artifice

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/14408937.

Rating: Mature
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: 방탄소년단 | Bangtan Boys | BTS
Relationship: Jeon Jungkook/Park Jimin
Character: Park Jimin (BTS), Jeon Jungkook, Kim Taehyung | V, Jung Hoseok | J-
Hope, Kim Namjoon | RM, Min Yoongi | Suga, Kim Seokjin | Jin
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - College/University, Fake/Pretend Relationship,
Dancer Park Jimin, Jeon Jungkook is a Sweetheart, Fluff and Crack,
Attempt at Humor, side vhope btw, somewhat fast paced maybe?,
they're just idiots who end up being rlly sappy, M for language, 9th
chapter is yoonjin exclusively - Freeform
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2018-04-30 Completed: 2019-06-08 Words: 51,820
Chapters: 9/9

artifice
by solarchild

Summary

Taehyung is oblivious, Jimin concludes. Absolutely dumb. It’s hopeless.

Or in which, Jimin gets some help from Jeongguk in order to impress his crush who clearly
could use some glasses because Jimin is as transparent as they get.

Read in Russian ; translated by @m_ria<3

thank you for the translation!!

Notes

a big happy birthday to my best friend, phu.

this one is for you and you only. I mean, you practically know half the plot anyway but I
hope I do catch you off guard with this phuwu
 Arrangement
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Love is so stupid.

Utterly, stupid and unrequired. In this case unrequited even. Yet, Jimin can’t help the jumpiness he
feels when he’s around his crush.

The brush of hands is something memorable. The friendly hugs almost too comfortable to break
out of. The familiar eyes that shine near instantly when greeting him. It’s something Jimin has
grown to crave. He adores every single quality of Kim Taehyung.

It’s become a habit to record such moments in his memory.

“I love you,” He blurted out once without giving it much thought. Only later to realize just how
magnificently he had messed up.

“I love you too, bestie.”

Luckily for him, Taehyung is as beautiful as he is unaware. Though it doesn’t sit well with Jimin at
times since he desperately wants Taehyung to acknowledge his feelings. This crush has been going
on long enough for Jimin to long for a relationship.

He’s read terrible shoujo mangas— cringing at the heroine’s idiocy but fawning over the hero’s
affection.

He’s watched countless romance films— almost too heterosexual but oddly cute.

He’s even looked up horoscopes— fuck the stars anyway. What do they mean a Libra-Capricorn
relationship has only a lousy 34% compatibility? Jimin's going to prove them wrong.

He gives up thinking about his irrational crush deciding to focus on the present and suddenly is
lost in the thrill that comes with dancing. He feels alive. This routine he is practicing is for his solo
performance at the final showcase that decides their graduation as well as future careers. Their
instructor handpicked Jimin for this specific solo performance and now it’s his mission to make
sure he excels – especially since the piece he picked is not of Jimin’s liking. However, he only
aims to impress the crowd, this is what he is meant to do.

He continues practicing, lost in his own world, about to start his succession of turns when...

“Hoseok, where the fuck are you?” A voice yells, a man rudely barging into the room demolishing
Jimin’s concentration. He has caramel brown hair and warm doe-like eyes, only they seem
distraught due to his panting.

“Who are you?” He asks and Jimin halts his inspection. How rude of this stranger.

“I’m just practicing,”

“Ok just practicing, you do realize you’re in the wrong room? Right now, it’s our time to
practice.”

“It’s not like your team is here with you- Chill.” Jimin sighs.
He’s aware he’s not the only one preparing for the showcase. There are groups preparing their
respective genres. He’s the only solo performance which causes a hectic schedule but Jimin
doesn’t mind.

“And where is yours?”

“I’m practicing for my solo,” Jimin informs proudly.

“Park Jimin!” The stranger announces, much to Jimin’s surprise. “Sorry, I saw the schedule and
they had your name written there but hey… have you seen Hoseok?”

The name rings no bells.

“I don’t kn-"

The stranger exhales unsteady awaiting an answer.

“What performance are you in?” Jimin asks.

“Hip-Hop 2 and 3.”

And there's the answer, this person is far too early for his own practice. How odd of him to be so
crass yet so punctual.

“Hip-Hop is after 11:00.” Jimin provides smugly picking up his water bottle from the floor.

“Oh shit, you’re right… I’m gone.”

And that’s all it took for the stranger to zoom away.

“So, he just barges in like he owns the place!” Jimin fumes as soon as he is provided with
Taehyung’s company. Just sharing the same space allows Jimin to feel at ease.

“Sounds entertaining.” Taehyung is busy eating a pack of wafers as he keenly listens in. “I wish
film class had spontaneous visitors. We could use it.”

“I couldn’t concentrate after, what do you mean entertaining?” Jimin complains remembering how
his practice ended abruptly. He couldn’t fall back into the same mindset, so he decided to retreat
and find his friends. He is lucky to have found Taehyung right off the bat.

He does not have Taehyung’s schedule imprinted to his memory. No sir.

“I don’t mean that Minnie! Besides, you’re literally the best dancer I know.” Taehyung praises.
Jimin goes red in the cheeks.

“If it helps, I can stand guard the next time.” Taehyung offers and Jimin is quick to take it up.
Jimin doesn’t possess the quality to deny anyone.
A next time does come, the very next day. Luckily, Taehyung was right there.

“Hey, Jimin-” The man rumbles as he makes to barge in catching Taehyung’s gaze but much to
Jimin’s dismay the two fall into a bear-hug and don’t let go until Jimin coughs.

“This is Jeongguk, Jimin!” Taehyung quickly introduces, his arm over Jeongguk’s shoulders. “We
go way back!”

“It was literally just start of semester, Tae…”

At that Jimin can’t help but chuckle. It’s just like Taehyung to befriend anyone he sees, in this
case, a whole catch. As they fall into faint conversation Jimin learns Jeongguk is a crowd favorite
as well a college prodigy. The triple major (how is that even possible)— an artist, a dancer, a
singer.

Jimin is oddly impressed. Slightly jealous, but mostly impressed.

“How’s vocal performance treating you?” Taehyung asks as Jeongguk is engrossed in a game of
piano tiles. The distraction is welcome though Jimin really should be practicing.

“Very well, actually. I might be chosen as an ending act to the showcase.”

“Oh, so you and Minnie both have a solo act.”

“Yeah, I guess me, and Minnie do.” He wears a grin as he crosses his own high-score on a mobile
game he’s playing.

It’s odd for Jimin to not hear a compliment on his dancing. Sure, he is always one to shrug it off
and it makes him blush every single time, but all sorts of praise are welcome. It helps Jimin feel
much more confident about himself. Jimin does not fish for praise. He just loves it.

So, it comes as more of a surprise when Jeongguk is the first one to ever criticize Jimin’s
technique.

Too stiff. He had called it. Lacking emotion.

Jimin appreciates proper critique. He does but Jeongguk only criticizes to get a kick out of Jimin.
It’s no secret Jimin is easily irritated and dance is something far too close to his heart so how dare
Jeongguk?

“Why don’t you do it?” Jimin huffs. The company is appreciated – Jeongguk sits in the corner of
the room watching Jimin practice but right now, this very company might compel Jimin to commit
second-degree murder.

“I’m not a contemporary dancer.”

“I’m not a contemporary dancer.” Jimin repeats in a mock tone and Jeongguk laughs loudly with
no ounce of shame. He enjoys getting on Jimin’s nerves.

Jimin decides he doesn’t like Jeongguk.

Jeongguk gets along awfully well with Taehyung too. He really, really, doesn’t like Jeongguk.
“Okay, all I really mean is, it’s as if your heart isn’t it.”

How could Jeongguk possibly know? It’s true, Jimin is only trying this version of the dance
because it’s popular with the instructors. It’d be easy to convince and impress with. Or so he thinks.

“Again, how can you say that? You’re not a contemporary dancer.”

“Doesn’t take one to know you, Jimin. I’ve seen you dance and this is not the Jimin I know...”
Jeongguk provides, his tone is filled with respect. Something Jimin didn’t expect from him.

“Something’s on your mind too. Weighing down your potential. Whatever it is, just get it done
with.” Jeongguk finishes and resorts back to the silence Jimin had been craving for since the very
beginning.

There is truth in the spectator’s words. Jimin stand-still relationship with Taehyung is garnering
most of his attention. He really needs to confess and get it over with.

The following months are awfully long and entirely painful. Jimin is stuck on the receiving end of
Taehyung’s amiable personality and it doesn’t sit well with him. He’s seen Taehyung get along
excessively well with Jeongguk and who knows how many others. Jimin can’t shake the anxiety
anymore and he decides to try and confess once and for all. It’s all for nothing. It may ruin their
friendship, but he knows Taehyung is too much of a softie to be affected by such a trivial thing. At
least if it is a no, Jimin won’t have to devote so much of his attention to the other.

He’s going to confess to the love of his life. Hopefully, he doesn’t get rejected.

Taehyung is oblivious, Jimin concludes. Absolutely dumb. Not even divine intervention can help
Jimin now. It’s hopeless.

When he tried confessing the first time, Taehyung had just repeated his words back to him like a
tape recorder, ruffling Jimin’s hair after. As soon as Jimin tried to explain his thwarted confession a
group of photography majors had instantly convinced Taehyung to become their model and had
whisked him away. Annoying as it was, Jimin can’t blame Taehyung.

The second time is rather comical. Jimin says the three magic words on their walk to the
dormitories and Taehyung is too busy petting a stray abandoned kitten. Now, a cat is in the way of
his near perfect love confession. He’s growing impatient.

“I know right, this cat is the cutest. I think I’m gonna name it Miri.”

“That’s cute Tae- but I need to say something…” Jimin tries.

“Can we adopt it? Please? Please!” Taehyung pouts all childlike and it reminds Jimin why he fell
for this person in the first place. It’s certainly very taxing to be a man in love.

He only nods in affirmation.

The third time should have been it. They were alone, no photography majors to collect his
Taehyung for modeling. No cats to distract and make their way home. This was it.

However, life sent him another towering obstacle in the form of Jeon Jeongguk. The disgustingly
competitive triple threat. Attractive, attractive, attractive.

Jimin truly hates his luck.

“Oh perfect! Taehyung and apparent boytoy. Get in here,” He calls out violently pulling Taehyung
along into the art studio. Easels surround an empty space in the middle; a class possibly ended
prior to Jeongguk’s request.

He turns back to greet the two people he had so rudely dragged in. His eyes immediately address
Taehyung and they fall into a sort of hug but when Jeongguk sees Jimin he immediately pulls back
and smiles.

“Oh, it’s Park,” Jeongguk recognizes, waving in greeting. Jimin only laughs. They aren’t close,
always meeting when Jimin is practicing his solo routine and Jeongghk makes the effort to come
say hi. He greets and watches Jimin with keen eyes, making small talk. Jeongguk could be his
friend but Jimin hasn’t spent enough time exploring their awkward acquaintance. Frankly speaking,
he’d rather not label it.

“Hey Jeon,” Jimin plays along.

“This is perfect actually! I needed a couple anyway.” Jeongguk hums as he pushes Taehyung into
the middle. He gives Jimin a commanding look, and Jimin goes to stand next to Taehyung.

Jeongguk studies the two, a pencil tucked behind his ear. He is a portrait himself— what need to
paint one?

“Not intimate enough. Get closer.” Jeongguk decides, as he sits down on a stool and gets to work.

They shuffle clumsily, standing face to face— a bit too close for comfort. Jimin is nervous, anyone
can tell. He hopes for Jeongguk to be satisfied, but clearly, the painter requires much more.

He asks Taehyung to place his hand on Jimin’s neck and Taehyung obliges readily, not the least bit
awkward. Jimin takes a deep breath hoping his tenseness doesn’t get the better of him. He tries not
to look into Taehyung’s eyes knowing full well it’s going to make their situation harder.

“Jimin, could you face straight?”

Darn it all to hell and back.

As soon as Jimin peers into the warn brown orbs he falls for their owner all over again. There is
friendliness present, a promise of companionship. Jimin’s lip part almost on instinct and he doesn’t
catch his actions. They both stare at each other and the silence turns deafening. The need to confess
comes back. He really can’t take it anymore.

The sound of a click brings Jimin out of his trance and he looks to Jeongguk to come to the
knowledge that the artist has taken a picture.

“Thank you for your help, I’ll be finishing this at home.” Jeongguk has a cheeky grin on his face
and Jimin immediately creates distance between him and Taehyung.

“You could have just done that in the first place!” Taehyung murmurs, tone filled with amusement.

“I said intimate and you two stood there like I asked for a kidney or something. Of course, the
angle would take time.” Jeongguk doesn’t look up from his phone. He’s probably studying the
picture he just took. Maybe Jimin should ask for it and get it framed— not.
“What’s it for?” Jimin asks him opposed to his previous thought.

“I need to paint something for an exhibition. It’s due in six months but I kinda want to get started
on it from now.”

“So, don’t we deserve some sort of reward.” Taehyung teases and Jeongguk laughs along.

“Well, I suppose I can treat you two to something.” Jeongguk decides as he fishes for his wallet to
check his financial situation. He gives the spectators a thumbs-up and he leads the way.

“Jimin you’re actually so boring,” Jeongguk mumbles as he takes a bite of his hamburger. God
bless the Germans for this fine cuisine.

“He’s right, Jimin! How can you not enjoy horror films?” Taehyung reprimands alongside
Jeongguk, and normally Jimin would try defending himself but as of now, his mission is only to
make Taehyung smile. “They’re literal comedy!”

So of course, he doesn’t tell the two how he’s been spending the latter of last month binging
romantic films trying to put two and two together so that he can finally make a move. All to no
avail. Of course.

It’s either he’s emotionally inept— which is not possible, he cried like a baby watching The
Notebook— or Taehyung wouldn’t know romance unless it hit him in the face with a brick. How
infuriating.

“I think a good Romcom is the way to go,” Jimin provides them with a preference, puncturing a
tomato with his fork. He craves for the ramen selection, however, being a dance major requires a
strict balanced diet. He almost envies Jeongguk’s careless abandon— the other cares not for his
figure.

“So, you’re a vegetarian. A basic romcom fan…” Jeongguk counts on his ketchup-stained fingers
and Jimin finds the man resembling an ape with no table manners. “I bet you read manga too, and
shoujo to top it off!”

Bulls-eye. Jimin flushes beet red.

“Sweet Mother Teressa on the hood of a Mercedes Benz, I was right.” Jeongguk exclaims. He
erupts into laughter and then goes back to hacking at his burger.

Taehyung, however, seems intrigued.

“Hey, I was thinking of reading a few myself. Manga that is, not shoujo or whatever that means.”
Taehyung adds, and Jimin listens attentively. He can be of assistance. “Hoseok likes the action
kind.”

“Hang on, you finally made a move on Jung-fucking-Hoseok?” Jeongguk asks, his voice muffled
from the tissue. The man eats as quick as a caveman. Jimin is astonished.

Hoseok? Ah so, the brick’s name is Hoseok.

“You could say that…” Taehyung is shy, (holy shit, he’s not romantically constipated) as he
informs Jeongguk. “He’s just like you described him to be! Loud and friendly, I’m glad it’s
working out.”

Jeongguk claps like a seal. “My boy grew up so fast.”

Jimin feels his throat go dry. Suddenly he isn’t hungry, but he stuffs himself regardless. It’s not that
Taehyung didn’t pick up Jimin’s weak attempts at flirting and failed attempts at confessions. He
was never interested. Dejected, is how he feels as he looks down to his food trying to stem his
jealousy.

“Jeongguk, he’s actually...” Taehyung starts appreciating Hoseok. Jimin doesn’t know of this
Hoseok very well, but he immediately loathes him.

And here comes the irrational childishness that accompanies a person in love; the shoujo heroines
weren’t dramatic at all. No, they were, just Jimin feels himself relating to their chaos. At least he
has Miri to keep him company.

Jeongguk intently studies the change in Jimin’s behavior but doesn’t comment.

“He’s just so unreal?” Taehyung continues crush venting. “He’s nice. Under all that strict-dance-
lead attitude he has at times, he’s actually the cutest bean.”

It’s getting a bit too much for Jimin to take.

He unconsciously starts ignoring the two friends and finishes his salad. Ice tea is now his only
friend soothing his throat with lemon flavor. He turns to stare at Taehyung who’s practically
exhaling sparkles as he continues to describe how well he has been progressing with Hobi.

When both, Jimin’s salad and patience are finished, he thinks of leaving. He wants to lock himself
in the bathroom an hour and cry till he feels apathetic again. He has one cat, all he needs are a few
others and he’s set for a lifetime of celibacy.

Forget feeling apathetic, he is pathetic. Pathetically in love with his best friend and near soulmate
who is crushing on someone who is not Park Jimin. Not even remotely alike to Park Jimin.

Should he forget? It’s easier to forget and live on, right?

“I’m going to leave…” Jimin decides to say. It’s too much for him to stomach. He’s not ready to
move on just yet. Not when he hasn’t had a proper fighting chance.

“Oh, you got someone to meet?” Taehyung asks with that grin Jimin adores so much.

Taehyung is joking obviously. Who knows Taehyung better than Jimin?

Jimin doesn’t know why he says it. He rationalizes it as his own jealousy; trying to see what he
means to his crush.

“Yeah, I have someone waiting for me.”

“You didn’t tell me you had a boyfriend!” Taehyung speaks up ecstatic reaching to grab Jimin’s
hands, squeezing them tight— not providing Jimin the reaction he so desperately required. He
really doesn’t have a chance.

“Actually—” No need to drag it on further.

“He’s mine, Taehyung.” Jeongguk speaks up. His eyes are fixed on the two’s locked hands,
narrowing in. Jimin is confused.

“Oh? Oh!” Taehyung lets go too quick for Jimin to even enjoy the moment. “You didn’t tell me –
since when?”

“What?” Jimin speaks out, instead of the curse-word tugging at his lips.

“Jiminie! You snagged my best friend and didn’t even tell me? How long has this been going on?”
Taehyung’s asking too many questions for Jimin to respond to. Jimin looks to Jeongguk, pleading
through his eyes. He wants to immediately shut down the misunderstanding but Jeongguk can’t
seem to understand Jimin’s request.

Apparently, he doesn’t want to. “Not long enough.”

Taehyung’s gaze shifts between the two as he continues. “This makes so much sense. Jimin, you’re
so Jeongguk’s type. No wonder he called us both… actually, he was calling you in!”

How can Taehyung be so dumb?

“I can’t believe it! Oh, I’m interrupting a date, aren’t I? Holy shit, I was third-wheeling this entire
time. I’m gone, you two have fun.”

Taehyung moves in close to Jimin’s ear, “Tell me details later.”

Jimin tries to protest but Taehyung is much too quick in planning his exit. He strides out the café
without another word leaving Jimin alone to deal with the aftermath of Jeongguk’s stupid lie.

What the fuck, is what Jimin tries to say but the world isn’t done with him just yet.

“Sir, the bill...” The waiter announces, placing the bill on their table and leaving hastily.

The two just stare at each other. Well, Jeongguk stares, Jimin, on the other hand, tries to pierce
through Jeongguk’s very skull with his gaze alone. It doesn’t work.

“Before anything, we should get out of here first.” Jeongguk decides to speak up, gesturing to the
door.

As soon as they are out on the street, Jimin has had enough of staying quiet.

“Why the fuck did you say that?” Jimin fumes. Though he can’t take it back as easily as Jeongguk
said it, he can try and make some sense out of it.

“You aren’t as discreet as you think you are Park—” Jeongguk rubs the back of his neck for
emphasis. “Shooting heart eyes at him only makes it obvious for the rest of us.”

Jimin stiffens in his spot. This is the first time he’s been caught.

“That doesn’t concern you.”

He’s livid.

Who was Jeongguk to intervene in his business with Taehyung? Now it just makes the situation ten
times more complicated. He’ll have to find a way to convince Taehyung that he wasn’t
romantically involved with Jeongguk- or anyone for the time being. Jimin’s smitten for his best
friend who clearly doesn’t see him as anything other than platonic.

“Well technically, now it does.” Jeongguk has the guts to smile after. If Jimin is taken aback by the
certain fond gesture, he doesn’t say. Instead, he hardens his features, ready for war.

“We’re going to find Tae, and tell him we’re not-”

“Why? So, you can go back to feeling sorry for yourself whenever you look his way?” Jeongguk
dares to interrupt. The childlike quality present in his features has dissipated entirely, replaced with
something that can only resemble annoyance. “How long do you want this to continue? Even when
you just heard he’s seeing someone else!”

Jimin clicks his tongue. Yes, it’s pointless gathering the attention of someone who has his eyes and
heart set on another but what choice does he have? He’s never felt for anyone the way he does for
Taehyung.

Even his current friendship with Taehyung is precious to him. He doesn’t think he’ll ever love
anyone the way he does his best friend. He’s truly fucked over.

“That doesn’t concern you, either.” Jimin finalizes. He takes a deep breath and decides to leave. He
doesn’t need Jeongguk, to tell the truth anyway. Though it would have helped immensely. He
doesn’t move another step, Jeongguk has his wrist in a tight grip.

“Listen to me, Park. We can make this work.” Jeongguk has a certain glint in his eyes. Mischievous
and childish, all the while carrying quality. A quality that has Jimin trusting him.

“How?”

“He’s a hopeless romantic,” Jeongguk provides with a slight shake of his head that Jimin’s
traitorous heart finds adorable. “He’ll give up when he realizes Hoseok doesn’t want a
relationship.”

That certain piece of information is quite unsettling to Jimin. Taehyung is deserving of someone
who returns his love properly, and even though Jimin would want nothing more than to be the one
that holds a special place in his heart he can’t help but feel sad.

“That’s where you come in! You’re talented, smart, a hopeless romantic…” Jeongguk praises.
“Also, pretty attractive.”

“What are you trying to say, Jeongguk?” Jimin jumps straight to the question though the comments
make his heart race. He’s never been complimented to this extent. Never been called attractive.

“Give me a chance and I’ll make you into Taehyung’s ideal type. Together we can make him
jealous and I guarantee he’ll come to you.” Jeongguk finishes steadfast.

He’s radiating confidence that oddly strikes Jimin as those charismatic infomercial personalities
that are hell-bent on selling you the newest brand. Jimin is easily fooled by those – discounted bad
quality plastic containers lie hidden underneath his bed, darn you marketing fiends – and Jeongguk
is no exception.

“You mean to say I’m too boring for Taehyung?” Jimin asks playfully. He’s not going to indulge in
Jeongguk’s schemes. No sir.
 “Yes!” Jeongguk expresses, catching Jimin off-guard. “You’re actually pitiful. I’m surprised you
two even get along. Taehyung’s the exact opposite of you.”

Jeongguk has made a fantastic point.

Jimin is nothing alike to his crush. Where Jimin is slightly timid and shy, Taehyung is assertive
and sociable. Where Jimin possesses no redeeming qualities whatsoever, Taehyung has his good
looks and a disgustingly sweet smile that has both men and women falling for him in seconds.

He has indeed made a fantastic point, shattering Jimin’s confidence.

Jeongguk notices the change of mood and is quick to provide his proposal.

“Look, I have someone I want to notice me and so do you. We can make this work.” He lets go of
Jimin’s wrist— Jimin wasn’t even aware he still had a grip on him.

“What do you say? You want to try fake-dating me, Park?” Jeongguk extends his hand for a shake.
He’s hoping for Jimin to accept.

Silence settles between the two for a few odd seconds. Jimin is staring at Jeongguk’s hand,
considering his proposal. Is this what he needs to do? Will this finally get him Taehyung’s
attention? The more rational part of him decides there is truly no need for him to pin any longer.
Taehyung’s openly discussed his feelings for a certain Jung Hoseok— curse him. However, a light
goes off in his head. If this works, he’ll not only have Taehyung but a whole new version of him.
Someone capable of looking good next to Taehyung, someone capable of keeping him happy.

He doesn’t have much to lose anyway. Taehyung already believes he’s dating Jeongguk. He
already has one foot in the door, he just needs to bring the other forward.

“Let’s do it,”

Jeon Jeongguk has a smile plastered on his face, after.

Chapter End Notes

good luck to anyone with exams in the upcoming month.

also to that one person who knows who they are: i love you very much and i hope your
day goes well. look through your photocards and sign one from me to you anshfje
 Charade
Chapter Notes

phuwu; as it is finally your birthday in your timezone i just want to say it for the
billion-th time today, i love you and happy birthday !!

“I don’t care if your grandmother convinced you that this looks good on you,” Jeongguk huffs.
He’s impatient, Jimin has learned. “This is fucking terrible and it needs to go.”

He throws the beanie in the trash and Jimin feels relief. He did hate the hat, he just kept it since his
grandmother is a bit too sensitive and Jimin aims to please everyone. Now all he needs is a proper
excuse to tell his grandmother. Perhaps he had burnt it!

It’s a few days after their agreement and Jeongguk stayed true to his promise. After they are both
free from morning classes and practices, they abscond to Jimin’s dorm – one that he shares with
Taehyung – to discuss their plan of action.

They have upgraded Jimin’s wardrobe, though there was nothing to add. Only to throw. And
arrange. And clean. Jimin is not a slob but he’s very unorganized.

They have also managed to boost Jimin’s genre collection— horror films aren’t shit. Well, they
still are but psychological thrillers are the way to go in times of dire need.

They have decided on Sundays for business dates if required. Jeongguk prays that’s not the case.

They have also improved in familiarity; exchanging numbers and hobbies. Now they can probably
pass as a couple for the rest of their friends.

Jeongguk finds Jimin awkwardly charming. He has inherently good traits and a great personality.

Jimin, however, finds Jeongguk very irritating. He teases him constantly about being short and is
always ready to do a little competition to determine the better dancer. Despite all that, they get
along quite well and Jimin wonders why he hadn’t given the other a chance before when he
waltzed into the dance studio.

If Jimin didn’t like Taehyung and Jeongguk didn’t have someone of his own, maybe Jimin could
have fallen for him. That spikes fear in him.

“We need to lay down rules though. This feels like an incomplete arrangement,” Jimin decides to
speak up, gazed fixed to the trash bin. What a waste of money.

“Oh? Shoot then.”

Easier said than done. What were Jimin’s biggest fears going into a pretend relationship with
heartthrob Jeon Jeongguk who was notoriously single? Oh right-

“No kissing.” He establishes in a breath.

“How the fuck-”

“No kissing! No hand holding after university hours. No intimacy during business dates and
especially no gifts. I’d hate to buy you anything.” Jimin finishes satisfied. He sees Jeongguk gape
at him in shock which is rather entertaining.

“I get the kissing part, but how the fuck are people going to believe us if we don’t hold hands?”

“We’ll be fine,” Jimin dismisses quickly. He isn’t as bad an actor as people think he is. Sure, it’s
easier to laugh at bad performance than smile and go with the flow. Currently, however, there is no
need for bad acting, he has a purpose. And that is to make Taehyung realize just how much he’s
missing out on.

“What about the gifts?”

“Exceptions being birthdays and well if you’re feeling generous enough you can buy me anything.
I’m not one to turn down free stuff.” Jimin replies childishly as he sits down on the couch and
Jeongguk joins him.

“Yeah right. Me? Spend money on you,” Is what he says as he pulls out his phone and goes to
surfing the web. “In your dreams.”

“No need to get snooty, this isn’t forever anyway.”

“Thank god it isn’t. I don’t think I can be with someone that short. Do you even reach my height?”
Jeongguk teases, a smile tugging at his lips.

“Fuck off. That got old the first time.”

“And horrible fashion sense. In addition, a vegetarian with a shoujo manga addiction.” Jeongguk
lists on his fingers adding to the drama. “I think I’d die.”

“I have impeccable fashion sense, thank you very much. You think you’re any better?”

“Well no, but I have taste at least. A cat beanie, Jimin? Really?”

“Okay so enlighten me. How classy do I need to be?” Jimin inquires, fluttering his eyelashes to
cater to humor.

But, Jeon Jeongguk is far ahead of Park Jimin in said 'crush' game. Now on his phone’s display is a
picture of a man, possibly from their university, dressed in all black. A leather jacket secures his
upper half and he looks professional. His attire screams style and the only thing Jimin can say is:

“Damn,”

“Damn indeed. That is a man of culture.”

“Who’s that?” Jimin smiles knowingly. He’s fully aware who the person is but seeing Jeongguk
flustered is a mission of its own.

Jeongguk gulps visibly not catching how Jimin lips curve into a sly smirk. He didn’t think of what
would happen after. No one needs to know of his slight crush on music professor, Kim Namjoon.

Namjoon that also happens to be friends with Hoseok.

Namjoon that also happens to be his cousin’s ex.
Namjoon that also happens to be responsible for all the music mixing for the showcase.

“Someone you need to be more like!” He declares in response, quickly taking his phone back and
Jimin’s grin is audacious.

“That’s Namjoon, isn’t it.”

Fuck.

“Yeah, it’s Namjoon. Don’t tell him I have pictures of him. I’ll end up not being able to stand next
to him.” Jeongguk sighs. “He knows everyone I know. Can you imagine the embarrassment?”

“Ha, you’re so lame.”

“Says the manga reader.”

“Moving on- what do you like in Namjoon anyway?” Jimin inquires. It would be nice to know
what sort of a person Jeongguk is interested in.

“Have you seen him? It’s like God himself crafted that face! Oh, and those thighs…” Jeongguk
praises, as his mind processes everything he likes about Namjoon though the only thing he can
really point out is thighs.

“You’re kidding me...”

“Well, he’s smart, good at everything. That helps right?”

“So, you like him because he’s good-looking.”

“It’s a positive, yes.”

Back to business, Jeongguk is not a romanticist.

“Now if you were like Namjoon, you’d have an entire parade of people behind you.”

“Oh? In what context.”

“Forget it, you can’t ever be like Namjoon.”

“Wait, why?”

Jeongguk shamelessly scans Jimin which the other finds a tad unnerving. Seemingly satisfied with
what he sees, a sigh filters past his lips.

“You lack the height.”

Jeongguk is not quick enough to dodge the shoe thrown his way.

When Jeongguk gets a panic text at 4 a.m. from Jimin in the morning two days after the wardrobe
scrutiny, he genuinely believed it would have been a matter of life and death. As he rubbed the
sleep away from his eyes he was more than disappointed to note Jimin had only required his
wallet.

iced lemon tea at 10 thnx again 04.03

So, he wrestles through the streets with three orders of iced tea just in case Taehyung would be
present. Regardless what the rumors say (honestly how is Jeongguk a miser? he just has a huge
collection of white t-shirts), Jeongguk is a huge spender. Sometimes.

It comes as no surprise when Jeongguk finds Jimin in the same room he always does. Back when
he noticed the dancer and became some sort of a closeted fan. He’s watched almost all Jimin’s
previous performances, nothing short of impressed by his skill. He looks magnificent even while
practicing the routine. It makes sense for him to be the solo performance, there is just something
about him that stands out. Finesse in his step, quality in his grace.

That little detail is rather embarrassing thus he prays Jimin never finds out.

He walks in, not noticing the two spectators that are seated on the ground.

“Oh hey, Jeongguk!” greets Hoseok who’s conveniently seating beside Kim Taehyung. There is a
lilt to Hoseok’s voice.

They’re going steady, Jeongguk thinks but currently, his main concern is pulling off a proper
show. Hoseok isn’t aware of him dating.

“Tae tells me you’ve been keeping things from me!” He chirps though there is a hidden spite
behind the words. Jeongguk and Hoseok have been best friends since their teenage angst days. He
knows Hoseok is going to give him hell after. A bribe of spiced potato chips might be enough to
save Jeongguk.

“I swear I was going to tell—” Jeongguk hastily defends as Hoseok’s eyes widen. It’s probably
distrust but Jeongguk is the reason Hoseok is currently hanging around with the most attractive and
genuinely good guy on campus (after Jimin of course). Maybe Hoseok will let this one slip.

“Certain thing stands right there, babe.” Taehyung is cheeky. Jeongguk shoots him a glare spelling
betrayal witnessing the other’s hand fly up in surrender.

“Wait, you’re dating Jimin!” Hoseok yells letting go of Taehyung’s frame and straightening to
either punch the living daylights out of Jeongguk or hug him. Both circumstances are undesirable
as Jeongguk currently holds a tray of iced tea, cups numbered three.

Jimin seems unbothered. His gaze is set on his own reflection with an unreadable expression.

Commence plan: Fake Dating.

“Jimin- we been knew!”

“Can all of you get the fuck out?”

Update: Jimin is not having it.

The animosity in Jimin’s voice is near frightening. It prompts Taehyung and Hoseok to run outside
quickly, Jeongguk following suit.

“Not you, babe.” Jimin sounds three octaves higher than before. “Please tell me that iced tea is
mine.”

Jeongguk nods quickly handing the demanding dancer a cup. Maybe, he’s quiet for a longer time
than Jimin’s used to because suddenly his nose is being poked.

“You alright?”
“Just shaken. I didn’t think you had it in you.”

“What!” He takes a huge sip before continuing. “You should have seen them! I haven’t seen a
more disgusting couple ever. Hoseokkie this and Taehyungie that. I swear, I’ve contracted diabetes
from all the sap coming out of them.”

Jeongguk snorts unattractively. “They’re not that bad.”

“You’re right. They’re worse.”

“You’re just bitter.” Jeongguk waves it off. He’s enlightened to see more of Jimin’s personality.
Clearly, the dancer had a rough time ignoring – attempting to ignore – the giddy duo behind him
that was lost in their own world. “Try giving Hoseok a chance. Who knows, you might even like
him. He’s really just like you.”

“Yeah right! He’s loud, needlessly annoying and super full of himself. You’re fucking insane if
you think I’d ever be friends with him.” Jimin laughs.

“The day I get along with Hoseok is the day hell turns over.”

“Hoseok, please marry me.” Jimin pleads as he worships the sun that is Jung Hoseok. He’s on his
knees wearing a dazzling smile that has Jeongguk staring at the scene wide-eyed. Satan works
hard, but Park Jimin? He works harder.

Should he and Taehyung be alarmed? Probably.

“Let’s, my dear.” Hoseok replies equally giddy, oblivious to how Taehyung’s eyes expand at the
affirmation. Jeongguk rubs his back knowingly. It’s to be a long day.

