Chapter Text
Chapter 3: Will You Help Me?
“ Why did I get the bigger room?”
“Ah, we played rock, paper, scissors and you won.”
“Who usually cooks?”
“Me but when you’re not tired you cook, too.”
“What shampoo do I use now?”
“Uhm… I don’t think you changed preferences?”
“Why does our apartment look so—I don’t know—undecorated?”
“Since when did you like decorations?”
It’s been 10 minutes since Yoongi arrived but Seokjin is already bombarded with questions. Right now, Seokjin is watching him look at their tablewares as if he’s trying to picture it in his mind.
This moment is so surreal for Seokjin; Yoongi casually looking at the tablewares they bought and fixed together. If Yoongi can remember, they had a lot of arguments on what color of plates they’ll buy. Seokjin wanted pastel colors and Yoongi wanted black and white.
Guess who won? Yoongi, of course. Seokjin was defeated by 5 seconds of puppy eyes and pout.
“I guess I bought these?”, Yoongi said, holding a black plate. Seokjin can only nod and just agree on what Yoongi is saying.
Yoongi finally noticed the presence of two cute beings in their living room who are silently eating their breakfast. Seokjin saw how Yoongi’s face instantly brightened up.
Yoongi pointed to them, “We have pets?”
“Yep.”, Seokjin smiled and looked at the two lovely beings.
“Cool. I thought only couples would do that.”, said Yoongi, already walking towards Spongie and Toothless.
Yes, we are a couple! We are! For four years!, Seokjin’s mind screamed. If only he had a real-life speech bubble, he would’ve been busted by Yoongi long ago. Seokjin only laughed awkwardly and followed Yoongi’s tracks.
Spongie noticed Yoongi’s presence and quickly left his food to jump into Yoongi. He filled Yoongi with licks here and there. Who could blame a sweet golden retriever who has not been able to see his daddy for 2 months?
Toothless, the cat version of laziness and a tsundere, only watched them and continued eating again.
“What’s their name?”, Yoongi asked while petting the golden retriever.
“That cutie golden retriever is Spongie and the cat is Toothless.”, Seokjin said while watching the familiar sight in front of him.
“Interesting.”, Yoongi cooed while squishing Spongie’s face. “Why did we name them like that?”
Of course, Seokjin would not explain to his roommate that Spongie’s name came from Spongebob which is Seokjin’s favorite cartoon and Toothless came from How to Train Your Dragon because Yoongi always cry whenever they watch that movie (and also because Seokjin likes to tease Yoongi for crying). Explaining that would lead to many more questions and how it sounds so much like a couple would do.
“Just because.” Seokjin said instead.
Seokjin’s heart instantly softens at the scene in front of him. He missed this. It’s just like any other mornings they spend together for the past two years of living together: Just Yoongi playing with their sons with a huge smile on his face using his babiest voice he only uses with their kids.
The baker was suddenly reminded of that one morning, when the sunshine was brighter than any other day, they were woken up by Spongie and Toothless. Spongie squeezed himself in between the couple and barked lowly indicating that it was already late and he’s hungry. Toothless, the softie that he is, only found a cozy spot in Seokjin’s foot and licked it. If Seokjin would be asked, that moment was something he really treasured.
They really looked like a family.
Hearing Yoongi now say, “You want some belly rubs?”, to Spongie with his tiniest voice kind of makes Seokjin tear up. (And he actually did but thanks to his fast reflexes he was able to turn around real quick and wipe his tears).
“Let’s eat breakfast now, babe.”, Seokjin called.
“Babe?”
Oh shit.
“H-huh?”
“You called me babe.”, Yoongi said. All Seokjin could hear was Spongie's barks and his heart’s loud beating.
Fuck, Kim Seokjin, think! Think of an alibi!
“I said bacon. Yes! Bacon. I forgot to fry bacon.”, Seokjin hoped it works. He was glad he didn’t stutter because it’ll blow his alibi off.
Yoongi looked at Seokjin skeptically and hummed. “Maybe I’m just hearing things.”, Yoongi said, easily letting go of the talk, “Or maybe because of this cute little nugget’s barking I misheard you.”
Yoongi sat down on their dining table, opposite his roommate. “Wow, this is already a feast and you’re whining because of bacon?” Seokjin did prepare a massive amount of food that Yoongi likes.
“And all of these are my favorite.”, the producer cheered. “I’ll eat well, Hyung!”, he smiled at Seokjin while getting ready to dig in.
