jungkook puts his laptop on the floor and shakes his leg free of Yoongi’s tail.
“I don’t know. He just showed up last week. My friend said sometimes predators get to take classes with prey if they want to overload their courses to graduate faster.”
Suyun is probably correct; she’s one of the most intelligent people Jungkook knows. Jungkook doesn’t mention that she was the one who told him, though. He doesn’t want Yoongi coming up with any ideas about Jungkook being friends with one of the only prey students dating a predator on their campus.
“Jungkook,” Yoongi gives him an exasperated look, “I’ve heard bad things about that specific group of predators that Taehyung hangs out with.”
The confession doesn’t sit right with Jungkook. It feels like Yoongi is overreacting, and it reminds him of his parents. So many prey hybrids let fear and paranoia dictate how they live and who they spend time with. Jungkook doesn’t want to be like that, not anymore.
“And where did you get this information?” he challenges with his arms crossed.
Yoongi waves his hand, gesturing all around them.
“Everyone knows this. It’s common knowledge. They’re shady, okay? Starting fights at parties, drugs, sleeping around, stuff like that.”
Jungkook has lived a sheltered life, but everything Yoongi lists sounds like typical college behavior — at least, what Jungkook has heard about predator college students. Maybe he is naive.
“I promise I won’t do any of that stuff, hyung,” Jungkook says with a tug of Yoongi’s ear. “I’m a good kid.”
Yoongi scowls and smacks at Jungkook’s hand.
“A nuisance is more like it. Now do your assignment.”
-
On Tuesday, Jungkook arrives at his class on time, not out of breath and not sweating through his clothes. He crosses through the double doors at the back of the lecture hall and eyes the tiered seating as other students shuffle down the aisles. There are plenty of seats available since class hasn’t started yet. Near the front of the room, Jungkook spots Suyun talking with another student. Jungkook would immediately head for the fold-down seat beside Suyun any other day. He’d pull out the adjustable desk attached to the seat and prep his notebook for the day’s lesson, maybe even get out his phone to record the audio in case he got distracted. Jungkook wouldn’t hesitate to go to his usual seat any other day.
But today, Taehyung is on time.
The tiger hybrid sits in the back like he did the week prior. Again, Jungkook thinks Taehyung looks too big for the seat, his long legs and broad shoulders sticking out compared to the smaller frames of his prey classmates. His striped tail drapes over the armrest of the seat next to him, and his ears flick as Jungkook approaches him.
“Can I sit here?” Jungkook asks, the words nearly sticking in his throat.
Setting down the pencil he’d been twirling between his fingers, Taehyung turns his head to look Jungkook up and down. The slow drag of his gaze makes Jungkook’s skin prickle. Taehyung’s sharp, feline eyes trigger Jungkook’s fight-or-flight response. It takes tensing his muscles for Jungkook not to bolt down the aisle and sit with Suyun instead.
Part of Jungkook knows that this is an instinctual response to being near a predator. He wonders if Suyun still feels this way about Jackson or if she has gotten used to him enough that her body doesn’t react like this anymore.
An even tinier part of Jungkook thinks that, maybe, he kind of… likes it…
The adrenaline is exciting, and the dangerous energy Taehyung gives off makes Jungkook feel wanted – in a way he never has before.
Jungkook may be a bit naive, but he’s not stupid. He notices that Taehyung’s eyes linger on the smooth expanse of skin his shorts reveal. Jungkook silently thanks his morning self for picking a cute outfit for the day. He feels much better in cute jean shorts, a striped rugby shirt, and his artfully dirty white Converse than the usual athleisure he wears when he’s feeling lazy. Still, Taehyung’s predatory gaze makes Jungkook’s cheeks heat up, yet he refuses to look away when Taehyung’s feline eyes meet his again.
“Of course, bun,” Taehyung finally responds with a low purr that vibrates from his chest.
“Um, thanks!” A bit flustered by the unexpected use of the nickname in the middle of class, Jungkook quickly sits down beside Taehyung.
Jungkook tries retrieving his notebook from his backpack, dropping it on the floor twice before finally getting his desk in order. He can feel Taehyung’s gaze while getting his phone out to prepare the audio recording. A text message from Suyun is the first thing that pops up on his phone screen, and he sincerely hopes Taehyung doesn’t see it because it’s a complaint from Suyun about Jungkook ditching her for a predator.
Digging around in his backpack, Jungkook’s fingers scrape the bottom and find his back empty aside from his tablet and a binder. He’d been so worried about getting to class on time that he forgot his little sparkly gold zipper bag that carries his pencils and pens. This is what he gets for being old school and enjoying a break from electronics in his courses that aren’t for his major.
With a sigh, Jungkook leans back in his seat and weighs the pros and cons of asking Taehyung for something to write with or just using his laptop to take notes like most other students. He doesn’t have to worry about it for long before Taehyung decides for him.
“Need one of these, bun?” Taehyung whispers close to Jungkook’s ear, his breath tickling his neck from Taehyung leaning in.
With a shiver, Jungkook gently takes the pen Taehyung offers. It’s lightweight but smooth and inky, satisfyingly gliding across the page of Jungkook’s notebook.
“This is a nice pen,” Jungkook whispers back and feels silly for complimenting Taehyung’s pen.
Taehyung winks at Jungkook with a low chuckle before returning his focus to their professor.
Jungkook tries not to show how flustered he is, but he’s sure his scent sweetens with how embarrassed and nervous Taehyung makes him.
Unfortunately, class passes the same as it had last time– with Jungkook daydreaming about Taehyung and all the questions he has for him, and Taehyung being such a diligent student that Jungkook never catches him looking his way. Whatever Suyun said about Taehyung watching him must have been a figment of her imagination because Jungkook is positive he would notice if it was true.
Jungkook notices everything.
Taehyung’s fuzzy ears flick every time Jungkook shifts in his seat. He switches hands to write halfway through the lecture, perhaps because one of them got tired. His scent spikes closer to the end of class, that soothing smell of summer rain that makes Jungkook tingly all over.
It should be embarrassing how much time Jungkook spends thinking about the predator beside him and not what his professor is teaching, but it’s not his fault Taehyung is so alluring.
“And as a reminder,” Professor Jung raises his voice in anticipation of the noisy buzz that comes with the end of class as students pack up, “We’ll be choosing final project topics soon, so please don’t let that fall by the wayside.”
Jungkook has definitely let his project ideas fall by the wayside. It’s fine; he performs well under pressure.
Catching Suyun’s eye across the room, Jungkook sends a silent prayer that she doesn’t come charging up to him with Taehyung still in his seat. He tries subtly shaking his head at her, but he’s not sure his point gets across.
“Thanks, by the way.” Jungkook holds out the pen, but Taehyung doesn’t even look at it.
“Keep it.”
“But,” Jungkook watches Taehyung pack up his backpack, “It’s yours.”
“And now it’s yours.”
“But I don’t need it.”
Wearing a lazy grin, Taehyung grips the edge of Jungkook’s desk and leans in slightly, even as Jungkook subconsciously leans back.
“Y’know,” Taehyung begins with a lick of his bottom lip. When the grin returns, Taehyung reveals sharp canines that extend slightly further than the rest of his teeth. “I heard you missed me over the weekend, Jungkook.”
Before Jungkook’s cheeks even flush a deep pink, Taehyung is already pushing himself up to stand at full height. He gives Jungkook one last look and slips past him down the row of seats, never leaving Jungkook’s sight until he’s through the classroom’s double doors.
“What the hell was that?” Suyun is on Jungkook with a quickness, her large, rounded ears sticking up out of her straight hair.
Jungkook exhales slowly. “I… don’t know?”
Gathering his notebook and Taehyung’s pen, Jungkook almost misses the slip of paper folded in half and teetering on the edge of his desk. It’s intentionally folded and perfectly aligned at the edges, and the paper looks different than that of Jungkook’s notebook.