Jeongguk has easily made four evident conclusions about his fake boyfriend,

1. Jimin is a bloody fantastic actor.

After Jimin had calmed down from his outburst – iced tea does absolute wonders – he had
apologized for kicking the rest out, even adding a pout for good measure. He introduced himself
properly to Hoseok and then trapped Jeongguk’s frame in a firm hug from the back. Hoseok was
readily convinced.

Jimin put up a very promising act; resting his head on Jeongguk’s shoulders as the group
exchanged light conservation. Jimin’s eyes glittered with faux affection.

Needless to say, Jeongguk is impressed. The man could easily give Woo Doo Hwan a run for his
money. It would be a drama Jeongguk would pay to watch.

2. Jimin loves all sorts of dance.

Not having any other commitments, Jimin waited for Jeongguk to finish his own practice,
absolutely enthralled with the world of Hip-Hop. His eyes studied the performance intently
probably wanting to carve it into memory. Afterward, Hoseok and Jimin shared tips and thoughts
on the performance.

3. He’s a weeb- anime fan.

They – being Hoseok and Jimin – had immediately bonded over anime and manga just two
seconds later. To think Park Jimin had nothing but a malice-intended gaze (the type you’d use to
scare away crows with) for the Hip-Hop team’s lead just an hour earlier. They giggled over My
Hero Academia, praise escaping their lips as well as mutual frustration towards some character
named Bakugou. Surprisingly, Hoseok turned out to be an even bigger shoujo fan than what
Jeongguk thought of Jimin. What even was this age of digital comics? The two just couldn’t stop
talking. Chattering away.

When Taehyung finally showed up free from his film class, no one spared him a look.

Which brings him to four:

4. Jimin is the embodiment of the term, Mr. Steal Your (G)irl

G is for Girl. G is for Gay.

“Jeongguk, we have a serious problem.”

Oh boy, here it comes.

“I’m dropping you. I’m sorry love, Hoseok and I just get along far too well.”

“And you! Tae! Why didn’t you tell me you were friends with an absolute dime piece of a man?”
Hoseok too is absolutely besotted with Jimin. Taehyung is either very lucky or very unlucky. The
world is a funny place, fate is a very fun game. Karma? Is a fucking sadist.

“You have some serious commitment issues, Hoseokkie.” Taehyung is also awfully whipped and
has no idea how on the mark he is.

Before Jimin falls into a spiral of self-loathing, Jeongguk is quick to snap fingers in front of the
man who just fell back into his seat. They exchange a knowing glance and with the affirmation that
Jimin is doing fine, Jeongguk tries to connect their hands, a common aim in mind.

“Ugh, go be disgustingly cute elsewhere.” Taehyung catches the action almost immediately. “I
liked it better when you two were secretive about it.”

“It’s your own fault TaeTae,” Jimin pouts, and goddamn is this man cute. “You kinda ruined the
entire mood yesterday.”

“Hey Tae, wanna get a bite to eat?” Hoseok proposes after, with Taehyung copying Jeongguk.
Jealous, jealous, jealous.

“Sure,” He replies and the two bid their farewell after a day of incessant bonding. As soon as Jimin
is sure the two have left, or at least can’t see, he withdraws his hand and crosses his arms.

The action does very little to hurt Jeongguk.

“Hell turns over, was it?”

“Okay... you were right, he’s not—” Jimin starts hesitantly, struggling with his words. It doesn’t
help Jeongguk is amused. “Hey! Quit fucking laughing.”
“I told you, Hoseok most certainly isn't bad.” Jeongguk guffaws.

Jimin rolls his eyes at the action, digging his hands into his hair.

“What does Taehyung even see in him? That was so hard to watch.”

“Love is dumb, and love is blind.” Oh shit, Jeon you really have no filter.

“Yeah, I did fall for a dumbass.” Jimin agrees, schooling his features back into neutral.

Jeongguk would try to comfort Jimin, but he really has nothing to use. This is just it. A perfect
charade. They act around and see to it that their relationship is something Taehyung ends up
craving because Jeongguk knows Hoseok better than anyone and Hoseok isn’t a romantic. Not in
the least bit. He gets along with everyone and has a huge friends circle, but he doesn’t date.

The fact that Hoseok is trying with Taehyung is an entirely different story but why on Earth would
Jeongguk tell Jimin that?

He recalls the unfiltered hurt on Jimin’s expression when he had learned of Hoseok’s existence.
Taehyung was either playfully innocent or entirely insensitive in that situation when he described
how much he adored Hoseok. Jeongguk remembers feeling awkward at how Jimin would stare at
the vegetables with an anger settling in his eyes.

It didn’t seem right for someone as soft and friendly as Jimin to be like that. Doused in a silhouette
of self-pity.

Love: the concept for the art competition Jeongguk wants to participate in. Something, Jeongguk
doesn’t quite understand. Why did all these art conventions have to select the vaguest topic
possible?

Sure, he’s had his fair share of teenage crushes, who hasn’t? But love? Unaltered and pure is
something he struggles to accept. He’s not a believer of love at first sight and affection is a tricky
game to win when Jeon Jeongguk despises losing.

When his eyes shifted between Taehyung and Jimin, back to back, he found himself understanding
the chaos Jimin must have been feeling. Thus, the completely unplanned and unthought of
proposal. Fake-dating Park Jimin in hopes to understand his opinion on this fragile, fragile topic.

He didn’t tell Jimin that he himself has never been in a proper relationship. He just knows from
what he’s seen in movies and seen via his friends. He’s gone on a lot of dates and kissed random
strangers through dares and sometimes want but having a proper significant other. What’s that?

It might be very hard to believe for some but Jeongguk is a relationship guru; Jeon-sus. He’s given
so much advice (not advice per say) to his peers that had ended in so many happy
individuals. Single individuals.

“I don’t understand what to do, Gguk… What do I do?” Yoongi had once asked him. He was
dating his neighbor, a girl that could easily be labeled attractive and out-going. Others would have
killed to have been dating Hiyori, the breathtaking beauty but Yoongi was confused.
Confused, in every aspect of the word.

“Uh, give it a break-"

“Yes! That’s exactly what I need. God, Jeongguk you’re a genius!” Yoongi practically screamed in
joy. Yoongi, someone Jeongguk knows from his cousin’s galas, a great friend, an even greater
elder brother figure. The audio engineer was a bit tricky with emotions but a huge softie at heart.
“I’m going to break up with her!”

“That’s not what I meant…” Jeongguk remembers trying to explain his proposal. He didn’t want to
be the cause of an end to a rash couple. They could have been in love for god’s sake! That regret
had immediately flushed out of his system once Hiyori texted him a ‘thank-you’ in all capitals, with
a stream of emojis. He remembers freaking out and deleting it before Yoongi could ever see it.

Yoongi had also proclaimed himself henceforth only-attracted-to-males the day after; kissing
random pretty boys is clearly the solution to everything.

That is how Jeongguk came to the realization that young love is bullshit. Nothing sticks. And that
is also why Jimin’s situation had struck him as interesting.

The self-hired relationship expert in him wanted to provide his help no matter what. Thus, he lied.
He lied saying he wanted Namjoon’s attention.

He would also be lying if was saying Namjoon wasn’t a total catch.

Namjoon was everything Jeongguk thought he’d want in someone. Good looks, good
looks, good look- okay maybe Jeongguk’s outline for an ideal type isn’t very extensive but he
seemed the best person to label as said 'crush' when Jimin’s curiosity peaked.

Namjoon is also Jeongguk’s somewhat elder brother. He’s also his cousin’s (distant cousin, read:
Kim-stupid-Seokjin’s) ex. Namjoon who was out of university and taking refuge in Yoongi’s
apartment avoiding Seokjin like the plague completely unaware that Seokjin had moved on, and is
‘dating’ Yoongi now. It was a literal romantic comedy of sorts, oh how Jimin would adore that.

Coming back to initial predicament: Jeongguk only needs a spark of inspiration for his entry and
dating— well, fake dating Park Jimin might just be an efficient solution.

“Well, we have like the rest of the year to make it work.” Jimin breathes out, breaking his way into
Jeongguk’s thoughts. Jeongguk nods in approval.

They decide on walking back to the dormitories once coming to the knowledge it was
coincidentally the same building. Just different floors.

On an even bigger coincidence: Hoseok was not only Jeongguk’s closest friend. He was also his
roommate.

Jimin notes just how well he and Jeongguk get along. Like the best partners in crime, that don’t
commit huge crimes. He can easily share his thoughts with Jeongguk and isn’t met with the
hesitance he usually feels. He can also be a bit more selfish around Jeongguk. It brings him ease to
know such a person like that.

Jimin is literally, quite selfish.

“Oh hey! You owe me for the iced teas.” Jeongguk suddenly recalls as surprisingly, his wallet
feels lighter. He had promised Hoseok he would do the grocery too. Another awkward situation.

“I don’t you owe shit,” Jimin walks straight, unable to see how Jeongguk mouth opens in protest.

“The fuck… Jimin, you literally drank two cups today. One was for Tae! Not to mention you asked
me to buy those!”
“Did I force you though? No, I didn’t. Hence, I don’t owe you shit.” Jimin is unreadable. One
second being open and friendly and the next being a whole brat. It brings Jeongguk a certain pride
that Jimin is so comfortable around him, but that amount of comfort is a bit too heavy on his
student budget.

Jeongguk is left speechless as Jimin just gives him a blank stare and breaks out into a brisk walk
once the dormitories are in sight.

This is going to be a challenge for Jeon Jeongguk. And those he likes immensely.

Scratch every good thing Jeongguk has ever, ever said about Park Jimin.

Apart from the untimely text messages at god-awful hours in the night practically ordering
Jeongguk to be present after Jimin’s practice with a selected coffee or drink; Jimin is annoying.
Extremely annoying.

He makes use of his charisma far too well these days. Fluttering compliments and wide smiles
make everyone around him flock towards him instantly. Jeongguk is instantly replaced as the
more likable person in his friend’s group. Everyone loves Jimin.

Even Taehyung has taken an even bigger liking to Jimin, though it’s almost unavoidable that most
of it is just for advice.

Jeon-sus’ pride as relationship guru is at stake.

So as Jeongguk is mentally calculating the amount of debt Jimin has piled up, he doesn’t hear
Yugyeom talking to him. Not until Yugyeom is digging his fingers into Jeongguk’s shoulders.

“Ow! What are you trying out for? Ballroom queen? Trim your damn nails!” He protests out of
pain, rubbing his shoulder.

“Now he listens to me! I was talking to you about Jimin!”

“Jimin? What about Jimin?”

Yugyeom takes a second, and then he’s laughing.

“Tell me the truth. You don’t really think I believe your little game for a second.” Yugyeom
muses, demanding answers. This situation is rather precarious.

“I don’t—” Jeongguk mumbles carefully. He can’t slip, not when Jimin is out there being an
Oscar-worthy actor.

“How much did you pay Jimin to act as your boyfriend? He’s much too good for you.”

Though it’s out of his own good will that Jeongguk doesn’t mind buying— paying for Jimin’s
coffee order almost every odd day of the week, Yugyeom has no idea how accurate he is.

“Honestly, I can’t believe you hid him from me for this long!”

“I liked it being exclusive to us only. You can’t blame me.” Jeongguk shrugs relieved that he
hasn’t been caught yet.

“Dude it’s just odd is all. Jimin hasn’t ever been this vocal with people.”

Really? That’s weird, Jeongguk thinks. Jimin is very cordial and absolutely a people’s person.
Introverted as he is, he still manages to say all the right things. A true diamond in the rough.

“He’s always immersed in practice and doesn’t talk to a lot of people. I feel like this week is the
only time I’ve seen him openly smile at people and you know entertain them. Though on that note,
I’d be a bit concerned if I were you.”

Ignoring the slight smugness that fills Jeongguk at the knowledge he’s managed to change Jimin
for the better by just a bit, he asks, “Why?”

“Everyone is enamored by him. You’d be surprised at how many guys want to ask him out now.”

“Disgusting. All of them. I’m literally here!”

“Yeah, thanks to you they know he’s into guys. You, being the infamous amoeba that you are…”
Yugyeom stresses mischievously.

Jeongguk crosses his arms, a discontent pout on his face. “Grey-sexual! Grey. Sexual. There is a
difference!”

Yugyeom ignores the mild rant being thrown at him and continues explaining. “Before, the girls in
our department would be all over him. I can’t think of one that didn’t like him. Nina, Mina, Tina,
Rena- wait why the fuck do all of them rhyme.”

The two friends break out into laughter, clenching their stomachs.

“He’s good for you. You’re good for him.” Yugyeom praises though it feels more of a punch to
Jeongguk’s gut. Yugyeom takes a few seconds to think, and then speaks up again.

“Don’t fuck it up, Gguk.”

“Yeah, yeah. Honestly, your trust in me is baffling.”

Yugyeom brings his hands together, lips curving in an evil grin. “Considering you walking out on
me on our second date and ignoring me for the next two months is an experience to learn and live
by… I trust you a lot!”

“My god, you always bring that up! I said I was sorry!”

“I know. Hopefully, Jimin doesn’t go through that too.” Yugyeom’s smile is more of an insult and
he goes back to bringing up past events. Jeongguk covers his ears and walks out of the dance room.

Jeongguk’s heart sinks at his realization. Despicable as he is, Jimin truly deserves the best.

The rest of the day goes by well. If watching people look at Jimin like he’s the last limited-edition
fur scarf on display is something pleasant - Jeongguk has been having a splendid day.

Yugyeom wasn’t exaggerating.

Almost every other person is trying to chat with Jimin. Whether they have ulterior motives or not,
it creates a cloud of protectiveness in the pretend boyfriend and he interlocks their hands for the
rest of their walk out the campus.

“Don’t ask.” Jeongguk rolls his eyes when Jimin coughs loud enough for him to hear.

They stride briskly towards where they know the rest of their company is at - Jammin' Java, the
campus cafe. When they reach Taehyung hugs them both and drags them along to the bench. There
is also the smell of ground coffee beans. Jeongguk hates coffee very much, with reason.

“Hoseok!”

Jeongguk also hates how happy Hoseok looks smiling up to Jimin. Where is this irrational jealousy
even coming from? Jeongguk should call up Seokjin later. His cousin clearly has more experience
than him.

They start talking about anime again and Taehyung scans through his phone.

Jeongguk takes this time to study the situation once more:

He’s in a fake relationship with Park Jimin. Survivable for him, maybe not for his
bank balance.
Hoseok likes Taehyung quite a lot. Taehyung likes Hoseok quite a lot.
Jimin loves Taehyung. (Good looks- is the only thing Jeongguk can think of in this
regard.)
Seokjin might as well kill Jeongguk once he finds out.
Four months till the showcase and graduation. Thank god for that.
Around six months till he must enter his painting for the competition.

“Guys! Infinity War is coming out soon.” Taehyung yells in their faces gathering Jeongguk’s
immediate attention.

“What, when!” Jeongguk is: giddy teenager.

“In like four days! The hype is definitely there!” Taehyung agrees gleefully, a million thoughts
running through his head.

“You and me, boy. We’re definitely nailing this one.” Jeongguk grabs Taehyung’s hand in a bro-2-
bro handshake, locking tight. “We should get Yugyeom too—"

“What? No fair. I’m coming along.” Hoseok adds.

“Excuse you, Hoseok! I had to watch Naruto: The First with you! I deserve my own movie-time.”

“The Last! The Last!” Hoseok wails in objection. “Don’t insult the classics you uncultured—"

“Swine.” Jeongguk finishes. “Yeah, that got old the first time you said it.”

They keep bickering back and forth, insisting on a proper movie gathering as well as throwing a
whole bunch of subtle jabs at one and another (“At least I’m not a weeaboo!” Jeongguk huffs in
counter to Hoseok’s “You’re such a nerd!”) until Jimin speaks up surprising them all.

“Why not just go for a double date? We can just… make the best of it.” He provides rather
efficiently. In midst of their not so mature approach to current situation, Jimin had come to a rather
effective conclusion. Regrettably.

“Jimin, you’re a genius.” Taehyung replies, wide box grin on full display.

“What? No. I want to watch it with a Marvel enthusiast… not you two weebs.”

“Of course! No one else can appreciate Iron Man like you do after all.” Jimin counters, his eyes
glint knowingly but his face is stoic. Jeongguk feels slightly apologetic. To Jimin, not towards
Hoseok. Hoseok can go suck a cactus.

“How—”

“Yugyeom told me. And hey, don’t be rude. I like Marvel just as much, you’d be surprised.”

Jimin doesn’t utter the you-don’t-know-me though it’s implied.

“Well, then it’s settled. Next week.” Hoseok glares Jeongguk back into his seat and oh how he
knows Hoseok is going to beat his ass after this for calling him a weeb.

Maybe, a proper date with Jimin wouldn’t be so bad after all.

“Sometimes it’s hard to believe you actually have a boyfriend.” Hoseok provides in lieu of the
usual snark remark when he spots Jeongguk trying to figure out how to use Adobe After Effects. A
life of dedication to making Marvel edits is just within his reach. Only if his composition didn’t lag
like a 330 ping Fortnite game.

“I said I was sorry for calling you a weeb! Get over it.” Jeongguk sighs closing the application only
to go back to Google to read articles on how to be a good boyfriend.

Buy her everything she could want but don’t spoil her too much.

Ha, jokes on them Jeongguk couldn’t care less what Jimin could want. He’d probably be the type
to want an Audi parked outside his house as an anniversary present. Jeongguk prays for Jimin’s
future relationships. He’s a handful.

“I’m not petty like you!” Hoseok clicks his tongue. “I’m just saying it’s nice to see you actually
trying and you seem happy about it.”

Happy. Happy? Is everyone around him insane? Jeongguk hasn’t slept for the past 36 hours being
woken up in the middle of the night because Jimin decided to call him so that they could discuss a
choreography. When it was finally over, Jeongguk couldn’t fall asleep so he just binged X-Men.

God, was Logan good-looking. Abort, again with the good looks!

He goes back to Google and frantically searches, ‘what-is-a-proper-ideal-type.’

Find it within yourself and choose wisely.

And Jeongguk has lost all faith in humanity - even the internet can be useless.
“Yeah, I am.” He lies not meeting Hoseok’s eyes. Maybe, Hoseok will be able to spot the bags
under his eyes.

Time to work this plan.

“What about you? Everything smooth sailing with Taehyunggie.” Jeongguk plays around a
bit. Hoseok doesn’t laugh. That’s answer enough.

“Sort of?” Hoseok goes back to shuffling through a book. “He’s nice and really fun to be around
with but you know me, Jeongguk. I don’t do relationships and I’m afraid the longer this goes on
he’ll get hurt.”

“Then why not drop it? You’re saying it like he won’t understand.”

Jeongguk is excellent at this – the acting – though he isn’t entirely wrong. Taehyung is very
considerate. If he knew Hoseok didn’t want to go any further than it has, he wouldn’t poke around
for it. The fact he is doing so means that he’s been given the A-Okay by Hoseok.

“He will… but is it selfish of me to want this even if…”

“It doesn’t end well for the two of you,” Jeongguk finishes, a slightly bitter taste on his tongue as
he finishes the sentence. “He doesn’t deserve that you know.”

Right now, Jeongguk is talking as a friend for both. It doesn’t matter how accomplishing this feat
might be for his arrangement with Jimin. Jeongguk if anything, is Taehyung’s friend too and it’s
disturbing to think he’s allowing another one of his friends hurt him.

“I’m thinking about it. Don’t worry, I have no plans on hurting him.”

“Suit yourself.”

Hoseok suddenly changes the topic. “Hey, enough on me. You never ever told me you knew Park
Jimin? Let alone date him.”

“I asked him out that day after the ballet opening for the university’s annual gala…”

“You mean the day when you ditched Yugyeom or—?”

“Can we stop with the Yugyeom-thing.” Jeongguk slams his laptop down, now regretting the
amount of force he used. He probably broke the LED. “I told you I was nervous! I don’t do
successive dates!”

We’re best friends now by the way... I could very well replace you, Jeongguk thinks but doesn’t
care to share. He doesn’t want a beating; his body still hurts from being forced into a pillow fight
where Hoseok had the unfair advantage— the hardest pillow they owned.

“OK-ok. Continue.”

“Anyway, not that day. We met up properly around a few months ago and we just sort of clicked?
He wanted to make it official and though this is new to me I really wanted the same too and here
we are.” Jeongguk makes it up as he goes, assessing the damage he’s done to his poor laptop.
Score, Stark still works properly!

“I also didn’t want the attention by the way. The very attention we’re getting these days!”

Again, though the story is a lie it’s not exactly untrue either. Jeongguk did want to get to know
Jimin after he saw the dancer practically hard-carry the performance. He shone so brightly he left
even his seniors in the dust.

Jimin doesn’t know he’s the reason Jeongguk even decided to pick up dance as a major. He had to
provide so much convincing – luckily for him, he was part of a dance crew before – and put in
hours and hours of effort, but he’s made it. And someday, he might be able to tell Jimin so that he
can hear that Jimin’s proud.

“Well, you aren’t subtle about it either. You’re gross and everyone who had a crush on Jimin
earlier now wants to try extra hard because you’re not exactly hard to match.”

Wow, now that is news to him. Jeongguk finds himself very admirable. Also did Hoseok and
Yugyeom pre-plan this?

“Hey, fuck you, I’m a total ten.”

“Sure, but so are others. Jimin is an eleven by the way. Get to work, kid.”

“Whatever you say, I’ll still win in the end.”

If he means he’ll win this game he plays without Hoseok’s consent or Jimin’s proper affection, he
doesn’t think much about it. After all, this arrangement isn’t to last forever. They graduate this
year, all of them, and investing so much time into someone never ends well.

The very next day he gets a text from Jimin at an astonishingly appropriate time. Jeongguk doesn’t
bother reading it because he knows that tomorrow is Ice Tea Thursday. He smiles as he tucks his
phone back into his pocket staring at the blank canvas in front of him.

Taehyung: 0
Jeongguk: 1

Jeongguk is mentally happy with this progress.

Wait... what?
 Scheme
Chapter Notes

p.s slight vague spoilers for Captain America: Civil War & Ao Haru Ride (manga)
p.p.s all these thoughts on futuba are mine; dont hate minmin.

Any normal college student would spend their weekends curled up in the comfort of their sheets
behind the familiar dorm walls. They could also be outside with friends, hanging about doing
whatever it is normal people do.

Jimin, however, is not normal. Or at least, Taehyung is adamant in believing so.

Taehyung has always been the overbearing friend who tries to inculcate some sort of good
outgoing habits in Jimin whilst Jimin proves to be the hobbit in the cave. They connect on a
spiritual level and honestly that’s all you truly need in a friendship. Knowing the other reciprocates
how you feel and where Taehyung isn’t good with words, Jimin makes sure to convey properly
how much Taehyung means to him. Just not the other thing because Jimin has dug himself a grave
– more accurately a trench at this point, to go hide in.

When Jimin announced he was going to campus to practice, Taehyung had yelled at him. He
proposed going out with Jeongguk as if it was that easy to do. Jimin doesn’t want to waste
Jeongguk’s time unnecessarily. The other could clearly use time to himself. What would they do
anyway?

Taehyung soon took note of Jimin’s stubbornness and resorted to being despicable; hiding Jimin’s
entry pass to the building. He then danced around rather dramatically waving his phone in the air
and closing the door but not before announcing he’s off on a date and that Jimin should be too.

Little does Taehyung know: Jimin is already two steps ahead of him. Or in this case, Jimin knows
where Taehyung hides things.

He spends some time with Miri who only softens around Jimin, feeding her and stroking her head.
It’s funny how Taehyung was the one to adopt the kitten, but she took to Jimin more. Now she’s
Jimin’s property (or as Taehyung describes in pettiness, Jimin’s problem) and he couldn’t be
happier. Once Miri is satisfied by the attention, he goes to Taehyung’s bed and retrieves his entry
pass that was hidden in the pillowcase.

He silently apologizes to Taehyung and leaves to practice.

Sadly, practice is anything but fruitful. The silence is something Jimin needs to get used to again
after two whole weeks of socializing with his group and Jeongguk’s friends. They’re friendly, loud
and appreciative of him and though their company is admirable and joyous it makes Jimin queasy
at times. Queasy because it reminds Jimin of how stupid he was for not letting people in earlier.
Being a perfectionist, he allowed nothing to get in his way as he worked his way to the top of his
class and now to the top of the student records.

The only proper friend he had managed to make was Taehyung who came as a roommate first and
a battering ram second shattering any sort of walls Jimin put up when talked to or invited to hang
out after.

That and the fact this dance he’s practicing religiously for is not his taste.

It’s too plain – too classic. Something that literally looks like it came out of the 1800s and Jimin is
not from the 1800s. He didn’t speak against it because his teacher had praised him endlessly and
coaxed him into performing but now the more he thinks about it the more he doesn’t want to do it.
Had he only spoken up before he’d be enjoying this far more. Now it seems like the instructor
wanted him to fail or so. How is he supposed to impress any of the representatives that will be
present at the showcase if all he does is a simple set of classic spins.

Though it’s too late to fight against it now. The long-awaited showcase is almost four months away
and the schedules are fixed.

“Jimin, what are you doing here?”

Jimin looks to his left to find Yugyeom staring at him with a towel in his hand. He’s probably here
to practice too.

“Procrastinating.” Jimin replies in a heartbeat.

Yugyeom stifles a chuckle as he silently asks for permission to enter. Dabbing at his temple, he
strolls inside and gives Jimin a friendly smile. “Been there. Done that. Wanna get a bite to eat or
something?”

Jimin decides to comply. There is nothing else to do here anyway. The longer he stares at the
ceiling the more he wants the forces up above to whisk him away.

Jammin’ Java; the only place to go when in need of a snack.

They sit inside and quickly order something light. Yugyeom is nothing like Jeongguk. He orders a
simple sandwich with a side of coleslaw and doesn’t disapprove of Jimin’s selection of the salad.

“What’s bothering you?” Yugyeom asks out of the blue noticing Jimin’s silence.

Jimin’s façade falters as he stutters through his next sentence. “I just— I was thinking about stuff.”

“Like what to buy Jeongguk for his birthday? Don’t be so attentive to him. I bet he’d be happy if
you just gave him a kiss.”

Jimin flushes immediately choking on air. That was an unexpected comment.

Jeongguk’s birthday, maybe Jimin can do something for Jeongguk.

It shouldn’t be mistaken for him softening for the other, no way. It’s just simply doing something
thoughtful for Jeongguk who has yet to complain about the countless coffee orders. Jimin feels
pampered and for once he really wants to return the favor. He’s explored so many sides of his
personality thanks to Jeongguk as well as befriended such inherently good people in his year.

“What kind of things would he like anyway?” Jimin inquires. Yugyeom would know well. Better
than Jimin anyway.
That fact settles heavily at the back of his head. That needs to change. Fast.

“Well apart from Marvel and dance? Not much—” Yugyeom starts rubbing his hands together, a
scheming tactician. “Let us talk about Jeon Jeongguk, shall we?”

“Explain exactly why you need my coffee machine?” Seokjin’s saccharine voice fills his ears.

“It’s not like you wanted it anyway. You were about to throw it away!” Jeongguk immediately
plays this one card that always works. Make Seokjin feel guilty about being wasteful. “Hey, I just
have no use for it anymore and it’s not like I require money…”

The things Jeongguk does for Jimin—

“Exactly why you should just donate it to a poor college student who deserves a good cup of coffee
in the morning and afternoon.”

“I practically saw you shed your diapers and put on boxers, Jeongguk. I know you don’t like
coffee...”

“I’m picky! Doesn’t mean I don’t like it.” Jeongguk interjects, tapping his foot on the ground with
a soft rhythm. “People change you know…”

“Tell that to me when you grow out of your marvel phase…”

“It’s not a phase! It’s a way—”

“Yeah yeah, way of life. Circle of life. Shut up.”

“Jimin accepts my nerd side. Why can’t you?” Jeongguk mutters full aware he’s being a tad bit
rude to his cousin.

“Who’s Jimin?”

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

“Just a friend…”

“I know all of your friends, Gguk.” Seokjin reminds him and god does Jeongguk hate having three
parents. It’s not as if Seokjin needs to be this nosy with his life though it is entirely welcome.
Seokjin is like the elder brother Jeongguk never had. Sometimes he wishes it stayed that way
because Seokjin comes from his father’s side of the family and though he’s aware Seokjin himself
is nothing like the rest- he hates all those rich bastards with a passion. Rich, insensitive,
scheming…

“Okay. Don’t nag… Jimin’s my boyfriend.” Jeongguk manages to establish without chickening
out.

Three. Two. One.

“You have a boyfriend?” Seokjin bellows into the microphone; Jeongguk is sure he’s deaf in the
right ear now.
Then there is silence, at least for the next five seconds until his phone is ringing.

“Did you fucking panic hang up on me, again? That’s the third time this session!”

Seokjin is angry but he loves his cousin far too much. The more sane and appreciative person out
of his entire relative tree. They both have similar views and they both are better off without them –
not having to succumb to their wishes anytime soon.

Conservative rich people mindset: You can’t make it big in the world unless you’re a doctor, an
entrepreneur with a proper heritage or a noble peace prize winner.

Jeongguk possessed a talent for the arts. He wanted to pursue the arts, so he had forcefully gone
against his family’s wishes – Jeongguk’s only emotional support being his mother, and financial
support being Seokjin. Through sheer determination and effort, he managed to score a full
scholarship and he is at where he worked hard to be.

Seokjin himself had to battle his own parents to enroll himself in a fashion designing course. He
tailored nearly all his year’s prom dresses (all-nighters and a lot of coffee) and managed to gather
enough money over the years to start his own small firm. Humble beginning, to branch out into a
huge and successful clothing line. At the tender age of twenty-six, Kim Seokjin was one of the
most famous self-established entrepreneurs.

AJIN Attire – atrocious name but it’s popular now so hey who cares right. Very successful;
Jeongguk is promised a modelling contract if he doesn’t graduate. Jeongguk reckons it as a silent
promotion because before it was the receptionist’s job if he didn’t graduate. Goes to say, Jeongguk
aged up just as well.

He is very much an eleven, Hoseok is blind.

“You were yelling. What did I say about the yelling?” Jeongguk fumes immaturely.

“Okay, sorry but you do realize you didn’t tell me, right? You tell me everything!” Seokjin pouts
on the other side of the phone call, Jeongguk presumes. “I’m coming over with the machine and we
need to have a much-needed talk.”

Oh boy. Time for the talk.

Seokjin shows up in clad black. If it was any less expensive he could pass as a junior artist. The
door opens and Seokjin all but invites himself in. The machine is in a bag that he settles on the
table.

“I bought some coffee beans and I also brought you the mug you use whenever you drop by my
place. I figured you’d like that.” Seokjin tells him making himself comfortable on the couch.
“Nothing like dorm life. Can’t believe this is the first time you asked me for something.”

“Ok, no need to be weirdly doting.” Jeongguk keeps his face neutral hoping the heat he feels is just
from the room being humid and not his cheeks flushing.

“So, boyfriend. How and when?”

Jeongguk tells Seokjin, everything.

“Fake-boyfriend. It’s just to help someone out and help Hoseok realize he’s being dumb.”
Jeongguk braces himself for the endless scolding.
Seokjin eyes widen imperceptibly. His gaze isn’t dismissive and rude like Jeongguk had expected it
to be but it’s still enough to intimidate Jeongguk who silently awaits some yelling. He does kind of
deserve it.

“Hoseok, eh? He finally broke out of his I-don’t-like-nobody shell?” Seokjin asks not the least bit
angry.

“Kind of? He’s kinda going with the flow and I don’t want Taehyung to be hurt.”

“Right. Right.” Seokjin is Jeongguk’s guardian angel. “You want me to give you a pat on the back
or a punch in the gut.”

Seokjin is Jeongguk’s very smart but also very scary guardian angel.

“It's idiotic but I guess it could be fine as long as you don’t hurt yourself in the process.”

Jeongguk shrugs, not answering properly since he is of the belief Seokjin understands. He goes to
unwrap his prize and set it in place.

Now he doesn’t have to buy coffee every day. If he hears ‘caramel latte with no sugar again, sir’
he might just breakdown and cry. It’s almost as if the entire staff knows his order by now. Jimin
can do without the Tea-Tuesday-Thursday; Jeongguk will just buy him a bag of green tea bags if
he complains a lot. It’s odd how eager Jeongguk is to spoil Jimin.

Currently, Jimin’s phone number is blocked so that Jeongguk can spend a peaceful weekend.

“So, Jimin. He’s okay with it?”

“Yeah, it’s to assist him actually.” Jeongguk studies the machine praying it still works. Namjoon
wa in all his infamous clumsy glory, Seokjin’s ex. The one break-up within his acquaintances and
family that Jeongguk didn’t manage to cause an end to!

Namjoon had been immature and slightly careful whilst Seokjin had been far too professional.
What started off as cute and nice ended due to paper clipped files and piano keys. And although
initially they still hit it off as close friends after Namjoon proposed the break-up— Namjoon is
AWOL now. He doesn’t answer calls from Seokjin and ignores him like Seokjin is the grim-
reaper. Death knocking on his door.

He has also resorted to avoiding Jeongguk now. Understandable, socializing with the enemy’s baby
cousin isn’t a good idea.

Seokjin is highly smitten with Yoongi these days. They were in college together, roommates. It
was the very same institute Jeongguk attends currently.

“Tell me about him.”

God, where does he start? Suddenly he regrets telling everyone about the dance major that
prompted his career options.

“Remember that one dancer I talked your ear off about once?”

“Oh? You mean that guy you said was an actual angel descended from the heavens itself? That his
feet defied Newton’s mortal laws of Physics? That he could step on you and you’d say—”

“Okay!” Jeongguk interrupts. “Nothing I said was ever that embarrassing.”

“Oh, trust me it was.”

Jeongguk shoots him a glare, before saying, “He’s Jimin.”

The next few seconds pass by with Seokjin straightening himself and giving Jeongguk a
condescending glare, lips drawn into a taut line.

“So, you’re fake-dating your crush?”

“Friend.”

“I have to meet him.”

“No!”

“Yes.”

“Never.”

“I’m not taking you to Tokyo in the summers.”

“Fine! You can meet him.”