“Of course, you need to eat well, Yoongi. This is the best breakfast in town and you’re lucky to be feasting here right now.” Seokjin said while putting a sunny-side-up egg on Yoongi’s plate.
“Best in town, eh?”, Yoongi said, eyeing Seokjin as if the elder is lying. Yoongi finally dig in on his plate and once he tasted the kimchi fried rice Seokjin prepared, his eyes light up, his cheeks slightly turned pink.
“I don’t know if the hospital food just really sucks but this kimchi fried rice is really something!” Yoongi chuckled, already preparing another bite. “What did you put in it, Hyung?”
“Uhm, kimchi?”, Seokjin said jokingly, earning him a kick from Yoongi under the table. “Aw!”, Seokjin laughed, kicking Yoongi too but the producer already put his legs up the chair as if he already expected a kick from Seokjin.
Yoongi smiled at Seokjin with his cheeks full of food making him look extra fluffy.
Seeing Yoongi eating happily with the foods that Seokjin cooked, playing with their kids, and calling him just “Hyung” is enough for Seokjin as long as he can see Yoongi smiling genuinely at him.
For Seokjin, t hat is already everything.
------
The sound of Jimin’s laugh is all over the bakery.
But Seokjin is not having it. He just told Jimin about the babe-bacon incident and the part-timer laughed his ass off. This is not what Seokjin imagined about how his best friend would react. He, at least, hoped that he'd have some words of encouragement from Jimin but all the latter gave him was saliva drops from his laughter.
“You can stop laughing now.”, Seokjin said, his elbows resting on the counter. He watched Jimin wipe his tears from laughing.
“That was hilarious, Hyung.”, Jimin breathed, finally ending his laughter. “It’s been ages since I last laughed like that.”
“Thanks to my stupidity, huh?”
“Yes. It’s all thanks to your stupid plan of helping Yoongi Hyung have a date with his ex.”, Jimin clarified. “If you don't have this plan, you can call him babe freely, right?”
Seokjin shrugged. “I thought you would support me?”
“I did but I didn’t say that I’d stop reminding you that you’re stupid.”, Jimin shot finger guns to Seokjin. The bakery owner would have punched Jimin right there and told him to pack up his things because he’s fired if not because of a newly arrived customer.
While Jimin is assisting the customer, Seokjin’s mind flew thinking of what could’ve been if he just manned up and just told Yoongi that they are actually together like boyfriends, couple, a significant other, and not just roommates.
Then maybe they spend Yoongi’s first breakfast in their apartment again after months between soft giggles, kisses and coffees.
He thought of what could’ve been if he told him that he is his boyfriend for four years, that they live together, that they have two sons they cherish, and that they say endless i love you’s all the time.
What could’ve been if he was selfish enough to just kiss Yoongi right after he woke up and told him how much he missed him and that he’ll never let Yoongi get hurt again.
Seokjin knows, deep inside him, that he’ll never risk it all if Yoongi’s sake is at stake. He’ll be willing to pretend as his roommate for who knows how long if it’ll make Yoongi’s health better. Anything for Yoongi.
Seokjin went back to reality when he noticed that the customer was already in front of him and was ready to pay for the bread that he bought.
“Hi, it’s been so long since I last saw you here.”, the customer said. Seokjin suddenly recognized the old man who is a regular in his shop.
“Oh, hi there. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you.”, Seokjin greeted. The old man smiled at him. “Believe me, I didn’t recognize you either. You lost weight.”, the elder noticed. Seokjin looked down on his body and looked at his reflection on the small mirror on the counter.
“Aish, my boss should start eating more, don’t he?”, Jimin included himself in the conversation when he saw Seokjin glance at himself for too long in the mirror. The old man chuckled and agreed with Jimin. “For all the years that I’ve been alive, I know and have already mastered that kind of face.”, said the old man while watching Jimin pack all the bread he bought.
“Sorry?”, Seokjin said, not fully understanding what the old man meant.
“Sadness. Regret.”, the elder said, “But unlike others, I see a glint of hope in your eyes.”, he pointed out. Seokjin handed him his change but the old man refused. “Keep it. I think I’ve been too chatty.”, he laughed and bid his goodbye to a speechless Seokjin and Jimin.
“Wow, is he a mind reader?”, Jimin said, watching the old man who just left the bakery.
Am I that miserable? , Seokjin thought. How could a person tell what he’s feeling that he can’t even admit with himself? Though, the last thing the man pointed out stayed with Seokjin. Hope.
