Work Text:
“Jimin, tell me again why I’m still listening to you.” Jeongguk asks, looking up from his computer with a residing sigh.
“Because you’re my bro and bros help bros out.” The other replies, flashing his signature irresistible smile that makes his eyes turn into crescents.
“I am also an employee of this company who just wants to finish his job so he can finally get out of this building for the rest of the day.” Jeongguk argues, thumb and index finger pinching the bridge of his nose.
“I also am doing my job. I need one more. You’re my friend. I need you. Have mercy on me!”
“Why don’t you ask Hyungsik from Development?”
“Already have, and he already said yes.” Jimin beams at him, clearly satisfied with a job well done. “Mr March is gonna be a good one.”
“Ugh. What about Hongki from Accounting?”
“I tried, trust me. He says it’s not really his thing.” Jimin says with a roll of his eyes.
“Well it’s not really my thing either!” Jeongguk’s tone is turning into a pleading one at this point. “Please just go and get somebody else.”
“There’s nobody else now, Jeongguk.” Jimin whines, grabbing onto his bicep and shaking it to make his dramatic point. “I’ve run out of hotties and Choi is breathing down my neck about the deadline. I barely managed November! Had to agree to a date with Jiho, otherwise he wouldn’t do it.”
“Woo Jiho? He’s hot, what’s the problem?”
“The problem is we hooked up at Namjoon’s party, you know, a couple months ago? And now he won’t stop asking me out.” Jimin lets out an exasperated sigh.
“And that’s bad because?” Jeongguk asks, although he has an idea of why Jimin isn’t interested. Why he hasn’t been interested in anything serious for a while.
“He’s just not .. ugh, never mind that. You! Need to say yes so I can finally ok the project and get rid of the old man pestering me!”
Jimin is looking so hopeful Jeongguk can’t help a small breathy laugh. How bad could a simple photo shoot be after all? He knows he is attractive and his confidence isn’t really lacking either. It’s just the thought of having an intentionally sexed up picture of him hang on some pervy old grandma’s wall that puts him off. ‘Hot Men For Charity.’ Their company’s idea to pimp 12 employees up, put them in a calendar and raise all money from sales for the charity they chose to support this year. Do Entertainment really has no shame so it seems.
Jimin is turning all his charm on him, batting his eyelashes while mouthing ‘say yes, say yes’ and that is what crumbles his last resolves.
“Fine.” He mumbles out, already feeling a headache coming on.
“Really???” Jimin nearly squeals as he jumps up and down from excitement. “It’s gonna be fun, Guk, I promise I’ll take care of you. Mr January will have your back.” He nudges him in the side with a wink. Of course Jeongguk’s not surprised Jimin signed himself up for the shoot. Even despite knowing he was trusted with the not so easy task of finding and convincing people. Jeongguk knows Jimin would have never missed an opportunity like this since he loves attention, and he’s gorgeous. Objectively. Not exactly Jeongguk’s type but hot damn nonetheless. This is exactly the kind of thing he would enjoy doing.
“I’ll give you all the deets as soon as I have them. Now I gotta go though. Don’t work too hard!” And he’s off. “ Love you!” He shouts back, already halfway to the elevators.
The day of the shoot arrived two weeks later, on a rainy Saturday. Jeongguk was pretty impressed with Jimin having been able to organise everything in such a short amount of time, but his friend has always been able to make miracles happen, hence why the CEO has been trying to snatch him up as her PA for the past year or so. “That, and my ass, Jeongguk. She looks at me like I’m a piece of meat. I won’t do it.”
Jeongguk woke up feeling like he’d been ran over by a truck, a result of staying up till 3am playing Overwatch like the responsible adult he is. Thus, his first mission of the day was finding a Starbucks and loading up on a copious amount of caffeine - 4shots, black, 6 sugars - before making his way to the studio, texting Jimin on the way.
It’s barely 10am but the room is already full of people, some busy setting up equipment, some casually chatting with others. They were scheduled for different times systematically spaced out throughout the day but Jeongguk noted some of his coworkers clearly ignored that fact, seeing Jiho, Minho and Jihan standing around the snack table. The idea of people watching him try looking sexy for the camera makes his stomach churn.
“Jeongguk-ah!” Jimin’s voice from somewhere on the other side of the room pulls him out of his thoughts. He looks amazing, in a silk, silver blouse and fitted, black trousers. He’s standing by three racks full of clothes and he’s waving him over. Jeongguk chugs the last bit of his coffee before making his way. That’s when he catches sight of the back of the photographer, a dainty looking man with jet black hair, about half a head shorter than himself. His silhouette strikingly familiar.
“Morning!” Jimin chirps, visibly bouncing from excitement.
“Hyung,” Jeongguk starts, not taking his eyes off of the photographer. “ am I imagining things or is the photographer…”
“Yoongi hyung!” A guy who’s fiddling with the lights calls and Yoongi - I fucking knew it was him - sets his camera down to go over to him.
Jeongguk turns to Jimin with a pointed look. “Care to explain?”
“What? He’s a photographer. And I needed to get one on short notice.”
“He’s also your ex, hyung.” Jeongguk sighs.
Jimin and Yoongi were a couple for about two years in a sweet, loving, and easygoing relationship, despite their very different personalities. Jeongguk was pretty much convinced they complemented each other so well they’d get married and adopt puppies and maybe even children, but it all came to a very abrupt end sometime about a year ago. They haven’t talked much about it since Jimin clammed up every time Yoongi had been brought up, what he did say was vague and didn’t make much sense but Jeongguk wasn’t one to pry if the subject clearly made both his friend and Yoongi uncomfortable. He didn’t see much of Yoongi the past year as he spent most of his time working abroad.