Seokjin looks smugly happy. Jeongguk being the good host he is, makes a cup of coffee for
Seokjin once he figures out how to use the machine. And it’s silent for a while – the only time they
speak is when they exchange details about Jeongguk’s last year. Seokjin is insanely proud. He
doesn’t voice it, but the smile lingers on his lips from time and time and he makes a promise to gift
Jeongguk a suit for all his effort.

“Wait! I got it. Invite Jimin to the banquet.” Seokjin orders as he claps his hands and throws his
right leg over the other. His expression could very well be that of a professor who just solved the
hardest equation on Earth. Not that Jeongguk ever understood the difference between an expression
and an equation. All he knew was how to thwart the teacher’s attention elsewhere, so he could
cheat from Hoseok or come down with fever at the exact day as the Math’s exam and be put into
remedial sessions. He did, however, enjoy science. Until they too ended up being extensions of
Math.

“What banquet?” Jeongguk isn’t aware of no gathering. Oh, how will Namjoon hide from Seokjin
now?

“I told you about it! It’s to celebrate the company’s third year running. How could you forget?”
Seokjin frowns just slightly.

“Call him. Call him now.” Seokjin’s tone is not one to be matched with. Sighing, Jeongguk goes
back to his phone and prays for Jimin to not pick up.

Taehyung is resting on the couch when Jimin returns.

His day had been rather eventful. Though nothing came out of being at the university the initiative
was truly worth it. Yugyeom and Jimin had spent the day bonding as well as discussing Jeongguk
like he was a 400-word assignment due the next day.
He had been careful not to slip up in anyway shape or form and he had done exactly that.
Thankfully, Yugyeom hadn’t poked around too much in the relationship itself and provided his
own stories from knowing Jeongguk. What comes as a huge surprise to Jimin is that Jeongguk had
feelings for Yugyeom at some point in time. Enough to go on a date with him that is. The rest of
the story was amusing to say the least. Jeongguk didn’t seem like the type to get cold feet on the
second date. Apparently, he had faked having a fever and stayed at home but Yugyeom had caught
him hanging around the café as usual. Jeongguk upon making eye contact had run faster than Usain
Bolt, almost falling face first on the asphalt.

“I don’t blame him but boy was it funny... that day I met Bammie, my boyfriend. So, all’s good…”

It’s nice to know even the ever-so-confident Jeongguk has a shy side to him and silently unsettling
to come to the knowledge that everyone around Jimin is romantically established.

The rest of the day was just them sharing views on the showcase and regretting not meeting sooner.
When Yugyeom told Jimin that the change in him was good and he’s glad about it, Jimin instantly
felt as if ascended to heaven.

The sight Jimin returns to is so domestic he wants to capture it forever. Taehyung has his face
hidden in a pillow as he sleeps soundly. Jimin tuts at his bare feet and immediately saunters to grab
a blanket, making sure he doesn’t wake Taehyung up. Once Taehyung is comfortable, Jimin
retreats to his bed pulling out his phone to watch videos. It isn’t long before the screen fades to a
caller notification.

“Jimin, I need you to say yes before anything else because you owe me more than you know…”
Jeongguk’s voice filters through as Jimin brings the phone to his ear. “Don’t bloody scare him!”
Another voice scolds in the background, one that doesn’t belong to any of Jeongguk’s friends. That
spikes fear in Jimin but only momentarily.

“What did I say about the yelling?!” Jeongguk is complaining; Jimin chuckles. “As I was saying…
I need you to be my date for a banquet.”

That is the last thing Jimin expected Jeongguk to ask for. Naturally, he thought it would be the
same for the other.

“B-banquet?” Jimin stutters in question.

“Yeah my annoying cousin has a banquet and he wants to meet you.”

“Annoying? Right when I bring you my old—”

“Not now, Jinnie. Not now.”

Cousin. That dissolves the uneasiness completely.

“Sure.”

“I promise I’ll buy you— Wait, you’re coming?”

“Yeah, I’ve never been to a banquet. When is it.”

“Put the phone on speaker you damn coward! I’m not going to expose you!” The cousin pleads,
and there is a childlike quality to his voice. He must be close to Jeongguk.

“I’ll text you the details when it’s confirmed.”

“Sure,”

“And Jimin…”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.” He says it in such a silent and melodious way it has shivers running down Jimin’s
spine.

“I booked the tickets!” Taehyung yells in excitement inviting himself into the conversation.

Jimin currently has his attention on the manga he’s reading. Ao Haru Ride should have an extra
genre tag to warn any reader about how frustrating it is. Touma deserves the world and all Jimin
wants to do is grab that boy and make him his bride. He deserves so much better…

“Better be good seats, Tae!” Jeongguk reciprocates Taehyung’s mood.

They start diving straight into discussing how hot the ratings have been and Jimin tunes them out
going back to the manga.

Really and truly: Fuck Futaba.

“Honestly! Why do the good characters never end up happy? This is by far the most frustrating
thing I’ve read all year.” Jimin fumes, he’s had enough. Where is the Touma in his life?

He finds himself looking at Jeongguk after, the other is staring at him in horror; doe eyes
judgemental. He isn’t blonde.

“Jeongguk, have you ever considered going blonde?” He asks shamelessly. Mind going traitor. He
should be imagining Taehyung in blonde, not Jeongguk.

“I take it Touma didn’t get the girl?” Taehyung asks whilst holding a gaze with Jeongguk. He tries
to communicate something that extraordinarily Jeongguk understands. Comfort him.

“No! And she doesn’t deserve Kou either! Honestly, it’s like they make these shoujo heroines to
fall into being the classic Mary-Jane while the guy does all the work and the courting and all they
have to show for is the pretty looks.” He rants endlessly once asked about it and though Jeongguk
finds it humorous he only slides his arm over Jimin’s shoulder pulling him in close. He doesn’t
expect Jimin to lean into the hug. He likes it a lot.

“She isn’t even that pretty…” He finishes, voice going quiet and Jeongguk thinks he’s about to cry.
He doesn’t. “I want Touma as my bride.”

“You can’t have him as your bride,” Taehyung provides…

“Bitch, I’m about to.” Whilst Jimin shuts him down.

Jimin recovers oddly fast still comfortably leaning against Jeongguk. It’s nice, Jimin thinks as he
unlocks his phone and swallows his pride. Once you start something, you must end it.

Three pages into her giggling on the mobile phone, he’s absolutely done with this manga. Yoshioka
Futaba is easily the most despicable heroine out of them all.

They decided to gather at Jimin and Taehyung’s dorm in hopes they’d get the tickets, the only
missing person is Hoseok.

“Do you guys want to, I don’t know— watch Civil War or something. So that we’re ready for next
week?”

“So that I watch Cap be a fucking traitor to Tony again? No thanks!” Jeongguk provides,
completely dismissing the offer. “Imagine betraying your own friends.”

“Hey! I think Cap was pretty darn reasonable.” Jimin cries out in protest pushing Jeongguk away
for added emphasis.

“Reasonable? He’s selfish and only thinks about what he wants.” Jeongguk counters, welcoming a
fight.

Before it can escalate any further, Hoseok enters the dorm shouting a loud greeting reaping
everyone’s attention.

“Sorry, I’m late! What did I miss? Did we get the tickets for tomorrow?”

Taehyung’s lips quirk into a smile. “Yeah, we did! Row F and E!”

“Oh great, great.”

“You good?” Taehyung notices the weary mood in Hoseok. He’s usually bright.

“Just a bit stressed. Yoongi said he needs more time fixing the medley and he hasn’t been
answering my calls either.”

“Yoongi? Who’s Yoongi?” Jimin asks the question on Taehyung’s mind.

“My cousin’s romantic interest. They like to pretend they aren’t dating,” Jeongguk provides
making air quotes. “We know each other since way back. He usually makes our beats and
sometimes mixes for us. When he’s in a good mood.”

“Anyway, shall we do something to kill time.” Hoseok switches subject fast and it makes
Taehyung suspicious. Love is awfully strange.

Once Jimin is provided the confirmation that Hoseok has indeed read Ao Haru Ride he goes out
into full-blown rant using every insult known to mankind for this Futaba character and it has
Jeongguk surprised. To think a fictional character could cause someone so much frustration.

He just shrugs it off when Taehyung brings the Uno. It’s game time.

Jeongguk is busy planning out his art project when he gets a call from Hoseok. Hoseok doesn’t call
Jeongguk until and unless Jeongguk either fucked up or he fucked up magnificently.

Shit, the groceries… Jeongguk blinks wide as he immediately picks up the call thinking of a
million excuses he can use so that Hoseok doesn’t add poison to his banana milk.
“Hoseokkie! My sun, my moon, all my stars—"

“Are you drunk?”

Out of all the things Jeongguk was expecting, Jimin calling him through Hoseok’s phone was not
on the list. Since when were they on normal hanging out terms?

“What the fuck—” Jeongguk curses instead. He hears Jimin snicker. “Jimin, why are you using
Hoseok’s phone? Why are you even with Hosoek?”

“Well, we’re at the supermarket… by the way, he’s really pissed at you for forgetting…” Between
a dead man and Jeongguk, Jeongguk is dead-er. “Oh, and why the fuck are you not answering my
phone calls?”

Oh shit! Jeongguk has him blocked. He drops his phone on accident, barely catching it as he
stumbles through his missed calls.

7 missed calls. All from Jimin.

“I have my phone on mute…”

“Be honest, Ggukie. You have me blocked don’t you.” Jimin laughs yet again, not the least bit
mad. Good grief. That doesn’t explain his knowledge— how does Jimin know him so well.

“How did you guess that?”

“It’s not too hard Jeongguk. You threatened me with a block once before too.” Jimin replies,
Hoseok naming random brands in the background.

“This is why – I don’t go shopping! I can’t tell the difference between any of these, Jimin.”

“One’s cheaper, the other’s expensive. It’s not rocket science…”

“Okay, okay I get it. I’m sorry…” Jeongguk apologizes, mentally making a note to buy the
disposable coffee cups now so that he doesn’t forget. These days he drops by the dorm to provide
the coffee order like Jimin’s own personal errand boy. It’s easier now that he has a coffee machine
installed and Jimin never asks why he’s been brought a proper cup. He just takes the cup and
invites Jeongguk in wordlessly, appreciative. Sometimes, if Jeongguk is lucky he even mumbles a
thank you. If Jeongguk is very lucky, sometimes Jimin walks about in his bunny slippers looking
like an actual kid with a glint in his eyes.

That picture has been severely hard to forget and with a minute amount of shock, Jeongguk decides
he doesn’t want to. He looks cute like that. An image that is only seen by Jeongguk and well
Taehyung.

Jeongguk considers this as war. Why? He has no clue.

“We need to talk! Come by my place by eight…”

“Sure!”

“Oh, and Jeongguk…”

“Yeah, yeah. Coffee with a hint of sugar. Don’t worry I remember.” Jeongguk repeats like a tape-
recorder. A smile on his face and his heart feels fluttery.
“Thank you! You’re the best.” Jimin appreciates honestly.

Darn straight I am.

Taehyung: 0
Jeongguk: 2

Once he picks up the disposable coffee cups and a permanent black marker from the supermarket –
it’s rather handy to have one on campus – he sprints at lightning speed back to his room.

He had this idea for a while and he thinks trying it out on Jimin is perfect. The coffee machine had
helped a lot. Jeongguk doesn’t understand why Jimin hasn’t spoken up against homemade coffee
instead of the usual to-go ones but he takes that as a blessing in disguise. After he’s done cleaning
the dorm so that Hoseok doesn’t have another reason to murder him once he’s back, he takes out
the coffee cups and starts drawing on them.

If Taehyung hadn’t been jealous before, he certainly will be now. Who wouldn’t? Scribbled
messages on coffee cups to Jimin. It makes Jeongguk giddy knowing he’s thought of this.

So, he scribbles bunnies on the sides and writes short messages addressed directly to Jimin. At
first, he suggests making cheesy ones but the idea itself is cheesy enough, so he writes simple
things like:

Have a shit good day.

You owe me 40$.
Break a leg or two dancing.

Time passes by rather fast and then it’s suddenly 8:00. He goes to be the dutiful boyfriend he is –
where is this dedication coming from? – preparing the coffee and knocking at Jimin’s door on
time.

He’s immediately pulled inside, barely saving the coffee cup.

“To business! I picked up two tickets today and we need to make a plan.” Jimin’s scheming right
off the bat. He’s wearing a snapback and a hoodie, and does he have glasses on? Jeongguk is
startled and for once he appreciates Jimin for his evident beauty rather than his talented dancing.
He doesn’t realize he’s staring until Jimin is snapping his fingers in front of Jeongguk’s eyes.

“Is that for me?” He damn well knows the coffee is for him, but he takes it from Jeongguk in that
soft loving manner just for the heck of it. He gives Jeongguk a smile too that gives Jeongguk
critical heartache.

Get a grip, Jeon-sus. You’re not attracted to him.

The little mental berating doesn’t help. He swallows nervously and sits down when Jimin signals
for him too.

“Okay so, as I was saying… I picked up two tickets today and it’s just going to be me and
Taehyung for the movies.” Jimin conspires as he paces in front of Jeongguk completely unbothered
by Jeongguk’s studying gaze. As soon as the words settle in the more rational and aware part of his
mind, Jeongguk immediately breaks into an outburst.
“What? What! There is no way I’m missing out on Infinity War!”

“Let me finish!” Jimin shuts him up quick and fast. “I got two for one date, and one for you so you
can go on another day. Get a fucking grip.”

Get a grip indeed, Jeon.

One date. Both meanings of the word fall into context. How comical.

“Well, that’s surprisingly thoughtful of you.”

Jimin’s lips quirk up. “Shut up.”

“So, what’s your game plan.” Jeongguk inquires, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, that’s where you come in. Your job is to distract Hoseok and keep him away from his phone
and the cinema so that me and Taehyung can watch the film!” Jimin explains as if he’s in the age
of medieval expansion and will capture Rome with one carefully devised plan. “I’ll make sure it
works out in my favor so don’t rain on my parade. This is my chance!”

It makes Jeongguk slightly upset to see Jimin trying so hard for Taehyung. It’s foolish of him since
their relationship isn’t even real. He scolds himself yet again and schools his irrational emotions.

“Okay genius. You do realize he thinks you’re dating me, right?”

Jimin clearly has an answer for everything.

“Well yeah! I know but since I was with Hoseok today—” Jimin takes a sip of his coffee and looks
to Jeongguk. Now there is determination in his eyes. “He said he might not go through with it after
all. He’s having second thoughts, and this is definitely my chance to woo Taehyung as much as I
can.”

Seriously, how close have he and Hoseok gotten? Hoseok doesn’t tell anyone about his love-life.
Had Taehyung not been Jeongguk’s friend maybe Hoseok wouldn’t have told Jeongguk either!

“You in or not?” Jimin’s confidence seems to waver slightly as he fishes for some sort of approval
from Jeongguk. He looks expectant of Jeongguk to comply and at that moment Jeongguk learns
that Jimin is ridiculously hard to deny. He exhibits boyish charms working in perfect sync with his
puppy dog eyes.

Jeongguk resigns from speaking against the plan slightly afraid of the unknown. Where these
feelings bloom from he has no idea, but he will get rid of them quickly.

“I’m in.”

Jimin smiles brightly as he settles the cup down and as if noticing Jeongguk’s discomfort, squeezes
him affectionately.

Taehyung: 1
Jeongguk: 2

“Are you sure they’re not coming?” Taehyung asks for the tenth time as they settle in their seats,
popcorn at the ready. “Jeongguk seemed pretty excited…”

Though he feels guilty for ruining Taehyung’s day by just a bit he decides he’ll make it better.
There is a tingling sensation at the base of his spine, both from the excitement of the film and this
precious time with Taehyung.

Only a few know but Jimin really enjoys superhero movies. It’s exactly why he is such a My Hero
Academia fan. Though he doesn’t necessarily agree with a lot of things that Steve Rogers does,
anyone can admit that the man is sickly cool.

Jeongguk is an idiot. Arguably the Tony Stark enthusiast.

How come Jeongguk is on his mind even though he’s here enjoying the movie of the year with the
man of his dreams? Weird.

The movie passes by in a flash. Amazingly entertaining and thoroughly fulfilling; ridding Jimin of
all the stress he’s feeling over the showcase and over Taehyung. And for the duration, the sublime
time he shares with his best friend and crush, sharing little whispers and a huge bag of popcorn that
should be the highlight of his life. It strangely isn’t.

Taehyung’s happy but Jimin is no fool to ignore the fact that Taehyung longs Hoseok’s company
more. He doesn’t voice it, he isn’t that insensitive… but it’s present in the mood. And though he
locks hands with Jimin as they walk back home and discuss the ins and outs of the film planning
the most revealing spoilers one can share about the plot keeping away from the rather painful
details, Jimin isn’t surprised to hear what Taehyung has to say.

“Jimin, what do you think of me and Hoseok.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Well, do you think Hoseok purposefully didn’t show up today? He’s been avoiding me a lot these
days. Either always with Yoongi or just not around…” Taehyung starts, slurring near the end. “He
said he’s trying but it feels like I’m the only one invested and falling further deep.”

“He’s an idiot if he lets you go.” Jimin is honest. The main purpose of his words is to rid the self-
pitying that Taehyung is eluding. He has experience after all.

He remembers Jeongguk threatening to burn his favorite volume of Gintama if he dared to utter a
single shortcoming.

“It’s all in your head, TaeTae. You are perfect. He’s just confused.”

It’s all in your head Jimin, you are perfectly desirable. He’s just blind.

So, he used the words Jeongguk had provided him. All was worth it as Taehyung smiled widely.

“Thanks… that is exactly what I needed to hear.”

They walk in silence after, sometimes making light to Jeongguk’s smile that really, really
resembles a bunny.

“It doesn’t…” Taehyung denies it completely.

“It does!”

“Well do note you’re the only person who finds him cute. He is a muscle pig is what he is.”
They fall back into silence recovering from the trauma that comes from the motion picture that
could very well be equivalent to the pain that comes with death.

Though the next thing Taehyung does is so new and inexplicably reckless that Jimin doesn’t even
have the time to feel flustered about it. Taehyung takes both of Jimin’s hands and holds eye
contact. Jimin is startled, to say the least.

“We should have just dated instead.”

Thanks to the darkness etched throughout the stars, Taehyung doesn’t see Jimin’s pink blush.

He lets go, and giggles after.

The night is so loud.

Hoseok most likely busted the door as he ran into the room yelling, “Those bastards watched it
without us!”

Jeongguk really couldn’t care less. He just puts another pillow on top of his head and tries to delete
everyone and everything from his mind. It doesn’t work as Hoseok is pushing him off the comfort
of his bed.

“How are you not livid? Jimin and Taehyung messed up the dates and watched it without us,” As
Jeongguk looks to Hoseok he sees nothing he hasn’t seen before. Hoseok’s throwing a tantrum.
The same tantrum he did when Jeongguk refused to go watch A Silent Voice with him. He ended up
doing just that anyway but at least not in the theatre. He had spent three months making it up to
Hoseok by doing his laundry and the groceries.

“Let me sleep! I can’t deal with this right now.”

“Okay but care to explain why Taehyung was calling it a date?” Hoseok yells and very rudely
takes the blanket off Jeongguk who immediately curls up seeking warmth.

“Probably got sick of your indecisive ass. Now please, let me sleep.” Jeongguk pleads and Hoseok
resigns and throws the blanket on top of Jeongguk’s head. Hoseok knows that Jeongguk can’t fall
back asleep now that he’s been woken up.

He waits until patiently and soon enough, Jeongguk is up yelling.

“Fuck you, Hoseok! I’m tired...” Jeongguk rubs his eyes as he looks at the time. “What is it?”

“Your boyfriend and my— well, Taehyung and he went on what they call a date. You want to
explain?” Hoseok sputters, immaturely. Had Jeongguk not been as familiar with Hoseok as he was
he probably wouldn’t have been able to understand what language Hoseok was speaking right now;
taking in low groaned mumbles.

“That’s it? You can go watch it him at another time, Hobi! And isn’t it your fault? You’ve been
ignoring him…” Jeongguk sighs, not having the leisure to visit the bathroom to freshen up he just
slaps his face twice and looks back at Hoseok. “He’s probably just pulling your leg. Jimin’s dating
me. What’s wrong with you?”
Maybe all Hoseok needed was someone reminding him that.

“Yeah— I mean… I’ll just go to Yoongi’s place. Don’t bother staying up for me.” H complains
and quickly grabs a bag rushing out so blatantly unaware of the fact that his footsteps out just prove
how afraid he is.

It’s what happens when someone tends to catch feels. Jeongguk sighs as he waves Hoseok goodbye
and looks for his phone.

Plan successful.

you guys managed to tick hobi off, he’s jealous

GUESS WHAT!! TAE SAID HE’D DATE ME IN A HEARTBEAT IF HE COULD--- IT

WORKED.

chill with ur caps.. good job minmin

minmin?

Jeongguk chuckles, instantly fond of the nickname he’s created.

everyone calls you minnie or jimin so i wanted something only i use

wow cheesy. ur try-hard is showing

haha fuck off.

i take the silence as a note to come over tomorrow with coffee?

you know me so well!!!!

Taehyung: 2
Jeongguk: 2
 Temporary
Chapter Notes

"So when your tears roll down your pillow like a river
I'll be there for you
When you're screaming, but they only hear you whisper
I'll be loud for you
But you gotta be there for me too,"
- Cheer up my dearest, this one's solely for you. I love you to the moon and back.

*p.s: spoilers for anohana: the name of the flower we saw that day. though they wont
matter if you actually watch it i'll add * for it too.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Taehyung should be ashamed for using Jimin to confront Hoseok’s endless rambling, but he
doesn’t.

It brings him joy to note that the mention of someone in a relationship was enough to rile Hoseok
enough to complain. Maybe next time he’ll use someone who’s single.

It was a slip of tongue when Hoseok kept calling Taehyung a traitor for watching the film without
him; he simply just said he was out on a date with Jimin. Jimin, Jeongguk’s boyfriend. How on
earth did that tick Hoseok off… he just mumbled an incoherent, ‘fine!’ and stormed away. To
complain to Jeongguk no doubt.

Sadly, as entertaining this had been for Taehyung he decides to cut Hoseok some slack. He knows
Hoseok doesn’t take relationships seriously but is it stupid of Taehyung to hope that the little
gestures he has managed to earn from Hoseok are because of his personality and not because
Hoseok could potentially be a player?

He had seen Hoseok walking around with the Hip-Hop group all reliable and radiating confidence.
Confidence that no doubt came from being the dance leader of his group.

So, Taehyung had initially been caught off guard with the unrealistic dance moves that lead the
seven people he was watching. He immediately recognized Jeongguk behind Hoseok at the right,
following suit. He was impressive but nothing like Hoseok. Or maybe that was just Taehyung
being drawn to him; developing a bias. Maybe this was a first-time thing; that maybe Taehyung
wouldn’t show up at the same damn room on the same damn time to watch the same damn person
the third day in a row.

For some reason, Taehyung was shy approaching Jung Hoseok and he was never shy.

Shy is not a bad trait. He sometimes wishes he was shy but if people like Taehyung didn’t initiate
and everyone was a huge introvert – like Jimin – how would the world ever progress forward? The
world needs people like Taehyung to function socially. And it was with that assurance that
Taehyung had decided to seek out an acquaintance. Indirectly. He grabbed Jeongguk’s shoulders
once he was sure they were alone and Jeongguk had looked at him all weirdly.

“Taehyung? What’s wrong…”

“I need your help…”

“Oh? With what?”

“I need to talk to your dance lead.”

“Jung Hoseok?” Jeongguk could have very well alerted the whole damn lobby if Taehyung hadn’t
silenced him with his own palm.

Hoseok was every bit of wonderful Taehyung had expected him to be. He was all the right things:
self-assured, thoughtful and passionate. Passionate about dance and perhaps passionate for other
things as well.

The crush just developed. Out of no-where and though Taehyung’s had plenty crushes in the past
this was one was different. It was the type where he’d get jealous in excess when he’d see Hoseok
all over Jeongguk pinching his cheeks and cooing at him. It was stupid from Taehyung because he
knew Jeongguk was either single or not interested in Hoseok, that way…They were the best of
friends.

Taehyung tried to distance himself from Hoseok at one point in time but found it very hard to do.
Soon, Hoseok became Hobi, and the feeling Taehyung would get when Hoseok would wear a
smile and laugh wholeheartedly at some awful joke Taehyung made (they were bad pick-up lines),
Taehyung stupidly thought that maybe Hoseok would like him too. He confessed only to be met
with a judgmental glare and a stream of apologies.

Still, Taehyung couldn’t shy away from Hoseok. Not even once. He became rather closed off with
him but never ignored or tried to avoid Hoseok. They bonded well together and were genuinely
happy when provided each other’s company. That is why when Hoseok initiated a kiss between the
two, Taehyung was soon to follow.

It was chaste, soft and simple managing to convey all the things bottled in Hoseok that he didn’t
want to say out loud, but it sparked an ugly desire in Taehyung and he quickened the next once
they shared. It turned to a slightly heated kiss, quickening with each repeated one until Jeongguk
showed up scoffing violently.

“I’m not looking for a relationship, was it Hoseok?” Jeongguk yells as he covers his eyes clearly
making fun of his friends.

“Shut up!” Hoseok yelled breaking away and Taehyung then decided that he’s had enough of
Hoseok’s beating around the bush and had slid his hand around Hoseok’s waist.

“It’s just something.” He announced, and that was it. ‘Something’ ended up being just what
Hoseok needed to hear to even consider Taehyung. Whatever happened next was just that very
something. They got along super well and during impromptu dorm visits they’d either always end
up giggling and playing Uno or Hoseok would have Taehyung against the wall as he whispered
sweet nothings into his ear.

It was perfect just as it was. Taehyung wouldn’t exchange it for anything and if all that was
required was a simple label called ‘something’ or ‘maybe’, he’d gladly make use of it.

He had been fulfilled but then he had seen Jimin and Jeongguk together.
Accompanied by the initial shock that came with the knowledge of Jimin having a significant other
— because Taehyung was sure that Jimin harbored feelings for him and because Jimin told him
everything— all his confusion left him when he witnessed the low gruff warning from Jeongguk
back in the campus café.

Maybe Jimin was just like that with everyone – loving remarks and shy glances.

Taehyung felt stupid for even thinking Jimin could like him, but it didn’t matter since it was better
this way. He didn’t have to confront Jimin since he had purposefully brushed off all previous
attempts by him that could be considered ‘confessing’. He didn’t want to be the cause of Jimin’s
pain or make it awkward between them. He valued Jimin as a friend, a best friend… but that’s all it
ever could be.

Though he had some doubts about Jimin’s relationship they were all gone once he saw Jeongguk
and Jimin exhibit their relationship in public. Jeongguk would look at Jimin like all that existed in
this time and space was Jimin and Jimin though playful and sometimes haughty, throwing half-
hearted insults and cheeky glares really looked like what a man in love would.

It made Taehyung long for the same sort of relationship. He didn’t have the courage to bring it up
with Hoseok painfully aware that if he did such a thing, Hoseok would either drop him or move on
faster than Taehyung ever could.

Commence: self-loathing. Taehyung started to hate himself for being so attached in such a short
amount of time and it hurt so much seeing Hoseok being all boyfriend-like but never really his.
Thus, ignoring the very audible shattering of his heart he kept it as it was.

As Hoseok needed it to be.

Now, as he finds the sight of Jimin petting Miri he can’t feel help but feel proud of the news he’s
about to give Jimin.

“I’m gonna make Hoseok suffer.” He announces, crouching down to assist with the cat. The cat
that was supposed to be his- traitorous animal. To lure Taehyung in with sweet meows and purrs.
He is so very easily swayed.

“Good luck, Tae! Jeongguk said he’s mad. You’re playing it correctly.”

“All thanks to you!” Taehyung doesn’t forget to thank his best friend for the advice.

When they came back from the film, he had asked Jimin for advice. He didn’t understand why he
didn’t do this earlier. Perhaps he was too whipped to do such a thing. To test Hoseok and finally
learn where his heart truly lies.

Jimin had been supportive, to say the least. They had cuddled, and Jimin stroked Taehyung’s hair
so lovingly soothing him to sleep but not before providing him amazing advice. To try and make
Hoseok jealous.

Just moments – or maybe hours – later, Jeongguk showed up with the usual coffee order and
Taehyung smiled knowingly. They are so in love, he thinks as he dials Hoseok’s number.

“If you think I’m accepting an apology – I’m not. I won’t…” Hoseok mumbles unintelligently and
Taehyung can’t help but laugh. He laughs full and happy knowing he does indeed have some sort
of effect on the other.

“Relax. He’s with Jeongguk. How could you even believe that?”
“That’s literally not why I’m mad.”

“Oh? Admit it, Hoseokkie. You’re bitter you didn’t see it with me.”

It’s a precarious initiative, Taehyung’s aware of that but how long does he need to play it safe?
There has to some love present in Hoseok if he ever took it this far.

“I-I… Okay, fuck, fine… I’m bitter you passed up the opportunity to watch it with me.” Hoseok’s
not yelling anymore. He’s taken up a reserved tone and is speaking softly, a thousand silent
apologies painted all over his voice— those only Taehyung can pick up.

“I know, baby.” Taehyung confidently uses the term of endearment imagining Hoseok’s reaction to
it. “Come watch it with me tomorrow, I have tickets.”

Taehyung had bought extras. They were originally for Hoseok and Jeongguk since they hadn’t
been able to make it— according to Jimin and Jeongguk. Oddly, Hoseok was clearly ready, but
ready waiting for a call at Yoongi’s place. Serves him right for missing out.

The idea came to him when he saw Jimin buying Jeongguk a ticket for the show the day after
tomorrow so that his boyfriend wouldn’t feel bad.

“It’s because I owe a debt to him…” Jimin defended himself, cheeks a vibrant red and Taehyung
just shook his head. It was cute, Jimin was superbly cute. Jeongguk’s lucky as fuck.

“Tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow.” Taehyung confirms.

“Get your ass over here so I can kiss you.”

Taehyung is prompted to grin wide when Hoseok hangs up. He kicks off his slippers and decides
that this is it. It’s all or nothing now.

“Okay, you’re clearly fucked up over something.” Jeongguk decides. Jimin had thanked Jeongguk
for the coffee cup all tense and weird and after handing Jeongguk the ticket he got for him, he just
stared at Miri. He is still staring at Miri. It’s either Jimin has decided that he’s going to marry a cat,
or something is bothering him.

“Maybe? I don’t know Jeongguk, maybe we should just end this.” Jimin says, after taking a deep
breath.

That’s it. There is really something bothering him.

“What’s wrong?”

“Well, Taehyung is probably on his way to either get the cat food I told him to buy last week or
he’s going to buy Hoseok a diamond ring and propose tomorrow.”

“What?” Jeongguk demands answers, this vague derision from Jimin is alien.
He’s staring at Jimin from his side of the sofa. Their legs are entangled and Jimin is clutching at a
pillow rather violently, almost as if he’d rip it apart granted a reason.

“Jimin, what’s wrong?” This time Jeongguk asks it slowly.

“We talked. He was sad Hoseok was ignoring him. I just got happy for no reason yesterday. He’s
really in love with him.” And oh fuck, is Jimin tearing up? “I’m fighting a losing battle. It’s really
hopeless and it’s better we end this before I—”

Lose you too, Jimin swallows the end of his sentence. What the flying fuck?

“You lied to me then…” Jeongguk mutters hoping he isn’t too hostile. He remembers the ecstatic
texts he had received earlier.

It’s obvious Jimin is hung up from last night or whatever he refuses to tell Jeongguk. It settles
heavily like a cork in his system seeing Jimin struggling to keep his tears at bay. Pining is certainly
painful.

The following action is something Jeongguk does on pure instinct – his entire person against seeing
Jimin in such distraught. He manhandles Jimin into an embrace and carefully resigns into the
couch bringing Jimin with him.

Jimin is indeed troubled if he isn’t voicing any sort of complaint. He just makes it easier for
Jeongguk to move him around and they settle into this new but comforting position where Jimin’s
head is cushioned on Jeongguk’s arm and his face is in his chest. He snuggles a bit closer seeking
warmth and then Jeongguk’s free arm is wrapping around him rubbing his back systematically. It’s
domestic and somewhat intimate but for now, Jimin doesn’t care. He feels peace flood through him
and suddenly his eyes shut, the sleep that didn’t take him in the night comes for him now.

Jeongguk smiles once he notices Jimin’s asleep and though the position is slightly uncomfortable
the silence and awkward homely atmosphere takes him into a deep slumber as well.

It should really be the happiest moment of the entire year as he takes off to see the movie he’s been
waiting to.

But all on his mind is Jimin…

How is he?
Is he still upset?
Did he eat well?
Did he at least get some proper sleep?

The texts he got after say otherwise and should have been enough to answer all these questions but
sadly they don’t. He needs to see Jimin. As he debates this weird pull whilst making all the proper
transactions he realizes he doesn’t have enough money in his wallet to buy his order of four
popcorn bags.

He scoffs, silently muttering a few colorful words addressed to Jimin but smiling through the entire
process. He silently makes his way to the screen and settles down, snug and comfortable.
Jimin even got him the recliner seat, bless that man.

Just as the lights are about to dim and commercials to start displaying he notices someone take the
seat next to him. He or she is dressed in proper incognito probably having a heist to attend to later.
Jeongguk just shrugs as he goes back to his popcorn and then the lights are out, and the muddled
whispers of the crowd are replaced with the loud sound from the speakers in the room.

In the middle of all that he notices the person on the side get comfortable and he wonders how is
that person even breathing under that mask and coat. It’s not even cold enough yet to be wearing
that thick a coat. Clearly, the air-conditioned room is better than the humid temperature outside but
is this person insane…

As the movie starts Jeongguk’s inner Marvel nerd awakens and he’s completely rid of all other
thoughts. Right now, he could care less about Hoseok’s internal conflict and his own cousin’s
weird situation with his ex. All his immediate concerns he’s rid of… but the image of Jimin all
small and upset is still at the back of his head and though he’s able to ignore it for most of the time
it comes back when the intermission is announced.