Seokjin doesn’t know now but soon, it’s the only thing he’ll hold on to.
------
Hobi
I’m coming over
where are you?
Seokjin
At the bakery
Why
What do you want
Hobi
Ah
Really?
Who’s with Yoongi?
Seokjin
Taehyung and Jeongguk
?You're coming over
Hobi
Yeah
Is there a problem?
Seokjin
Hmmm
Hobi
What hmmm
Seokjin
Please don’t say anything stupid
Hobi
By stupid, you mean???
Seokjin
??Hint Yoongi about us
Hobi
As if i’m that inconsiderate :<
Okay, i won't
love you
------
Hoseok is trying to be the bestest friend Yoongi could ever have.
Their relationship as best friends goes way back to their high school years. As most high school best friends started, they started with a simple “Hi, is this seat next to you taken?” Of course, the ever-sunshine Jung Hoseok was the one who asked Yoongi that. How could Yoongi deny the seat next to him to a 12 year old boy whose smile is as bright as the stars?
Hoseok was really shy at first because Yoongi is not really the talkative type of guy. He gathered all his remaining courage to ask the pale boy if he wants to eat lunch together (because Hoseok is not used to eating alone). Hoseok can still remember the hesitation in Yoongi’s eyes back then but he is thankful that Yoongi agreed.
Who knew they would end up being each other’s source of strength and emotional support for their four years in high school and for life?
Hoseok never knew Yoongi would have this soft kind of personality. Imagine Hoseok’s reaction when he first saw Yoongi aka the cold-emotionless-seatmate-turned-bff cooed and became soft like a mochi when said best friend first saw Hoseok’s shih tzu, Mickey.
When Yoongi pet Mickey on his lap, Hoseok knew that Yoongi is really worth keeping for a lifetime. He felt that Yoongi will keep him by his side too because they are what each other needs.
That’s the reason why both of them were not surprised when their friendship continued even though they took different paths in college.
Hoseok ringed the doorbell to Yoongi’s apartment and was welcomed by Taehyung who has a pink popsicle on his mouth.
“Hobi Hyung!”, Taehyung greeted, aiming for a hug to the fashion designer but he noticed the bag of food on Hoseok’s hands, “Chicken?”, believe it when Hoseok says that he saw Taehyung’s eyes shine.
“Yep, for everyone.”, they cheered and headed inside. Hoseok went straight to sit by Yoongi’s side and snuggled closer to his best friend.
“How are you my best friend?”, Hoseok said while sniffing Yoongi's clothes as if he missed the way he smells. Well, actually, he did. Yoongi pushed his best friend away but not putting too much force.
“What are you doing here?”, Yoongi asked, acting like he’s annoyed by Hobi’s presence.
“That’s not what you said when I first visited you in the hospital.”, Hoseok rolled his eyes, finally sitting upright. Toothless sat on Hobi’s lap as if wanting to be pet. Hoseok automatically runs his hands on Toothless’ fur.
“That’s because I’m under medicine.”, Yoongi reasoned jokingly. “What brings you here?”
“Can’t I visit my best friend now???”
“No.”
“Jeongguk.”, Hobi called and Jeongguk who is busy playing on his phone looked up, “Is your brother undergoing puberty again?”
Jeongguk scrunched his nose and was about to laugh when he noticed Yoongi’s glare on him. “He’s just nervous.”
“Of?”
“He’ll have a date with Jisoo Noona soon.”, Taehyung said, bringing the box of chicken that Hoseok brought.
Hoseok’s widened eyes met Taehyung’s and the latter just shrugged his shoulders and mouthed “It’s Jin Hyung’s doing.”
Really, Jin Hyung? Really?
“You just got out of the hospital and now you’re already planning a date?!”, Hoseok said, slightly raising his voice. He can’t believe Seokjin is selling his own boyfriend out.
“Hey, you’re talking to the Min Yoongi.” Yoongi proudly said, pointing to himself as if he is that proud of himself. “No sickness can stop me from having a date.”
“Okay, the Min Yoongi,” Hoseok said, imitating Yoongi’s voice a while ago, “Stop acting as if your sickness is just a fever.” Hoseok looked at Yoongi only to find him already digging in on the chicken. “You have a fucking amnesia.”
“Okay, your point?”, Yoongi said while munching on the chicken leg.
Hoseok playfully kicked Yoongi’s leg, “My point is, do you even remember why you and Jisoo broke up before?”, Hobi said hoping that he’ll talk some sense out of the producer.