He doesn’t mean to be secretive, but Jungkook twists in his seat to hide the note when he opens it. Suyun is trustworthy; there’s no questioning that. Still, Jungkook wants to have the chance to process whatever this note is before he shares it with anyone else.
It’s a good call, considering what’s scrawled on the inside in small, messy lines.
vante95
2 pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays
10 am Saturdays
Jungkook refolds the paper and shoves it in his pocket. His entire face burns like a summer wildfire. He can barely stand up without tripping over himself, and he slings his backpack over his shoulder with shaking hands.
Taehyung gave him his KakaoTalk and work schedule.
Taehyung essentially invited Jungkook to text him and visit him at work.
Jungkook thinks he might be sick from how nervous he suddenly feels.
“Earth to Jungkookie,” Suyun shoves Jungkook in the arm as they go about their typical routine of walking to the library after class to study. “What is going on with you and that tiger, huh? You’ve been acting so weird the last week.”
Chewing his bottom lip, Jungkook contemplates how to answer Suyun’s questions. He opts for the truth, spilling his little no-so-secret infatuation with the predator in hushed whispers as they cross the main quad in front of the library.
“Do you think I should text him?” Jungkook holds the wrinkled note out for Suyun to read. A curious smile brightens her face, exposing her cute buck teeth.
“Oh my gosh, yes. He’s so cute, Jungkook! Don’t believe all that silly stuff about predators being bad. They’re not all so terrible,” Suyun urges.
If anyone knows what it’s like to trust a predator, it would be Suyun. Her encouragement is all the permission Jungkook needs to open the app on his phone and type in Taehyung’s KakaoTalk ID.
jkookie
Hi
This is Jungkook
Jungkook doesn’t know why he expects an immediate response; he already knows Taehyung has work right now. Still, he feels disappointment sink like a rock in his gut after five minutes pass and his message is still unread. Should he have waited to text him? Does it seem desperate to send him a message so quickly after receiving his contact info?
Trying to pull himself together, he gets settled in a study room with Suyun and puts his phone on Do Not Disturb. He may be determined to get to know the mysterious tiger hybrid, but school will always come first.
Suyun stands at the whiteboard, which takes up an entire wall. She works diligently to draw diagrams of something chemistry-related that Jungkook doesn’t understand– many lines connecting hexagons and acronyms he doesn’t recognize. Jungkook may be studying science, but not that kind of science.
“So,” Suyun asks as she writes mathematical equations in pink marker that look more confusing than the hieroglyphs they were just studying, “Do you like going here better than your other school?”
“I do, but I think it’s a lot harder here. I feel like all I do is study.”
Suyun laughs and smiles over her shoulder at Jungkook.
“I totally get that. We need to do something fun, maybe go clubbing. I could see if Jackson’s friends are throwing any house parties. I feel like there’s usually a few of them right before finals, as like, a morale boost.”
“I’ve never actually been to a party…” Jungkook admits quietly, though rather than embarrassment, he feels giddiness at the prospect of experiencing another new college experience he was previously denied.
Suyun whips around and accidentally flings her marker across the room. Giggling, Jungkook gets up to search for the marker.
“Oh my gosh, Jeon Jungkook, we are going to a party. What else haven’t you done? I need to pop your cherry.”
“What!” Jungkook nearly shrieks. The shock of her statement makes Jungkook mess up his throw, and he ends up nearly chucking the marker in Suyun’s face.
“Sorry, that came out wrong. I’m not, like, trying to take your virginity. Is that what you thought?”
Jungkook hides behind his laptop once he returns to his seat. He’s not ready to admit that, yes, he is a virgin. Admitting that usually gets him weird stares and inappropriate comments. One time, an old friend of Jungkook’s said he “screamed virgin”– whatever that means!
“Maybe we can start with a house party and go from there…” Jungkook offers with a suspicious look thrown at Suyun’s back. Maybe dating a predator has had an impact on the mouse hybrid, who otherwise should be naturally timid and prudish.
“Sure, sure. I’ll text Jackson right now. We’ll have all week to figure everything out.”
When Suyun reaches for her phone, Jungkook impulsively checks his as well. His heart leaps into his throat, and his palms sweat when he checks the notifications he’d silenced during their study session.
The barista at the university’s café keeps telling Jungkook not to come back, but Jungkook is too busy daydreaming about kissing the beauty marks on his face to be paying attention to his warnings.
Relationship: Tiger Tae x Bunny Koo
Rating: Explicit
Tags: Hybrids AU, College AU, Strangers to Lovers, Slow Burn (kinda), Coffee Shop AU, Tsundere Taehyung, Character Development, Social Commentary (Race, Gender, Socioeconomic Status)
Word Count: 5265
Soundtrack: Series playlist
Series Masterlist
vante95
what’s up?
“Suyun! Suyun! Suyun!”
Jungkook launches himself from his seat and bolts to the opposite side of the room, where Suyun is still drawing her scary equations and chemistry things on the whiteboard. He shoves his phone in front of her face and waggles it until she grabs his wrist to hold him in place.
“Calm down, young man.” She glares at Jungkook, but it’s not at all menacing, and they both know it.
It would be nice, but Jungkook can’t calm down. Every vein in his body jitters with something terrifyingly electric, like he stuck his finger in an outlet and tried to walk through the aftershocks. It makes him feel like he might pass out, but in a good way.
Maybe Jungkook needs to chill out.
Maybe Jungkook isn’t worried about that, though. What’s so bad about having a little crush? Jungkook has never actually had one, not a real one, so he thinks it might be nice to lean into it. Suyun encouraged him to reach out to Taehyung anyway. Jungkook would argue that he can’t be held responsible.
“What should I say?” Jungkook bounces on the balls of his feet, and he’s glad his shirt is long enough to hide his tail because it might be wiggling. Perhaps. No one needs to know.
“Oh no, I’m terrible at this,” Suyun hands Jungkook his phone. She pouts with a shrug. “I don’t even know how I got Jackson to date me. I’m terrible at small talk and flirting.”
Looks like Jungkook is on his own.
He plops in his seat, homework assignments forgotten. With his chest pressed against the edge of the table and his arms stretched out in front of him, Jungkook lets out a long, pitiful groan.
jkookie
Just studying with my friend 😊
What about you?
vante95
that’s cute
i’m taking a break at work
yknow
at my job at a cafe for predators only
jkookie
🫠
I don’t think it’s fair to ban prey from going!
The donuts are so good
vante95
so the donuts are why you keep showing up
that the only reason?
jkookie
...
Yes
vante95
mhm
interesting
jkookie
Is it?? They’re good!
I love the powder sugar ones
and the sprinkles
vante95
i would’ve thought you’d like the striped ones
jkookie
I
I’ve never had the striped ones before
vante95
lol
cute
anyway
if you’re gonna keep being difficult about this
at least promise me something
jkookie
👀 What?
vante95
only come during my shift
jkookie
Why?
vante95
so i can make sure no one eats you
“Oh, that’s kinky,” Suyun announces over Jungkook’s shoulder. “Tell him you want him to eat you.”
“Suyun!” With a gasp, Jungkook turns in his chair to stare at Suyun, wide-eyed and innocent.
“I don’t know. It seemed like a logical next step. He kind of lobbed it to you, right?” Suyun shrugs and returns to the whiteboard. “Make the basket, Jungkookie.”
Suyun has definitely been spending too much time with Jackson.
jkookie
Am I supposed to believe that your being there will matter?
It’s a risky text to send. Jungkook worries he comes off rude, especially when it takes a bit longer for Taehyung to respond than it did for his other texts. Before he can get too worked up about it, Jungkook reminds himself that Taehyung is at work. He might be slow to respond because he’s busy — which technically Jungkook is, too, but he decides that taking a little break from homework is needed.