Frustrated with himself he just goes to eating his popcorn noticing he’s halfway through the second
bag. He stills as he doesn’t have enough money to buy another. Not like it matters anyway the
movie is going to resume soon. He considers looking to the person sitting beside him to at least
humor himself with the picture of someone dressed in winter wear. He then notices the sunglasses.
That was really the last straw.

“Hey, not to be that person but you’re wearing sunglasses in a cinema. How are you going to—”

“Jeongguk?” The man whisper yells. Oh, it’s Jimin. Jimin?

“Jimin?!” Jeongguk’s yell is surely much louder but luckily no one notices. Jimin scandalized
throws a glove at his face and… wait he even wore fucking gloves?

“Jimin…” Jeongguk whispers lightly, register polite. “What the hell are you doing in a winter coat
at the cinema, watching the same movie you did the day before yesterday?”

Jeongguk thinks he’s very patient. He didn’t resort to beating some sense into Jimin. Jimin takes
off his sunglasses and his eyes look glassy and red. He was probably still crying in the night which
makes Jeongguk’s blood boil. His anger isn’t directed at anyone but himself. How can he make this
better for Jimin?

“I’m here to spy on them.” Jimin provides as he points in the front and that’s when Jeongguk sees
the two figures that were lying under Jimin’s watchful eye the entire time. He instantly breaks out
into a mild but surely alarming stream of laughter because Jimin is looking at him with concern.

To think he is just stubborn till the very end. This is definitely a trait Jeongguk can appreciate:
Blind devotion. With great effort, he brings down his amusement to a minimum and stares into
Jimin’s eyes trying to convey he deserves better than Taehyung.

“You’re so cute.” Jeongguk ends up saying only realizing the weight of his actions a second too
late because Jimin is blushing and averting eyes. Jeongguk feels no regret.

Then Jeongguk’s eye catches the bag of popcorn in sight; untouched.

“Hey, can I have that?”

Jimin just shoves it into his chest.

Jeongguk is not a gentleman when he starts to eat the treat as if he’s never eaten before. Jimin
stares in surprise, and possibly disgust before he suddenly speaks up.

“How can you just storm finish through a whole bag—”

“Oh, trust me, I can eat two more.”

“If you finish that in a minute, I’ll buy you another.”

“Ready your wallet.”

Challenge accepted. Jeon Jeongguk finishes in exactly 39 seconds much to Jimin’s dismay.

The rest of the movie passes by rather fast and Jeongguk enjoys it so much more. Sometimes
during what he reckons to be an unimportant conversation scene that doesn’t require his attention
he studies Jimin who is probably nervous with his eyes straight on target. Maybe it’s just for his
own comfort but he taps at Jimin’s shoulder and offers his own hand.

It takes Jimin a few seconds and some frantic blinking, but he takes it anyway and for the
remainder of the movie, Jeongguk just holds on tight providing Jimin a silent reassurance. There is
an unknown feeling simmering in Jeongguk as he feels the warmth of another hand in his. This
seems different than the usual hand holding they do to appease the crowds and doubtful eyes.

It feels right so Jeongguk allows himself to feel proud of it.

During a scene that has the entire audience gaping – not surprisingly Jimin is just fine – Jeongguk
tightens his hold bracing the emotion that floods him. Seriously, fuck this film.

Once the movie is done and the credits pass, they wait a while presumably for Hoseok and
Taehyung to leave and cover as much distance as possible but for Jeongguk he just wants to hold
on to this moment for as long as possible.

Jimin lets go straightening and trying to smoothen his coat out. Jeongguk instantly misses the
touch.

“Thank you for that… and for yesterday.” Jimin mumbles so awkwardly and it’s so charming.
Jeongguk just shrugs and gestures to the door. Before leaving, as promised they stop at the
concessions stand so that Jimin can buy Jeongguk his prize.

“You have a horrendous appetite, by the way…” Jimin grumbles as he pays for what Jeongguk is
stuffing his face with. “That much popcorn— where is your dinner going to go?”

“It’s my dinner, don’t worry.” Jeongguk clicks his tongue and then they walk side by side to find a
vehicle home.

“How was it?” Jimin asks, a smile on his face.

“I feel as if I need to name my first son Thanos, and then disown him.” Jeongguk is hurt and blunt.
“I think that’s the only way to overcome my grief.”

“And for that, I hope you never get married.” Jimin tuts.

The dorms aren’t that far away from here but Jeongguk doesn’t have the courage to propose a walk
home. He shuffles awkwardly, a million thoughts buzzing inside his head alongside the general
thrill that comes from watching a film. His eyes find Jimin’s hands and he thinks he’d really like to
hold on one more time. Let the world know Jimin does very well indeed belong with Jeongguk.

Yep, Jeongguk needs some therapy time with Seokjin.

Thus, just stares at Jimin’s retreating figure, not hard to miss by the attire that still has Jeongguk
baffled. He realizes with slight horror that he really likes being with Jimin like this.

It does explain how Jeongguk is yet to be annoyed by all the coffee orders and Jimin burning
through Jeongguk’s weekly funds like a ravaging drought. He texts Seokjin just for good measure
because Seokjin knows what to do all the time.

jinnie.. im fucked.

i know ggukie
want me to send the car?

please

As an elder brother figure Seokjin is great. He listens to Jeongguk ramble endlessly but at
relationships? Seokjin is gutter shit. Why are all of them gutter shit at feelings? Tsk, tsk.

Seokjin’s ex, avoids him like the plague even though he rooms with his current boyfriend— fling.
And his current fling is just too candid. Seokjin can never tell with Min Yoongi.

He’s quiet but clingy too. Seokjin adores the endless affection but also gets frustrated when Yoongi
disappears from the face of the Earth to retire to his hell-hole of a workplace apartment doing god
knows what. He could be shooting people and be involved with the mafia but Seokjin doesn’t care.
He just requires a warm body to cuddle and he’s always ready to lend an ear or his card to the spa
so that Yoongi can be eased from tension.

Usually, Min Yoongi can be found either in his studio. Or with a stick poking at Namjoon to wake
him up. Or he can be found sitting right beside Seokjin.

Jeongguk only stares quietly since it almost feels like he’s intruding when he spectates the
domestic scene unfold. Seokjin is literally spoon feeding Yoongi soup and Jeongguk has half the
mind to speak up against it.

“So, you’re with that Park kid?” Yoongi suddenly speaks up as Seokjin fusses around him.

Jeongguk should consider himself lucky. He’s witnessing two grown ass men be gross.

“Yes… I don’t know. It’s complicated.”

Seokjin rolls his eyes and Yoongi hums along.

“You know that what’s Namjoon said when I asked him about Seokjin.”

“Can someone please tell me what I did wrong? He’s literally acting like I’ll shoot him if I see
him.”

“Well, you did kind of threaten to shave his head in his sleep once… and you know how
overprotective he is of his hair after that one hair-dresser practically turned him bald. He’s still
recovering from the shock.” Jeongguk provides.

He still remembers quite vividly how Namjoon had run around crying when he found his hair on
the ground. Namjoon also works as a model when not handling the music equipment on campus.
He works as Seokjin’s prized model even after the break-up.

It was a chill break up. They were still fresh out of college stumbling through the constant
challenges life threw their way and what seemed perfect at first just didn’t stick.

They just didn’t fit together very well anymore… at least according to Seokjin.

“You said a light trim! Not a bald head!” He cried trying to regulate his breathing and though the
hair fiasco wasn’t why they broke up it certainly could be why Namjoon ignores Seokjin. Maybe.

Weirdly enough Seokjin and Yoongi got together right after Yoongi broke up with that girl named
Hiyori. Wait a second—

“You meant Seokjin when you said kissing random boys helps?” Jeongguk accuses, pointing at
Yoongi.

“I’m a random boy?”

“I distinctly remember saying random pretty boy,” Yoongi just shrugs the two relatives off without
much effort as he gets up to leave.

“Oh, before I go. Jeongguk remember our hiking trip?”

Yes! Of course, Jeongguk remembers the hiking trip. It’s literally the only thing they invite
Jeongguk to apart from the usual dinners and fancy gatherings. Those where he’s bribed to behave
nicely for a sum.

“Invite Park too. I feel as if I need to meet the boy you like.”

“I like him but not like that!”

“Oh, fucking hell Jeongguk, you’re literally moody because he likes someone else. That’s
jealousy…” Seokjin has had enough. He had to hear the sappiest description of Jimin to ever exist
and here Jeongguk is still denying the obvious.

“I like hugging him and holding his hand. I just don’t want that to end. Doesn’t mean I like him.”
Jeongguk defends. He’s proud of himself for discovering the truth on his own.

God forbid he fell for someone so in love with Kim Taehyung.

They’re all such a huge mess. Fuck college romance.

“Just don’t come crying when he finds someone else to hug and hold hands with...” They warn
him, caution in their tone but Jeongguk doesn’t care.

This wasn’t supposed to be forever to begin with.

It’s been three weeks and Jimin’s been MIA. Missing in action. Gone-zo. Disappeared.

He’s not been practicing and that’s fine… Jimin doesn’t need to practice but why isn’t he here
practicing? The showcase is soon and Park Jimin not working his ass off like he usually does?
Something is very wrong.

He had ignored it the first week because he understands Jimin required time after the whole movie
incident, the pain still fresh in Jeongguk as well. He had felt so useless.

Jeongguk has had enough of waiting around for Jimin. On a very normal day, Jimin would text him
for a coffee or demand company. Right now, even insults are welcome if they allowed Jeongguk a
chance to hear from Jimin. He is terribly worried.

He seeks out Taehyung who for some reason has been sleeping over quite a lot these days.

“He’s insanely stressed out.” Taehyung answers. “I’m not surprised he didn’t talk to you either.”

“Wait, why not?”

“He’s just really hard to deal with,” Taehyung sighs before continuing.

“You might have noticed me sleeping over? Well, that’s because he can’t stand seeing me when
he’s like this. He keeps to himself and starts getting irritated over the littlest of things. Last time he
didn’t eat properly for a week… Currently, it's a lot better than before. He is eating but he’s not
talking to me tells me to go away daily. I had to take Miri away too. He might scare her.”

That’s all Jeongguk needed to hear – sparking a wish to go check up on Jimin.

“I’m warning you don’t—”

“He’s my boyfriend, Tae… He can’t really get mad at me for caring, can he?”

Jimin can most definitely get mad at him too.

The door isn’t locked for some reason so when Jeongguk walks inside, he’s luckily fast enough to
catch the slipper thrown his way.

“Taehyung, I said go the fuck away…” Jimin mumbles until he recognizes Jeongguk. There are
proper dark circles under his eyes, he probably hasn’t slept properly. Jeongguk cautiously takes the
next step.

“Jeongguk, I’m not in the mood. Get out.”

“I’m not leaving until you’ve eaten and taken a proper bath. You fucking stink.” Jeongguk closes
his nose to add to the drama of it all in hopes it eases Jimin just a bit. Jeongguk knows from
experience how relaxing a hot water bath can be.

“I’ve eaten just fine. Please leave before I make you leave.”

“Really? You’re going to throw me out?” Jeongguk raises an eyebrow in question. “When you’re
always looking up at me?” So maybe a height joke isn’t the best idea.
“Fuck you.” Jimin spits out with so much venom that Jeongguk eyes widen at the ferocity. He’s
stubborn though; he just walks in quick strides. He thinks its working because Jimin is giving in.

Jimin punches him in the shoulder with far too much force when Jeongguk invades the space Jimin
has marked for himself. The force is unexpected so Jeongguk just tightly engulfs Jimin’s smaller
frame ignoring the way he thrashes around after. The resulting punches hurt quite less, and it
dawns on Jeongguk that Jimin’s really exhausted.

“You don’t get it…”

“Just tell me so I do.” Jeongguk pleads in a light convincing voice, rubbing Jimin’s back in what he
hopes is relaxing. It uncoils Jimin’s tense and rigid muscles and he placates into the hold.

“I’m tired… I can’t seem to dance properly because the routine is too boring. I hate Taehyung for
always going on about how good Hoseok is. I hate that he forgot to bring Miri’s cat food again
even though I’ve asked like a million times… I hate that he took her away to… I don’t fucking
know where... he just did without even asking!”

“The nerve of that guy…” Jeongguk agrees, happy whatever he’s doing is proving to be working.
Walls are down, he’s made it in.

“I’m so fucking done with everything and it doesn’t go away. I can’t dance. I can’t sleep. I can’t
eat. I can’t drink…”

“Let’s eat then. Get some sleep and I’ll go buy the cat food and find Miri for you.”

“I can’t ask that. You’re already doing too much for me… Just go away and stop hanging around
so much. You make me nervous.”

“Nervous? I thought I was the only reason you wake up in the mornings.”

“You mean the only reason I stay awake in the mornings… I need coffee…”

His complaints are endless. Once he calms down just a bit and Jeongguk gestures him to his bed he
starts ranting about why the sky should be an even lighter shade of blue to look more mystical. He
wrestles a bit with Jeongguk again wanting Jeongguk to leave but inside he’s ecstatic that someone
cares enough. So, he stops thrashing around and being a pain.

Why is Jeongguk being so much better than Taehyung? Jeongguk doesn’t even know Jimin
properly and yet here he is.

That’s because he probably owes you for the movie ticket … a very silent but nearly accurate
thought resides in the back of his head but for now, he silently accepts the moment for what it is.

Sadly, the wooden bed is too small for two so Jeongguk just sits down on the floor and stares at
Jimin providing a promise through a simple glance. It’s reassuring, allowing Jimin to ease into
sleep. Jeongguk subconsciously rubs his own thumb along Jimin’s arm.

Once Jeongguk is sure Jimin’s asleep he goes to the supermarket to buy a bunch of things. He buys
a packet assorted nuts and grabs every kind of instant ramen available since he isn’t aware of what
Jimin’s preference is. That should change.

Halfway back home he realizes he forgot the cat food and he rushes back not even the least bit
ashamed when he’s sure the surrounding people are judging him up and down as he frantically
searches for the item.
Jimin’s still sound asleep when he returns so Jeongguk makes the most of the situation.

He’s now, Jeon-sus the maid, as he cleans up the dorm bit by bit. He stacks Jimin’s manga
collection under the bed in really bad quality plastic boxes all genre-wise and makes sure Gintama
has its own box because if he recalls correctly, that was the one Jimin was reading currently. He
cleans up the rest of the room too, emptying the contents of the trash bin, dusting everything. Once
he reckons he’s done he calls Taehyung so that the man can grab his clothes and make a run for it
before Jimin wakes up.

“Amazing. You can literally do anything, Jeongguk.” Taehyung praises him endlessly as he tiptoes
through his own dorm room wanting to hightail the fuck out of there because Jeongguk is staring
at him with a murderous gaze almost wanting to kill him for taking so long.

After what seems to be half an hour after Taehyung comes and goes. Jimin wakes up and it’s time
for Jeon-sus the chef to kick into gear.

“How long was I out for?” Jimin tries to talk through a yawn and if Jeongguk was very shameless
he’d probably coo and snuggle Jimin again.

“Five hours. I cleaned up around here and got you some food. It’s on the table by the way just go
take a light shower and I’ll fix it up for you.” Jeongguk gestures towards the restroom and shoos
Jimin away instantly.

Once Jimin’s out drying his hair, Jeongguk is boiling water.

“Curry, barbeque or vegetables,” Jeongguk asks and when not provided with an answer he just
sighs and puts more water into the kettle. Did Jimin even own an electric kettle? He’s too starved
to care about it. The haze in his head he felt earlier has died down, but he still feels sluggish.

He goes and settles on the sofa rubbing his eyes still. He feels generally weak because the last
thing he remembers eating was— what was the last thing Jimin consumed again.

“Heads up,” Jeongguk warns and throws the packet of nuts over to Jimin.

“Eat that before anything and then you can have the ramen.”

“But—”

“No, none of that vegetarian bullshit. I can’t cook very well so this will have to do for now. I’ll
order takeout tomorrow.”

“But…”

“No fucking buts… Honestly, just shut up and listen for once. Haven’t I been doing the same?”

Jimin just nods and does whatever Jeongguk tells him to do. He silently eats the nuts Jeongguk
gives him and then the ramen. Jeongguk is the definition of doting house-wife as he keeps asking
which flavor would Jimin prefer. Jimin just squeaks out a weak ‘curry’ because he figures he’d like
that more than something that’s plain. Barbeque doesn’t sit well with his stomach after all. He ends
up eating two of the packets just because he’s that hungry and then against his will, he’s being
cuddled with.

“I put your manga away by the way and Miri’s fine, Taehyung took her and apparently she’s being
housed with Yugyeom right now, so you don’t need to worry about that.”
It must be late, Jimin thinks only then realizing that it’s just 4 in the afternoon. Which would mean
Jeongguk skipped his own practice to come over to check on Jimin. The fact makes him guilty.
He’s so pathetically selfish always getting and not giving. He basks in the affection for one last
time because sadly one day this arrangement is to end.

Is it bad he doesn’t want it to end? Somehow, it feels more like a permanent setting and much too
good to be just temporary.

Odd minutes, or hours later... Jimin has a very bad perception of time right now… Jeongguk
suggests they do some karaoke to relieve the tension.

“What’s your favorite Disney movie—” Jeongguk inquires as he types away at a laptop. Whose
laptop even is this?

“Mulan…”

It doesn’t take long for Jeongguk to play the music video to Make A Man Out of You and he’s
being highly open and entertaining. Jimin really wants to thank him but he can’t manage to convey
his gratitude in a simple thank-you. It’s as if those words just feel empty on his tongue and
Jeongguk deserves more credit than that.

Hesitantly, Jimin starts singing along as well and they don’t care if they’re making too much noise
or being tone-deaf or bringing the house down in the wrong aspect of the phrase… Jimin’s just at
home. In this phase they’re but one entity feeding on each other’s mood, and so Jimin is required to
be happy right now. He is happy right now. Just because of Jeongguk.

He mumbles the thank-you that’s due, but it falls on deaf ears because Jeongguk is too busy
bellowing or singing, whatever you want to call whatever it is he’s doing with a— is he really
using a spoon for a mic? Jimin doesn’t care. He doesn’t remember smiling this widely ever.

Once they’re done jamming to Living La Vida Loca, Jeongguk decides he’s had enough and he sits
down opening Google.

“So, what anime do you want to watch? We have all the time in the world.”

“Jeongguk, you don’t have to—” It’s more than enough. Jimin will need to buy a thousand more
movie tickets to compensate for this level of Jeongguk’s attention. Though he genuinely believes
that’s far too less. If Jimin managed to get a proper autograph from Robert Downey Jr. even that
wouldn’t be enough...

“I want to! So, come on, dish out some quality stuff.”

So maybe Jimin’s a bit of a sadist when he searches The Name of the Flower We Saw That Day
because he needs a trigger to cry right now. To just let the tears, flow out of him to feel apathetic
and himself again.

Unfortunately, but not surprisingly not a single tear escapes Jimin’s eyes. Instead, Jeongguk is there
bawling his eyes out as the ending song starts playing at the characters are also a mess of tears just
like Jeongguk. How awkward for them to have switched roles; now Jimin is the one rubbing a
hand over Jeongguk’s back affectionately.

“How could she just leave!” He wails, oh how dramatically he wails. “What do they mean they
found her? She’s gone! Does she come back? Please fucking tell me she comes back—”
 Cue the denial. “She was already dead, Jeongguk.”

“Why is he smiling at that other girl? Where is Menma? Oh, my Jesus Christ she’s gone for good
isn’t she…” Jeongguk goes back to sobbing like a teenage girl and Jimin tuts. How the tables have
turned indeed.

“There there baby, it happens. It’s okay. Someday, she’ll be back for them and they’ll play together
again. Someday.”

“I want to watch something lighter this time. Happier. Don’t you dare pull another tragedy on me.”
Jeongguk scolds lightly and does he really want to watch another? With Jimin no less. Shouldn’t he
be binging this stuff with Hoseok- the weeb (per say) he’s closer to?

“I like Haikyuu… it has an uplifting theme to it if you wanna try that.”

“Yes, definitely. Anything that doesn’t have fucking a mention of death in it sounds good to me.”

They start watching Haikyuu around 6 and keep watching till it’s 12 in the night. Jeongguk is
absolutely enthralled by it and Jimin takes all the damn credit. He falls in love with the opening
theme – easily one of Jimin’s favorites – and moreover with the characters. He develops a huge
liking for Hinata and luckily Hinata Shouyou is Jimin’s favorite, so they end up bonding on a new
level using Japanese animations.

And it’s all that was required. Who knew a brown-haired boy who just walked into Jimin’s life
crashing into his practice room would be here now watching some of Jimin’s favorite anime shows
with him. Jeongguk has such kind eyes, Jimin establishes the thought resolutely.

He could stare into those eyes and find peace in those brown orbs that compliment his features so,
so well.

And suddenly it’s not about how much money Jimin might owe Jeongguk. How much gratitude is
due to the other. Or how much Jimin longs for Jeongguk’s concern at this present time. In this
moment, everything is enough.

Chapter End Notes

i hope this was a light good read? im sorry for the angst? not really? oops?
id appreciate the feedback ;; this chapter hit a little too close to home so i guess that's
why it was a bit hard to finish but im happy with it.
now i retire for a week or so. see y a. here's my final gift for now since exams start on
9th. uwu))
 Hesitation

“Do you—”

“I get it! Lacking emotion! Too stiff!” Jimin has practically has had it and so he wails out in
frustration. “You said that the first time, Jeongguk. I’m getting sick of it. Shut up, please.”

“Actually, I was going to ask if you wanted me to go get you something to eat… but hey! I’ll shut
up.” Jeongguk is fully aware he’s being a wholesome brat, but he’ll take whatever he gets. He’s
been ignored and deprived of Jimin’s company for three weeks, can he really be blamed?

“I’m sorry, you’re just… annoying.” Jimin is honest.

“I know! I like you too.”

Sighing with irritation, Jimin tries to go back to practice but unfortunately, he just can’t. He feels
the stress resonating in his bones once again and the more dutiful part of his personality is trying to
combat it. No success is found.

“Just, be you.” Jeongguk’s voice filters into his thoughts providing a very vague answer. Jimin
reckons it’s just his delusion and continues.

“For fuck’s sake, you’re not even trying anymore. It’s sad to watch.” Jeongguk is blunt and
surprisingly right. It’s like he’s throwing darts right at the bulls-eye. On the mark, with every word.

“Yeah, I don’t have a choice now do I?” Jimin contests, retreating from practice to throw Jeongguk
a proper glance. The eyes he meets hold nothing but trial. A trial to convince.

“Why did you even agree to it when you clearly don’t even like what you’re doing?”

“I—”

Well, of course, Jimin doesn’t have an answer. He’s just that type of person – surely, Jeongguk has
picked it up by now. Jimin is a people pleaser.

“Someone provided you a few compliments in a speech and you completely throw your own ideas
to impress them.” Jeongguk rants and oh how he rants. He’s completely livid, though he is very
careful not to let it show.

Leave it to Jimin to be the only person to never fully comprehend just how talented he is. To
inspire others but never realize his own potential. Jeongguk’s very impatient, and he’s tired of
waiting around for Jimin to finally come to his senses.

Jeongguk’s words are like shots to a bulletproof vest – painful.

“Seriously! You look worse than a beginner’s class. What happened to Park Jimin from that gala?”

Jeongguk still remembers it; it’s like a motion picture playing in the back of his head. How
effortlessly Park Jimin had captured his undivided attention through just the movement of limbs.
Something that instilled it deep within Jeongguk to go back to dancing – something he never
planned on.

“What gala?” Jimin asks innocently, but he has a pretty good idea of what Jeongguk might be
talking about. It was two years back and his first performance on behalf of the institute. He had
tried his very best.

“Jesus, you’re dense as fuck.”

Jeongguk almost throws his phone aside in mild rage – crossing his arms to look more
intimidating. It’s working.

“Stop thinking so much. It shows. Just… I don’t know! Be you.”

With a slight nod and a timid turn, Jimin tries to listen to Jeongguk. He’s probably doing
something right because Jeongguk has finally stopped yelling.

Little does Jimin know… Jeongguk is just captivated by him once again. He stares, and he studies
like the little overcritical appreciator he is.

Talented. Graceful. Perfect. Those seem like an extension of synonyms to describe the utter
perfection that Park Jimin displays through fluid motion. It’s amusing since there is no music, there
is just the rhythm of his steps creating such elegant music. And that’s all that Jimin requires doing.
Be himself, to provide the perfect stage. Any other version is just not acceptable.

Jimin too seems at peace. He’s doing what he does best after all. They both don’t register when it’s
over. It’s just gone in the wind – what even is time?

And with a low laugh and hasty apology, Jeongguk rushes out since he knows what he’s feeling
now is going to vanish if not put onto paper. Jimin just laughs, not even questioning the other’s
motive. He smiles to himself and decides to ditch what his instructor had said.

Maybe Jeongguk’s right – he can definitely convince a crowd by being himself.

“Hoseok! I know you’re in there!” Jeongguk barges into Yoongi’s apartment. This has been
Hoseok’s second disappearance this week. Taehyung and Jeongguk both are spent on patience with
the man.

Yoongi could be Hoseok’s foster parent at this point – Hoseok hasn’t visited the dorms for three
days now. He doesn’t text, he doesn’t call.

H is for Hoseok, H is for Hobo.

There is an eerie silence and that’s when Jeongguk sees it. Yoongi is sprawled on a couch, fast
asleep with Hoseok over him with a pillow. There is malicious intent present in Hoseok which
makes Jeongguk scream.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

“I’ve had it with this guy!” Hoseok replies – has he really been crying?

So Jeongguk has just stopped attempted murder. He should be getting a medal but no, instead he’s
here with his mess of a friend’s circle.

“I’m trying my hardest… always here on time and whenever I show up he’s asleep and
he just doesn’t wake up. How can someone even sleep that long? He owes me a medley or his life.
Maybe I can choke him enough to wake him up…”

“Have you tried to wake up the proper way?” Jeongguk questions with a condemnatory shake of
his head.

Hoseok takes a deep breath and he walks over to grab— is that really a pan and a ladle?

“Just. Watch.”

Hoseok starts beating the pot and the ruckus is enough for any normal person to have woken up
already. Conclusion: Min Yoongi is not human.

“You weren’t kidding…” Jeongguk starts shaking Yoongi lightly; poking him to get a reaction but
Yoongi is all but a dead log.

“Even Namjoon disappeared again. I’m sick of this.”

“Wait how did you get in if he’s asleep. Doesn’t Yoongi lock his doors?”

“Under the flower-pot, left side.” Hoseok sits on top of the coffee table, breathing heavily. “I need
the final version of the medley if we’re going to practice…”

Hoseok really does look like he hasn’t slept in days.

Against all odds, Yoongi makes a sound of recognition and Hoseok almost cries tears of joy.
Yoongi opens an eye and then both fly open wide and desperate.

“What the fuck are you two doing here?” Yoongi tries to grab the ladle that is still in Hoseok’s
hand and they both start clutching at it for dear life.

“Oh wow, he’s alive.”

“Where the fuck is my medley. You said Sunday – it’s fucking Wednesday, Yoongi.”

“It’s Wednesday?”

And that’s the last straw for Hoseok. He retires from even attempting and takes his spot on the
floor, on the brink of insanity. There is one question on everyone’s mind: How does Seokjin bear
with Yoongi?

Yoongi takes his sweet time getting up and then disappears for another half an hour. That time
Jeongguk takes rubbing Hoseok’s back and trying to calm him down. Believe it or not, Jung
Hoseok has had it. It has been a month and Yoongi? Well, Yoongi is being Yoongi.

Min Yoongi – a genius composer and an audio engineer that works from home. Now Jeongguk
understands why. He’s running from all his commitments, hiding behind cemented walls. Namjoon
picks up that very habit from Yoongi.

When Yoongi finally returns he has a CD in his hand. His only goal is to get the two toddlers out of
his apartment and succeeds. They leave but not before thanking Yoongi— Well, Jeongguk
thanks… Hoseok just mutters colorful language while Yoongi hums a tune completely unaware.

Once they’re on the street and Hoseok seems saner than he was back in the apartment (Jeongguk
doesn’t want to be the next case of attempted murder), Jeongguk decides to ask.

“You’re running from him. Again.”

“I noticed, Gguk. I don’t need this from you and Jimin.”

Wait, Jimin? Has he been talking to Hoseok about the relationship he’s meant to thwart?

“Jimin?”

“Yeah, so Taehyung’s best friend just so happens to be helping me. Don’t get jealous…”

Jeongguk is confused. Why go through this entire ordeal of pretend if Jimin was just going to end
up assisting Hoseok in the end? What happened to fair-fighting chance? Park Jimin is absurd.

“Ha, sure. Me. Jealous of you two spending time.”

“Well, why wouldn’t you be you’re literally hanging over him all the time. I’m pretty sure he’s
tired of you.”

“Fuck off. I'm not that petty.”

There is little truth in Hoseok’s words. Sure, Jeongguk spends a lot of time with Jimin but most of
it goes by in scheming and discussion - accompanied with the belated coffee orders.

“So, Taehyung…”

Hoseok visibly straightens - even mentioning Taehyung is now taboo.

“How do you know you’re not confusing friendship with… I don’t know, feelings?”

Great question… only how does Jeongguk answer? He really hasn’t had a proper crush – ever.
Which is very bizarre because he’s the first person everyone thinks of when their own relationship
is a twist. Oh, how funny life can be.

“I don’t know? You like being with them…”

Hoseok really doesn’t like the answer. “Wow, thanks a lot, Cherie, that helps me out so much!”

“Hey, how am I supposed to know? You don’t have the hots for me and we’re friends.”

“Well, true.”

“So, just put two and two together and it should work out. Taehyung’s whipped for you.”

“I know that.”

Hoseok doesn’t speak on the subject after. They just silently navigate their way through the streets
with the occasional jab at Yoongi’s laziness and envy for his lifestyle. Jeongguk is also lost in his
own thoughts. They’re supposed to be making sure that Hoseok and Taehyung keep at a distance,
but he just doesn’t want that to occur. The two clearly like each other and it’s getting more
confusing by the second. Hoseok’s just hesitating and possibly debating his own feelings – happens
to the best of people. It reminds Jeongguk of the time he and Hoseok combatted their own doubts
on teenage romance together.

“Hey, Jeongguk can I—"

“No way in hell am I kissing you again.” Jeongguk squeals.

"What? No fucking way! What even gave you that idea?”

“Oh? Oh, you forgot all about summer camp?”

“Jesus, that was one fucking time. Let it go already.”

“Bitch, you threw in tongue. And no, I refuse to let that go. That was my first kiss!”

He’s kicked for good measure and then Hoseok is running after him chanting, ‘I’ll fucking kill you’

If someone told Jeongguk that he’d be on the giving end of Jimin’s time, he’d have called them
ridiculous.

“This was literally the last box, Jeongguk. You owe me…” Jimin sighs as he hands Jeongguk the
banana milk. Jeongguk takes it without a word, smiling wide and goes back to the blank canvas.

There are light pencil strokes here and there but it’s still too rough to work on. Inspiration is such a
bitch. It’s fleeting, to say the least – it comes and goes. So, Jeongguk concedes and takes the treat
deciding on a break.

“I hate art.” Jeongguk pouts trying to fight the urge to throw his pencil far away.

“I hate art too,” Jimin agrees.

The last week was painful for the two for unknown reasons. Jimin’s still healing from the evident
rejection that is still as silent as a snake. He’s finally more like himself – sassy, irritable, friendly.

Jimin is utterly grateful for what Jeongguk did but that isn’t why he’s here right now. Jeongguk
had called for his company.

“So, why did you call me?”

Why did Jeongguk call him? The truth would be rather awkward to hear. Can Jeongguk really be
honest and tell Jimin it’s because Jimin ends up inspiring him even in the littlest of things. Oh
right! He has to discuss Jimin’s traitor behavior too.

“I just missed your company,”

“You see me at the end of every day. At least lie properly.”

“Why the fuck are you helping Hoseok?”

Jimin flinches.

“Do you not like Taehyung anymore or what?”

“Of course, I do.” Jimin’s reply is curt. He laughs a bit bitterly after. “Why’d you even ask me
that?”

“You’re giving dating advice to Hoseok and Taehyung both…” Jeongguk strikes the paper with his
pencil before continuing. “What's this playing cupid?”

Jimin doesn’t reply right away. How can he? He feels guilty, to say the least. Sure, he’s still just as
in love with Taehyung as he was at the start of this, but it doesn’t seem fair anymore. Hoseok is
trying his best and so is Taehyung. Where does Jimin fit in all that? He’s not given up, no sir.
Taehyung still is most friendly around Jimin but right now, that isn’t what Jimin cares for
anymore.

The truth falls from his lips rather easily.

“I just thought… I don’t want this to end anytime soon.” Jimin replies. His words potentially echo
in the room because Jeongguk has no reply. He almost chokes but luckily, he’s too busy to risk
dying. He has a showcase and an art convention to attend very soon.

“Besides, I want a fair chance is all. I don’t plan on pulling a cheap shot anytime soon. I do have
the upper hand after all.”

Jeongguk’s heart sinks at the statement but he doesn’t care. He’s ecstatic. So, Jeongguk does mean
more to Jimin than what they had initially thought of. Though he doesn’t voice his thoughts. He
just breaks out into laughter.

Absurd.

“Hey, stop laughing!”

Three months into the fake relationship and it’s almost as if Jimin doesn’t want it to end anymore.

He’s here doing the unthinkable. Working part-time in the café gathering funds so that he can buy
Jeongguk something suitable. He decides on a simple watch still debating whether to pick up a few
more hours so that his budget increases.

Yugyeom had told him Jeongguk doesn’t like gifts at all. He’s the type to accept money in an
envelope so that he can go buy himself a gift of his own choice, but that just seems too stupid to do.
Especially if Jeongguk’s friends are doing the envelope thing. It just doesn’t seem special enough.

He sucks in a breath mentally preparing himself for the rush hour that is to follow but what he
doesn’t expect is a very familiar and annoying voice yelling his name.

“Jimin!” Jeongguk greets in pure awe. “What are you doing here? You know white apron really
isn’t your color.”

“Why?” Jimin is tired. Though he adores Jeongguk wholesomely at times seeing his face is getting
very frequent. “Why are you stalking me? I’m this close to ending this…”

Jeongguk looks like he’s about to comply but is suddenly pulled back by Yugyeom, who’s
apologizing in his place.