“No. Do I have to?”, Yoongi answered, “I feel things about Jisoo, Hoseok-ah. I just don’t want to sit here and do nothing about it.”
Are you even sure if that’s love, Yoongi?, Hoseok wanted to say. He just stared at Yoongi and he saw how his eyes are very sure of going on a date with the lady.
“Why are you even eating that?! You’re not allowed to eat that!”, Hoseok said instead, reaching out his arms to get that poor chicken on Yoongi’s hold.
“No! You said this is for everyone!” Yoongi cutely smiled at Hobi while his cheeks were full of chicken.
“Well, that was before you said you’re going on a date!”, Hoseok pointed out, “Its either chicken or date, Min. You choose.”
“Can’t I have both?”
“Of course not! You can’t have all the good things in life, stupid.”
Yoongi hummed, “You’re just saying that because you don’t have a date.”
Taehyung and Jeongguk said a chorus of “Oooooh” that echoed inside the apartment.
“Jeongguk, get ice quickly!!”, Taehyung chuckled, flapping his feet.
“What’s the ice for?”, Hoseok asked.
“To put on the burnt area, duh.”, Jeongguk laughed earning him a glare from the designer.
“Oh, so y’all are teaming up against me, huh?”, Hoseok smirked, pulling his sleeves up. The two college students gulped and playfully kneeled suddenly asking for Hoseok’s forgiveness because they know what’s coming next.
“Too late for that, kiddo.”, Hoseok announced and tickled Taehyung and Jeongguk on the floor. Laughter filled the inside of the apartment. Yoongi just sat and happily watched them, enjoying the fact that he gets the box of chicken all to himself.
------
“I missed the taste of chicken.”, Yoongi burped.
“That is the total opposite of what you said to me a while ago.”, Hoseok said, stretching out his limbs. After the series of “tickling war” they ate and had a couple of conversations, Taehyung and Jeongguk decided to take a nap in Seokjin's room which they almost called the “guest room” but luckily Yoongi didn’t ask anymore questions.
“A guy can lie, right?”, Yoongi said after he finished washing his hands and segregating their trash. They both went straight to the apartment’s balcony to get some fresh air. To be really honest, Yoongi missed the cool air of Seoul hitting him on the face. He feels so suffocated inside the hospital room for staying there in months.
Today’s sun is almost setting, making the blue afternoon sky turn into a rosy pink shade and ready to welcome the chilly night. Hoseok found it beautiful so he took out his phone and made sure to take a picture of the sky’s ethereal beauty.
“You haven’t changed, Hoseok-ah.”, the older said while watching Hobi take a picture of the sunset. “You still like taking pictures of things you find beautiful.” Yoongi remembers the high schooler Jung Hoseok who always brought his disposable camera with him and took pictures of all the beautiful scenes and things he sees on his way. Hoseok said that sometime in the future, he’ll look back to the photographs he took of the past.
Yoongi wishes he were like Hoseok before. He wished he also took photos of the things he liked. If only he knew that he’ll have amnesia, then maybe he could’ve taken pictures of everything he loved and remember them in just a sight. But it's too late now, isn’t it?
Hoseok smiled, “Yep, I still like beautiful things. Didn’t you notice I haven’t taken a picture of you since?”, he teased.
Yoongi glared at him, “Damn you.”
“Seriously! I think my phone will get a virus if I take your photo.”, Hoseok jokes and laughs because Yoongi is making faces as he speaks.
“Do you still have your photographs from before?”, Yoongi suddenly asked after they fell into a comfortable silence, with the both of them just looking at the sky that is now a dark orange.
“Yep, I’m still keeping them in my box of beautiful things.”, Hoseok answered, delightful. He shifted his gaze to Yoongi who has an expression of regret written all over his pale face. Hoseok was about to ask what’s wrong but Yoongi suddenly spoke.
“Do you think if I also took photos of all the things I loved, I can remember now and not left out anyone?”, Yoongi said, his sadness ringing on Hoseok’s ears. Yoongi looked at his interlaced fingers. It’s been so long since Hoseok saw Yoongi this sad. The last time he saw him this sad was two years ago through video call. It's when Yoongi and Seokjin got into a serious fight but that’s another story.
“Why are you saying that?”, Hoseok moved closer to Yoongi and ruffled Yoongi’s hair. Yoongi smiled a little and leaned on his best friend’s shoulder. Hoseok felt Yoongi heave a sigh.