Taehyung’s following text message comes a few minutes later, and Jungkook lets out a little groan because why is Taehyung’s level of cockiness so attractive? It shouldn’t be a surprise; Taehyung carries himself confidently, which was apparent from when Jungkook first met him.
vante95
i’m kind of a big deal
jkookie
What are you, their alpha??
vante95
did you really just ask that
jkookie
I have to go now
Bye
vante95
lol
see you tomorrow bun
Cheeks aflame, Jungkook slips his phone into his pocket and tells himself that he will not, under any circumstances, look at it until later tonight, after he’s finished his homework and gotten dinner with Yoongi. It’s their night to cook together once Yoongi gets home from work.
It doesn’t take long for Jungkook to finish the work that requires his immediate attention. He’ll deal with the other assignments later, like the Art History assignment Professor Jung referred to during class. Jungkook still hasn’t settled on a topic for that one yet. It isn’t that he’s slacking; in reality, he has many potential project topics he’s interested in and is having trouble narrowing down the list. Perhaps he’ll find time to stop by Professor Jung’s office later in the week to ask for help.
Saying goodbye to Suyun, Jungkook braves the dying evening heat to head to the train station. There isn’t a grocery store within walking distance of the university with all the ingredients he and Yoongi need for dakgalbi, so Jungkook has to travel a few blocks south to reach the neighborhood grocery store.
Jungkook doesn’t mind the commute or having to meander through aisles looking for red chili paste, shishito peppers, and cooking wine. Growing up with overprotective parents meant Jungkook spent much time trailing behind them, running errands, and learning about adult responsibilities. Time spent alone or with kids his age wasn’t a luxury he got to experience often, though he cherished those moments when he got the opportunity to.
So, Jungkook enjoys searching for groceries. He likes the colorful products lining the shelves, the slightly stale smell of some older grocery stores, and the dark markings of rubber-soled shoes smudged on the linoleum. Lately, errands like this have made him miss his parents, but not enough to truly consider himself homesick. His drive for independence prevents him from getting too nostalgic.
Hunger encourages Jungkook to finish up his grocery shopping quickly. He forces himself only to buy what’s needed and manages to fit most of the items in his backpack. With the wine in a grocery bag looped through his fingers and his backpack sitting on his lap, Jungkook watches the neighborhoods blur on the train ride back to campus.
The train isn’t separated by predators and prey like the university is. Most of the public isn’t, at least not legally. Jungkook has noticed that prey tend to flock together, rarely intermingling with predators unless necessary. It’s hard in an oppressive society where predators are always on top, even in a progressive city like Seoul.
Jungkook never thought about how predators and prey interact until he moved. Now, though, he notices so much more — like the group of predators who enter his train car a few stops before they reach the university. He recognizes a few of them, particularly the wolf hybrid from Taehyung’s friend group. The group doesn’t pay Jungkook any mind, quickly shuffling past him toward the back of the car, where there are more seats.
Disappointment uncoils inside Jungkook when he doesn’t see a messy head of copper curls follow the wolf hybrid when he walks past where Jungkook sits, but he reminds himself that Taehyung is at work.
It’s for the best that Jungkook has no distractions on his way home. Poor Yoongi will be waiting for him.
-
The third time Jungkook visits Venor Cafe, Taehyung is working behind the counter. He stands with his hip propped against the edge of the counter and talks to the snow leopard hybrid while she counts money at the register. The bills make a papery sound as she flips them between her fingers with practiced precision. She doesn’t look up when the bell over the front door rings, but Taehyung does.
Taehyung easily maintains his conversation with his coworker while his sharp feline eyes stalk Jungkook to the counter. The look on Taehyung’s face is nothing short of predatory, but all Jungkook can focus on is his comforting scent. He wonders whether Taehyung’s scent spiked when Jungkook entered the cafe or if it’s all in his head.
“Give us a sec,” the snow leopard gestures to the open register drawer when Jungkook approaches.
Jungkook nods and gives himself a moment to check out his surroundings. A handful of other customers are scattered around the cafe, none that catch Jungkook’s attention. He only has eyes for the tiger behind the counter, and Taehyung definitely has his eyes on him, too.
“Bun.” Taehyung leans his forearms on the counter, bringing him closer to where Jungkook stands just half a step back.
“Hi,” Jungkook says with a cheerful smile that isn’t returned. “How are you doing today?”
The snow leopard snorts, and Taehyung’s pretty mouth twitches at the corners. His dark eyes flit to the backpack slung over one of Jungkook’s shoulders, and Jungkook notices that Taehyung is wearing thin, black eyeliner, making his expression pointed.
“I’m assuming you plan on staying in here?”
He ignores Jungkook’s question about his day. It’s rude, but Jungkook will let it pass because Taehyung looks exceptionally fluffy today, and it’s doing something to his chest.
“Yup. I’m starting a new routine.”
“Oh?”
“Mhm, this is my time to decompress after class before my shift at the library starts.”
Taehyung bites the inside of his cheek, eyes flashing with something Jungkook can’t read. He straightens up to let his coworker pass, taking her apron before she disappears into the backdoor marked for employees only.
“That’s nice,” Taehyung comments, tone flat and almost bored. “Listen, bun, you’re gonna do me a favor and sit right there.” Dipping his head, Taehyung gestures to the large couch and well-worn leather armchairs directly across from the register.
Jungkook turns around to look at the seating arrangement. The chairs surround a glass coffee table stacked with old university event fliers and a few tiny potted succulents. The furniture looks comfortable, and Jungkook spots an outlet nearby.
“Why?” Jungkook asks, turning back to face the counter.
“I already told you.” Taehyung’s eyes travel down Jungkook’s body, pausing where his crop top exposes a hint of his midriff. “Gotta make sure nobody eats you.”
Blinking rapidly, Jungkook hurriedly breaks eye contact with Taehyung as a flush spreads up his neck and across his face. Never has he felt so attuned to his instincts as he does now, his entire body prickly and on edge. Taehyung makes Jungkook want to run.
No, Taehyung makes Jungkook want to be chased.
Shaken by that realization, Jungkook jerks into action. He gives Taehyung a quick nod and turns to the leather couch. On his way to getting settled, he nearly knocks over the succulents and sends a few fliers shooting into the air and fluttering to the floor like autumn leaves.
“Sorry, sorry,” Jungkook murmurs, snatching the papers and trying to ignore the low chuckle coming from behind the counter, eventually drowned out by the sound of the espresso machine.
Despite the unexpected start to his “Decompress Time,” Jungkook finds his rhythm rather quickly. The leather couch is worn but comfortable, with plush cushions that form to Jungkook from years of being well-loved by loyal customers. He rests his tablet on the arm of the couch to prop it up at a comfortable angle so he can work on his comic.
A busy schedule has prevented him from progressing much, but Jungkook has learned not to shame himself for moving slowly. Hobbies are meant to be fun; there’s no use making himself miserable over something that should bring him joy.
Perhaps Jungkook enjoys it a little too much, getting lost in the colorful worlds he creates with furrowed brows and a stylus gripped in one hand. After a while, the rest of the world grows fuzzy and desaturated, like the unfinished background of a lesser scene in Jungkook’s comic. He doesn’t notice the figure looming over him until his backpack is pushed to the side on the glass coffee table.
“One iced mocha latte.”
“But…” Jungkook watches Taehyung place the drink on the coffee table in front of him. “I didn’t order anything.”
Taehyung gives Jungkook a blank expression for half a beat before turning his back on Jungkook’s confusion and returning to the register as a few more customers trickle in. There’s no use in calling after him; Jungkook would prefer not to draw attention to himself, and he wouldn’t want Taehyung to get in trouble — since it mustn’t be allowed, right? To give away free drinks?
It’s hard to ignore the fuzzy feeling Jungkook gets in his chest when he picks up the drink and gives himself a moment to process that Taehyung remembered his order from weeks ago. Jungkook has seen the cafe during busy hours; he’s sure Taehyung has far too many customers to remember orders, yet Taehyung remembered his.