“Don’t! You’re the only good thing to ever happen to him… I’ll pay you to stick with him.”

“What am I? Your garden accessory?”

“Wow… I spent three hours with you to buy you a gift and not only did you waste my time… you
even spent half of my wallet’s worth on Mc’Donalds!”

Jimin tries so hard to hold back his laughter. So, it really is that time of the year where Jeongguk is
being pampered by his friends and not doing the pampering.

“And you have the fucking nerve to say you’re hungry again after literally what has been twenty
minutes. I fucking hate you…” Yugyeom’s voice has gone down now.

“I love you…” Jeongguk is very gutsy mind you. Yugyeom just throws him a heated look and
retreats to a seat.

“Hey, Jimin. Mind taking a walk with me after?” Jeongguk politely requests before he goes to join
Yugyeom.

The hours that followed were needlessly rushy. Now Jimin knows why it’s called a ‘rush-hour’.
Minus the comedically genius remarks from Carter Lee and the random gun-fire, it’s literally a
hustling parade with orders flying into every single direction.

Jimin feels like he’s lost a few years from his life.

“So, why the part-time job?” Jeongguk asks. He’s still very busy slurping away at an order of slush
that came out of Jimin’s cheque. Yugyeom had enough of his friend and had entrusted his well-
being to Jimin but not before praising Jimin’s patience.

“You are God… Only you can handle him.” He provided a short speech for motivation’s sake and
ran. Jeongguk all but shrugged as he waited for Jimin’s shift to end.

“I have a debt to pay.” Jimin provides, and Jeongguk’s expression to sheer horror. He steps in front
of Jimin and shakes him by the shoulders.

“Who are you and what have you done with Park Jimin?”

“How do people even stand you?”

Jeongguk clicks his tongue distastefully and resumes to lead the way. The entire walk has been
awkwardly quiet and though it’s quiet it’s something Jimin has learned to crave. Jeongguk doesn’t
try to tease him any further, only asking how Jimin’s day went. Not a single height remark,
surprisingly.

“Ok, who are you and what have you done with Jeon Jeongguk?”

He is not provided an answer because soon the dormitories are in sight and Jeongguk struts away.
Wait... is he acting shy? What the fuck is going on?

Jimin doesn’t speak on Jeongguk’s odd behavior. He just goes to his own dorm and is again
greeted with the sight of Taehyung and Miri. If he misses Jeongguk, he doesn’t let it come in the
way of him spending time with his roommate.

“Fuck, fuck…” Jeongguk curses out loud as he stumbles around his own space. “My life is going to
end.”
Seokjin is going to have his head and use it to create a mannequin to showcase headwear on.

How could he have forgotten? The banquet is tonight and here Jeongguk is, date-less as well as
suit-less. Jimin hasn’t been answering his phone either and Jeongguk is in a dire state of panic.
Where is Hoseok when you need the guy?

When there is a knock on the door, Jeongguk is sure it’s the Grim Reaper. He hesitates quite a lot
trying to delay his death by as much as possible but then there is a voice that he recognizes.

“Can you open the fucking door?” Jimin is shouting and Jeongguk is sure he’s sprained his ankle
in his haste to reach the door. As soon as the gateway is opened, an angel storms in.

Jimin is dressed in a black suit and Jeongguk is dazzled, in every sense of the word. The attire
compliments him so well, hugging his lithe frame and the color complimenting his brown eyes. It
takes a violent shove from Jimin to bring Jeongguk back to the land of the living.

“Stop staring! I know it looks weird…” Jimin is really trying to deny his own beauty – the
audacity. “Anyway, here’s your suit. Get dressed, we leave in half an hour.”

The statement registers with much surprise. How did Jimin even know of the event? Jeongguk
amidst his own dilemma had completely forgotten to even text the details.

“Seokjin told me through Hoseok… he even sent these.” Jimin reads into Jeongguk’s thoughts,
smiling. There is acute heartache present in Jeongguk when he quickly accepts the wear and makes
to go change. There is very awkward stumbling afterward and much to Jimin’s shock… Jeongguk
doesn’t know how to wear a tie.

“You’re fucking kidding me…”

“I’ve always found it better to not wear one…”

“How are you still five years old?”

Jeongguk doesn’t speak up after that. He’s too busy gawking at Jimin, who’s really indulging
Jeongguk with the perfect view – decorating him with a tie.

It’s very new for the two to be this close to each other but there is no voice in opposition. Clearly,
their acquaintance should have ended a long time ago. There is confusion present in Jeongguk as he
comes to the realization that he's enjoying the courtesy he’s been getting from Jimin this entire
week.

Jimin not only inspires him but also has been taking care of him. Maybe it’s because Jimin still
feels some sort of debt to Jeongguk and that rationalizes Jeongguk’s doubts. He settles for that very
thought. Jimin couldn’t possibly like Jeongguk more than he likes Taehyung. That was never to
happen.

“So, shall we go?” Jimin speaks up yet again and it’s off to pull off a charade again.

Jeongguk really hates loud spaces.

Therefore, he avoids the banquets. He’s always proud of Seokjin, there is never a day he isn’t but
it’s just unsettling to be in a huge crowd of ambassadors and other rich established people. He
successfully avoids most of them but the ones he does attend, he's graced with the company of
Namjoon and his friends. Luckily for him, they haven’t run into anyone that might tick Jeongguk
off yet, but it doesn’t erase the uneasiness he feels being in a people’s gathering.

“You okay?” Jimin asks, concern evident.

“Just not a people’s person. Crowds make me anxious.”

“Really? You?”

That was certainly unexpected, Jeongguk is such desirable company as well as sociable. Still,
Jimin is understanding before judgmental and he doesn’t hesitate before offering a silent pat on the
back.

“Tell me when it gets too much, and we can leave.”

Jeongguk is quick to oblige and so the task of the evening begins. It’s hard enough since there are
no familiar faces but it’s bearable with Jimin by his side. They are greeted by a few company
officials that are wrapped in sheer expense that Jimin quite frankly finds intimidating. When he
was invited to this banquet he didn’t really think it was this big a deal.

Now, he doesn’t feel as guilty about getting Jeongguk to buy his usual coffee order. The other
clearly comes from a family of wealth. It’s not that he has plans to do so any further – Jimin’s just
worried what he has planned as a gift might fall short.

Suddenly they’re joined by Hoseok.

“God, Jimin, you look too good next to Jeongguk. It took me a second to recognize you guys.”
Hoseok is blunt and honest. He hastily dodges Jeongguk’s attempt at a punch.

“What are you doing here?” Jeongguk breathes through the nose with a scowl in place. Hoseok is
humored.

“I was invited! No thanks to you.” He accuses playfully. Hoseok’s mood is currently way better
than it was earlier. Practice has also resumed and Hoseok is stricter than ever – all thanks due to
Min Yoongi. “Taehyung should be here soon too.”

Jeongguk ponders over the very possibility of pulling off another masquerade. It’s perfect, a formal
event… friends nearby. The timing is great.

Hoseok doesn’t leave their company though. He chats a storm up with Jimin, currently discussing a
new release of an animation and Jeongguk feels slightly offended. They brush off his complaints
highly entertained with each other’s thoughts on some other character. Soon they’re joined with
Taehyung and the night resumes once again.

They’re being disgustingly affectionate with each other and Jimin has only himself to blame. When
Hoseok had asked him for his thoughts Jimin said nothing that would favor him. He thought of
Taehyung first, and himself second when he helped Hoseok come to terms with himself, taming his
irrational fears and the general hesitation one feels going into a relationship.

“You do realize you fucked up right?” Jeongguk reprimands with no hostility. He’s just providing
Jimin the verbal confirmation. He gets no answer.
“So, you’re Jimin!” Seokjin cheers in greeting. Jimin is very honestly taken by surprise.

To think Seokjin is such a statuesque piece of work. He has broad shoulders and the eyes of a
heaven-spawn. It’s like gazing at a masterpiece. Jimin nods to provide a confirmation and then
Seokjin is smiling while shaking his hand.

“Enough Jinnie, you’ll scare him.” Jeongguk laughs.

“Shut up. You’ve kept the guy from me long enough. We have a lot of catching up to do.”

It’s like meeting your boyfriend’s parents. Only Jimin is not Jeongguk's boyfriend. Seokjin has
such a great way with people as he introduces himself to Jimin as Jeongguk’s cousin first and the
host of this elegant gathering second.

It makes sense they are relatives – good looks are apparently part of the bloodline.

“Please tell me Jeongguk didn’t ditch you like he did Yugyeom onc—”

“You promised you’d never bring it up again!” Jeongguk is quick to intervene, not bothering with
how Seokjin topples over with laughter. That event is now a recurring punchline in Jeongguk’s life
one he can’t get over, no thanks to his friends.

Jimin pulls through with a rather precarious statement.

“He’d be an idiot to. I’m not as forgiving as Yugyeom! Right, Ggukkie.” His smile is all glitter and
sort of intimidating which proves to be enough to convince Seokjin. He then makes Jimin greet a
few officials and pulls Jeongguk to the side.

“You’re so done for… How long do you expect this go on for?”

Jeongguk shrugs. He isn’t quite sure… it’s a very confusing situation. “Don’t know, maybe just a
little longer.”

Thankfully, Seokjin doesn’t bore him any longer. He’s quickly busied with his occupation of host
and leaves for the rest of the night.

Against all odds, they decide to leave quickly. There was nothing for them to do there anyway.
Ever since Seokjin left them to their own devices they got bored of the white palace real fast.

He’s here at Jimin’s dorm— if anyone asks Jeongguk is simply paying his boyfriend a visit in his
nightwear. Most definitely not here to binge watch Haikyuu’s second season. So, he’s taken a
proper liking to the boys from Karasuno. Who wouldn't? If there anything Jeongguk loves more
than his weekly Marvel grind it is spending a binging session of Haikyuu with Jimin.

They’re midway through what’s the training arc as Jimin had called it when the door opens and in
strides Taehyung, hair unkempt and an unreadable expression in place.

“Hey, you okay Taehyung?”

“Peachy.” There is anger hidden under his voice. Clearly, something happened – with Hoseok. Just
when you’d think Jung Hoseok had finally gotten his shit together…

“Tae, tell me.” Jimin insists, and the way the nickname compliments Jimin’s tone has Jeongguk a
tad jealous.
Taehyung seems to comply – he throws a glance at Jeongguk who immediately gets the hint and
decides on leaving. He’s almost off the comfort of the couch when Jimin grabs his hand.

“Tell us. It’s Hoseok isn’t it?”

Somehow, Jimin manages to convey through only eye-contact that Jeongguk is not a snitch and
Taehyung sighs and sits down with them.

“It’s done. I’m through with trying. He probably got a kick of my insistence. God… Is this
annoying...”

Jeongguk gives the two friends some space and there it is, on showcase: Jimin’s endearing traits.
Where he cares for anyone and everyone. He silently cards his fingers through Taehyung’s hair
and it seems to be working since the other is instantly leaning into the touch.

“He’ll come to his senses. It’s probably hard for him.” Jeongguk provides. Hoseok has a history of
bad romances – no wonder he’s still keeping Taehyung away from the sensitive parts of his hearts.
After all, denial and guilt are so much easier to deal with. Jeongguk would share all he knows but
there is so very little he’s sure of.

“Hard for him? He just needs to say the words and go…”

Jimin sighs but not before shooting Jeongguk a heated look that practically screams, ‘shut-up-
you’re-not-helping’

“He’s right though, I’m sure he’s still a bit confused. You told me he’s never been in a relationship
since he broke up with his girlfriend in high-school?”

Woah, how much therapy and advice has Hoseok been getting from Jimin? It’s as if Jimin could be
a shrink at this point. Maybe Jeongguk himself should book an appointment – he’s due a stress
meltdown himself thanks to all this romantic constipation eluding from all sides.

“Yeah but, I’ve been patient, haven’t I? He just said he’s sorry and left without another word!”

And of course. Hoseok had chickened out yet again. Taehyung tells them both how they tried to
decide a proper date out but Hoseok avoided the topic. No wonder Taehyung’s done with his
indecisive ass. Jeongguk makes a note to share his thoughts later.

“He likes you. He said that himself. Give him time.”

“How can you say that? It’s not like you realize how painful it is to be pining for someone that
clearly won’t ever reciprocate your feelings.”

Shit.

Jeongguk feels gutted as he watches Jimin let out a shuddering breath. It definitely feels like a
punch to the stomach but Jimin recovers pretty fast. He doesn’t stop comforting Taehyung.

“I don’t,” He lies, biting his lip a little and Jeongguk just feels useless. “But I know he’s dealing
with a lot. It’s not easy to give up your ideas just because someone just decided to drop by.” Jimin
defends Hoseok and then he proceeds to list Taehyung’s amazing traits – possibly everything Jimin
himself likes – which seems to help Taehyung break out of the hold grief has on him. He thanks
Jimin with a hug and decides to retreat to sleep.

When the moment dies down, Jeongguk decides he really likes this side of Jimin. Only he’s not
quite enough; thinking out loud. They’re in the kitchen, that’s connected to the living room. The
architecture of the small dorm is magnificent considering how much they managed to fit in such a
small space.

“You know that’s exactly what’s so endearing about you.”

Jimin looks at him in question, prompting Jeongguk to continue.

“You are so selfless. Literally, how many other people would do that? Why would you do that?”
He’s talking in a silent whisper just in case Taehyung were to hear them.

“I told you. Fair chance.” Jimin sighs, not really convinced with his actions. It’s probably just
because he can’t see Taehyung hurt. Talking to Hoseok also provided him a completely new
thought process. He’s just caught in the crossfire and is the only one who’s put up everything to
lose.

“Sure…” Jeongguk hums briefly. “You know, you really underestimate your own talent.”

“Ha, talent. I’m just a decent dancer and person.” Jimin scoffs.

“Sure, a decent dancer was enough to inspire me to get back to dance.”

Oh shit… Jeongguk realizes once it’s said. Well, this was certainly not how he decided to tell Jimin
that little fact.

“What?” He stutters in surprise and well... if not Jeongguk then who else to feed Jimin’s very tiny
ego?

“I saw your gala performance and picked up dance again. Took a lot of coaxing and aching
practices but yeah… Just know you’re much more impressive than you think.”

Jeongguk’s not very good with words but he’s managed to be a little convincing this time around if
Jimin’s evident flush is anything to study. And that’s where desire takes over reason… it’s when
Jimin manages to squeak out a simple phrase to express gratitude. It’s also where Jeongguk decides
to initiate yet another masquerade. Fuck Jimin for throwing dirt over their collective efforts.

"I'm sorry in advance..." He whispers for only Jimin to hear who raises a brow in question.

He leans in and presses his lips to Jimin’s unsuspecting ones. Jimin instantly backs up a bit but if
Jeongguk is anything he’s smart as well as stubborn. He controls the kiss and places his palm on
Jimin’s cheek. For a second, it’s almost as if Jimin decided to kiss back and what’s short and
surprisingly uplifting ends just as fast.

Jimin is most certainly going to push Jeongguk away- his cheeks are red and his eyes wild;
possibly glazed with anger.

“Taehyung was watching,” Jeongguk whispers in his ear and Jimin stiffens. He looks over his
shoulder and there the culprit is.

“Don’t mind me! I’ll just be over there…” Taehyung defends as he skids away from sight.

They both giggle after and Jeongguk makes a note to apologize for kissing Jimin in such a manner.

Jimin stares at his lips for a second too long. Jungkook smiles causing Jimin to look away
embarrassed.
Maybe there is no need to apologize after all.
 Connection
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

“Okay you sons of bitches, it’s time to hike,” Yoongi shouts in excitement as he hastens his
headband.

Jimin quite frankly is stunned by Yoongi’s enthusiasm.

“You hike? Jeongguk had to carry you here because you wouldn’t wake up!” Jimin protests. In his
defense, Min Yoongi, really doesn’t look like the athletic type. For an alleged hiker, his legs lack
the proper muscle and he’s rather short in comparison.

“He always falls asleep, Jimin. That’s nothing new.” Jeongguk provides, a smile on his lips.

“You’d be surprised. Yoongi used to be the prized shooting guard!” Seokjin praises, busy checking
the contents of his bag.

“It’s much too early for you to fossilize my legacy that quick, Jin.”

“Alright, so. The cabin is six kilometers from here and we stay there for a day.” Seokjin dismisses
Yoongi’s silent argument and points in a general direction upwards.

“Who allows building on top of mountains?” Jimin is all but confused. He had simply agreed to tag
along on what Jeongguk called it ‘the-trip-of-the-century’. It sounded promising but now it just
seems like any normal hike. Apparently, Jimin is very famous amongst Jeongguk’s direct company
– Yoongi had demanded Jimin to come. Is this what it feels like to be a celebrity?

“I paid for that hut…” Seokjin crosses his arms.

Yoongi really likes Jimin. He does, but goddamn is Jimin cheeky. They had spent the entire car-
ride here talking on who exactly was the shortest. Little do the elders in the party know, it was all a
devised plan on Jimin and Jeongguk’s part to steal the aux cable. Sadly, they had failed. Yoongi
has the eyes of a hawk.

“So, anyone care to bet?” Yoongi claps his hands.

“Bet?”

“Yeah. Teams hike together and the first one to reach the top wins the entire betting pool.” Yoongi
explains to Jimin.

Jimin wants to talk against the betting because petty competition is dumb. It doesn’t work. Yoongi
and Jeongguk are amidst a game of rock-paper-scissors to decide their partners as Seokjin cheers
from behind.

Score. Jeongguk outsmarts Yoongi and yells in triumph. He’s shoved by Yoongi.

“I want Seokjin.”

“Fuck you, I’m going with Yoongi!”

“First one to reach the top wins.”

“I’m going to die… I’m fucking dead.” Jeongguk whispers as he closes his eyes shut. Jimin is very
shocked.

Jeongguk being overenthusiastic and needlessly energetic had jumped over rocks and ran across
the more easier plains making it hard for Jimin to keep up. They have reached the top in what
could very well be a record-breaking time as team Yoonjin is nowhere to be seen.

Jimin really wanted to fight against the idea of team names but apparently, Jeongguk was ecstatic
with the idea of team ‘Jikook’. Had they spent any more time thinking about it Jeongguk would
have made a banner and a chant. He’s too competitive for his own good but Jimin can relate. He
really hates losing too, hence all the effort he put in to keep up.

“Please, tell me they’re here.” Jeongguk does not open his eyes.

Jeon Jeongguk fears heights: the more you know.

“How the fuck did you manage to run across the entire trail if you were this scared of a little
height?”

“Little? You call 1664 meters above sea level… a little height?” He finally opens his eyes only to
point a signboard behind Jimin that displays the number. There is a smiley underneath the digits –
possibly for the more candid bunch of hikers. Jeongguk is nowhere near grateful for the
knowledge. He’s terrified.

“You could have just said no… They have a road trail for buses.” Jimin chuckles.

Then there is silence for a while as Jimin appreciates the scenic beauty of the mountains. It’s
serene and oh so pretty. He’s going to be spending his weekend with Jeongguk and Jimin finds
himself with ease at the knowledge. Had someone told him this about four months ago Jimin
would have never believed it.

“Get me the fuck off this mountain! The sea’s doing a mighty fine job rising… I can barely see any
land! I-I... Who planned this?”

How is Jeongguk so childish? Good grief.

“You were the one that made the bet with Yoongi! Now you’re afraid of heights?” Jimin yells in
surprise.

“I was always afraid of heights… At least motive blinds reason!” Jeongguk screams in reply.

Jeongguk is greedy – there he admits it. He’s greedy for the ecstasy that comes with the knowledge
of victory. The increase in his bank balance is also welcome. Since there is no other reason to
ignore his acrophobia, here Jeongguk is. Bat-shit terrified and afraid to look down. Just his luck
that the top of the mountain isn’t even fenced or properly secured. Sure, it doesn’t make any sense
for someone to be hanging off the edges but still! Where is homeland security?

Luckily for Jeongguk, Jimin is a proper angel. He sits down next to Jeongguk (who’s still
breathing heavily) and takes his hand.

“I’m here too.”

And that’s all Jeongguk needs. He selfishly chants those words at the back of his head in hopes that
his fear dies down. It surprisingly works.

Luckily, Yoongi and Seokjin show up just a while after.

“Un-fucking-believable! How long were you two up here for?” Seokjin eyes grow wide in surprise
and discontent.

Yoongi wears a proper pout on his face. So much for being a professional hiker.

“Guess who owes me 200$...” Jeongguk is giddy for a while. Jimin lets go of his hand and
straighten so fast, Jeongguk almost falls over the rock he’s seated on. Whilst his fear returns.

“You owe us double!” Jimin screams in Yoongi’s face as he strides covering the distance leaving
Jeongguk at the back.

“Ha, no way.”

“He had a fucking seizure up here! Do you have any idea how that feels like – I had to take care of
a 5-year-old.”

Jeongguk is almost happy that Jimin cares that much – about the extra funds or about him, that is
still a mystery. Jeongguk feels like Daffy Duck at current point in time; greedy and wanting money
over security.

“I can’t believe you got Yoongi to pay you double. He’s as stingy as they come.” Jeongguk
appreciates as the two take the sheets off the furniture. The hut is small but very well furnished –
Jeongguk makes a mental note to ask Seokjin for the keys.

“We split 50-50.”

“Done.”

Jeongguk feels a bit embarrassed as he recalls the events prior to their arrival at the hut. He had
been clinging on to Jimin for his very life and probably had fractured the bones in his hand as
Seokjin apologized for not taking Jeongguk’s fear into consideration. Jimin had played it off for
sure but Jeongguk knows he feels awkward right now. Not to mention Jeongguk had kissed Jimin
just a few days ago without proper consent. He’d be a fool if he didn’t notice Jimin’s general
hesitation to be around him and the jumpiness that he exhibits.

So, Jeongguk ignores it.

Seokjin and Yoongi are nowhere to be seen, presumably out having the time of their lives. They
had tasked the younger ‘couple’ to tidy up the hut to be capable of use as they enjoyed further
hiking.

Jimin really wanted to join the others on the hike further up but he stayed behind to keep Jeongguk
company.

If Jimin’s being honest he really likes it. Weird.

“Well do you want to do something?” Jeongguk asks, fully aware that this current arrangement is
boring as fuck. There is absolutely nothing to do – no internet even.

“Not really…” Jimin retires back into the couch.

“Do you want to play twenty questions or something—” Jeongguk rubs the back of his neck. The
atmosphere is so very awkward, and he wants that to end. He can’t sit next to Jimin since the man
inches away as if Jeongguk’s out to murder him. To think the two would feel this queasy with each
other despite being in a pretend relationship for so long.

Jimin sighs, “Twenty’s too much.”

“Fifteen?”

“No,”

“Okay, five? Please? We can just ask them back to back to finish quickly.” Jeongguk pleads and
the sincerity behind those eyes melts Jimin. Goddamn it.

“Fine, you go first!” Jimin exhales bitterly.

“So, favorite anime?” Jeongguk immediately bites his tongue. Is he stupid?

“Haikyuu! Are you serious right now?” Jimin guffaws whilst Jeongguk seats himself right next to
Jimin. Bit by bit they battle the present acrimony.

“I don’t have a favorite so your turn.”

Jimin rubs his hands mischievously, a glint to his eyes. “Favorite childhood memory?”

“Uh that’s kinda hard but I guess it’s my thirteenth birthday? Hoseok and everyone threw me a
surprise,”

Jeongguk still holds on to that like a child. Hoseok along with a few other friends Jeongguk
remembers from when he was young had scared him half to death by dragging him up the hill.
They then spoiled him with gifts and sweets and to this date Jeongguk doesn’t remember a time he
was happier.

“You two are close, right?”

“Loads. He’s kinda like my other half at this rate.” Jeongguk is honest. Hoseok though problematic
in current time-frame is still his savior.

Jimin smiles content with the knowledge soaking it all in.

“What’s your ideal choice for a gift?” Jeongguk asks, with motive this time. It still settles as a
mystery to solve the reason for his peculiar habit of spoiling Jimin.

“Uh—” Jimin stutters nervously. Jeongguk has apparently read him like a book because that was
Jimin’s next question. The other studies him now, eyes expectant.

“I’d just settle for something simple, don’t want someone spending a lot on me.” Jimin settles for
honesty – there isn’t really a thing he wants that he can pinpoint right off the bat.
He takes a deep breath before asking, “What about you?”

Jeongguk takes that in. He places his thumb under his chin in thought making the occasional hmm
noise.

“Probably a camera!”

“Camera?”

“Yeah, I’ve always wanted a polaroid camera.”

Abort. Abort. Abort, those are fucking expensive as shit! Once Jimin asks why a polaroid,
Jeongguk doesn’t seem to shut up. He smiles so wide as he describes the aesthetic he craves with
his photos that apparently can only be achieved by that specific type.

“Anyway! Your turn.”

“What’s your take on Namjoon?”

Jeongguk stills and almost chokes. Why is Jimin so interested in Namjoon suddenly?

“What about him?” He asks hoping the nervousness doesn’t give him away. He doesn’t really
possess any romantic feelings for Seokjin’s ex.

“Well, I really want to know when you started liking him!” Jimin provides excitedly and Jeongguk
can’t seem to deny the man an answer.

Lies, lies, lies. All of them lies. Jeongguk doesn’t have the courage to tell Jimin the truth afraid the
man would burst out into anger.

“When he helped me with my covers and didn’t take to running away from his problems.”
Jeongguk tries to end it. Luckily for him, Jimin doesn’t ask about it any further.

“First kiss?” Jeongguk tries now a bit afraid he’ll turn the situation even messier. It doesn’t though,
Jimin grins lightly before he points at Jeongguk in accusation.

“You.”

What! Jeongguk thinks, only he screams that as well. Jimin almost falls off the couch laughing.

“Wow, I feel bad.” He almost chokes on air.

“So I’ve never been in a relationship, big deal. I’m not exactly desirable as we know.”

“Need I burn that Gintama volume after all!”

Jimin’s expression morphs to one of horror as he takes it back but Jeongguk insists it’s now too
late. He then shares the awful, awful memory of his own first kiss with Hoseok that results in Jimin
falling into a fit of laughter that refuses to cease.

You broke him Jeon.

When Yoongi and Seokjin return, all that leaves their lips in animated harmony is:

“What the fuck did you do now?”

Yoongi and Jimin: Monsters.

Yoongi tasks Jeongguk to be the maid during their stay and despite Jeongguk’s protests even
Seokjin had succumbed to Yoongi’s wish. Jimin had easily won Yoongi over with his charms and
goddamn annoying eye-smile. They sat down and chatted like long lost brothers criticizing time
and space as well as appreciating each and everything they could.

Upon learning Jimin was a dancer, Yoongi offered his help. They are currently sitting in the room
Seokjin and Yoongi share potentially whipping up some audio. Jeongguk’s happy that Jimin
finally dropped his instructor’s words and is working on something on his own. Sure, the timing is
horrible but Jimin is probably the only one that could make it work.

“They’re like little devils!” Jeongguk tries to get a response out of Seokjin who’s too busy on his
phone. Yoongi had confiscated everyone’s devices except Seokjin’s… talk about being biased.

“Hey, I don’t know about you, but I just so happen to be in love with mine.”

Jeongguk fake-gags and Seokjin throws a slipper at him.

Petition: Stop throwing shows at Jeon Jeongguk. He has done nothing wrong.

“Look, all I’m saying is… the least you could do is hike all the way down and get us some proper
food.” Jeongguk huffs. He is craving for some good old barbeque and up here they don’t have that
luxury. “Honestly, get up!” He makes the mistake of ordering Yoongi to get up with a slight shake.
Yoongi is currently much too comfortable on the sofa typing away furiously at the electronic
contraption.

Yoongi meets his eyes, and they’re dark. Possibly filled with rage.

“Jeongguk,” There is a scary lilt to his voice. “Try getting me off this chair one more time and I
guarantee you’ll end up in one with wheels.” Yoongi threatens so innocently.

Retreating, he runs around a bit looking for Jimin only to learn the man left with Seokjin. Does
Jeongguk want to potentially look down the mountains? No, he does not want to risk it. He settles
for making his bed ready and starts to think over his art project.

“Hey, Jeongguk want some ramen?” Yoongi proposes.

“Yes! Please.”

“Then go make some would you?”

Jeongguk doesn’t even attempt to speak against it even though he’s pissed. Min Yoongi is
frightening in every aspect of the word. He silently obliges and cooks the treat all the while
muttering insults to his elders. Had they known Jeongguk is such an insolent brat they’d probably
beat him senseless.
Twenty minutes later they have exhausted their instant ramen supply and Jeongguk is about to lose
it. He’s stir crazy.

Then there is a knock on the door – Jeongguk all but skids to see who it is.

“So, Yoongi I got you the— Jeongguk?” Namjoon yells in his face once the door opens. He’s
dressed in all-black yet again as if he’s running from something.

Namjoon immediately stills as he recognizes the loudness of his own voice in the air. Where there
is Jeongguk – there is definitely Kim Seokjin… Namjoon is a dead man.

“Yeah, ok… I’m gonna go.” Namjoon decides to scram but Jeongguk is quicker – he grabs on tight
and pulls the taller male inside. Namjoon’s features heighten with fear.

“Joonie!” Jeongguk is playful and quite frankly ecstatic to see a new face. “Where have you been
all this time?”

“Yoongi! You two-timing ass!” Namjoon ignores the greeting shooting daggers at his traitor of a
best friend who smiles menacingly.

“He’s not around don’t worry but he is super upset about it and you won’t tell me anything… Also,
gimme my bag.” Yoongi beckons for Namjoon to throw the satchel and Namjoon seems to resign.

He sits down and makes small talk with Yoongi as well as Jeongguk. Albeit hesitantly. Apparently,
Namjoon hasn’t been doing so well. His task at the college is simple; checking equipment and
playing around with it. He’s in momentary self-exile and Jeongguk finds himself relating to
Namjoon very well. He too wants a break from people.

“Why did you invite me here Yoongi?” Namjoon asks once he’s comfortable enough with
Jeongguk’s presence. He won’t lie, he just wants to leave pronto.

“Uh, so you could meet Jeongguk’s fake-boyfriend?”

“You have a boyfriend?” Keyword: fake, found missing.

So, they all nag and dote on Jeongguk – he’s such a spoiled kid.

“Woah, when did Namjoon get here?” Jimin exclaims and as soon as Seokjin meets eyes with
Namjoon he breaks out into ‘greeting’.

“Where the fuck have you been for literally half a year? You asshole!”

“Wow you yelling is scary, no wonder he left.” Yoongi muses.

Namjoon blinks wide in terror. “You fucking traitor you said he wasn’t here!”

Jimin snickers as he discreetly makes his way about the to-be-wrestling adult company and goes to
stand beside Jeongguk. He also hands Jeongguk a bag of chips almost relishing the way his
features scrunch up in gratitude.

“This is definitely a sit-com,” Jimin whispers to Jeongguk.

“So, where were you? What have you been doing all this time.” Seokjin demands when Namjoon
tries so very hard to dodge the subject.

“Been around… Sorry…”

Seokjin is frustrated if the way his eyebrows crease is something to judge. “You’re still ignoring
me…” He says it in a defeated way that immediately makes Namjoon guiltier.

He slurs a bit around his words. “I’m sorry I just didn’t know how to talk to you!”

“You can always tell me anything Joonie, what the fuck? We’re best friends first before anything
else.”

“No, I’m serious… If I tell you, you’ll skin me alive.” Namjoon emphasizes his hands in the air.

“Hey, I love you…” Yoongi blinks wide when Seokjin says those words – Seokjin rolls his eyes.
“As a friend… I wouldn’t do anything to you.”

Namjoon’s hesitation is evident in the way he shuffles about his feet still in an attempt to escape
though it’s obvious Seokjin has won him over. Jeongguk is suddenly very entertained as he opens
the bag of chips and shares it with Jimin, spectating the scene in front of them like it’s taken out of
a proper sit-com.

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“I crashed your Audi.”

There are gasps all around, mostly from Yoongi and Jeongguk who know the weight of this
confession. Seokjin’s gaze is unreadable but the bitterness resides in his frown. Yoongi is
speechless – so that’s why Namjoon disappeared.

“You don’t mean my baby,” Seokjin says it like he’s a mother of six and has lost one. “The one I
entrusted you with...”

“It all happened so fast… One second the light was green and the other…”

Sit-com indeed.

Seokjin claps his hands together and checks his boots. “Right, I’m going to give you till three to
make as much distance between us as possible before I fucking strangle you to death.”

Seokjin begins the count and Namjoon yelps in horror as he looks about with frantic eyes and tries
to get some help from Yoongi who simply gets up to save his laptop from Seokjin’s impending
wrath.

Soon, Seokjin is running after Namjoon with a vengeance in his eyes and adrenaline shooting
throughout his system. Jeongguk is very amused.

“Holy fuck…” Jimin says it as he stuffs his face with the chips. “You’re a bunch of idiots.”

With a lot of insisting and a promise of a carton of banana milk Jimin somehow manages to bring
Jeongguk outside.
They’re now sitting near the edge and though Jeongguk feels like he’d potentially die right here
and now, the tight re-assuring grip Jimin has on him helps him feel safe. So, he attempts to ignore
the height and impending doom and decides to gaze at the mountain and its beauty. It oddly does
inspire him.

Seokjin had run after Namjoon for a total of ten minutes spouting insults at his ancestry and saying
he’d murder his next of kin. Once their limbs yelled for rest they just hugged out their problems as
Yoongi had proposed. Afterward, they talked, and they talked not shutting up. To think Kim
Namjoon was so terrified of Seokjin’s wrath for no reason. Seokjin forgave him in a heartbeat but
not before getting Namjoon to sign his modeling contract for life. Life imprisonment – what are the
odds?

When the hike back down begins, Jeongguk’s screams are only controlled by the hand in his that
guides him down the trail.

Seokjin insists they spend the Sunday with him at his house.

Jeongguk tried his very best to deny the offer, already missing the comfort of his dorm. No wait,
not the comfort just the general ease it gives him. He has to get back to his project which is as slow
as ever. He's come to understand the topic somewhat better.

Love is pain.