“Its just that… I wished I treasured what I had before – you know – before I got into the accident and forgotten four years of my life.”, Yoongi said, while watching the stars in the sky appear one by one. “I don’t even know if I made everyone in my life happy in those four years. Did I treasure everyone around me, Hobi?”
Hoseok suddenly stopped ruffling Yoongi’s hair. His best friend’s question was out of the blue and he doesn’t know how to answer him. It didn’t help when Yoongi sat up straight and decided to look at him while waiting for a response.
Through the nervousness, Hoseok got himself to smile, “For someone who spent the last three years in London, I can say that you did treasure everyone around you for the last four years.”, Hoseok said that while thinking of how happy Yoongi made Seokjin and vice versa. He cannot think of anyone other than Seokjin when it comes to this conversation. He remembers all the random calls he got from Yoongi just because he spent a day well with Seokjin. Hoseok knows that what the couple have was a love that is so pure and unconditional . It’s something that he also wants for himself.
Their love was that great.
That’s the main reason why Hoseok did not support this stupid plan of Seokjin. He believes that their love is stronger than anything, even Yoongi’s amnesia. It’s a bummer that Seokjin pushed his plan through and decided to be a roommate in Yoongi’s eyes. Hoseok knows he needs to do something so that Yoongi can remember the Seokjin that he loves on his own.
And at that moment, Hoseok thought of a brilliant idea.
“Yoongi, about that date with Jisoo –“
Yoongi turned his back around Hobi, “No, Hoseok. I’m not going to cancel it.”
“No! I’m not going to stop you, dumbass.”, Hoseok laughed, “I’m going to ask if you are confident.”
Yoongi turned his head sideways, “What do you mean if I’m confident?”
Hoseok sighed. I hope this will work. “I mean, you might have forgotten about how to go on a date or maybe you lost your dating skills.”
“You think I lost my dating skills?”, Yoongi asked, confusion obvious in his voice. “You know what, you have a point! The dating skills I have is way back in 2016!”
Nice, Hoseok.
Hoseok smiled mischievously upon seeing Yoongi worrying about his dating skills. “If you’re worried about your dating skills, I might just know the only person who can help you.” Yoongi looked at his best friend who was smiling at him and wiggling his eyebrows up and down.
And maybe I need to book a flight to London tomorrow if I want to stay alive, Hoseok thought to himself.
------
By the time all the stars appeared, Seokjin decided to close the bakery for the day.
“Can’t I stay longer here, Hyung?”, Jimin asked while fixing his things. They just finished cleaning the shop and are now preparing to go home. “I promise it's okay for me to be left alone here. I’m used to being alone, after all.”, the part-timer jokes. Though he really meant it because most of the time, his shifts are always solo.
Seokjin chuckled, “You’re the only part-timer that whines when the shop is closing early, Jimin. Don’t you like to rest or have some ‘me’ time?”
Jimin rolled his eyes, “I’m the only part-timer you know, Hyung.”, he dragged his feet towards Seokjin with a huge pout on his lips. Seokjin looks at Jimin like how he looks at his pets – Jimin is that adorable.
“And I might hire some new part-timers because I’m stuck with a whiny one.”, Seokjin joked which earned him a glare from the younger. Jimin walked past Seokjin and found himself leaning on the bakery’s door. He watched Seokjin’s every movement as if examining his boss.
“But for real though, Hyung. Why are we closing early today?”, Jimin asked. “Is it because Hoseokie Hyung came over your apartment?”, he met Seokjin’s eyes and raised an eyebrow when he saw the elder sigh.
“That and because I need to do the monthly finance and budget.”, Seokjin explained, “I don’t want to stay up all night because of it so I rather close early and make my part-timer rest.”
“Nice, thank you.”, Jimin said almost sarcastically. He doesn’t really like working undertime because he feels like he hasn’t accomplished a task but if his boss insists then so be it. “Do you want me to help you? I can come over to yours for like two to three hours.”, Jimin suggested.
The baker chuckled, “Knowing everyone is there and we might leave the work undone because we will end up fooling around? No thanks.” As Seokjin said that, the pout on Jimin’s lips grew bigger. The younger scrunched his nose in defeat and just waited for Seokjin to finish up.
It’s true, though. Jimin knows that Hoseok will end up stopping them from doing anything related to work. He already imagines Hoseok closing Seokjin’s laptop and sitting on it to prevent them from doing their tasks. Jimin knows Hoseok well enough though the fashion designer works in London.