The drink is in a disposable paper coffee cup. Disappointment nips Jungkook in the heart when he realizes Taehyung has put his drink in a to-go cup as if to subliminally tell him to leave. Jungkook twists the cup in his hand and notices something scribbled with a permanent marker on the side — a small cartoon bunny with floppy ears and large, starry eyes. Underneath the drawing in messy handwriting is the simple greeting, Hi, bun.
Jungkook isn’t sure how much blushing he can take today. His body is heating up so severely that he’s worried his scent might start spiking from embarrassment in the middle of a predators’ hangout.
Taking a deep breath, he risks looking at the counter. Perhaps there is a different edge to Jungkook’s scent, or Taehyung has an uncanny sixth sense, but his eyes immediately lock with Taehyung’s. Like before, Taehyung’s expression is unreadable. Their connection is broken with a blink, and Taehyung focuses on tending to the next customer in line to order. Only the twitch of his striped ears give a hint that he might still be paying attention to the bunny across the room.
Jungkook takes a sip of his drink to stop himself from grinning.
Over the next few weeks, Jungkook visits Venor Cafe fairly regularly. He doesn’t come in during all of Taehyung’s shifts; Yoongi thoroughly explained how creepy that would make Jungkook seem. Jungkook doesn’t see the harm in it, but he trusts his hyung to know about these things — even if Yoongi tends to overthink quite a lot.
Besides, Jungkook knows that Taehyung enjoys having him around. Why else would he continue drawing adorable bunnies on Jungkook’s cups and leaving little messages on his napkins?
Sometimes, Taehyung is too busy to talk to Jungkook. On those days, Jungkook receives even more hidden messages accompanied by drinks and snacks that Jungkook doesn’t order but appear on the coffee table anyway.
From what Jungkook has observed, most of the employees are college students who aren’t the most ambitious and don’t always take their jobs seriously. They aren’t like Taehyung, who works hard and is attentive to his customers, no matter how tired he may seem. It’s admirable, and Jungkook likes how the more he gets to know Taehyung, the more he proves those terrible stereotypes people feed about predators wrong.
Even the other predators at the cafe don’t seem too bad. By now, Jungkook has spent hours on the leather couch that always seems free, even when the rest of the cafe is crowded, and he has never been treated poorly by the other customers. He’s starting to think everyone is overreacting. What are they seeing in the world that Jungkook can’t?
Considering he has no other predator friends, Jungkook figures he may as well ask Taehyung all his questions. But, first, he has an important matter to settle.
“So, why are you in a prey class?”
“I can’t talk to you, bun. I’m working.”
“You were behind the counter texting someone not even five minutes ago,” Jungkook challenges with a toothy grin, “Answer my question.”
Looking up from where he’s wiping off one of the tables, Taehyung gives Jungkook a long stare. His hair is pushed away from his face today, held back by a black bandana to match his all-black outfit. Nothing should be so attractive about a black t-shirt and jeans, especially not all-black Air Forces, yet Jungkook can’t get over how pretty Taehyung is.
What’s even more adorable is how the two of them probably look together, staring each other down in the back corner of the cafe, Taehyung in all black and Jungkook in pastels.
“I thought bunnies were supposed to be timid,” Taehyung finally comments with an arched brow.
“I’m not like most bunnies.”
Jungkook regrets his response the moment he gives it and internally cringes. Taehyung’s laughter makes it worse.
“Cute.” Taehyung smirks, the tip of his striped tail flicking from where he tucks it in the string ties of his apron. The placement keeps his tail out of the way as he works. Earlier, Jungkook almost stepped on it while following Taehyung around the cafe, and he isn’t particularly interested in finding out what an angry tiger looks like.
“I’m taking it because the timing for our class session conflicted with my schedule, and I needed to take this one now since I want to graduate a semester early. Trust me, I wouldn’t take a class with prey if I didn’t have to. No offense.”
“Why not?”
Taehyung rolls his eyes. “You’re something special, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I am,” Jungkook agrees with more confidence than he should have for someone unsure if Taehyung’s comment was a compliment.
With a shake of his head and a laugh that’s a rush of air through his nostrils, Taehyung fights the urge to smile as he resumes cleaning the messy table. Jungkook should probably return to his seat, but he’s having more fun bouncing on the balls of his feet while Taehyung scrubs at a sticky spot on the table. Part of that fun might be because the veins in Taehyung’s forearms become more defined as he scrubs harder and his bicep bulges against the tight cuff of his t-shirt.
“Bun.”
Blinking, Jungkook looks up to meet the heartstopping smirk on Taehyung’s face.
“Um, yes?”
Taehyung gestures to the side of his head, grin growing wider when Jungkook lifts his hand. One of Jungkook’s ears has fallen from inside his bucket hat, exposing it to the whole cafe. Jungkook quickly shoves it back inside the hat, having sworn he’d tied both back adequately, stress radiating from his trembling body.
“Hey, hey,” Taehyung’s warm fingers encircle Jungkook’s wrist and pull his hand away from his head. “It’s okay.”
“I’m not—”
“Can I tell you something?” Taehyung interrupts. He waits for Jungkook to nod before continuing, “It doesn’t matter if you hide your ears or tail, bun. We all know what you are, even without seeing them.”
“What do you mean?” When Jungkook’s face scrunches with confusion, Taehyung taps the tip of Jungkook’s wiggly nose with his index finger.
“Our senses are sharper than yours. Prey smell different.” Taehyung slips the cleaning rag into his apron’s pocket. He looks amused, as though there’s a secret joke to what he’s said that Jungkook doesn’t understand.
Unsure of how to respond, Jungkook stands with his fingers nervously tapping against his thighs and waits with bated breath as Taehyung plucks his hat from his head.
“I like your ears. They’re cute,” Taehyung murmurs just quiet enough for Jungkook to hear. He holds the hat out for Jungkook to take, then turns on his heel without another word, leaving Jungkook flustered — not for the first time, and certainly not for the last.
At some point, Suyun starts hanging out with Jungkook at Venor Cafe. The first time she visits the cafe is with Jackson, who Jungkook is surprised to learn is friends with Taehyung. Considering how tall and athletic they are, the fact that the two predators play on the university’s basketball team makes sense to Jungkook. A fox hybrid, Jackson moves elegantly and is quick on his feet, bouncing around as he playfully tussles with Taehyung before the start of his shift. The obnoxious display of predatory behavior makes Suyun roll her eyes, though her cheeks grow pink whenever Jackson smiles at her from across the cafe.
It’s disgusting couple behavior in the kind of way that Jungkook thinks he would quite literally die to experience himself.
Luckily, Jackson doesn’t frequent the cafe — not that Jungkook doesn’t like him. It’s merely that Jungkook enjoys spending time with Suyun, and it’s easier when Jackson doesn’t serve as a distraction.
Suyun argues that Jungkook gets distracted by a particular employee, but she doesn’t tease him too badly about it. Jungkook is grateful for that, considering someone else does enough teasing.
“Two spooky pumpkin cinnamon donuts with chocolate drizzle.”
Taehyung places two small plates on the coffee table in front of the leather couch — which has become Jungkook’s couch at this point. He has yet to arrive at the cafe to find it already occupied. What strange luck.
“We didn’t order—”
“Shhh,” Taehyung interrupts Suyun with a finger to his lips. “It’s officially autumn, and Jungkook has never had striped donuts.”
A wink is Taehyung’s goodbye as he returns to his work duties, leaving the pastries behind. They look delicious, and having tried the cafe’s other donuts, Jungkook is confident they won’t disappoint. He picks one up and cups his other hand underneath it to catch the cinnamon crumbles that might fall from it when he takes a bite.
“Jungkook,” Suyun whispers as she watches him chew.
“Hmm?”
“He gave you an orange donut with brown stripes.”
Jungkook nods with a little hum of appreciation. The donut is really good.