Jimin chats with Namjoon, his eyes light up with fondness as he appreciates him. They feast on
pizza as Yoongi sleeps soundly on the neighboring couch.

When Seokjin returns, he's wearing a wide grin on his face.

"So, I have to go to Germany. I won't be here for your showcase Ggguk,"

"Why on earth do you seem so happy about that?" Jeongguk inquires with a gaze that spells
betrayal.

Seokjin's face scrunches up with disgust. "Because it means well for the company! Stop being a
brat, brat."

Three slices later Namjoon takes his leave to take a shower.

They sit by side as they discuss their hobbies. Apparently, Jimin loves to draw and Jeongguk's
inner art nerd awakens. They share interests as well as fears and Jeongguk laughs through it all.

"Honestly, how could you be afraid of spiders?" Jeongguk accuses.

"They are big, disgusting and creepy. How can you not be afraid of them?" He exclaims.

It's surprisingly new for them to communicate at a level this intimate but Jimin appreciates each
and every second of it. He had been against the whole bonding note but some part of him can't help
it. It goes without reason that Jeongguk is one of his closest friends and it's with that assurance
Jimin shares all that he can about himself. And so he tells him about the one time he fell off the
monkey bar because he was convinced he could skip two bars in one go. He tells Jeongguk about
his first crush on the hot swim teacher, (
("and you judged me for liking Namjoon for his face!" Jeongguk exclaimed), but most importantly
he tells Jeongguk all about him and Taehyung.

He tells him of how they met and how they connected. Jeongguk smiles through it all,
exceptionally grateful that Jimin trusts him so much to share such a precious part of his life.

"You're lucky to be blessed with such a great family... Seokjin is amazing." Jimin says.

Jeongguk feels his face heat up as he struggles to come up with a proper reply. On normal days he
wouldn't want to recall the struggles of his childhood but with the way, Jimin's eyes light up in
concern due to Jeongguk's silence he lets it go.

He confesses his dislike for the more conservative part of his family - arguably his father who
downplayed Jeongguk's worth every single time. He's over it for the most part, through his mother
and Seokjin's countless attempts at reassurance, feeding his ego for the most of it. It's because of
that Jeongguk is who he is.

Jimin listens keenly, almost as if he's recording it for a later date. There is a lingering smile on his
face and Jeongguk can't believe the words he hears in the next second.

"I'm proud of you for living through that."

Jeongguk snorts embarrassed. "Thanks... It's not a big deal."

"Big deal? But it is! You didn't let go of your passion for art. That's so admirable." Jimin keeps
praising him and Jeongguk feels a little lightheaded.

"Jeongguk..." Jimin says it like a hushed breath as he plants a kiss to Jeongguk's cheek.

Aftermath? Jeongguk yells.

"What the fuck happened to the 'no kissing' rule?"

"Shut up! Also, you broke that rule first!" Jimin shouts back, a prominent pink to his cheeks.
"Relax, stop making so much noise...." He moves in closer to Jeongguk's ear, that makes Jeongguk
shiver. "Namjoon was there, you dimwit!"

Jeongguk laughs good-humouredly thinking he'll get a beating later but the need to tease Jimin is
much too strong to deny.

"They know..." He says it not needing to elaborate any further because Jimin's eyes widen with
condemnation. He doesn't say anything, only his face flushes to a bright red.

Jeongguk can't stop snickering to which Jimin slams a palm down on his face.

"Don't say a word."

Jeongguk reckons he won't for now.

He’s avoiding Hoseok.

Taehyung calls it the best course of action even when he’s aware it’s not. He just doesn’t trust
himself enough to be provided Hoseok’s company. He’ll fall back into his old habits for sure –
always forgiving and expecting.

It doesn’t come as a surprise when he hears Hoseok has been putting his all into practice, not
sparing his team a single day of rest. The other has a habit to reduce his stress through dance and
Taehyung’s biased heart beckons him to go watch.

He conjures up a million reasons why he shouldn’t all failing as he hides under covers, face in his
pillow.

Jimin and Jeongguk are being needlessly loud as they play a game that Taehyung can’t be bothered
to know the name of. He curses Hoseok for being so damn likable and allows the sleep demons to
take him away.

“I like him,” Hoseok announces as he crosses his arms awaiting an answer.

“Wow, it took you almost a year to get to that?” Jeongguk studies the enigma that is Jung Hoseok
with purely judgmental eyes. He gets a middle finger in response.

“I don’t know, I’m still just as confused as I was at the beginning. God, why can’t it be simple? Is
it bad I miss him? I get I pushed him away but damn do I miss him… He’s not even answering my
texts or phone calls… which is understandable but at the same time why is he doing such a thing?
Does he hate me now? Is that it? I can’t seem to judge anymore…”

Jeongguk snores – Hoseok is scandalized.

“Did you fucking fall asleep on me?” He yells.

Jeongguk wakes up with a start. “W-What?”

“I’m here pouring my heart out to you and you’re fucking asleep?”

“Okay, okay! I’m sorry… it’s just how long have you been talking for?”

“Doesn’t matter…”

“It’s weird from you Hobi. You’d… run south if someone even mentioned love. Is that it? Do you
love him?”

Hoseok gasps in mock horror as he throws his head back dramatically. “I don’t love him, I like
him.”

“Right, and I’m Michael Jackson.”

“It’s just… I really want him but I don’t want to go through that again…”

“He’s nothing like them! Trust him a bit more!” Jeongguk provides for an answer.

He’s right, Hoseok knows that. Taehyung is nothing like his insensitive ex and painfully one-sided
fling last semester, but that knowledge doesn’t appease him one bit. There is anxiety in his veins
that could very well counter the amount of blood in him.
Hoseok relents from his thoughts, a sigh on his lips and an aching need to see Taehyung. “What do
you think I should do?

“Give him time for now,”

It’s been far too long Jimin called at 2 a.m.

Jeongguk rubs his eyes as he berates himself for unblocking Jimin. He’s expecting the usual – a
choreography meltdown, a shout into the void (this has happened), or the usual coffee orders they
had grown out of. Apparently not.

What he wasn’t expecting was a silent sob greeting him.

“Jimin? Jimin— what is going on?” He tries to mask the panic that shoots through him.

He doesn’t get an answer which only makes it worse. Senses running haywire.

“Can you come over?”

That’s all he needs as he throws the covers off and flies off the luxury of his bed-frame looking for
his shows. Luckily for him, he had slept in his day clothes – he runs faster than he ever remembers
to Jimin’s dorm, breathing heavily.

He opens the door and light greets him. So does a stream of confetti as someone pulls him inside.
He’s stunned.

“Happy birthday,” They all bellow simultaneously. Jeongguk’s fuzzy brain then takes in the
attendance of all his friends who wear smiles on their faces. Though he only cares for one and
when his eyes spot Jimin sporting the same grin his first feeling is of relief.

The second is of mild anger.

Jimin yelps when he’s trapped in an embrace.

“Don’t. Ever. Fucking. Do. That. Again.” Jeongguk spits with venom but no proper malice.

Jimin debates returning the embrace and decides not to. He’s a little guilty but what else could he
have done? Had he asked for a coffee again Jeongguk would probably told him off. He wordlessly
apologizes.

“You can let go now.” Taehyung coughs and oh, shit. People were here.

“What’s all this?”

“It’s your birthday, you dumbass. Jimin threw this party for you.” Yoongi says from somewhere in
the back.

“Really?”
“Yeah,” Jimin admits, shyly. It almost makes Jeongguk coo – disgusting.

The next twenty minutes go by in teasing Jeongguk for being fooled so easily and he defends
himself with praising Jimin’s acting. The company is so welcome. Jeongguk just can’t stop smiling
but most of all he can’t believe Jimin would prove to be this considerate. It makes his heart full.

Taehyung and Hoseok are being awfully jittery around each other, not talking but Jeongguk doesn’t
spare them his time. He takes everything around him committing it to memory. Soon Hoseok utters
a half-hearted apology and leaves promising to make it up to Jeongguk owing it to him to
understand.

“So what did you get me?” Jeongguk elbows Jimin playfully.

“I threw you this party - you inconsiderate buffoon! Out of my own money…” Jimin accuses,
throwing an accusatory look at his peers. “None of these misers contributed!”

“Bitch, I’ve been buying you coffee for the past four months! I never fucking complained!”

Yoongi laughs short and clipped. “My god, shut up. You’d think he’d be eating his face off
instead.”

“Oh, you have no idea how much Gguk talks about Jimin, he’s so soft—”

“Enough talking! We have cake!” Jeongguk bellows in counter to Yugyeom’s calculated attempt to
embarrass him but not before catching Yoongi’s gaze that practically screams i-dont-like-him-was-
it?

Really, Jeongguk doesn’t. Sure, he’s been counting the little gestures Jimin does whenever
flustered and recording them to his memory. The occasional pictures he tends to snap when the
other is unaware.

Okay, maybe he does like him. But it surely can’t be anything romantic. It couldn’t be.

Jimin laughs melodiously at a very lame joke from Taehyung and Jeongguk’s traitorous heart just
manages to skip a beat. The realization is scary and untimely and Jeongguk wills himself to not fall
further. He won’t.

A million emotions that rather not be named battle in him for recognition as he watches Taehyung
and Jimin together. Wasn’t Taehyung supposed to be head over heels for Hoseok? What’s this
smile that only seems to widen the more Jimin entertains his jokes?

When Jimin returns to Jeongguk’s side, Jeongguk can’t help but be the tease he is.

“So, where’s my kiss?” He asks confidently, with an aim to joke.

“What?” Jimin squeaks in horror.

“You didn’t get me anything and it’s my birthday – I think I deserve a kiss.”

Taehyung doubles over in laughter. “You’re not getting out of him Gguk. He’s much to shy to do
that in front of us.”

“I bet 10$ he won’t,” Yoongi joins in. This man clearly has a gambling addiction.

“50$!” Taehyung voices.

“All of you shut the fuck up.”

The party ends much too fast to Jeongguk’s liking. Most of his friends leaving behind the residents
of the dorm and Jeongguk himself.

And as he’s counting his money that he has successfully extracted from the envelopes he got with
the autographed fuck-yous from his amazing company he almost doesn’t see Jimin throw him a
small present wrapped in red.

“What’s this?”

“Just… open it.”

Jeongguk obeys without a second of hesitation tearing through the wrap – stop being an animal,
Jimin chastises — to uncover a small booklet of sorts. He sifts through it and it’s just like any
other plain old journal but there’s writing on almost every other page. There are a few quotes from
Haikyuu and doodles of the characters Jeongguk remembers telling Jimin that he liked the most as
well as a few pages filled with Iron Man ones.

“I see you struggling with your project for most of the time, so I thought I’d buy you a notebook. I
had the same problems a while ago with planning choreographies, so I’d draw them out and…”

He continues explaining the incentive of his action but Jeongguk is too enthralled now by the
knowledge that Jimin did this much for him. He doesn’t even think twice before hugging Jimin.

“Thank you!” He provides but those words seem so lacking.

The room is quiet, god knows where Taehyung left to and Jimin is left to deal with the aftermath of
Jeongguk’s actions. He smiles through most of it as Jeongguk pulls back but there is just something
about him that makes Jimin feel easy.

Feel easy. Feel happy.

He presses his lips to Jeongguk’s who though initially is caught by surprise follows suit
immediately— almost willingly. It’s an innocent brush of chapped lips that stems from possibly
mutual want and from the current ambiance that eludes from them.

When Jimin retreats, Jeongguk finds himself chasing his lips. They stare at each other in question
not knowing what the fuck just happened.

“Guess who owes me 50$ Tae!” Jeongguk almost shouts it out as he spots Taehyung at the back
minding his own business.

A thousand thoughts shoot through Jimin as he realizes what he just did.

He loves Taehyung, Jeongguk likes Namjoon. What was he thinking? There’s already an apology
forming on his tongue but seeing Jeongguk play it off so fast he decides there’s no need.

It means nothing.

“Don’t get used to it!” Jimin teases giving Jeongguk a light shove and they both laugh in unison.
He chooses to ignore the erratic beating of his heart.

Jeongguk most certainly won’t get used to it.

He doesn’t.
Chapter End Notes

you guys probably thought there was a definite reason for namjoon avoiding seokjin,
didnt you? well crack is a tag for a reason heh.
 Void
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

The soft promise of a good-time just doesn’t do it for Hoseok.

He’s here at a club – well it seems to be a club – shamelessly hitting on the first person he deemed
attractive. Well, she is but she lacks height, grace, beauty and a specific deep voice that Hoseok has
grown so used to.

He tries so hard to be enamored by the girl – to feel the same rush he used to get when chatting
with pretty strangers. They used to be entertaining to say the least. Different and mysterious. It was
so easy to fall in love with a stranger that didn’t promise a tomorrow and as ambiguous the
following events could be Hoseok need not be tied down to them.

However, it lacks. This lacks so much.

He doesn’t want it anymore. He wants the same wide box grin he used to see daily to always be by
his side. He wants the promise of affection from someone he has been constantly denying.

He’s such a fucking idiot.

“I’m sorry, I have a boyfriend.” He apologizes earnestly not missing how the girl’s eyes widen in
surprise. He didn’t even ask her name.

There is but a single thought on his mind – Kim Taehyung.

Jimin recalls his first memory of Taehyung. The way the very attractive roommate had asked for
his name, never letting down his smile. Jimin had his guard up but only because he doesn’t do well
with strangers.

Taehyung always respected his privacy and was super mindful of Jimin whenever he’d try to
initiate conversation between them. He was also always thankful of Jimin for taking care of him in
his own silent way – the way Jimin would tidy his side of the room or leave a snack behind most
of the times.

It was probably when Taehyung told Jimin that he’s by far the most important person in his life
that Jimin had fallen in love. Being needed, carrying importance; it was euphoric to say the least.

Taehyung was entirely oblivious to how he made his way into Jimin’s heart and mind through his
normal friendly gestures. Gestures he had for everyone but they meant so much more to Jimin – he
who thought he could feel like this for no other. Even when Jimin befriended other people he’d
find himself unconsciously falling back to the comfort and promise of being Taehyung’s best
friend.

Love was supposed to simple, perfect – yet it carried such consequences. Jimin’s biggest fear was
easily losing Taehyung because of what he felt for the other but currently as they sit reminiscing
their friendship he can’t help but feel lost.

He feels lost because what was once supposed to be a time of endless attraction now seems like a
stubborn chase. He really was stupid. They sit in the comfort of the familiar aroma of pizza and
Pepsi, making light to insignificant details they’ve noticed around them such as the bizarre coming
of age.

When did he fall in love? He reckons he was always in love with Taehyung, but it doesn’t feel the
same anymore. Where Jimin would try his hardest to find an excuse to spend time with Taehyung
the one thought on his mind is not Taehyung.

He’s more occupied with thinking about the showcase tomorrow as well as the ending of his
arrangement with Jeongguk.

He only wishes that it’s as easy losing Jeongguk.

“Hoseok wants me to meet him…” Taehyung announces catching Jimin’s attention.

There is hesitance painted all over his features, doubt and regret an ugly silhouette that makes
Jimin find a striking resemblance in the image he sees. He sees himself in Taehyung right now –
the hopeless romantic who wanted nothing more than his best friend’s attention.

He wants to cry but instead he smiles, “Go. It’s been long enough.”

“What if he says he wants to try it again? I… I’ll probably do it again because of how desperate I
am.”

“Then I’ll talk you out of it, but I think you should at least listen to what he has to say Tae…”

Jimin thinks he’s being plenty reasonable. If Jeongguk was to have knowledge of this he’d
potentially scold Jimin for throwing away what was his final chance. Surprisingly, it doesn’t matter
anymore. Jimin just hopes Taehyung is happy with what he and Hoseok establish or end later.

So, when Taehyung leaves upon Jimin’s suggestion, Jimin feels no remorse.

To say Jeongguk is having a shit day, is quite an understatement. Even the superlative degree lacks
in describing the extent of his shitty day. First, he was tasked by his ‘beloved’ Jimin, to go feed
Miri like apparently that creature is Jeongguk’s business. Jeongguk doesn’t hate animals – it’s the
cats that hate him. They run from him like he’s the walking personification of salt. Which to some
extent could very well be true?

He ran and oh how he ran around Jimin’s dorm around the wretched cat that to no surprise only
had a liking for Jimin and very awkwardly Yugyeom. Defeated and that too by a damn cat,
Jeongguk retreated but not before refilling the cat’s bowl so that Jimin wouldn’t give him a
scolding later.

Which brings him to the next step of said shitty day.

Taehyung had kidnapped him for a film class where he had to fill in for an absentee. Quaintly for
the damsel in distress. Sure, Jeongguk may look more distressed than the average person but he’s
certainly not a fucking damsel. He had tried very hard to escape but then they had brought out the
makeup… Jeon Jeongguk had almost cried but if asked – he had some dirt in his eye.

Recalling the day events, he decides he really hates his life as he tries to reduce the damage to his
painting – he had sneezed on it. Another addition to his wonderful day.

Surprisingly he’s been super inspired lately whether Jimin’s gift has anything to do with it. It’s
absurd to say the least how awkward inspiration is, one second nonexistent and the other present in
every little thing. And so, here he is with a complete sketch of a rather awkward figure.

If you’d ask Jeongguk what exactly he’s painting… he has no answer. It’s just a figure that almost
looks like a person, with a tearstained face. He has an idea for it but the longer the days go on, it
changes. Thus concluding, motivation is like a flowing river contorting and different on every turn.

He sighs once he rids the painting of filth and takes a second to appreciate his work. He has an
aptitude for such things, for creating things. It became painfully obvious the day once he decided
to draw a little memento for his pet dog had sadly died due to a snake bite. His friends had praised
his inert skill and so Jeongguk took to channeling his emotions through painting. Growing up, he
produced a rather more intimate love for art.

Any art. It’s exactly why Jeongguk tries to branch out his talents in whatever he does, from dance
to singing.

Oh shit, that reminds him he has only a week to prepare himself for his ending performance.

There is a knock on the door and someone comes in and never in a million years would Jeongguk
have guessed the trespasser to be Jimin.

Park fucking Jimin who has been on Jeongguk’s mind 24/7 lately. Frankly, it’s preposterous. No
one has ever, ever made such an effect on Jeongguk the way Jimin does. He makes Jeongguk
nervous, yes even composed Jeon Jeongguk can feel nervous. It’s not a crush, or so Jeongguk
believes.

“Taehyung told me you’d be here…” Jimin greets hesitantly as he studies Jeongguk’s frown.
“You’re not mad I showed up – are you?”

“No, no!” Most certainly not.

Jimin relaxes now showing off a gorgeous smile and that is when Jeongguk notices the change in
hair.

“You went blonde?!”

Jimin shyly runs a hand through his hair and damn does he look good. It suits him all too well and
you’d have to pay Jeongguk for him to change his opinion.

It isn’t a shock when Jeongguk makes the realization that Park Jimin has always been this
attractive. From the first time Jeongguk saw him to today. His charm is in the way he walks – the
way he talks. There is a rush that Jeongguk feels in his system as he takes in Jimin’s appearance.

Nervous.

“Yeah, I thought it’d stand out for next week. You don’t think it looks weird… do you? Taehyung
said it’s fine.”
Well fuck you too Taehyung, it looks amazing.

“Are you kidding? It looks seriously great. What are you planning?” Jeongguk provides and maybe
it’s the sincerity in his tone that convinces Jimin entirely.

He belatedly catches the piece of art in his sight periphery and gasps audibly.

“This is what you’ve been working on?” He asks excitedly, eyes studying the piece intently.

“It’s not complete…”

“Seriously? This is outstanding already. You’re really something, Gguk.”

Shy and uneasy from the praise he’s receiving – since when is he shy around praise? – he decides
to switch topics.

“So why are you here?”

That causes Jimin to breathe deeply.

He’s just here to enjoy Jeongguk’s company that he’s grown to used to. On the other hand, he also
searched him out to discuss an end to their arrangement, but the words won’t leave him. There is a
fear at the tip of his tongue as he debates all possible scenarios that this could end in.

“What did you do with the picture you took of me and Taehyung?!” He asks instead immediately
biting his lower lip. Idiot.

“Ha, funnily enough your gift ending up helping me so much more than the reference picture of
you two.” Jeongguk informs and Jimin feels proud.

Then there is a stretch of silence. His eyes catch Jimin’s figure at his side and somehow, he feels
very much at ease. Elated, you could say.

Suddenly Jeongguk speaks up.

“What happened with the showcase?”

“They were disappointed, but they let me change it.” Jimin replies, his stare fixed ahead. “My
stage, my mishap. They call it.”

“Fuck them.” Jeongguk sighs as he hastily packs his materials and covers the sketch with a sheet.
Jimin searches for an answer in Jeongguk’s vague actions, finding nothing but determination.
“You’re going to do great, I know it.”

“Yeah – but enough about that tell me about you.”

Jeongguk smiles and then he proceeds to describe his plan for the piece he’s currently making.

“Listen up!” Jeongguk so utterly giddy and meticulous with how he plans and how enthusiastically
he does it – like a little kid who wants to conquer the world. He’s precise with his words and oddly
genius with creating a setting. He describes the perfect scene and how the colors should potentially
mix but Jimin stopped paying attention a long time ago.

He’s tired but at the same time he doesn’t have the courage to say it out loud. To end this
relationship with Jeongguk that has managed to become something he clutches at rather
desperately.
So, with a heavy heart he nods along to whatever Jeongguk is saying and decides to apologize later.

"Okay, either you’ve decided you’re going to take me seriously or you’re here because you feel
guilty and want a kick out of giving me hope once again.” Taehyung crosses his arms. His eyes are
devoid of any compassion. He’s had enough.

Hoseok doesn’t answer right away. He’s busy avoiding meeting eyes because of what he’ll find in
them. Possibly the rejection due – he can’t really say he doesn’t deserve it.

This is just as new for Taehyung as it is for Hoseok.

Commitment is a very grounding thing and Hoseok has never really thought of being in a
relationship. He has nothing against them, but college romance seems like social bondage. Why tie
yourself down to one person when you could potentially be attracted to someone else the day after?

He speaks from experience since that’s exactly what happened to his parents and then to him. She
just found someone else, much better than Hoseok. How foolish of him to be the only one attached.
A half-hearted apology was all he got for closure so if anyone thinks he’s being unreasonable,
Hoseok has reason.

When he decided to give someone else a chance, he was completely played. Cheated on. It didn’t
surprise Hoseok because some part of him was expecting it – as some bisexuals are straight first
but it did hurt nonetheless. Still, he recovered shockingly fast.

He completely avoided even the idea of a ‘relationship’ after.

Anyone who thinks love is to last is only fooling themselves. However, Hoseok can’t lie when he
says Taehyung has been constantly proving him wrong. Hoseok could very well have been
attracted to him only for his good looks but that wasn’t the case. Taehyung came with his
exceptional personality and persistence as well. It made Hoseok want to give this entire thing a
shot again – that itself was frightening enough.

“You’re right. I did avoid you, I’m sorry.” He starts with a simple apology, biting his lip after
because it sounds exactly like all the times he’s apologized before.

Taehyung laughs, clipped. “You said that the last time too. Honestly, just say you don’t want this
and leave. I know I’ve been forcing you and for that I truly am sorry… It was selfish of me to think
you were ready.”

Hang on? Is Taehyung the one speaking or is Hoseok thinking out loud? They’re in a park, sitting
side by side. Something they’re used to doing but it still feels like unfamiliar territory.

“We’re still friends but I just… I need time to get over you Hoseok, I got far too attached for my
own good.”

Get over? No, no, no. Taehyung doesn’t get to do that, not when he’s been giving Hoseok the
hardest time with his thoughts. The following events are very unprecedented. Neither saw it
coming.

Hoseok initiates it, with motive and need this time.

He kisses Taehyung to shut him up because the other is really talking like the demon at the back of
his head. Talking of how it’s his fault and how he should give the other time.

In this split second, Hoseok wants nothing more than to hold Taehyung. He can deal with the
aftermath later. He breaks away, almost wanting to capture the look of surprise on Taehyung’s
face.

“You don’t get to back out when you have me attached as well.” Hoseok tuts with a slight shake of
his head. Jimin was right: Taehyung is a keeper. Taehyung blinks in surprise.

“I like you too. It’s still a bit confusing for me but I want you to help me through it. Think you’re
up for it?”

Taehyung is silent for a second and silently doubt creeps back into Hoseok. Had he pushed too far?
Then Taehyung’s smiling and it overturns his worries immediately.

And for once there is no confusion present in Hoseok’s plans – he’s going to make it work this
time. He’s offering his heart whole and though it’s frightening and the more reasonable side of him
that still aches from the experience of heart-break… He wants Taehyung. He has never wanted
anything this bad.

“Date me, Taehyung. I like you too much to let you go.”

Taehyung smiles brighter than Hoseok ever remembers.

The showcase is a grand gathering. Well as grand as one could want it to be.

Gilded curtains and expense settling in the very air. It’s slightly frightening and so Jimin gulps.
He’s spent six months preparing himself but somehow it doesn’t feel like enough. He reckons it’ll
never be enough, so he just goes back to looking for his ‘date’. Jeongguk is too busy stuffing
himself with the macarons for the guests – on the lookout for any teaching body to dodge. Luckily
for him, he doesn’t notice Jimin ditching his petty ass.

He’s practically shaking with anxiety that luckily no one has noticed. Taehyung is nowhere to seen
and Jimin doesn’t want to bother anyone needlessly. The instructors had lost faith in him the
second he proposed the change in music and dance. If he were to be honest, he didn’t want to fight
any longer but the insisting on Jeongguk’s part had allowed him to remain strong.

When it’s his turn to perform and the stage lights dim, he is still shaking. Perhaps it’s the eyes on
him or perhaps it’s the studying gaze that decides his future. But then, he finds some sort of
reassurance once the music plays. He is not the same as he was before.

He is confident, and it shows. It shows in his graceful steps and his steadfast gaze when he spins.
Arms tear through the air and very soon Jimin is hypnotized by the thrill he receives from being on
the stage.

These eyes that study him don’t matter anymore, neither does the impending judgement. This
certain stage was set for him and he makes it his mission to utilize it. To exploit the lights that
shine on him and to showcase his skill for everyone and anyone who wants to spectate.
He doesn’t exactly realize once he’s done, but when the music stops there is only deafening
applause. Louder than he ever recalls it to be.

In that second, he thanks Yoongi for being the generous person he is for helping Jimin in the end.

In the next, he thanks Hoseok for providing him tips and a need to compete. That very need
showed today in his dancing where he didn’t want to lose.

But he doesn’t forget to thank Jeongguk. Who had put up with Jimin for so long that it would drive
the normal person insane. He finds those large doe eyes in the crowd that stare back at him with a
longing present. A certain quality to them has Jimin overwhelmed but when Jeongguk smiles
shyly, Jimin is sure to grin back.

The night goes on and it’s filled with a symphony of ovation. The other units had taken everyone
by surprise by their popping choreography and complicated moves. Jimin was in awe the entire
time as he united with the audience after his own performance. He was soon to be joined by
Taehyung who wore a wide smile on his face.

“You did amazing.” Taehyung slams a hand into Jimin’s back.

They talk in animated whispers as they wait for the dances to end. In between all that, Jimin is
approached by officials who ask him of his interests. Once they leave Taehyung is sure to nudge
his best friend in the shoulder playfully with the unspoken, see-i-told-you-were-the best.

In between all that, Jimin waits for that habit he has. Where he’d gush over these little affectionate
gestures that Taehyung provides. It doesn’t come back to him. He sulks defeated.

When Hoseok’s team arrives to grace the audience Jimin doesn’t miss how Taehyung’s eyes
expand to carefully study the performance that is to take place. He waits for the irrational jealousy
he has been battling for a long time coming only to be met with nothing.

As the music begins – Yoongi’s expertise is no joke – there is a shift in the audience’s mood.
Gasps can be heard as well as the dramatic breathing that escalates the instant the dancers break
out into rhythm and complex dance moves.

During it all, Jimin catches Jeongguk’s coconut hair-style almost instantly. He fits in with the rest
so effortlessly that Jimin feels slightly jealous. Jeongguk is so skilled in everything he does from
dancing to simple art. He’s just golden to say the least. Somehow, throughout the performance
Jimin’s eyes can’t seem to leave Jeongguk’s frame that blends in with the rest of the dancers but
still carries a strong stage presence. It carries on in the ending performance too. Where Jeongguk
delivers his perfect voice in a melodious whisper that compliments the words that exit his mouth as
well.

Jimin realizes rather late that he’s learnt a lot from Jeongguk in that moment and a simple thank-
you won’t ever suffice. Therefore he watches the rest of the performance with keen eyes feeling
proud as well as utterly thankful for having known someone like Jeongguk.

“Quit stuffing your face, you animal.”

Jeongguk scoffs as he grabs another chicken wing. “I think we had that established from day one.”
“Y- Yeah but… ok fine, go stuff your face somewhere else.” Jimin exhales, patience spent.

“Nonsense babe, you love me.”

Sighing, Jimin decides to look for his idiot best friend, who is no where to be seen. The after party
was something Jimin wanted to ditch for the comfort and silence of his dorm room. Much to his
dismay he was dragged to it anyway by Taehyung who has now abandoned Jimin for god knows
what.

So as Jimin very politely albeit carefully avoids all the people who could potentially sit him down
and spark a never-ending conversation he doesn’t notice the two until they’re all over each other.

Hoseok and Taehyung – of course. Why is he even surprised? Some part of him feels absolutely
distraught once he sees Hoseok lean in to press his lips to Taehyung’s who returns the kiss equally
passionate.

Despite all that, he is happy for the two. Undeniably happy. He feels sick to his core. He’s about to
retreat and possibly run home but soon there is an iron tight grip on his wrist.

“Guys keep it fucking PG!”

Taehyung and Hoseok break away instantly but not before throwing Jeongguk a hateful gaze.
Jeongguk only smiles cheekily in response.

“You’re such a buzz-kill!” Hoseok scolds him lightly punching Jeongguk’s shoulder who lets go of
Jimin.

“Hey, you can go be disgusting someplace else. Preferably not around me.”

“Oh, that’s rich coming from you! You two can’t keep your hands off each other.”

Jeongguk snorts and then provides some sort of reply that Jimin doesn’t bother listening to. He
wants to leave this place as soon as possible but he needs to confirm something. He’ll probably go
insane if he doesn’t.

“You’re together now?” Jimin asks quiet. It’s very surprising that anyone was able to hear him.

Shockingly, Hoseok is the one who replies. “Yeah. We are.” And as if to provide confirmation he
connects their hands.

Jimin then smiles. This chase has come to an end.

“About fucking time.”

“So, I guess this is over?” Jeongguk sighs as they sit next to each other after what seems to have
been awfully long minutes.

Jimin should be relieved that he’s ending their arrangement. He no longer needs Jeongguk’s help,
however, some part of him is afraid of losing this.

Losing the smile reserved for only him. Losing the timely comments. Losing the shameless flirting
even if it was just pretend.

“I’m sorry it didn’t work out in the end.” Jeongguk says unsteadily. He feels relief which is near
disgusting. Why is he relieved when he was the one that promised Jimin? It’s a sick thought.

“Why are you sorry?” Jimin asks. He clearly wants something in reply, but what exactly, he can’t
be sure of.

“I don’t know, I’m just— I never saw it coming I guess.”

They’re both confused, what were they thinking?

It was clear from day one that Hoseok and Taehyung were practically made for each other. Their
relationship was near perfect laced with only love and promise despite the indecision and angst.

What was Jimin thinking? He’s been fighting a losing battle for months on end. Now, lay the
remains of his heart for someone to pick up; the spoils of war.

He should feel distraught; his purpose is gone but awkwardly he doesn’t. His realization is
untimely, he believes. Had he known he wouldn’t feel pain once he lost Taehyung to one of his
best friends he wouldn’t have gone through this entire ordeal in the first place.

It’s amazing that he went through all of this to learn that he ended up falling out of love without
even noticing it. Now he calculates it to have been near infatuation, something that was born from
having such a close relationship with Taehyung. It was probably never love; only gratitude and
kinship. No, it was definitely love but now rendered platonic.

What was Jeongguk thinking? He was only drawn by the idea of a relationship due to his project.
He dragged Jimin into this with a lie. Though he would have liked to have called Namjoon his
significant other at some point in time Jeongguk didn’t need to use a fake relationship to attract his
attention.

The party is full and lively, clearly the deciding night of their year long struggle for graduation. But
to Jimin and Jeongguk, it feels like emptiness.

“It’s funny. I don’t feel as sad as I should!” Jimin announces proud.

“Jimin…”

“Hell, if you told me I’d actually be feeling happy for the two I’d never have thought of agreeing
in the first place.” Jimin continues though he doesn’t believe his own words.

He’s unravelling the woven layers of confusion one by one. The layers of emotional turmoil only to
come to the knowledge that his pining was nothing but temptation.

“Well, I guess we end this then?” Jeongguk thinks.

“How?”

“I don’t know we can just pretend to fight? Then it’ll be easier to separate without people
suspecting anything.”

“You’re the brains behind this, I’ll follow your lead.”

And they conjure an argument based on absolutely nothing soon enough. Jeongguk is indeed a
professional. He could even be a script writer at this point. They’ve gathered attention, a clear
majority of the people present are watching their conspired fight.

So that’s what I mean to you? A fleeting relationship so that you can enjoy your life as an
accomplished contract dancer.

Of course, not! But it’s my future, Jeongguk… try to understand.

Oh, so you’re saying, I don’t understand you huh?

Well, if you did I wouldn’t need to highlight it!

Jesus, Jimin you’re fucking dense. I love you but damn I guess you love dancing more. Have at it,
you won’t find me here waiting…

“Who said I love dance more than I love you?” Jimin’s voice goes down in volume. His eyes are
painted in shock as he registers his words. Why did he say that?

They stare at each other, Jeongguk specially in question. They’re both quiet just looking at each
other, the silence speaking for them.

“Then why won’t you stay?” Jeongguk speaks, voice gone dry.

“Because you deserve better than me...”

Is Jimin crazy? He’s talking out of a drama.

Because you deserve someone that will hold your hand even after college hours. Someone that
would kiss you without motive. Someone that would know what gifts to buy you instead of asking
your friends. Someone that would feed your gaming addiction and agree to spectating your hours
long Marvel binging… is what Jimin thinks in the back of his head.