“Should I give you a ride, Jimin-ah?”, Seokjin said while locking the glass door of the bakery. Jimin shook his head, “Nah, don’t want to take too much of your time. Besides, I’m thinking of buying some books to read.”
“I didn’t know you were into books?”
“Just trying out reading some fiction novels.”, Jimin shrugged his shoulders. “I really want to do something productive during our semester break.” Jimin remembers that one thick book he saw the last time he went to the bookstore. He has read the synopsis at the back and it sounded interesting – about teenagers with powers and revenge.
Seokjin smiled and ruffled the younger’s hair, “Okay, then. I’ll get going.”
They finally said their farewells and Seokjin headed home to their apartment – where his only home currently is.
------
“You’re telling me that Seokjin Hyung, my roommate, is a dating expert?”, Yoongi asked slowly, his wide eyes looking at Hoseok directly.
Hoseok kept his smile, “I told you. I ask him for some tips, too.”, he winked at his bewildered best friend.
“Then why are you single?”
“It doesn’t matter!”, Hoseok exclaimed, “You don’t know how many Seokjin Hyung has dated before –“, Hoseok cut himself, almost spilling the truth. He automatically pursed his lips and almost, almost hit himself in the head.
Yoongi tilted his head, “Before?”
“Uhm… before… before he became busy with his bakery.”, Hoseok reasoned, “That poor little thing is so workaholic he doesn’t even have time for his love life.”, Hoseok acted as if he’s really seeing Seokjin as a single, workaholic man but by the way Yoongi is looking at Hoseok, the fashion designer knows that Yoongi is already being deceived by him.
“He’s workaholic?”, Yoongi asked, his eyes resembled a baby’s innocent eyes.
Seokjin Hyung is going to kill me for this.
Hoseok hummed in agreement, “Yeah, sometimes he goes home with still flour on his hair.”, he said, making sure that he is not looking Yoongi in the eyes because the producer might read his mind.
“Eh, you’re lying.”, Yoongi chuckled, “That handsome, broad-shouldered man, a workaholic single?”, he continued, shaking his head while laughing.
Yes, to me he is after he sold you out to Jisoo!!
“But, seriously, Yoongs. Try asking him for dating tips like how to throw some pick up lines, what to do on the first date…”, Hoseok leaned into Yoongi’s ears, “…and even how to kiss.” Yoongi’s eyes widened and playfully hit Hoseok on the shoulders.
“What?!?”
“Seokjin Hyung is a great kisser, a very reliable source told me so.”, Hoseok smirked while thinking of that time Yoongi suddenly came over to his house and screamed about his and Seokjin’s first kiss. It's something Hoseok wanted to forget but is always reminded by his best friend.
“I’m not sure about this, Hobi.”, Yoongi said, still thinking if he should really ask Seokjin for dating tips, “I don’t even know if we are that close.”, as Yoongi said that, Spongie came to him and circled his legs.
Hoseok looked at him as if telling Yoongi that they even have pets. “Okay, maybe we are close.”, Yoongi said in defeat. “How come I don’t remember Seokjin Hyung, this is so unfair. It's like I need to know him again and why we ended up being roommates.”
“See, Yoongs, take my advice as a chance in improving your dating skills and getting to know Seokjin Hyung again.”, Hoseok said, holding Yoongi’s shoulder, “It’s like hitting two birds with one stone!”, Hoseok knows that the latter is the main reason why he suggested this to Yoongi.
Hoseok will do anything to find a way to see Yoongi fall back in love with Seokjin again. He likes Yoongi the most when his happiness is mostly caused by Seokjin.
And as if on cue, the door of Yoongi’s apartment opened and revealed his roommate, “I’m home!”, Seokjin announced that made the two on the balcony look inside. Hoseok instantly gulped and sweat beads appeared on his forehead and his palm started to sweat, too. Yoongi noticed how Hoseok suddenly tensed up.
Yoongi held Hoseok’s hand resting on his shoulder, “What’s wrong? Why do you look like you saw a ghost?”
“H-huh? Nothing!”, Hoseok removed his hands on Yoongi’s shoulder, “That reminds me I need to go somewhere tonight.”, Hoseok said, clearing his throat in the process.
“You’re gonna leave? But Seokjin Hyung just –“
“Hi, kids.”, Seokjin greeted – entering the balcony. His smiling eyes met Yoongi’s and Hoseok’s. He wonders what the two is doing on the balcony when the air is very chilly tonight. “What do you guys want for dinner?”