“Do you not get it…?” Suyun’s eyes widen, and her large, round ears perk up. She smacks Jungkook on the thigh with her whip-like tail when he doesn’t say anything, making him yelp. “Orange with stripes! Jungkook! The tiger just fed you an orange donut with brown stripes.”
Jungkook’s entire body shivers with realization. “Ohh…”
“Yeah,” Suyun scoffs, shaking her head. “Yeah."
“I mean, it’s just a seasonal donut. It doesn’t, like, mean something.” Jungkook gestures to the cafe’s large front windows as if to point out the trees' changing color and the skittering leaves along the sidewalk. “Right?”
Suyun shrugs and reaches for her own donut. “I don’t know… Is it normal for him to give you free food like this?”
Jungkook nods, and something weird inside him makes his stomach flutter when Suyun hums in surprise.
“Well… That’s… I mean, that’s interesting.”
Setting his tablet and stylus on the coffee table, Jungkook turns on the couch to face Suyun. “What do you mean? What’s interesting?”
When Suyun shakes her head, Jungkook musters up the most pathetic pout he can come up with.
“Suyun, please tell me. I don’t understand.”
“You’re ridiculous,” she mutters with a roll of her eyes. “It probably doesn’t mean anything at all. It’s just that sometimes gift-giving is a, um, it’s a component of—”
Before Suyun can finish her botched explanation, Taehyung appears beside the couch. He’s engrossed in something on his phone and no longer wearing his apron.
“Scoot over, bun. I’m taking my break,” Taehyung demands as he wiggles in between Jungkook and the arm of the couch.
Startled, Jungkook scrambles to the middle of the couch, giving Taehyung more room. He’s reminded of how big Taehyung is, with spread thighs and broad shoulders that brush against Jungkook’s. Today, they’re both in jeans, though Jungkook is wearing an oversized v-neck sweater, whereas Taehyung is in a plain t-shirt. It’s getting cold outside, but Taehyung’s body seems to run hot.
This is the closest they’ve ever been, and Jungkook feels like he can’t breathe.
“Is that me?”
Suyun smacks Jungkook on the arm, bringing his attention to Taehyung’s gaze. Following it, his stomach overturns with nausea when he realizes what Taehyung is looking at.
“What? No!” Jungkook snatches his tablet and holds it to his chest like a teenage girl who has had her diary read. “Why would it be you?”
Taehyung rests his elbow on the arm of the couch and holds his chin in his hand. His boxy mouth curves into a small smile, though Jungkook isn’t fooled. The giddy look on Taehyung’s face is mocking.
What can he expect, really? Taehyung has just seen the portrait Jungkook has been drawing of him.
“Let me see it.”
“No.”
“If it’s not me, why can’t I?” Taehyung’s grin is sharp, canines glinting in the natural lighting.
Jungkook thinks about how Suyun said he should let Taehyung eat him.
“It’s not good…” Jungkook makes up an excuse. The portrait is good; Jungkook has been working on it for weeks. He told himself he needed a break from working on his comic and wanted to practice realism.
Really, he just likes looking at Taehyung.
“Y’know, bun, I’m majoring in Museum Studies and Studio Art,” Taehyung speaks casually as though he isn’t at all phased by the fact that some prey hybrid who thrust himself into his life has been creepily drawing him while he works. “I know a thing or two about good art.”
Jungkook knew this. He was surprised when he first learned that Taehyung wanted to work as a curator or exhibition designer in a museum. It was a cool career aspiration that Jungkook had never considered, probably because his mind was always clouded by the financial stability entering the tech industry could bring him. Now that he knows more about what’s out there in the world, he sometimes has his regrets.
“That makes me want to show you even less,” Jungkook mumbles, sneakily turning off the tablet and returning it to the coffee table. “Maybe some other time.”
Jungkook doesn’t know why he pseudo-promises a future where Taehyung may see his artwork, but he can’t help it. Maybe it’s the enthralling look in Taehyung’s eyes when he realized the drawing was of himself. Maybe it’s the warmth of Taehyung’s tail resting on Jungkook’s thigh.
Maybe Jungkook is actually losing his mind.
“I’ll hold you to that, bun,” Taehyung says with a grin. His eyes roam Jungkook’s face like he’s committing it to memory or searching for something amongst the scar on his cheek and the beauty mark under his bottom lip.
The bell above the cafe’s front door rings, drawing Taehyung’s attention away from Jungkook. A group of predators enters, led by the wolf hybrid Jungkook has unfortunately run across far too many times lately. It’s odd to see the same person so often, especially in such a large city as Seoul.
“Hoseok hyung!” Taehyung waves at one of the men. For a moment, Jungkook fears that Taehyung is calling over the wolf hybrid, but instead, a snake hybrid breaks off from the group to weave through the tables.
“Taehyungie, what’s up? Are you not working today?”
Jungkook doesn’t miss how Hoseok eyes him and Suyun. However, he doesn’t know how to interpret the snake hybrid’s expression. The slitted eyes throw him off.
“Nah, I’m just taking a break. You guys still going over to Byungchul’s later?”
When Hoseok nods, the white scales that contour his face and collarbones glitter.
“Are you?”
“Of course. I need a fucking break,” Taehyung groans, leaning his head back on the couch.
“Bringing your… friends with you?” Hoseok’s eyes sweep over him and Suyun, again hard to read.
Taehyung shifts slightly, and Jungkook tries to scoot over to give him more room. Taehyung stops him by wrapping his arm around Jungkook’s shoulders and gently drawing him into his side. Rather than be startled by Taehyung’s sudden out-of-character behavior, Jungkook melts into his embrace. Taehyung’s body is warm and firm, and his scent is so calming that Jungkook feels like he can fall asleep from how comfortable he is. He doesn’t even bother wondering why Taehyung is acting this way.
“Oh! I’m hanging out with Jackson’s family this weekend,” Suyun turns to give Jungkook an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, I completely forgot to tell you.”
As part of their Art History class final project, they’re supposed to visit a new ancient Egyptian art exhibit at the National Museum of Korea. Jungkook and Suyun had plans to go together over the weekend.
“It’s okay,” Jungkook reassures her with a small smile. He doesn’t mind going to the museum alone.
Taehyung squeezes Jungkook’s shoulder. When Jungkook turns to look up at him, he still has his eyes on Hoseok. It’s a nice view, though. Jungkook can admire the curl of Taehyung’s pretty eyelashes and the jut of his plump lips. He has to fight the urge to nuzzle into his neck.
“He better not fucking bring any prey.”
Jungkook feels Taehyung tense as the wolf hybrid saunters to stand beside Hoseok. There’s something slimy about him, even beyond his gross comments toward Jungkook on his first day of school.
“That’s no way to speak about your hyung, Byungchul.” Taehyung’s response is clipped, a tone Jungkook isn’t familiar hearing from him.
Byungchul crosses his arms against his chest as if to puff himself up. He’s more muscular than Taehyung, but he isn’t as tall or broad, and he looks silly, forcing himself to seem bigger than he really is.
“You’ve already tainted the only predator cafe in the neighborhood by letting them in,” Byungchul gestures to Jungkook and Suyun, who frowns at him in a way she probably thinks is intimidating. “There’s no way you’re ruining our hangouts, too.”
The words don’t necessarily sting because Jungkook doesn’t know Byungchul, but they make him uneasy. It seems like a threat, something Jungkook has never experienced before. He’s never experienced any kind of discrimination before.
Standing up, Taehyung gets in Byungchul’s face, though Byungchul doesn’t back down.
“If you have a problem with them being here, you can leave.”
Jungkook, Suyun, and Hoseok watch silently as the two predators size each other up. Clearly, neither wants to back down, but Taehyung has an advantage over Byungchul because of his age and the fact that he works at the cafe. Eventually, Byungchul backs away with a glare in Jungkook and Suyun’s direction.