Jeongguk deserves the world. As cliché and dramatic as it is.

He put up with Jimin for so long pretending to be in love with his tasteless personality.

Being there for Jimin when he needed it. Making him laugh when on his worst days.
Remembering to bring that coffee that Jimin finds himself craving for after his dance practice.
Keeping close eye on how comfortable Jimin feels while clinging to Jeongguk’s hand while they
pretend to be in love. He even promised Jimin that he wouldn’t leave Jimin’s side no matter what.

Jeongguk is left speechless. His entire frame is rigid, and he feels a grave ache present in his bones
as he studies the distance between them. The distance that they created for the greatest show. The
greatest masquerade.

This is not what they had planned. Why didn’t Jimin follow the script? He’s always causing
Jeongguk problems.

Calling him at awkward hours just to place orders for iced teas that he could get himself. Asking
him to keep a check on Miri like she’s his responsibility. Requesting feedback on his dance even
when he knows that he’s the best contemporary dancer in the department. Asking him for views on
a choreography he knows nothing on— but Jeongguk would do anything just to find an excuse to
spend time with Jimin.

“I need you…”

I need you to see the point. What?

Jeongguk bites back his sentence. He is to fix the mess, not make it bigger. Jimin, however,
doesn’t even bat an eyelash. His gaze is fixed on Jeongguk as if he’s the only thing in this world.
Jeongguk steps forward not missing the way Jimin steps backwards replicating a mirror image. He
feels like an intruder, and that is what makes him run.

He storms out the room, leaving Jimin to deal with the aftermath.

“Woah what the fuck happened?” Hoseok is quick to ask as stampedes his way through the crowd.
Had he not made so much noise, Jimin might have not noticed him coming.

“I don’t know, I…”

“Jimin, what the fuck was that.” Now it’s Taehyung’s voice that filters into his ears. His lips are
bitten red, probably from making out with Hoseok in the back. They aren’t very discreet.

“I don’t know!” Jimin answers in response feeling cornered. Why are they flocking to him now?

“Jimin…” Hoseok tries to get through. Jeongguk’s long gone as the drama settles down and just
being in this air is suffocating Jimin as well. He too sprints away without a single word hoping no
one is concerned enough to follow.

When Jeongguk had stormed out of the party leaving Jimin to deal with the ensuing chaos he didn’t
expect himself to run to the art studio as an impulse. As selfish a move it was, he can’t bring
himself to feel sorry about it. There was something about the entire exchange of conversation that
set him off entirely – something akin to realization taking over him completely. So, he had run
despite it being curfew hours to the one place – to do the one thing that has always helped him
throughout his life.

Blind strokes hit paper, and its mostly on instinct. An artist’s muse coursing through his veins as
he tries his best to channel his skill in this intricate art onto the paper. Make it alive. It should be
easy since he’s been doing this all his life, but his hands feel like they’re made from lead when he
dusts his fingers across the paint that is still drying.

He dips his fingers into grey paint and on whim he starts to create. It feels as if he’s swimming
through an ocean in a storm but there is a need to convey. An even greater need to bury – to hide all
his emotions behind paint and paper and lock them away from the world. He is skeptical with
every mark he puts on the paper and nervous with every resulting image.

He steps back when he reckons he’s finished.

His fingers feel wet as they’re stained with paint, but his cheeks are also wet.

His painting doesn’t look like what he had planned for it. It’s just reciprocating whatever he has felt
for the past week. A mix of grey and black hues conjuring a human like figure but to him it strikes
as longing, desire and all other emotions he has never experienced before. It’s terrifying to keep
looking at it, however, he can’t look away from it.

It’s him. It’s always been him.

But he wants someone else.

And Jeongguk has lost. For the first time in his life, he accepts defeat. He picks up a pencil to place
 his signature on the piece ignoring the way his heart beats erratically out of something that can
only be pain. Heartbreak.

He fell for someone that was never supposed to his in the first place.

Chapter End Notes

wow this was h e a v y, guys don't read breakup songs while you write.
 Conclusion
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

After three days of extreme torture and self-neglect, Jeon Jeongguk decides on some healing.

Except the only source of healing he has is oceans away, in Germany with his credit card and spa
card, so it is very safe to assume Jeongguk is in pain.

The first day went by with his head in the sheets trying to silence Hoseok’s nagging. After being
met by negligence Hoseok decided to leave him alone.

The second day was somewhat better, he decided to go back to the studio but was approached by
Yugyeom and Taehyung… being the nosy little shits they were. Jimin was nowhere to be seen,
Jeongguk reckons he was lucky. So, after dodging his very annoying friends he took refuge in his
dorm locking it from the inside to have time for himself.

The third day was painful. He has concluded. A rather late conclusion mind you, but better late
than never.

Jeongguk loves Jimin.

He can’t place a finger on it at all – when the forbidden act occurred. Jeongguk is not the type of
person to just fall in love without warning. Everything in his life comes from planning and careful
thinking. There is absolutely nothing he hasn’t already decided on. He’s very closeted with his
feelings keeping them only to himself so how come he just fell for Park Jimin?

Annoying Park Jimin – the carnivorous (well, herbivorous to be accurate) annoying bank balance
diminisher.

Maybe it’s unfair to call Jimin that now since Jimin really has spent just as much on Jeongguk but
it’s safe to point fingers even now. Or Jeongguk just needs to find an excuse to tell himself that he
doesn’t necessarily have romantic feelings for a cute blonde who has a ridiculously sweet smile
and amazing personality.

Screw it.

So, who helps the relationship guru with his emotional constipation? Clearly, not the traitor cousin
who’s out touring the streets of Berlin.

Later that third day, he decided on some self-help.

So now he’s read countless shoujo mangas – Jimin wasn’t kidding these heroines are disgustingly
selfish and horrendous. Jeongguk wants Touma for a bride.

He’s tried to watch cheesy romantic films – The Notebook did not make him cry, everyone is
weak.

Annoyed with everything else he decided to go watch a Marvel film but not surprisingly Captain
America just had to remind Jeongguk of Jimin and it was painful to say the least.

He’s upset at his decision to flee but what’s done is sadly done. Jeongguk just wants some cuddles
and Hoseok and Taehyung are instantly cancelled.

Thus, on the fourth day here Jeongguk is. Outside Yoongi’s door. Only no one’s home.

The one-time Jeongguk needs someone… this is definitely karma.

Deciding that he’s come too far to just leave without a proper hug he takes a deep breath and takes
the key from beneath the flower-pot Hoseok once told him about.

Once he goes in he’s honestly surprised to find a box of chocolates on the coffee table. The box has
some red writing saying ‘Only-Suitable-For-Adults’ for whatever reason which makes Jeongguk
snort because since when does a twenty-year-old need a packet’s opinion.

God is real, he supposes and goes to treat himself to chocolate to drown his pain in. Sugar is always
a good idea.

“Oh fuck, Yoongi I think someone’s inside. Were you expecting anyone?” Namjoon studies the
lock that still has the key stuck in it.

They’re finally back from the store and Yoongi is not a happy man at all. Amidst his own dilemma
of making sure everything is perfect he forgot to pick up the rings to exchange them for a new set.

He found Namjoon on the way back home and decided he’d invite his friend over to have a proper
discussion.

Yoongi shrugs opening the door without any worry whatsoever. “Not really. Hoseok stopped
coming over saying he bunks with Taehyung most of the times.”

Still Namjoon is cautious as he inspects the surroundings of the apartment. He was expecting a
whole mess - a burglary maybe. But what he most definitely wasn’t expecting was Jeongguk on the
floor, shouting unintelligent phrases.

“Oh, you’re back!” He cheers as he tries to straighten his back. “Took you long enough!”

“What the fuck, Jeongguk?” Yoongi scolds as he makes his way to the box discarded at the side
that catches his immediate attention. The chocolates.

“What the fuck! Did you eat all of these?”

“You’re the genius, it’s empty. You tell me.” Jeongguk hiccups a bit, shaking his head
disapprovingly as he rests his arms on his knees. “Genius Lab… ha..”

“Oh my god, are you drunk.” Namjoon decides as he crouches to place a palm on Jeongguk’s
forehead like if it’s of any help.

Jeongguk scrunches his nose and frowns, “No, I’m Jeongguk.”

“He ate everything Namjoon! These were… Now what am I going to do? They don’t sell these
here! I had to buy them online—"
“What happened to you?” Namjoon asks ignoring Yoongi who’s most likely looking around for a
pitchfork to end Jeongguk with.

“Happened to me? Happened to me?! Go ask Taehyung that! I bet he’s happy he has everything
now…”

Now that Jeongguk has been asked what’s been bothering him – no one can stop him. Thus, he
rants endlessly. No seriously, who is Taehyung?

Disgustingly attractive.
Overly sociable.
Too admirable.

Okay so he’s way better than Jeongguk in every way he thinks of it. Jeongguk has nothing on the
guy so he just shouts.

“No seriously, what the fuck? I’m supposed to be from a family of good looks! So how come I
look like a fish out of water and Taehyung’s out there looking like a Gucci model or whatever…
how the fuck is that fair? God, come fight me.”

Namjoon tries to hold back his laughter but Jeongguk just shoots him a look. That is before he
doubles over with nausea settling in his system.

“He got drunk off simple Kahlua chocolates… what a fucking lightweight.” Yoongi chastises all
the while holding back a sob when he dumps the empty tray of goods into a bin. There’s nothing
more painful than a waste of good sweets. Well, they are fucking disgusting, but they hold
sentimental value to Yoongi.

“You’re plenty good looking Jeongguk…” Namjoon tries to calm the ranting teenager down
because there is no way this kid is twenty.

“What the fuck does Jimin even see in Taehyung…”

“Wait, shit… Jeongguk! Where are the fucking rings?”

“Rings? What rings?” Namjoon’s eyes expand in surprise because surely his best friend didn’t just
say he’s looking for rings.

“I bought rings… Gguk.. no! Fucking don’t fall asleep on me! Namjoon wake him up.”

On command, Namjoon shakes a very drowsy Jeongguk.

“Five more minutes mother, the night is cold…”

“No Jeongguk, listen to me. You already ate the fucking chocolates which means I have to
postpone this till next month… No hey! Wake up!” Yoongi stumbles forward grabbing Jeongguk
by the shoulders. “Black velvet box. Come on Gguk… those cost me my life’s savings…”

Gears click in place – Namjoon yells.

“You’re going to fucking propose?”

“Well clearly not, Sir Lightweight Jeon lost the rings!”

“I’m a Sir?”
Yoongi then sobs. Dramatically and needlessly loud. He goes to sit in a corner to sulk in despair for
nearly ten seconds and then he’s back calm and composed.

“Right, Jeongguk. What’s wrong?”

So Jeongguk just spills the truth like it’s a waterfall. Maybe it’s the sugar that’s helping him but
once asked earnestly he can’t help being honest about it. He’s done hiding, he’s done playing it off
and he’s certainly done losing to Taehyung.

“I like him…”

Sober Jeongguk would have most likely shut up and dealt with his thoughts very maturely. He
would have kept to himself and possibly just ignored every living thing that breathes within a
hundred-meter radius of him. But right now? He’s tired. He’s superbly jealous – to the point it
shouldn’t be allowed to be jealous of someone and he’s so deprived.

What he’s deprived of he can’t pinpoint. There is an ache in his forehead that doesn’t seem to die
down and accompanied by the general stuffiness of the room Jeongguk wants to throw up. And he
does.

Yoongi’s eyes fly open and Namjoon dodges it just in time.

“Hold me back Namjoon, I’m going to kill him.”

“Think rationally!”

“One less man in this world won’t cause any pain to anyone…”

“He’s Seokjin’s cousin!”

“He has others too! Losing this one shouldn’t be a problem.”

Despite Yoongi’s threats – once he calms down he takes care of Jeongguk. He tasks Namjoon to
go and buy some aspirin because god knows this kid is going to need something after the sugar-
alcohol rush dies down and he can think clearly again. Sucking up his pride with the one-person
Jeongguk reckons has a tough image he resorts to giving the one thing any drunk heartbroken
person could need – cuddles.

“Isn’t Taehyung selfish…” He sobs immaturely. Yoongi sighs.

“So very selfish. What did he do?”

“He can’t just have both of the most important people in my life. He has Hoseok, that should be
enough!”

“What do you want from him Jeongguk?”

There is an audible pause. Jeongguk takes a second to reply to Yoongi.

“Jimin,”

“Jimin isn’t his. Jesus Christ, Gguk.” Yoongi almost wants to strangle Jeongguk right now. How
dumb are people these days? If outsiders like Yoongi and Namjoon can see how utterly besotted
those two are with each other under a label of a pretend relationship, why can’t they?

“No but… he loves him. And then he just has to cause problems for me? Why couldn’t he just stay
on script… I wouldn’t have to had to improvise! He’s always like this… Selfish and snobby… but
fuck, Yoongi… I really love him.”

“I know, baby. Let it all out.”

“How was I supposed to know that there was booze in those… It didn’t say shit on the packet…”
Jeongguk grumbles. His stomach feels like he’s just had a truck-load of chocolate – maybe it’s the
diabetes catching up to him. “God, I feel sick.”

“It clearly states, 4% Alcohol present. I mean unless you can’t read.” Namjoon mutters
intelligently. There is a shit-eating grin on his face that Jeongguk doesn’t appreciate.

Yoongi just sighs as he rubs Jeongguk’s back in a systematic rhythm.

“Have you really never had a chance to drink before?” He asks, a smile hiding under those lips.

“Seokjin said it’s bad for me…”

“Of course, he did.” Namjoon laughs out loud without an ounce of shame and Jeongguk? Well, he
feels like hurling all over again.

After an aspirin, some water and almost thirty push ups Jeongguk feels somewhat better. There is
still the feeling of having put on around thirty pounds but better nonetheless.

“So, what happened with you and Jimin?”

Jeongguk swallows, apparently, he had confessed his very private love for Jimin to his friends.

“Don’t bother…”

Namjoon seems like he wants to contest but Yoongi sends a warning glare and they let the subject
die down. They don’t speak on it any further because Yoongi respects Jeongguk’s privacy. Clearly
the other feels plenty confused right now. Anyone would. So, Yoongi decides to resort to desperate
measures – call in Kim Seokjin.

As if on bloody cue. The door opens.

“Now what the fuck did you do Jeongguk? One week, I leave you for one week and you’re already
causing problems.”

“Be easy on him Jinnie, he’s rather delicate.”

Jeongguk reckons he’s going to die once he gets home.

Seokjin thinks he’s a very patient person.

The instant he stepped inside his house content from his trip abroad he gets a panic text from
Yoongi that read, ‘help jeongguk is crying i don’t know what to do!’. Not a minute of relief Seokjin
has but he reckons he understands where Jeongguk is coming from.

There is literally not a single soul in their friend’s circle with a simple easy love life or basic brains.

There was Hoseok with his incapability to be romantic.

There was Namjoon hiding from his responsibilities.
There was Yoongi with his stupid good heart and inability to end something without a push.
There was Seokjin with his own pining for Yoongi; it could very well be a story for a later date.
Now there’s Jeongguk with his silence and budding feelings.

“You want to talk about it?”

“No,” Jeongguk shuts him down and goes to sit in front of the television and Seokjin has had
enough.

“You know, avoiding it never helps. Just say you like him.”

Jeongguk throws his hands up in frustration. “Okay, I like him. I love him. There? What good did it
do saying it out loud?”

The hostility from Jeongguk is rather foreign and startling but not unexpected. It’s what happens
when you catch feelings and don’t know how to deal with them. Seokjin threads carefully with his
next words.

“Well, did you tell him?”

“Again, what good would it do? He likes someone else.”

Seokjin allows himself to laugh whole-heartedly. He takes his place next on the couch and
switches the television off. Jeongguk pouts discontent.

“You haven’t even talked to him. How do you know what he feels?”

“I—” Jeongguk fails to answer. Seokjin has made a very valid point, Jeongguk has yet to hear what
Jimin has to say in this regard. He hasn’t reached out to the man and neither has Jimin.

Seokjin hums. “Communication is a wonderful thing, Ggukkie. You should try it.”

“But what if… what if he doesn’t feel the same and it just fucks up everything even more?”

“Wow, I didn’t pamper you at every turn for you to be that pessimistic. I’m sure it’ll work out.”
Seokjin throws an arm around Jeongguk’s shoulders who leans into the embrace without adjourn.

“And if it doesn’t?”

“Then I’ll sit here and binge all the Iron-Man movies with you. I’ll even stop playing Jhin from
League of Legends for the pun of it.”

Jeongguk lets out a deep breath and Seokjin knows he’s gotten through. For now, he doesn’t say
another thing and just rubs his cousin’s shoulder to deliver reassurance.
“Jimin… just go talk to him.” Taehyung tries for the n-th time today.

“Well he can talk to me! Can’t he? I’m not the one shutting everyone out, am I?”

Taehyung readies himself for the challenge he’s up against.

Where he’s conflicted between being a best friend to Jimin as well a best friend to Jeongguk. He
doesn’t know what went so wrong from them to be practically all over each other one day and
ignoring each other for a stretch of three days the next.

“Come on, Jimin. Don’t be like this! Hoseok said he’s not even trying to go out… Aren’t you
worried?”

“Of course, I’m worried!” Jimin spits out furiously. What is Taehyung trying to get at? That
suddenly Jimin has lost his compassion? Jimin’s selfish for sure but only with Jeongguk – and now
he doesn’t have that luxury either. He feels utterly distraught and there is no one to blame.

He thought of blaming Hoseok first for having such impeccable timing with coming on term with
his feelings but that wasn’t even nearly proper. Hoseok had nothing to do with his feelings for
Taehyung since they blossomed way before Jimin befriended Hoseok and Hoseok is a beautiful
human being. He knows that Hoseok and Taehyung are happy, and it doesn’t make Jimin angry –
the mere thought of their steady relationship has Jimin pleased.

No, he’s more focused on being angry at one and one person only: Jeon Jeongguk.

That horrid (not necessarily horrid) individual is now the only left subject to direct Jimin’s hate at.

He had come so easily into Jimin’s life, through a simple door and didn’t even apologize for being
an overly rude stranger. He had the audacity to lie to Taehyung about their relationship and what
has Jimin furious is how at ease he felt around Jeongguk.

More inclined to being himself and not that middle-man personality he has with other people and
strangers. He let himself open up completely to Jeongguk and what’s funny is Jimin has half the
mind to feel angry about it.

He’s happy that it was Jeongguk who he showed his whole self to unabashedly.
He’s happy that it was Jeongguk who was the first to know about Jimin’s crush on Taehyung.
He’s happy that it was Jeongguk that offered to help Jimin out on working on his personality.
He’s happy that it was Jeongguk that was always self-less when it came to being of any sort of help
to Jimin.
He’s so happy Jeongguk is the reason he’s not in love with Taehyung anymore.

It took a whole dramatic episode in front of the public and combatting his own belated getting over
said crush for Jimin to realize that while he was occupied with getting Taehyung’s attention he had
already developed feelings for Jeongguk.

He reckons he’s in pretty deep already with how badly he misses Jeongguk.

Yes, they are dumb, as everyone has been saying. They’re so stupid and Jimin can’t be bothered
with that anymore. He also lacks the confidence to pick himself up and go knock on Jeongguk’s
dorm room and yell in his face so that this weird feeling at the pit of his stomach disappears.

He’s so gone for a certain Overwatch playing nerd that its becoming painfully hard to deny. But
he’s too scared – he’s too scared of rejection.
He decides he’s going to just sit in confinement until further notice because neither has Jeongguk
tried to contact him after running away immaturely and neither will Jimin try to make amends. Not
now. It’s far too quick.

“You plan on just waiting for him to show up, Jimin?” Taehyung demands almost as if he’s read
through Jimin’s thoughts which wouldn’t be surprising considering how sharp is gaze is.

“I don’t know.”

The very next day Jimin gets a text from Seokjin. Well, concerned texts. Plural.

stop ignoring him for fucks sake jimin, you’re smarter than him
just call him u two need to talk!!!
jimin seriously pick your phone
fine ill send him over once he wakes up… please talk?

He doesn’t care to reply because who’s Seokjin to say Jimin is ignoring Jeongguk. It’s Jeongguk
ignoring Jimin.

Yes, it’s immature to think like this but as a known fact: Jimin is selfish and petty. His heart and
mind ache, practically begging him to go and get things straight but his limbs are very stubborn.
Jimin doesn’t even know what day it is anymore.

He’s tired of keeping it all in, all these horrendous emotions…

“Taehyung, did you know I liked you once?” He tries being honest for once in his damn life.

Taehyung looks at Jimin for a second, contemplating but then he nods. “I guessed as much.”

Jimin feels betrayed. “What? Why the fuck didn’t you say anything?”

He stares at Taehyung in shock, disbelief painted all over his features.

“I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to hurt you Jimin. I mean… how was I supposed to say
anything? But then you were dating Jeongguk and you two are so happy with each other I thought
you moved on and there wasn’t any need to bring it back up again!”

Jimin wants nothing more than to rub the truth in his face that it was all just a game in the end.
That they deserve Taehyung’s acting degree more than he does at this rate – he doesn’t though. He
thinks he can’t say it out loud because the past is long gone and what’s left is the present to deal
with.

“You should have said something.” Jimin sighs crossing his legs, pouting all petulant like a child.

Taehyung too joins him and thinks he’ll play the part that Jimin has been doing for a long time
now.

“Want to talk?”

“No.”
“Cuddles?”

“None.”

“Cuddles and talk?” Taehyung pleads innocently and Jimin laughs.

“Fine…”

They’re silent for a while and Jimin just basks in the moment. He’s so grateful for Taehyung.

“So, are you going to talk to him now?”

“Maybe,”

It settles late but if not Jeongguk to make the first move then maybe Jimin should. Besides, he is
due a proper explanation for the fiasco at the party anyway.

Then, Taehyung is rather cheeky being the mood maker he is.

“I don’t see what he likes in you though…”

“Oh?”

Taehyung smiles wide, “Yeah, I can tell what he probably loves about you though…”

“Stop, right there, young man. There is no love present.”

“Oh, come on. What isn’t there to absolutely adore about you? You’re hard working, smart, funny,
and seriously adorable.”

On any other day, Jimin would have probably sulked and made a comment like ‘then why don’t
you’ at the back of his head because Jimin is a coward first but right now there is nothing but
contentment in the praise he’s getting. It’s due, for sure, Park Jimin deserves every single ounce of
praise this world has left to offer for his perseverance and patience.

“Hey, Tae?” Jimin tries. "You know I love you, right.”

“Totally platonic bromo. Yeah, I know.”

“Dumbass.”

And then he’s tackled. They wrestle around a bit which ends up with Jimin on top of Taehyung
pining him to the ground.

They haven’t done this for a long time which makes it even more therapeutic. The best part of
sharing a room with your roommate is that no one can just drop by and ruin the moment.

Just then the door opens. Well, there’s a first time for everything apparently.

Jeongguk strides inside with an awkward smile on his face and then he sees the two. Jimin
immediately gets off Taehyung because he knows this might look awkward to Jeongguk.

Jimin takes the next moment to assess Jeongguk who really looks like he hasn’t slept for days.
There’s a prominent crease on his forehead and his eyes are sulking from lack of rest.

Jeongguk feels gutted to say the least. It’s stemmed from the general lack of sleep and after being
paraded around by Seokjin to go visit Jimin this is the last thing he wanted to see. Taehyung and
Jimin. Together.

“Guess it worked out in the end, huh.” He mutters bitterly and closes the door behind him loud.

Jeongguk knows that Hoseok and Taehyung are in a relationship but that doesn’t stop the hurt he
feels from being greeted with that image – Taehyung under Jimin. Them smiling together like the
best of friends.

It just stings and Jeongguk needs a break from everything.

“Seriously, what’s his problem? He couldn’t tell me he was coming?” Jimin yells as he runs a hand
through his hair. A habit when he’s irritated.

“Jimin…” Taehyung tries but Jimin is adamant on venting this out.

“No, what was that self-deprecating tone? That’s my thing!”

Taehyung laughs because as true as the statement is he’s happy Jimin is somewhat himself again.

“Jimin!” He tries again. “Go get your man!”

“I will,” Jimin replies and storms out, a mission wired into his veins.

After some aimless searching Jimin thinks Jeongguk is probably a ninja because he’s out of sight
that fucking quick. He’s nowhere to be seen and it’s just been a few seconds.

Now he’s just mad that he allowed Jeongguk to leave that fast. He should have spoken up then and
there. Jeongguk was too quick in his judgement too, how on Earth did he establish that it had all
worked out.

Sluggishly, but very much on time Jimin thinks that Jeongguk has either fled back to Seokjin’s
house or he’s in the art studio. He’s right because as soon as he captures a glimpse of a shadow
walking fast up the steps he knows it’s a certain dumbass he needs to talk to.

“What are you doing?”

Jeongguk looks to his left to find Jimin in the doorway holding it open with his foot.

Right now, Jeongguk looks like a kid caught in mischief with his doe-eyes studying up and down
in shock. Jimin smiles.

Jeongguk is too irritated. “It doesn’t concern you, Jimin.”

“It does. It so does, we need to talk.”

“Yeah later. I’m really not in the mood right now.”

Jimin is stubborn, Jeongguk knows that but he still tries to get Jimin to leave. It’s too much at the
same time for him. Now he just feels foolish for leaving the way he did. An incomplete replica of
his stunt at the after party. Jeongguk bites his bottom lip, nervously.

“No, we talk now.” Jimin saunters towards a stool and sits down and as if to make a point he lets
out a huff. How childish of him.

Jeongguk doesn’t say anything. He ran here to discard his painting because of the ugly reminder it
gives him of Jimin.

When Seokjin had doused him in cold water to wake him up saying he’s slept more than ten hours
and needs to get his life together Jeongguk didn’t think even for a second. He just got up, changed
into spare clothes and decided to go visit Jimin.

Now that he’s faced against the man he doesn’t know what to do. He’s awfully timid and this is not
how Jeongguk is. Thus, with a newly born focus he decides to just get this shit over and done with.

“I’m not sorry for running off, you should have stayed on script.” Jeongguk accuses.

“Ok. I’m not sorry for going off script either.”

“I’m also not sorry for ignoring you. You deserved it by the way.”

“Ditto.”

God, Jimin is a pain. An absolute pain but that’s one of the things Jeongguk has come to love
about him. So after a lot of debating he decides to just go for it.

“I think I like you…”

Jimin’s rendered quiet with a simple statement. He straightens quickly, luckily catching the stool
before it falls to the floor and disturbs the silence.

So maybe Jeongguk shouldn’t have said that if the full-blown panic on Jimin’s face is anything to
judge.

“I’m sorr—” He tries but his sentence is immediately cut short.

“No! Just shut up and listen…” Jimin fumes.

Jeongguk does just that.

“I’ve been thinking a lot recently and… I don’t know! You’re all I can think of. What is he doing?
Is he upset? Is he okay? I fucking hate his ass for ditching me in a public gathering!”

Jimin is livid to say the least. Finally aware of what he feels – nervousness filling his chest but still
the angry little person he is. If Jeongguk wasn’t batshit terrified he’d probably laugh.

“And like it’s so funny… honestly, I can’t believe Seokjin got mad at me for ignoring you! I
wasn’t – okay, fine maybe I was but that’s just because this is so confusing? I can’t just simply fall
for you in like three days because that’s preposterous and unheard of.”

Jeongguk blinks once, then twice. Did Jimin just—

“It took me months to realize I liked Taehyung and you? I fell for you quicker then I realized, like
do you get how insane that is? I didn’t even manage to pick it up. You were always there, and I
kept denying it because… god, I am such an idiot! Ha…”

Jimin takes a breath, he’s started something and now he must finish it but there is still a certain fear
in him. What if this all goes to shit anyway?

“I like everything about you. Your stupid smile. Your stupid passion. Your ridiculous obsession
with Marvel. Your unhealthy eating habits like you do know you have no eating manners right—"

“I know,” Jeongguk fights back the slowly surfacing satisfaction. He needs to hear it first then he
can be as smug as he wants to be.

“Your caring attitude… because I really didn’t deserve a second of your time. I was such a brat. I
enjoyed being with you so much, I let you do all that for me not even trying to give you anything
back… That was needlessly selfish of me…”

Oh, trust me. I know… Jeongguk is enjoying this way more than he should. Jimin’s words have a
way of their own – rejuvenating him completely.

“And I had it all… suddenly I didn’t want to lose it. I didn’t want to lose you.” He says that in a
quivering tone and Jeongguk decides he’s heard enough. He can hear the rest later because
goddamn does this man look fine right now and Jeongguk has never wanted to kiss someone this
bad.

“God, I just really like you and I know it’s late and you deserve better than a stupid rant and I’m
dumb as fuck and—"

“Hey Jimin?”

“W-What?”

“Shut up.”

He doesn’t give the other any time to quick – he walks in a one quick step engulfing Jimin’s frame
in a tight hug and the action is so sudden they both fall together on the floor with Jimin underneath
Jeongguk. They stay like that for a while just appreciating each other’s presence for a second and
taking the moment in.

“Yoongi says we’re idiots,”

“Taehyung says we’re dumb…”

“Are you really going to compete with me right now?”

“Maybe I will. You didn’t let me finish!”

They both laugh after that. So immature – so irrevocably in love.

Realizing he’s probably crushed Jimin underneath his weight Jeongguk tries to get off but he’s
pulled back down with arms surrounding his neck and then well reality kind of just simply tunes
out. It sounds cheesy because maybe it is— or maybe Jeongguk just read too many shoujo mangas.
Jimin will probably laugh at him later.

Their lips connect, and it eases the tiredness Jeongguk has felt throughout the week.

Jimin kisses him with fervor, a peculiar softness and naivety and if Jeongguk wasn’t already weak
on his knees for Jimin he certainly is now. He returns the kiss equally passionate with a certain
need he really can’t seem to label right now because it really doesn’t matter. Once Jimin pulls back
there is a slight hesitation in his features. Something ugly portraying doubt. He stares wide-eyed at
Jeongguk like someone who’s committed an innocent crime and without any further delay
Jeongguk connects their lips again.

Where Jimin was soft and reluctant, Jeongguk is a little more demanding with how he kisses Jimin.
His kisses are coaxing and Jimin is rendered pliant in his arms. Soon, he brings one hand to brush
over Jeongguk’s cheek and it’s just like in those romantic films; it’s oddly perfect but missing the
due musical number.

Once they both pull back —they’re humans and need some air— there is a fondness in Jeongguk’s
eyes that makes Jimin awfully giddy. Perhaps it’s just from the lack of air in his system from
kissing Jeongguk so insistently but he’ll have it no other way, so he decides to say it once again
since he probably hasn’t said it enough yet.

“I really like you, Jeongguk.” There is only sincerity in Jimin’s tone and it creates such an enticing
blush on Jeongguk’s cheeks which makes Jimin wonder if it can get any redder.

“I like you more,” Jeongguk confirms pressing his forehead against Jimin’s.

“Now, what do we say when we cause problems for people?”

“We’re sorry…”

“Sorry for what?”

“We’re sorry for causing you problems oh dear Seokjin. You are a god-send angel.” They both
mutter in unison.

Seokjin seems satisfied because now his relentless frown is replaced with a soft grin - Jeongguk
hates that grin.

“Good. Apology accepted.” He claps his hands twice and gets up from his ‘god-father’ seat.

“Was the ‘god-send angel’ part really necessary?” Jeongguk sighs. Seokjin really has such petty
ways to feed his ego.

“Yes, only God can deal with you two.” Seokjin gives him a playful sneer. “Hopefully, you two
patched up?”

The two nod in sync.

“Great, I expect a whole-hearted thank you for me and Yoongi in the form of a well-thought out
dinner by my baby cousin and his official boyfriend. It is a fucking surprise, so it should look like
it.”

“Shouldn’t you throw a surprise for your own anniversary?” Jimin tries. They’re really being
subjected to manual labor just because Seokjin said so.

“Silverware can be found in the cupboard in the living room. Have a splendid day gentlemen, we’ll
be back in three hours.”
As soon as Seokjin is out of sight and in this case out of mind, Jimin has an idea.

“Want to watch movies and order takeout and say it was our doing?"

“God, I like you so much.”

They end up setting up the Playstation that Seokjin hid from Jeongguk a few years ago saying he’s
far too dependent on video games for entertainment.

“Honestly, you’re such a dork.” Jimin laughed and Jeongguk takes all the time in the world to
appreciate how his eyes disappear when he smiles brightly.

“Yeah, for you I can be just that.”

“No flirting before the first date.”

“This is our first date then. Fucking sue me.”

Jimin is elated – high from the feeling he gets. After their first proper conversation in months,
Jeongguk decided they owed Seokjin an apology before anyone else. He even narrated his first
experience with alcohol infused chocolates and Jimin had called him a baby.

They’re lost, completely consumed with each other’s company and finally Jeongguk’s allowed to
kiss Jimin without warning. That’s easily the best part about this. So, when Jeongguk leans in,
Jimin doesn’t push him back or call him a funny name. He just returns the kiss with the same smile
on his face.

See normally people would take it easy and not be this sappy with each other but Jimin and
Jeongguk are not normal people. They’re extra.

“Babe, you suck at Blur. Let’s switch to COD… this is hurting my brain.” Jimin chastises and
Jeongguk is offended. Is it by the completely out of blue use of the word babe or the jab at his
gaming, Jeongguk has no clue.

“I think I like baby better than babe.” Jeongguk decides resolutely. He remembers how well it rolls
off Jimin’s tongue.

“You call me babe, I’ll call you baby.”

“Done.”

They throw an order for simple Chinese food once an hour is left for Seokjin’s triumphant return
and then get to fixing the table as tasked.

“Can we add extra chilli sauce in Seokjin’s soup? Salt for Yoongi, he’s not a fan of salt.”

“Lets.” Jimin hums along.

Jeongguk establishes it yet again, he definitely loves this miniature version of Hulk. Uncontrollable
and unpredictable.

When Seokjin returns with Yoongi, hand in hand... Jeongguk dodges the show thrown at him from
the door. Jimin doesn’t even bother because soon they’ll have to run anyway from the sabotage
they did to the food.

He smiles mostly to himself.