“I’m afraid I need to leave now, Hyungie.”, Hoseok says, walking past Seokjin. He doesn’t want to get killed tonight.
Seokjin frowned, “But I closed the bakery earlier today because you’re here, Hobi.”, Seokjin said following Hoseok inside the apartment. Okay, it’s obviously a lie because Seokjin knows deep inside him that he doesn’t know how to start a conversation with Yoongi without kissing him or holding his hands or without a hint of physical affection.
It’s his first time coming home again with Yoongi waiting for him and Seokjin is so used to coming home with Yoongi peppering him with soft kisses and cuddles on their couch. It’s not that easy to ignore the fact that Seokjin is missing those soft lips on him. Hoseok’s presence became a way for Seokjin to not act all affectionate with Yoongi but hearing Hoseok announcing that he’s going to leave already is making Seokjin all nervous.
“Are you sure about that, Hyung?”, Hoseok whispered with a teasing tone and looked at Yoongi who was still at the balcony. Maybe Yoongi is thinking about what I advised him to do.
“Can’t you stay for just a while?”, Seokjin is almost pleading with his voice and Hoseok is looking at him as if Seokjin is losing his mind. But Hoseok knows he should leave before Yoongi tells Seokjin about his suggestion or tonight will be his last time on earth.
“N-no, I have a… a blind date!”, Hoseok said his nth lie for today. Seokjin’s eyebrows met in the middle with what he just heard. Seokjin knows, everyone knows rather, that Hoseok is not a fan of blind dates.
“No, you’re not.”
“Yes, I am! Goodbye!”, Hoseok ran towards the door, “Just know that I love you, Hyung! Say goodbye to Yoongi for me!”, and with that Hoseok left the apartment leaving Seokjin alone in the middle of the living room, or so he thought.
When Seokjin turned around and was supposed to go to where Yoongi is, the producer beat him to it because Yoongi was already standing behind the baker. Seokjin is so surprised that his soul almost jumped out of him. Seokjin kind of lost his balance but Yoongi was quick to grab Seokjin’s forearm to keep him steady.
This is the closest I can get with Yoongi tonight, Seokjin thought while looking at Yoongi’s grip on his forearm. “Sorry. Did I scare you?”, Yoongi asked shyly, still not removing his hold on Seokjin.
“Huh? I – uh, No! Don’t worry, I’m fine!”, Seokjin said, finally standing straight but he wished he didn’t because Yoongi removed their contact and Seokjin’s forearm never felt so empty before.
“Hyung, can you do me a favor?”, Yoongi said, sitting on the couch and can’t seem to look Seokjin in the eyes. Yoongi cannot believe what he is going to say to the elder. Is he really going to ask him for help in dating?
For as much as Yoongi remembers, he did not ask for help in terms of dating because – hello – he is the Min Yoongi. But Hoseok made several points that actually made sense a while ago so he considered asking for Seokjin’s help. Also, maybe this will help him get to know Seokjin more as his best friend said. He trusts Hobi so much and he thinks its right to listen to his advice.
Seokjin, not knowing what’s in Yoongi’s head, sat beside the producer. He doesn’t know why but his heart’s beating is faster than normal. “Sure. What is it?”
Yoongi hummed, still unsure of what’s going to say, “Uhm… Hoseok kind of told me something…”
Of course, Hoseok, Seokjin thought.
“…about you being good in terms of dating.”
It’s a relief Seokjin is not drinking anything at the moment because he is more than sure he could’ve spit out everything inside his mouth. Seokjin’s eyes widened and couldn’t comprehend what Yoongi just said.
“H-Hoseok told you about that?”, Seokjin stuttered, almost choking on his own words. Why would Hoseok talk about something like that to Yoongi? It is true Seokjin went on many dates, but it was all before Yoongi came into his life. For the last four years, Yoongi was the only one he’s been dating.
Seokjin suddenly came into realization, his eyes widening. Is this why Hobi hurriedly left when I came home? That fucking snitch! I should’ve strangled him before he left!
“Yeah, actually he told me that you are experienced in dating but you stopped since you got busy with your bakery.”, Yoongi explained. Ah, that bitch really had the audacity to make up a whole fucking story, huh?
Seokjin is already planning in his head what kind of torture he’ll do with Hoseok. He almost forgot that Yoongi was speaking beside him if the latter didn’t slightly raise his voice while calling him.
“Huh?”