“Fine,” Byungchul grunts. He’s quick to turn his back on the group and shoulder through the front door, flinging it open hard enough that it’s loud when it slams closed behind him.
“What a little shit,” Hoseok says with a cackle that shows all his teeth. They’re pointy, too. Never has Jungkook been around so much danger. “He’ll never survive in the real world.”
Taehyung isn’t as amused. He motions for Jungkook and Suyun to get up once Hoseok has fallen into the line at the register.
“Can you please leave?” Taehyung asks with a weary sigh. Jungkook knows he and Suyun don’t have a say in the matter.
On another day, Jungkook would be sad, but he feels relieved to leave the cafe when Taehyung asks. He and Suyun don’t bother looking back when they slip out the front door like teens sneaking out of the house, careful not to draw attention to themselves.
“What bullshit,” Suyun huffs once they’re out of earshot of the cafe. She kicks a stray pebble on the sidewalk and watches it ricochet off a nearby tree.
“Do you have to deal with that kind of stuff a lot? Because of Jackson?” Jungkook asks quietly. He’s still shaken up, even if he doesn’t want to admit it.
Suyun shakes her head. “Most of his friends are pretty chill. Byungchul has something wrong with him.”
Clearly, Jungkook thinks as they make their way to the library. Maybe some predators are rotten apples.
The barista at the university's café keeps telling Jungkook not to come back, but Jungkook is too busy daydreaming about kissing the beauty marks on his face to be paying attention to his warnings.
Relationship: Tiger Tae x Bunny Koo
Rating: Explicit
Tags: Hybrids AU, College AU, Strangers to Lovers, Slow Burn (kinda), Coffee Shop AU, Tsundere Taehyung, Character Development, Social Commentary (Race, Gender, Socioeconomic Status)
Word Count: 4,357
Soundtrack: Series playlist
Series Masterlist
The start of the semester is a disaster, to say the least. Jungkook quickly realizes he didn’t pay enough attention to Yoongi’s campus tour.
Despite the seemingly clear distinction between the two halves of campus, Jungkook gets lost. On his first day, he accidentally shows up to the wrong class. Not only is it embarrassing that he sits down in a psychology class when he’s supposed to be in a computer science class but it’s also a predator class.
Jungkook has never felt his face burn as hotly as it does when he leaves the classroom – which takes entirely too long since he chose to sit at the front of the room. He grips his backpack by the straps and holds his head high despite his pinkening cheeks.
It doesn’t help that a rumble of dark chuckles, snickers, and a few whistles follow him out the door. In his periphery, Jungkook thinks he spots one of the predators that had been in the group with the tiger hybrid. It’s the wolf who commented on showing Jungkook around – which, apparently, had something to do with his knot.
(Jungkook looked up knots on the internet later that night and was, to put it simply, scandalized.)
Jungkook flings the classroom door open and slips out of the classroom, but not fast enough to have missed the wolf. He shoves his tongue against the inside of his cheek and makes an obscene gesture with his fist.
Lovely.
The thing about Jeon Jungkook is that he has never let anything stop him. No amount of inappropriate comments or intimidation tactics will prevent him from having a fulfilling college experience. Predators be damned!
Once Jungkook memorizes his class routes, the next step is to establish a routine. This is an essential part of college life, considering Jungkook has a habit of getting a bit… off track. It’s only been a few weeks, and Yoongi has already commented on what he has dubbed Jungkook’s “loading face” that pops up whenever he gets lost in thought. Jungkook thinks Yoongi is being playful and not mean when he calls it that, but he can’t be entirely sure.
Still, Jungkook understands this aspect of his personality, so he’s very pleased with himself when he finally figures out what to do with the random gap of time in his daily schedule in the afternoons between his last class of the day and the start of his shift working at the campus library.
-
Across the street from the east side of campus is a little coffeehouse called Venor Cafe. Jungkook, never being one to study languages, doesn’t think much of the establishment’s name as he stops at the chalkboard A-frame sign on the sidewalk outside the cafe’s front door. The large, bubbly handwriting advertising discounted flavored drinks for college students catches Jungkook’s eye. He’s a broke college kid living far from home, and he hasn’t eaten lunch yet – he might as well take advantage of what little rewards his student ID can get him.
The shop isn’t one that Yoongi included in his list of restaurants for Jungkook to try, but Jungkook remembers Yoongi mentioning wanting to cut back on his coffee intake. Perhaps that’s why the nearby coffeehouse isn’t on the list.
The bell hanging above the front door chimes when Jungkook slowly opens the door and slips through. It’s dimly lit inside the cafe, with most of the light coming from the large front windows facing the street. It takes a few seconds for Jungkook’s eyes to adjust after being in the summer sun. The air conditioning is welcomed, as is the array of mouthwatering aromas that greet Jungkook as he ventures further into the building. Something about the rich smell of ground coffee beans and sharp spices like nutmeg and chai makes Jungkook’s skin tingle.
Wooden tables with colorful, mismatched chairs are placed throughout the cafe. A large couch and a few well-worn leather armchairs crowd around a glass coffee table in the corner of the room near the register. Jungkook sits at a table by the front door to look out of the large windows and people-watch.
Removing his backpack, Jungkook places it on the empty chair opposite his seat and pulls it closer to him for easier access. The metal scrapes against the concrete floor, making Jungkook cringe.
It’s strangely quiet in the cafe. Chill lo-fi music plays from the overhead speakers, but it’s quiet enough that Jungkook almost doesn’t notice it. Somewhere in a back room, he can pick up on dishes clattering in a sink and the murmur of voices, and there’s the hum of machines behind the front counter.
Surprisingly, the cafe is nearly empty. There’s no one at the counter, and Jungkook spots only one other occupied table toward the back of the cafe where what looks like three college students sit, hunched over laptops. Maybe it’s dead in the cafe because other students are still in class.
Since there’s still no sign of any employees, Jungkook ignores the rumbling in his stomach and pulls out a tablet and stylus. He uses a napkin to brush off the little crumbs on the table and gets to work on his latest project. It’s a comic, less Marvel and more BL manhwa webtoon, and nothing he plans to show the world. Drawing is a creative outlet for Jungkook when he’s tired of writing code all day. Sometimes, he comes up with a story to tell, but he usually just likes taking little scenes from his everyday life and adding something to them that makes the world feel a bit more exciting and much less ordinary.
A part of Jungkook wishes he’d decided to attend a university for graphic arts rather than computer science. Unfortunately, the promise of a high-paying, stable job and his pushy parents makes him stick with the path he has paved for himself.
The sudden harsh sound of a coffee grinder startles Jungkook, forcing his gaze from his half-finished drawing to the cafe’s long counter. From this angle, Jungkook has to look over a glass case displaying various baked goods to see the employee behind the counter, who is now adding to the noise by brandishing a whirring frother. All Jungkook catches a glimpse of is a puff of coppery curls, but that, paired with the sudden earthy scent of summer rain, is enough to make Jungkook jump from his seat.
Jungkook has to say something cool. In the few steps it takes to approach the register, Jungkook has gone through about seven hundred options. He reminds himself that this is a totally normal scenario. He’s just a guy at a cafe to get a sandwich and a latte. The barista is just a guy working part-time to get through college. That’s it. There’s no reason for Jungkook’s hands to be clammy or for his heart to stutter as he leans against the counter, wide eyes tracking the tiger prowling on the opposite side.
Taehyung.
The barista is close enough for Jungkook to read his nametag, close enough for Jungkook to see the little beauty marks dotting his face like constellations or little flecks of chocolate on caramel skin. Sweet.
“Hi–”
“What are you doing here?”
“Um…” Jungkook resists the urge to shrink away from the counter, the harshness of the barista’s question digging into his flesh like sharpened talons. “Coffee?”
So uncool.
Taehyung’s striped tiger ears lay flat, disappearing into his curls, and his sharp eyes flit toward the group of people sitting in the corner of the cafe.