(They leave before Seokjin even has the chance to taste their masterpiece chilli soya soup. They are
not condemned after because being the idiots they are, Seokjin had received the salt and Yoongi
the chilli. So, with heavy hearts at their foiled attempt to ‘excite’ Seokjin and Yoongi’s taste buds
they return to celebrate with Hoseok and Taehyung who though initially ecstatic they've sorted out
their issues, soon throw them out for being disgustingly affectionate again.)

3 weeks later,

“I can’t fucking believe I got second place.” Jeongguk crosses his arms in discontent and Jimin just
hugs him from the back.

“You’re still a winner to me.”

“Flirting will get you nowhere. I really wanted my prize.”

“Well maybe you should have considered entering with something more colorful and happy. That
suggests you are the epitome of depression!” Jimin announces as he gives the piece a quick glance.
It’s easily Jimin’s favorite not because he’s biased but because Jeongguk is truly the superior artist
in all the entries. Unfortunately, true to Jimin’s word the painting’s mood is rather gloomy despite
the concept being something happier.

Love. Jeongguk’s idea of love is literally black and grey, vague. Rather depressing.

“Okay to be fair, I was going to paint something more colorful, but this is the first piece that I
made thinking of you, so it made more sense to enter with this.” Jeongguk sighs, upset. Talk about
being lame judges – choosing the rainbows over black. Do they not know mixing every primary
color just results in black? Simpletons, all of them.

Jimin however is not appeased with that knowledge. He retreats from the hug.

“Do I cause you depression? Gguk.”

“Did. Past tense.”

“Fuck you!”

“Now, now, no need to be that obtuse. It’s only our fifth date – that comes later.”

Jimin goes beet red. “I’m ending this relationship.”

“You don’t have a say in the matter, shortie.”

“That’s it!”

They dissolve into a fit of giggles and Jeongguk decides this was the best decision of his life. He
adores their bickering the most – keeps everything new and fresh because being with Jimin makes
all the sense in the world. Pretending to be in love with Jimin is no different from actually being in
love with him.
Unconsciously, his hands slip into his jeans’ pocket that he wore in a haste because he was running
late.

He notices something bulky and solid in his right pocket. He freezes because he doesn’t remember
buying a tiny box ever in his life. He extracts the box from his pocket and quickly opens it. In it are
two weddings bands and with acute horror and quick blinking he thinks back to his drunk mishap
with the chocolates.

Shit! The rings!

“Are those—” And of course Jimin had to see them.

“Look Jeongguk, I really love you but that’s way too fast. What the fuck were you thinking?”

“They aren’t mine! I don’t even know how this got in my pocket! They’re Yoongi’s.” Jeongguk
explains frantically. Soon his eyes spot Yoongi and he somehow tries to telepathically convey this
emergency.

“Hey Yoongi! S.O.S.” Yes, thank you Jimin. You genius.

Yoongi luckily is alone – Seokjin is nowhere to be seen. He turns to scowl at them for interrupting
his inspection of a very awkward vase but then his eyes go wider than ever before as he registers
why they’ve called him.

He’s right in front of Jeongguk in half a second.

“Where the fuck did you get these from? You son of a— I was looking all over of this!”

“So, you were planning to propose for your two-year anniversary?” Jeongguk tries so hard to fight
back the giggle that tries to surface.

“I don’t know, wise guy you tell me. You have the box in your hand. Just… give it here.” Yoongi
takes the rings in one swift move and shoves them in his pocket looking left and right. “Not one
word to him, got it fish out of water?”

“Hey, that’s not fair. I wasn’t thinking straight…”

Yoongi doesn’t care for listening, he just walks away with a simple. “Take care of him, Jimin. Will
you?”

Once they’re alone again Jeongguk finally decides to return to teasing.

“You love me, huh? Much too quick for that as well. It’s literally the fifth date.”

“I hate you so goddamn much.”

“Guess what?”

“I’m not in the mood for your lame puns go try them out them on Seokjin you—”

“I love you too.” Jeongguk whispers it in his ear so it’s more exclusive and he receives a kick in
the shin. So much for being loving.

But, he’d rather not have it any other way. Maybe minus the romantic constipation they had to
combat but still.
 Jeongguk loves Jimin and it’s about time they voice it properly.

Chapter End Notes

i thought id finish this asap and i got oddly inspired listening to songs so here we are
with the end!
so now i want thank everyone who thought of leaving a comment or a kudos or even
clicked my story. im very very grateful. it may not seem like much but i have a folder
of screenshots of the comments you guys leave - they are my source of motivation and
it generally brings me joy if im feeling upset. i appreciate each and every one of them!

to anyone it may concern, yes i do plan on posting after this. hopefully soon actually;
its an angst vminkook story so we'll see how that goes.

thank you so much for giving this a chance!! much love. i apologise for it lacking
short in way shape or form but i truly hope someone enjoyed reading this as much as i
enjoyed writing it.
 Prequel
Chapter Notes

** yoonjin prequel to this story. contains no jikook so uhh yeah

somewhat dedicated to my gf and my friend maria for supporting through what has
been the worst writer’s block i have ever faced.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Taking breaths is as easy as it should be but not for Kim Seokjin.

He is horrible at meeting people and now he has to share a dorm with someone because his old
roommate wanted to move in with his boyfriend and Seokjin doesn’t have the heart to deny
anyone.

He’s a sucker in the face of love. Seokjin reckons he’d also do anything to move in with the love of
his life. Only he doesn’t have one.

So he opens the door with a shuddering breath but what he sees is a scarring experience. There is a
half-naked man on the floor and the student apartment is a mess of epic proportions with blankets
strewn all over the place almost like they were used to make a pillow fort. Seokjin only knows
because he’s been forced into sleeping in some. But the worst part is the room reeks of alcohol and
Seokjin loathes alcohol.

He’s fucked and certainly not in the way he wants to be.

With careful steps in order to not wake up the hobo on the floor he starts cleaning the place bit by
bit. This clearly hazardous to health dorm is now his home too, best make work of it. Seokjin has a
hobby to keep things neat and organised. He takes pride of inculcating such a habit in his cousin
Jeongguk.

Say ten minutes later, he’s successful at fixing the mess. There is a laptop under what could be his
roommate’s bed and Seokjin knows how finicky he can be with his own items so he doesn’t touch
the contraption. He decides to be a decent human and help tidy his roommate’s bed by stacking all
the clothes back in the shared closet.

“Where the flying fuck am I?” A low-gruff voice yells which makes Seokjin giggle just a bit.

“Did you fucking kidnap me?” The man accuses once he spots Seokjin sporting a tiny grin.

Seokjin then snorts, “You dumbass I literally just cleaned around here. You’re welcome by the
way - this place was a shit fest…”

Clearly, Mr. Semi-Naked Roommate doesn’t want no explanations as he runs past Seokjin to check
the situation of his room, potentially the laptop.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t touch it. Just tidied up is all.” He provides and goes back to unpacking his
own clothes but before that he’s encased in a back-hug.

“Finally!” The guy cries out. “A decent fucking human being. I love you already man.”
Common manners are not found common in common people.

The man just retreats to what Seokjin supposes is self-exile without even introducing himself. He
starts to appreciate the clean dorm and decides he’ll take a shower.

How fucking weird of him, Seokjin thinks whilst smiling to himself. This could be entertaining.

Soon enough the man is back and he still doesn’t think of introductions. He just sits on his bed and
is completely enthralled by the machine settled on his lap. Seokjin reckons the guy is a music
engineering major because his own best friend, Namjoon, is a huge geek when it comes to music
and doesn’t leave his own system.

His thoughts are confirmed when he spots a keyboard at the side of the laptop. For now, he thinks
he’ll let the guy be and takes out his sketchbook to plot and plan.

Seokjin absolutely adores fashion. It started out as just an interest in being exceptionally well-
dressed because hey when you got the dough, you got the flo’. Soon, it dissolved into a passion and
he wanted to work on making it a profession.

He comes from what could be considered a rich family but that lifestyle isn’t for Seokjin -
especially if it includes giving up on your only interest just to appease society. What kind of
absurdity is that? So with what little savings he had from younger days as well as his own earnings
from selling a few designs and dedicated part time work he decided to ditch what his family
thought and pick up Fashion Design at a simple university.

He doesn’t notice his roommate over his shoulder until the man announces his presence.

“Wow, you have talent…” He praises and for a second Seokjin thinks he’s being sarcastic because
of the lack of thrill in his voice but there’s a grin on the man’s face. The first Seokjin has seen.

“Thank you…”

“Sorry, you might think I’m some weirdo because of what you walked into… I apologize about
that but hey thank you for cleaning up. I really appreciate that.”

Wow, this guy really does have manners and immaculate decency.

“I actually had a going-away party so it went overboard but hey, I’m Min Yoongi. Audio Engineer.
Nice to meet you.”

Seokjin takes an entire second to assess Yoongi now. He’s a bit shorter compared to Seokjin but
stands upright. In addition, he looks exceptionally attractive in black. Abort, Seokjin - you don’t
start analyzing people’s attire from the get go.

“Kim Seokjin, Fashion Design.”

“Jesus, another Kim? How many of you are there?” Yoongi laughs as he rubs the back of his head.
“Just don’t turn out to be an asshat like the last one and we’ll be fine.”

“So your going away party…”

“Oh yeah, I got myself some booze and celebrated that asshole leaving. Fucking hell can you
believe he made me pay for everything? Hallelujah bitches, I’m through with that shit.”

“By building a pillow-fort?” Seokjin says.

“You’re never too old to act a little young.”

He laughs with Yoongi; they are really going to get along just fine. First meetings be damned.

“Art is bullshit.” Seokjin mutters as he deflates into his couch silently seeking some form of life in
his dorm.

Despite their disastrous first meeting turning into a boisterous acquaintance, Seokjin struggles with
calling Yoongi a friend.

Honestly, labels are kind of shit. They only go so far defining something when the actual matter at
hand could be layered and complex but even so, Seokjin would like to call his somewhat
mysterious roommate a friend for the very least. The two of them have a very silent arrangement
that was decided by Min Yoongi which goes along the lines of always having the fridge stocked
and for Seokjin to never lay his-deft-crooked-and-possibly-expert-at-drawing hands on the laptop
whatever the cost. Not even if the circumstance is a natural disaster.

He’s not petty, no sir. He just wishes he had a friend to assist him in his crisis. It’s currently 6 p.m.
which means he has to either split his own self in two to finish tailoring this dress or he has to stay
up for an all nighter. After a long day of just trying to make something work, Seokjin has given up

Seokjin considers himself a pretty independent person. He managed to score an acceptance to a

university on his own. He drives his own car. He makes his own breakfast. He makes his roomie’s
breakfast. He does the dishes. He does the laundry. But the one thing the all mighty Seokjin is
currently failing at… is his own design for a dress. He can’t seem to tailor it.

All his life, he’s been really confident in his skill. Design and art has been something Seokjin
enjoyed with every fibre of his being. It’s exhilarating to adorn simple fabric and make it look
appealing. This is his life’s ambition now coming short. Maybe it’s the teenage angst catching up
to him or maybe it’s just college lethargy but everything is so draining .

So when Yoongi finally comes back to the dorm, Seokjin doesn’t notice.

However, Yoongi notices everything. He notices the bags under Seokjin’s eyes. How the life has
somewhat left them. He notices the scattered sketchbooks here and there, buried under a mountain
of fabric and laces. He also notices the bitter acrimony in the air.

He doesn’t say anything for the first minute. Instead, he walks out again and after a few minutes
he’s back with a cold glass of water and some aspirin. He shakes Seokjin gently and hands him the
items without a word. Seokjin only stares as Yoongi clears his workspace just a bit making it look
more cohesive.

“You look like someone beat you up with a cold fish.”

Seokjin drinks the water feeling a truckload of gratitude. “I guess that’s one way to put it.”

Yoongi doesn’t carry on with the joke. He doesn’t make fun of Seokjin or appease with sympathy
and words like you’ll-get-through-this like the majority of Seokjin’s friends have done. He
provides Seokjin with silent company and its possibly all he needed. As the aspirin starts to kick in
the realization is substantially late. Ignoring what the man in front of him may think, Seokjin digs
his hands into his hair trying to subdue a yell. But Yoongi doesn’t judge.

“What do I need to do?” Yoongi asks after what seems like a century. How can time be moving so
slowly?

“You don’t have to do anything.” Seokjin waves off though inside he’s happy that Yoongi does
care. The indifference is only in his expression that lead to such a misunderstanding. “I’ll be fine,
really. You can go sleep. I’m probably gonna be awake.”

Yoongi laughs heartily as if Seokjin is some A-grade comedian though that’s not a half bad career
idea if this goes south. “Really Seokjin? What am I here for if not to help?”

“But you…” Seokjin mumbles confused. How to tell Yoongi he thinks the man is impassive and
probably detests everything about Seokjin?

“Never acknowledge your existence?” Yoongi finishes the sentence waiting for Seokjin’s acquise.

Yoongi takes a deep breath before explaining. “Well you’re not wrong. I’m not good with people
or potentially like to be but you’re kinda different. I’m sorry for always being a ghost but I know
this means a lot to you and I’ll do anything to help you out in this.”

Yoongi though sometime complains because how on Earth has Seokjin become so clutter-some
follows every order diligently. He poses when Seokjin asks him to and doesn’t even relent when
Seokjin tries to dress him in what seems like a half-done skirt that still needs to be tailored by hand.
They finish with only an hour to spare.

The night ends up being the most productive in Seokjin’s month of unproductiveness and after he
downs a few cups of coffee to be ready for the presentation that follows him he doesn’t forget to
place a blanket on Yoongi’s snoring self.

“What is that?” Yoongi asks in mild disgust as he points at Seokjin holding hands with Namjoon.
So much for a normal introduction.

“Hi, I’m Namjoon. Seokjin’s-”

“Boyfriend.” Seokjin confirms watching Yoongi blink frantically.

“That means…” Yoongi gasps in horror. “That means I’m the only one in our goddamn year who’s
not in a relationship!”

Seokjin starts to feel bad for thinking Yoongi would be against his preference. Yoongi complains a
lot and starts to argue that he’s probably the loneliest person on Earth and how love probably
doesn’t exist but soon he and Namjoon have bonded over discussing how to use Audacity
efficiently.

The rest of the month is splendid. Seokjin initially had his qualms about dating his closest friend
but obviously it was probably the next step to take. It doesn’t feel like a relationship because they
have yet to do anything even remotely couple-like but as he spectates Yoongi coo at them or
occasionally cry out he can’t believe he’s a filthy third-wheel something simmers in Seokjin.
Is Yoongi really third-wheeling? Awkwardly, Seokjin is always in Namjoon’s company when the
two run into Yoongi and at home they’re alone. They still stay up late at night talking about how
their days went climbing the ladders of familiarness. Yoongi isn’t the most sociable person on the
planet but he has a practiced way of speech. He speaks in short sentences delivering everything that
needs to be said and of course doesn’t waste his time bothering with lame small talk. Despite
Seokjin being on the more talkative spectrum he gets along with Yoongi just fine, perhaps even
better than fine.

It’s almost as if this friendship is more steadily progressing than his stagnant relationship.

“What are you thinking of?” Yoongi asks him one night. The usual nights where they stay up and
talk over absolutely nothing.

“I’m thinking of what I’m going to do after university, of course. We graduate in a month or did
you forget?”

“Right.”

“Coming to more recent matters, did you get a suit for your brother’s engagement dinner?”

Yoongi’s expression changes in recognition. His eyes sulk for him as he desperately tries to wear a
neutral face. Obviously, he fails.

“No… I most certainly did…” Oh how lamely Yoongi lies.

“Yoongi!” Seokjin is ready to scold him. “Did you even prepare a suit? How could you forget
something so important.”

“It’s not that important… I guess what’s more important is having a date and I have that one in the
bag!”

“You have a date?” Seokjin questions. The curiosity in him shoots sky-high and he can’t pinpoint
why. He rationalizes it simply because he reckons he never expected Yoongi to go out and ask
someone out.

“Well, I asked a girl that I know. She said yes so I guess yeah, I have a date.” Yoongi replies like
it’s absolutely no big deal.

“Well who is she?” Seokjin clicks his tongue too, a tad bit annoyed.

“Lee Hiyori.”

Seokjin chokes on air. Lee Hiyori was the famed girl of their year. Rumoured to be attractive and
having an amazing personality. It’s not that he doesn’t think Yoongi worthy enough to date
someone of Hiyori’s reputation. It’s just he finds it odd that he’s being jealous of him even though
he’s in a relationship.

“Wow… So what are you gonna do about the suit then. Did you forget the dinner is in two days?”
Seokjin tells him a bit hurt, a bit smug. Everything’s sort of a mess inside his head.

“I know!” Yoongi announces with eyes that sparkle like glitter. “You could tailor it.”

“What?”

“Oh come on, I know you can do it in a literal hour and besides it’s good publicity for you as a
brand.”

“Me as a brand?”

Yoongi nods affirmatively. “Of course. Think of me as an investor in your talent. You tailor me
this suit, and then I show it off and hopefully people notice enough to ask about it!”

“You’re trying to talk your way out of paying for a suit, aren’t you?” Seokjin catches on but the
idea isn’t half bad. Seokjin hasn’t tried to promote himself as a brand in his years of university so it
could prove to be exceptionally tough to establish his name after graduation especially because
business is all about competition.

“Maybe but I believe in you too! And I think that counts more.”

Maybe he’s lying, maybe he isn’t but that’s the thing about Yoongi. That inert goodness in him
that Seokjin has come to love and appreciate. The straightforward honesty that he displays without
any inhibition. The way he’ll do everything in his power to help someone else. So, maybe that’s
why Seokjin will never regret saying yes. It’s just a suit after all.

Their days go on by and graduation passes smoothly. Yoongi barely makes it to the gathering
because he was too busy on a project. Seokjin had yelled at him for a good minute but Yoongi only
childishly argued that inspiration is fleeting and doesn’t stick. Somehow with some magical power
that only Yoongi’s smile could possess, Seokjin sits with him through the entire process of creating
a new tune and maybe in chimes in with advice her and there.

They both part from their dorm on good terms with Yoongi promising to keep in touch. And he
does. Quite literally the next day when he complains his own home is too quiet and he wants to go
back in time and cherish all the moments in his life. They hug, sleepover and do all friend-like
things enjoying the most of their friendship. Seokjin finds it odd that he went into that dorm room
expecting disaster and came out of it with some of the best experiences of his life.

Soon after Seokjin is manage to establish his firm which only grows bigger. Though Yoongi says
it’s all because of Seokjin’s talents it’s not unknown that whatever he’s done or had the confidence
to do was only because of Yoongi. Silent as he is, he says all the right things without managing to
slip up. Their closely knitted friendship makes them both super fond of each other as they go
further into adulthood.

It’s just another one of those days where Yoongi comes over with laptop in hand which is code for
i’m-staying-over when he manages to intrude on probably a lover’s date. He doesn’t notice it but
Namjoon too is present.

“Seokjin, Yoongi’s here?” Namjoon asks a sort of underlying question in his tone. Yoongi’s too
innocent to catch.

“Wow, it’s been a while!” Seokjin quips as he pops out of nowhere in his big house looking to
greet his friend. “Welcome to our breakup.”

Yoongi halts immediately. Dense as he is this is definitely bad timing.

“I told you I only need some time off because I have a career to focus on too,” Namjoon sighs
whilst gesturing Yoongi to sit down.
“And I support you!” Seokjin tries. “But we’re so lost and you know it.”

It’d be unfair to both of them if they drew this relationship out further. They’re friends still, the best
but as a couple they’ve lost their touch. Maybe it was bound to happen after dating for little over a
year. Namjoon feels like a burden on Seokjin with his demanding career and Seokjin has little time
for romance with his booming company.

“Yeah we were probably better off as friends,” Namjoon confirms.

“Say Yoongi do you want something to drink? You’ve been standing there for over ten minutes
now.”

Yoongi startles and nods on instinct still feeling like he needs to hightail the fuck out of here.
Namjoon is seated peacefully although there is regret somewhere deep inside him and they both
don’t know it but this is the most free Seokjin has felt in ages.

They exchange small talk and reminisce awkwardly but seeing his two best friends act like
complete strangers despite being under the roof does something to Yoongi. It’s like being able to
breathe underwater but longing air simultaneously.

He doesn’t know why he does it, maybe he’s just mischievous. Seokjin calls him a softie but little
does Seokjin know. He drags both his friends out of the house and commands them to sit in his car.
Here they are now, with Namjoon and Seokjin standing awkwardly beside each other in the middle
of a basketball court.

There is only silence as Yoongi stares at them wordlessly.

“This…” he starts with a condescending tone. “This skirting around each other and being weird
needs to stop.”

Namjoon, the more knowledgeable of the two, looks like he’s been shot. “Hey, we’re trying. You
can’t expect us to be normal so fast…”

Seokjin nods in approval though skeptical.

“Right, this is what we’re gonna do.” Yoongi announces as he spins a basketball on his finger
catching the attention of his friends. “We play a game, you two against me. Every time I score you
guys confess what you liked about each other and what made you dislike each other.”

“Since when did you have a say in our relationship?” Namjoon questions thoroughly amused.

Seokjin giggles, sound pleasant. “That hardly seems fair and what’s in it for us?”

“Every time one of you scores, I pay you 20$ per basket.”

That seems to catch their interest. It’s no secret that Yoongi is a calculated miser. Well, miser is a
strong word because he’s been raised in a household where every dime mattered and saving is now
lifestyle.

“First one to score ten, wins.” Yoongi smiles.

They play with enthusiasm. Namjoon starts a bit reluctantly but soon gets into the game as well.
They score only the first basket; Yoongi is a veteran at this. That and he’s so not paying the two
beginners at the game more than what his favorite meal costs.

One, two, three, four… Yoongi is practically on fire and just as he wanted his friends start to open
up with each other much more than they did before. Seokjin talks of how he misses Namjoon’s
company as his best friend and how he loathed his seriousness in matters. Namjoon mentions how
he finds Seokjin’s emotions a tad unnerving because of how strong he comes off. They share and
share until they can’t seem to find another flaw. Once everyone’s panting, it seems as if they can
breathe much more clearer now. The filter in their lungs restored.

The two look at each other in understanding now fully accepting of the fact that even if their story
ended, it doesn’t mean their friendship has to die. They hug and being the giddy man he is, Yoongi
joins him.

Three seconds into the hug he almost catches Seokjin’s whispers of gratitude.

"You know you understand him even better than I did," Namjoon tells him one day when they're
working together on a song. "You two are good together."

Yoongi opens his mouth to disagree but Namjoon doesn't let him do anything of the sort.

"I guess he really has bad taste in men, huh?" Namjoon chides. "First me with my clumsiness and
you with your obliviousness."

Yoongi can only shrug as he just plays around with the waveforms on display. Something in him
tugs a bit because he knows that Namjoon is probably talking about Seokjin. Only Seokjin has
been happier than ever out of a relationship, why would Yoongi ever drag him back into one? He
decides he'll call Hiyori tomorrow and go on a date with her instead to avoid Namjoon's nagging.

Upon hearing his decision Seokjin's ecstatic, Namjoon is indifferent.

"Just don't make the same mistakes I did." Namjoon tells him one day as he's hiding his belongings
in Yoongi's house ready to run to Texas and Yoongi realizes there's no way he can.

(I mean you don't crash your ex's car and go into hiding everytime now do you?)

"Yoongi you can't avoid her forever." Seokjin wisely puts. Like obviously Yoongi needs any
reminding. How do you pop up on someone's doorstep and tell them hey-I-probably-never-loved-
you-so-lets-just-move-on? Oh and I'm also really sorry for leading you on for the past few months.

"Of course I can!" Yoongi replies offended. "I only have to sit here and keep her number blocked.
It's simple!"

"It doesn't work..."

"It does. Namjoon does it."

Seokjin's jaw drops. "The fuck you mean Namjoon does? You two been talking behind my back!"

And shit, Yoongi probably shouldn't have said that. Namjoon had practically begged him to keep
Seokjin off his ass for all of eternity and one would think Yoongi would say no but Yoongi had
said yes. Because Namjoon bribed him using Yoongi's one weakness. Lee Hiyori. So in order to
run from his commitments Yoongi decided to protect Namjoon from Seokjin's wrath even if he is
unaware of why he needs to do so.

"Forget Joonie, can we go back to my problem now?" Jeongguk calls for their attention as he hugs
his bowl of sweets tight.

Despite being so closely acquainted to Seokjin, Yoongi has never met the cousin. Now he wishes
he never did. The kid is kind of a mess but still adorable in his own way.

“We covered that already! No you can’t pick up a dancing major halfway into the year.” Seokjin
shuts his baby cousin down almost immediately.

“I’m telling you I need to do it.” Jeongguk cries out waving his hands as if it’s of any help at all.
“You didn’t see the guy. It’s like his feet defied the mortal laws of Physics!”

“You’re absolutely exaggerating.”

“I’m not! Ask Hoseok! Even he was shook!”

“Stop using that gross internet slang.” Seokjin condescends and Jeongguk pouts in retaliation.

“Okay fine, but seriously Jin you need to let me do this.”

“I’m not letting you halfass your semester just because of a tiny crush.”

Jeongguk looks like he’s about to comply but then he does what Yoongi expected. Of course he’s
going to say something absolutely dumb that’s gonna bite him in the ass at some later day.

“He’s not my crush but he could step on me and I’d say thank you.”

Seokjin looks scandalized, Yoongi can’t stop laughing.

“I say let him do it. It’s his call to make anyway. Why are you here asking for Seokjin’s opinion?”

Yoongi tries to be the voice for reason.

“Thank you for your input weird man. I agree with you.” Jeongguk smiles widely. “Also it’s
because his opinion is the only one that matters.”

Yoongi might just agree with that.

“Flattery gets you nowhere! It’s a ridiculous idea and I’m saying no.” Seokjin finalizes.

Jeongguk pouts again and sulks into his seat saying something about expecting the world out of
Seokjin. It’s emotional blackmail for sure but Seokjin is a weak man. They push and pull
relentlessly which makes you think Jeongguk is not Seokjin’s cousin but his annoying toddler son
who has never been told no.

“Fine! You can apply. Don’t think it’s going to be a breeze though!”
“I love you and will abide to your every single wish from here on out.”

“I think he’ll be fine. If you two share even a single gene he’s just as talented and hardworking as
you.” Yoongi shrugs his gaze shifting from his company to the TV-screen and back.

Seokjin tries to hide his surprise and Jeongguk only laughs gratuitously accepting the praise.

“I like him! You should date him instead of Joonie.” Jeongguk finalizes all the while trying to spoil
his dinner with another chocolate.

"We broke up six months ago,"

"Exactly!"

“Do you ever get tired of speaking nonsense, Gguk?” Seokjin asks trying so very hard to hide his
blush. He doesn’t need Yoongi to tease him further.

“And how would you know I’m good for him?” Yoongi asks, surprising everyone but mostly
himself. He’s in a relationship for crying out loud. Though these days it seems like emotional exile
because he hasn’t talked to his alleged girlfriend in weeks and neither has she tried to reach out to
him.

“Because I’m really good at relationship advice. Everyone asks me.” Jeongguk replies candidly
still amidst his hoarding down sweets. “They call me Jeon-sus.”

“Right, okay, I’m going to go to the grocery store.” Seokjin waves them bye but not before vaguely
gesturing between the two of them. “Have fun bonding or whatever this is. Yoongi make sure this
abomination doesn’t eat any ice-cream before dinner.”

“How am I supposed to make him stop?”

“Just… be you? Bye!”

Jeongguk yells at no one because Seokjin has already left.

“So who’s bothering you?” Jeongguk asks after screaming at the door. Yoongi is amazed at how
less this kid uses his brain. Though, it could help talking about his romantic constipation.

“It’s not that she’s bothering me. It’s just nothing really makes sense.”

“Go on.” Jeongguk urges as he takes his godfather seat. Seokjin really has spoiled him rotten to the
bone.

“Well, I’d rather be here talking to a fifteen year old about my problems rather than calling her.
And I bet it’s the same for her.” Yoongi sighs and Jeongguk immediately refutes being a 15-year
old but listens attentively and doesn’t miss any detail.

“I don’t know… you two could just use a break. Maybe?”

It’s as if Einstein and Mr. Eureka couldn’t even compare to Yoongi as he comes to the realization
of the century.

“Yes! That’s it. That’s exactly what I need to do. I’m going to break up with her.” He announces
excitedly.

“That’s not what I meant!” Jeongguk tries to reason with Yoongi but the man’s too far gone. He’s
already texting someone that Jeongguk only hopes isn’t his girlfriend.

“This is it. Oh my god, you’re a genius!” He rushes to give Jeongguk a hug ignoring how
vigorously he tries to escape from it. “Thank you.”

“Yoongi no!”

“Yoongi, hell yes.”

Not much had been said during Yoongi's exchanged with Hyori. They broke up over text and here
hasn't been any other development to the story.

Yoongi reckons this has been the best fucking week of his entire life. He’s free of grounding
commitment thanks to Jeongguk’s advice and has a lot of time for thinking. He has slept properly
and his skin is literally glowing. His stress levels are down and he thinks he can finally go back to
producing some music.

He does that for a while but starts drifting away yet again. It’s odd for him but he really misses
Seokjin right now in the quiet of his apartment. He thins back to his college days and enjoys the
memory of sharing a dorm with a roommate. Right now he really yearns for a good movie
marathon with said roommate but in reality he thinks he just wants to spend time with Seokjin.

Gathering what little pride he possesses (which still is a lot mind you), he thinks of dialing up
Seokjin. Mid-mission there is a knock on the apartment door and Yoongi although confused goes
to open it all the same.

God is real, he thinks once the door drawn back shows him Seokjin.

“Yoongi! I was worried sick about you.” Seokjin yells for a greeting embracing him and Yoongi
decides this is the best week of his life. “How have you been?”

“Splendid. I should have done this months ago.”

Seokjin scolds, but he’s truly happy to hear this.“Don’t say that! I bet Hiyori is devastated.”

(Little do they know, somewhere out there… Miss Hiyori is having the time of her life)

“I guess,” Yoongi resigns from the embrace allowing Seokjin entry. That is when he notices the
little bag Seokjin has. “What’s that?”

Seokjin laughs as he extracts a box of chocolates and a Sprite from the bag and Yoongi thinks
that’s all it ever took for him to fall in love with a certain broad, tall man. The man of his dreams.

"What no alcohol?"

“Come on Yoongi - it’s time for a going-away party.” Seokjin announces.

It really fucking is. Minus the booze sadly.

They end up building a pillow-fort using cushions from the sofa in Yoongi's room. There's all you
could possibly need to just forget the world outside his apartment door even exists. They eat the
chocolates Seokjin brought which apparently had some alchohol infused into them. He reckons he
really could use a shot or two to enjoy this moment to its fullest. They taste vile to Yoongi but he
eats them without a complaint. Once they're comfortable enough, Yoongi decides he wants to
watch a movie too. Though it's just a really sorry excuse on his part to make sure Seokjin stays
longer. It's a late epiphany for sure. How he's being childish for attention that could only be
compared to a giddy child with a crush.

He's doing things he never did in his teenage years. Stealing glances, acting shy, complimenting
Seokjin whenever he can. He's doing all that and then nothing at all thinking of the time he's lost
but also not regretting it because it's time that allowed him to be in this place now. In the middle of
his own dilemma he never seems to notice Seokjin doing the same. He never notices the awkward
attempts at hand holding or the sorry excuses to be seated a little closer.

It happens when they both least expect it. When Yoongi asleep in his head, weak in his heart kisses
Seokjin on the cheek. Seokjin himself too is sleepy and probably out of it but he responds to the
innocent act by sharing a quick and innocent kiss. That seems to wake the both of them. The movie
is still on, the lights are still dim but no one can be bothered about it.

“I’m so sorry… Shit.” Seokjin scoots away so fast and Yoongi’s already missing those soft plush
lips on his. Goddamn it.

“Why are you sorry?” He yawns instead.

“Because you’re drunk and not interested in me and I shouldn’t have taken advantage of you like
that…”

Now Yoongi doesn’t want to seem indecent but it definitely looks like it. He guffaws and falls on
his back. His laughter doesn’t seem to cease. Is this what love feels like? He's glad he ever had a
chance with it.

Seokjin looks utterly confused and also slightly frightened. What if it all goes to shit from here?

“You know me Jin, I don’t get drunk that easy.” Yoongi recovers but only slightly. “Takes three
glasses for fuzziness and as you can see, I had none. Although if I'm being honest, those chocolates
tasted godawful.”

“You mean…” Seokjin tries and it’s laced in so much hesitation that Yoongi might just laugh
again and just lose himself in how innocent Seokjin is being.

“I want this too, you dumbass. I have liked you for a long time coming now!” The confession falls
off so easily and Yoongi suddenly is pretty proud of himself. Sugar rush mixed with hints of
alcohol was all he needed in the end.

“Wait, you just broke up with someone…”

Always the overachieving romanticist Seokjin is, tsk.

“Fine then call this an ambiguous fling but don't say no,"

Seemingly happy with the answer Seokjin drowns all his doubts in the taste of chocolate rubbed on
chapped lips and lets it all go. This is something he can definitely used to.
 In between a kiss, Yoongi quickly apologizes to type out a little text to Jeongguk. That little sucker
truly is a relationship guru - true to his words. Yoongi doesn’t see it, but he accidentally sends the
text to two people.

i’m henceforth gay for a random pretty boy

The night goes on, and they talk about absolutely nothing. Seokjin tells him all about his day at
work and Yoongi is truly proud for having witnessed so much in the other’s life. He’s so fucking
lucky to be a part of it, as sappy as it sounds.

They fall asleep cuddling and somewhere in the late hours of the night Yoongi gets a reply.

take care of him, he’s a keeper.

Chapter End Notes

thank u for managing to make it through such garbage. i had the hardest time writing
in the past few months and this was so overdue. i wanted to write this bc i felt yoonjin
could be better explained and even now as i post this i know this is again rushed and
pretty loosely paced but i had do it anyway.
this is for anyone who has waited for me to post any chapters to my story or anything,
im thankful. really.

and this is to those people who wanted an epilogue that i still might do, im not sure. im
just trying to get back into the flow of writing in general. thank you so much!!

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