“What’s the best date you ever had?”, Yoongi asked, with enthusiasm in his voice.
Is he really asking me about dating?!?!?
“Uhm… the one I had four years ago.”, Seokjin answered honestly. He looked sideways at Yoongi and found the same eyes that made him know what love really is. It's still the same eyes that screamed truth and meaning. It's still the same eyes that smiled and reassured him. It's still the same eyes he fell in love with and will continue to fall in love with.
Yoongi cleared his throat and just then Seokjin realized that he’s been staring at him way too long. “You’re eyes almost told me the story you had four years ago, Hyung.”, Yoongi jokes, making the atmosphere less awkward. Seokjin can only laugh and dismiss the memories that bombarded his mind.
Yoongi twisted his body and faced Seokjin. His face is filled with nothing but seriousness and Seokjin doesn’t know how to react to that. Yoongi swiftly placed his hands on Seokjin’s broad shoulders which instantly sent shivers down the elder’s spine. Seokjin will never get used to Yoongi’s touch. It’ll always bring him the same shivers he felt since day one. He froze on his seat and was only able to return Yoongi’s gaze, his heartbeat beating louder second by second.
“Will you help me improve my dating skills?”, Yoongi finally said, all determination and positivity visible in his voice.
Fuck you, Jung Hoseok.
------
“You think Yoongi Hyung will remember soon?”, Jeongguk asked suddenly, staring at the ceiling of Seokjin’s room. He hasn’t been able to sleep and it has been his tenth question so far.
A half-asleep Taehyung (and tired of Jeongguk’s random questions) just groaned and rolled so that his back is facing Jeongguk. “I don’t know really.” At this point, the elder just says he doesn’t know because he just wants to take a nap. Since they excused themselves from their Hyungs, Jeongguk didn’t let Taehyung take a full nap because of the former’s questions out of nowhere.
Jeongguk’s mind has been occupied by his brother lately. His amnesia must be really tough to handle. Even Jeongguk doesn’t know what he’ll do if he’s in Yoongi’s position instead. Forgetting parts of your life and feeling like you didn’t lose tons of memories must be mind wrecking. He thought if Yoongi is trying hard to get his memories back.
It’s sad, though, for Seokjin’s part. Jeongguk thought how heartbreaking it must feel for the one you loved so dear to suddenly forget about you in a blink of an eye. Jeongguk feels like he needs to do something about that but also, he doesn’t want to go in the couple’s way. If Seokjin is okay with what’s going on, then maybe Jeongguk just needs to adapt to it.
“You think Seokjin Hyung is really okay with this?”, Jeongguk asked, his curiosity is overflowing. He heard Taehyung shift positions again beside him. His eyes automatically looked at his roommate when Taehyung suddenly sat up.
“Gguk – for fuck’s sake. I haven’t been able to fall asleep because of you.”, Taehyung whined, shaking his body because of annoyance as he speaks. Jeongguk found Taehyung’s gesture funny and decided to playfully hit him on the latter’s side.
“Hey, if you fall asleep right now then you’ll wake up in the middle of the night and wouldn’t be able to sleep again!”, Jeongguk reasoned. He saw Taehyung make a face to him though there’s only a faint light inside Seokjin’s room.
“As for your question, my answer is I don’t know.”, Taehyung said instead. “Seokjin Hyung is really hard to read but as I am observing now, I think he’s adjusting to it, too. Just like us.”
Jeongguk nodded, “Out of all of us, he’s the one who is suffering the most but he’s making us see this fucked up situation too easy. He’s too understanding.”
“I know.”
“I guess you didn’t get that trait from your parents, eh?”, Jeongguk joked which earned him a kick from Taehyung followed by a strong hit from a pillow. Taehyung continued to hit Jeongguk with the pillow.
“Just so you know, Min Jeongguk, I am the most precious thing our family ever had!”, Taehyung said through laughs. Jeongguk got up from the bed, he used his arms as a shield from Taehyung’s pillow hits.
“Okay, okay! I got it!”, Jeongguk laughed, “Stop now!”, Jeongguk said as he approached the door of Seokjin’s room and wanted to get some fresh air outside.
Taehyung is preparing his loudest pillow hit for Jeongguk but the younger one already opened the door and both of them stood frozen in their place by the first thing they both saw and heard.
“I SAID NO, YOONGI!!!”, Seokjin screamed at Min Yoongi who was pouting and hugging Seokjin’s left leg as if the baker’s leg was a bamboo and he’s a koala.