He looks so much bigger now than he had before. Maybe the apron he wears accentuates his proportions, showing off how broad his shoulders are and how prominent his chest is. Jungkook can’t help but follow his body, taking note of the raised veins of his forearms and his large hands compared to the coffee mug he holds between them. There’s an elastic hair tie around his wrist. Jungkook imagines what it would be like to play with his curls and tie them back out of his pretty face.
“You’re new, right?” Taehyung asks, pulling Jungkook out of his stupor. His voice is rich and deep, like the chocolate mocha Jungkook is considering ordering.
“Oh, you remember me.”
They slip out, words meant to remain a thought but escaped before Jungkook could stop them. He feels his face grow hot, but the little smirk that tugs at Taehyung’s lips makes his stomach flip.
“Of course I do.” Taehyung sets down the ceramic mug, now dry from him rubbing it down with a clean cloth. With his palms flat on the counter, Taehyung leans forward. “Couldn’t forget a pretty little bunny like you, could I?”
No one has ever spoken to Jungkook with such blatant flirtation before. At least, Jungkook thinks Taehyung is flirting with him. There’s already a little imaginary Yoongi on his shoulder telling him that Taehyung is a predator who is more likely hunting than he is flirting, but Jungkook would rather watch Taeyung’s tongue swipe across his bottom lip than pay attention to what the Yoongi in his subconscious is saying.
“Thank you?” Jungkook asks with a little scrunch of his nose, an expression that accentuates his front teeth. “I think?”
Taehyung’s gaze drops to the counter as he laughs lowly with a slow shake of his head.
“Here’s the thing, bun,” Taehyung’s fingers tap against the marble counter in tune with the music overhead. Jungkook can’t help but admire how long and pretty they are. “You can’t be here.”
Jungkook is so caught up in the new nickname that he almost forgets to ask, “Wait, why?”
“You’re on the east side. Predators only.” Everything about Taehyung’s presence is intimidating as he utters those simple words, but Jungkook can’t find it in him to be afraid, even as a chill creeps down his spine. “And judging by those floppy ears and little cotton-ball tail, I’d take it you don’t belong over here.”
The bell above the front door rings, interrupting Jungkook’s response. It’s for the best; Jungkook isn’t even sure how he would have responded to such an embarrassing read. All he can think about is how Taehyung managed to notice his tail, which he thought was hidden by his baggy t-shirt. The floppy bunny ears are inescapable, unfortunately. They’re smaller than other rabbit hybrids but still there, with black fur that doesn’t quite blend in well with his hair.
Two snake hybrids get in line behind Jungkook. He doesn’t look at them, even though his curiosity makes him want to. They’re whispering to each other with words that slip around Jungkook’s eardrums. They’re whispering about him.
With a sigh, Taehyung straightens his posture. He drapes the rag over one shoulder and gives Jungkook a stony expression.
“Please leave.”
“What?” Jungkook’s eyebrows lift into his bangs. “I haven’t even ordered my coffee yet!”
Taehyung’s jaw flexes as he hollows his cheeks, gaze sliding from Jungkook’s face to the snake hybrids behind him.
“You’re taking it to-go. What do you want?”
“What do you recommend?”
“I don’t drink coffee.”
“Then why–” Jungkook presses his lips together and tries not to laugh at the desperate look on Taehyung’s face. “Never mind, just an iced mocha latte, please. And one of those.” Jungkook points to the sandwich he wants.
After paying, Jungkook steps to the side to let the snake hybrids order. By this point, another employee appears from the back room. He’s a panther hybrid with a silky-looking tail and rounded ears. His pale eyes lock on Jungkook, and his lips curl into a scowl when Jungkook smiles. The poor guy clearly woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
The panther takes over the register so Taehyung can finish making Jungkook’s order. When Taehyung hands Jungkook his drink and sandwich, his fingers brush against Jungkook’s palm. The touch leaves Jungkook’s entire arm tingling long after he’s packed up his backpack and left the cafe to head toward the library.
Sure, it wasn’t an ideal first meeting with Taehyung. Jungkook even forgot to tell Taehyung his name! But now Jungkook knows there’s the possibility they’ll cross paths again, especially since Venor Cafe’s food is pretty good, and it’s only a short walk from the library. Maybe this little cafe can be part of Jungkook’s routine, too.
-
Later that night, after an uneventful shift at the library, Jungkook still buzzes from the high of seeing his mystery tiger hybrid for the second time. It’s almost too much for his little body to contain, and he struggles to keep his cool when Yoongi eventually gets home from his part-time job at a local record store.
“Jungkook,” Yoongi sighs with his head in his hands, “I specifically told you not to go over there.”
“Yeah, but it was fine.” Jungkook slurps more noodles, unintentionally spraying little droplets of broth on the kitchen table. It’s an instant ramen kind of night. Luckily, Yoongi is a decent cook, so he added shrimp and fresh vegetables to the broth to “elevate it,” in his words.
“You said people were gossiping about you at the cafe! How is that fine?”
Jungkook shrugs. “Maybe they’ve never interacted much with prey either. You never know.”
Yoongi gives Jungkook a deadpan expression. “You’re being too naive.”
Maybe Jungkook is naive, but he prefers that over pessimism. Life is too short to be worried so much. Yoongi already acts like an old man.
Yoongi pushes his empty bowl away and opens his laptop again. Bulky headphones wrap around his neck and rest on his collarbones. The headphones are designed to fit his ears much better than any headphones Jungkook has used. Jungkook can hear some type of electronic music beeping and thrumming from them—the life of a music major. Jungkook doesn’t understand it, but he respects it.
Until transferring to his new university, Jungkook had never been the type to stay up late. It seems that little parts of Yoongi’s personality are rubbing off on Jungkook because he has found himself working on assignments well into the night to keep Yoongi company while he works on his music.
After a few minutes of silence, with only the sound of the two men clicking around on their laptops echoing through the quiet kitchen, Jungkook finally lets out the little secret he was hiding when he relayed his earlier cafe adventures to Yoongi.
“I saw the pretty tiger again.”
Yoongi groans loudly, pulling his headphones off again. He gives Jungkook another judgemental look that does nothing to curb the giddiness stirring in Jungkook’s chest.
“You need to stop.”
“Why?” Jungkook whines. Moving his laptop, he folds his arms on the table and rests his head on them. “He’s so pretty, hyung. He’s got these sharp eyes that dip a little in the corners. When he smiles, his mouth makes this, like, rectangle shape that may sound weird, but it’s so cute in person and, like, not at all scary. Well, he is kind of scary, but not in a bad way. It’s actually kind of hot. And he smells so good–”
“Jungkook!” Yoongi presses his palms to his cheeks and stares at Jungkook with a look that borders on horrified. “This never works, okay? Predators and prey aren’t meant to go together; we’re literally hardwired to avoid them. They’re gross, disrespectful, and aggressive. They let their animal sides totally control them. He was probably trying to come onto you!”
With a roll of his eyes, Jungkook huffs. “Taehyung is nice. I can feel it. Besides, I could kick a predator’s ass if I needed to. I do kickboxing, remember?”
Yoongi ignores the kickboxing part, commenting, “Oh, so you’re on a first-name basis with a tiger now?”
Jungkook’s cheeks heat up, and he responds a bit too quickly.
“Yes!”
Sort of.
Yoongi doesn’t need to know the details about that.
“Whatever, I warned you. Don’t come crying to me when he turns out to be a douchebag,” Yoongi grumbles and refocuses on his laptop.
It’s a discouraging conversation, but Jungkook doesn’t let Yoongi’s grumpiness dissuade him. He has seen a predator-prey relationship work out; at least, so far, it has. There’s a girl in one of his classes, a mouse hybrid with the cutest ears that twitch whenever someone makes a loud noise and a flighty but sweet personality. Jungkook knows for a fact that she’s dating a fox hybrid; he saw the two of them holding hands in the library– the only place on campus that isn’t separated by hybrid type. They are adorable. The way her boyfriend looks at her is with love, not intimidation.
Other students whisper about them, primarily predators who disapprove of their relationship, but it doesn’t seem like the couple cares about what others have to say.
Jungkook doesn’t care, either. Maybe he’s getting ahead of himself, considering Taehyung doesn’t even know his name, but he’s determined to befriend the tiger, at least. Something about him makes it difficult for Jungkook to let him go.
Undeterred, Jungkook spends the rest of the night finishing assignments that aren’t even due yet; that way, he knows he has time to kill tomorrow before his work shift. He’ll go back to Venor Cafe and properly introduce himself to Taehyung. He’ll prove that he’s more than the stereotypes about prey. He’s accepting of all people and unafraid to make friends with people who aren’t like him.
-
Jungkook’s chance to improve Taehyung’s first impression of him comes sooner than expected and in an unlikely place.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jungkook’s last class of the day is a random elective he chose because he had the room to add a fun class to his schedule. It’s an Art History class, specifically one that focuses on ancient Egyptian art and mythology. As someone who appreciates art and dabbles in it, Jungkook enjoys the class, even though he’s one of the few third-year students out of a lecture hall of primarily first-years. Stuff like that has never bothered him; Jungkook just likes to learn. He doesn’t care if people think he’s weird for being older or for choosing a course that has nothing to do with his major studies.
As is the case with all his classes, Jungkook likes to sit at the front of the lecture hall. It’s a little life hack since he’s self-aware enough to know that paying attention can be difficult. The closer he is to the professor and the learning materials, the easier it is to focus. If he sits in the back, there will be too many other things to distract him.
Unfortunately, today, Jungkook is late.
His previous computer science class ends late, and Jungkook has to sprint across campus to get to the Humanities building. With the weather still clinging to the summer heat, Jungkook gives himself a moment to stand outside the classroom doors to catch his breath and hopefully let his sweat dry. The only thing more embarrassing than showing up to class late is showing up sweaty and panting.
Flapping his t-shirt to get some circulation, Jungkook takes a deep breath, adjusts his backpack, and slips into the lecture hall as quietly as possible. He doesn’t bother being strategic about where he sits; there’s no way he’s going to draw further attention to himself by walking to the front of the room.
He drops into the first empty seat at the end of the last row. It’s far from ideal, but only a few students turn their heads to look at him, so Jungkook takes it as a small victory.
Taking out a notebook and pen, Jungkook tries to figure out where the class is at in the lecture. He didn’t miss much, but it’s hard for him to catch up when the adrenaline of needing to sprint to class is still flowing through his veins.
What makes it worse is that only a few minutes after he calms down, the door to the lecture hall opens again. Another late student with few seating options, it’s no surprise that they take the seat next to Jungkook.
What is surprising is that the person is a certain fluffy-haired barista.
More heads turn this time, and a few whispers create a quiet buzz throughout the room. The professor continues the lesson on hieroglyphics – the part of the course that Jungkook is the most excited to learn about – but Jungkook hardly notices. All he can do is stare at Taehyung.
He wants to say something, but they’re in the middle of class, and Jungkook has no idea what he would say.
Hello? Why are you in a class for prey students? Why are you here when school started three weeks ago? Why is your profile so pretty? Did God personally sculpt the slope of your nose and the pout of your bottom lip? Are there little beauty marks scattered all over your body or just on your face?
Taking a deep breath, Jungkook tries to force out the delusion in his brain and focus on the ancient symbols the professor shows on the screen. He’s being weird; he doesn’t even know Taehyung. He’s fawning over the first predator he’s ever spoken to, and it’s weird.
Jungkook needs to be normal about this.
Except, he can’t.
He’s just so intrigued by Taehyung. Yoongi’s scolding replays in the back of Jungkook’s mind, but he can’t see what the big deal is. Taehyung is just like all the prey hybrids in the room. He takes notes in a leather-bound notebook as though he’s always been in this class. When he isn’t writing, he brings his pencil to his mouth and gently bites on the eraser with his front teeth. It should be gross, but Jungkook finds it endearing. Here is this big, intimidating predator nibbling on the end of his pencil and practicing writing his name in hieroglyphs.
If Taehyung notices Jungkook staring at him, he doesn’t show it. His eyes never stray from the front of the room unless he’s looking down to take notes. He sits slightly slumped in his seat, with his thighs spread as far as they can. He’s too big for the furniture and is clearly uncomfortable, Jungkook realizes. Prey are typically much smaller. Even Jungkook, who works out religiously, is smaller than Taehyung. Something about it makes Jungkook’s stomach feel weird.
“Jungkook?”
Blinking away the blur of his vision, Jungkook looks up at the mouse hybrid with the fox boyfriend, Suyun. She gives Jungkook a puzzled look, ears wiggling and nose scrunched the way Jungkook’s nose often does. Suyun is the only other third-year student in the class, so Jungkook usually sits with her… when he’s on time.
“Yeah?”
“Class is over… I thought maybe I could go over my notes from the first part of the lecture with you since you missed it.”
“Oh, um, yes, please!” Jungkook shoves his stuff into his backpack and stands up, twisting around to see that Taehyung is already gone. How had Jungkook blanked for half the lecture?
“Want to go to the library?”
Suyun leads the way out of the lecture hall. As they pass through the doors, Jungkook realizes that Taehyung is speaking with the professor at the front of the room. For a moment, Taehyung’s gaze meets Jungkook’s, but Suyun quickly ushers Jungkook into the hall.
“Do you know that student? The tiger hybrid?” Jungkook asks as they leave the Humanities building and walk to the library.
Suyun shakes her head. “Do you think I know all the predators just because I’m dating Jackson?”
It’s a teasing question, but Jungkook ducks his head in shame. He shouldn’t have made the assumption.
“Sorry, that was silly.”
“It’s okay. I actually assumed the two of you were friends or something,” Suyun says with a shrug. She carries her things in a tote bag that is half her size. It swings dangerously when she rounds a corner.
“Really?”
“Yeah, he kept looking at you like he knew you,” Suyun explains, though Jungkook doesn’t understand what she means. “Wanna get a study room so we won’t have to deal with all the noisy predators?”
Jungkook nods and follows along with Suyun’s plans, too busy mulling over her words to help them plan their study session. He supposes he won’t have time to go to the cafe before his shift, but maybe that’s for the best. It might be weird to see Taehyung three times in less than twenty-four hours, even though the second time wasn’t Jungkook’s fault.
“Are predators even allowed to take prey classes?” Jungkook asks as Suyun leads him up the library stairs.
She takes a moment to think, letting out a soft hum. The study rooms are on the second floor, away from the chaos of the library’s main level, where the predators tend to hang out. They pick one of the smaller rooms since it’s just the two of them, equipped with a single table and a few chairs, plus a whiteboard mounted on the wall.
“They can, but I'm pretty sure it’s only for special circumstances. Like, if they really need the class and it’s only offered at a certain time or they’re trying to graduate early. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it happen, though.”
Jungkook sits down beside Suyun at the table and waits patiently for her to get out her notebook. He wonders what’s so important about Art History that Taehyung must take it with a bunch of prey.
“Do you think it’s awkward? Being the only predator in a class?” Jungkook wonders aloud. The question makes Suyun laugh.
“Nah, they’re all so self-assured. That guy’s probably loving the attention he’s getting from it. Everyone was talking about him after class.”
Something akin to jealousy flares in Jungkook’s chest, but he does his best to stamp it down. What does he have to feel jealous about?
“Yeah, probably,” Jungkook agrees half-heartedly.
Suyun gives him a strange look but doesn’t push the conversation further, which Jungkook is grateful for. He’s not sure what he’s feeling anymore, but he knows his Tuesdays and Thursdays will be much more interesting now.