“We’re professional adults perfectly capable of working together thank you very much.” Jimin replies curtly, leaving no space for further discussion. “Oh, let me introduce you to the stylist. Jeonghan!”
A pretty man with long flowy hair shoves a bunch of clothes into what Jeongguk assumes his assistant’s hands and smiles sweetly at Jimin as he tugs Jeongguk towards him.
“Jeongguk, right?” Jeonghan reaches a hand out for him to shake. “I’ve got a good one for you.” He says with a grin to Jeongguk’s utter confusion. “Pardon?”
“An outfit, silly. Come let me show you.” Jeongguk lets himself be pulled over to one of the racks, leaving Jimin behind who sends him two thumbs ups before disappearing to somewhere, probably overseeing how the rest of the set up is going.
Jeongguk is looking at a pair of dark navy skinny jeans, black, leather high-top sneakers, a pair of suspenders with ‘i am pinup girl’ written on them aaaaaand nothing else.
“Uh” He scraches the back of his neck shyly. “What do I wear on top?”
“Nothing!” Jeonghan announces, like it’s the most straightforward answer there is.
Now, again, Jeongguk takes pride in his body and he knows the hard work he puts in at the gym pays off in lean muscles and definition but he suddenly feels bashful about having to show it all off for lots of strangers to hang on their walls. (Or jerk over. He doesn’t wanna think about it too much but come on, it’s a possibility.)
“Jimin mentioned you’ve got solid abs so I thought, why not use them to our advantage.” He’s clearly oblivious to Jeongguk’s inner turmoil, smiling sweetly at him. Jeongguk suddenly doesn’t really know how to object, he thinks he’s just gonna have to go along with it since he said yes to the shoot and all, which is when a man who Jeongguk has never seen before - trust him, he would remember - steps in, like a knight in shining armour to save the day. (And steal Jeongguk’s heart.)
“Jeonghanie, you’re scaring the poor boy!”
Excuse you, who’s a boy I am a full grown man he wants to retaliate, he would retaliate, if his brain wasn’t short-circuiting due to the sheer beauty of the man now standing in front of him, meeting him with a warm rectangular smile. A tall, slender, designer-wearing, silky-haired god with the most gorgeous face and long fingers that are now tapping his chin as he scrutinises Jeongguk thoughtfully.
“Don’t you worry, hot stuff, I think I saw the perfect shirt that would suit you just fine.”
“Jimin!” Jeongguk calls as he power walks to him, now fully clad in borrowed designer clothes. His shoes are fucking Versace.
“Wow, you look hot as hell, my boy!” The other’s eyes sparkle as he takes him all in. Jeongguk dismisses the complement in favour of trying to subtly point at Taehyung, who’s standing behind Jihan, watching Minho’s shoot.
“Who’s that?” Jimin turns in the direction he’s pointing at. “Who? You mean Jihan? You’ve met h..”
“No, I know Jihan. Everybody knows Jihan.” Jeongguk scoffs. “I mean the guy behind him.”
“Oooh, that’s Kim Taehyung. The new HR rep. He’s also September.”
Jeongguk takes another good look at Taehyung who is currently coaching? Minho from the sidelines. Minho copies his moves and Yoongi’s shutter clicks away.
“What the fuck, is he a model or something?” He certainly looks it, Jeongguk thinks but Jimin just chuckles.
“Yeah, he is.”
“Wait, what? For real?”
“Yes.” Jimin answers, amusement evident in his tone. “You clearly don’t read tabloids. His face is technically everywhere. He’s an internationally known fashion model. Crazy, right?”
“What on earth is he doing here, then? Didn’t you just say he was the HR representative?” Jeongguk asks baffled, eyes never leaving Taehyung as he encourages Minho to copy him in pulling up the bottom of his shirt sexily.
“According to him he’s got too much freetime on his hands right now and he likes to stay grounded, hence he looked for a flexible part time position. If you ask me I think Head Office only agreed cause he is super hot and famous, but then again, what do I know.” Jimin muses. “Why do you ask?”
“Uh, he called me hot stuff and saved my dignity.” Jeongguk awkwardly motions to his white shirt tucked into his jeans, eyes still glued to Taehyung.
Jimin snorts obnoxiously loud.
“Ok Jeongguk, here’s how we’ll do this. I count to three then I take the picture, ok? So you have a moment to prepare. Just act natural, it will be fine.”
Jeongguk tries paying attention to Yoongi’s instructions but under the glaring lights, standing in front of the camera his anxiety is doubled. He can feel a drop of sweat slide down the nape of his neck and he suddenly panics about starting to sweat profusely in clothes that are worth more than his 3 month salary. The fact that some of his coworkers are lingering around does not help him the slightest. Jimin is there, of course he is, standing close behind Yoongi, grinning ear to ear, flashing him a thumbs up, to which Jeongguk replies with a grimace.
Yoongi directs Jeongguk to start but his mind immediately goes blank as he catches sight of hot model turned HR rep looking curiously his way. Jeongguk catches a glint in Taehyung’s eyes before his lips - beautiful, beautiful lips - lift into a tiny smirk and he stops right next to Jimin. Here for the spectacle. Marvellous, Jeongguk thinks. Like he wasn’t shitting himself already. Now there’s gonna be a ridiculously attractive professional model watching him struggle through the whole shoot.
“Jeongguk-ah” Yoongi’s gentle voice shakes him out of his thoughts. He definitely sounds more like his friend than a photographer and Jeongguk’s thankful for that. “You seem very nervous.” “No shit.” Jeongguk murmurs with a roll of his eyes. “Just try to imagine yourself wanting to seduce somebody. It doesn’t have to be sultry, just give me intensity in your eyes and please try to look a bit more confident. Or at least alive.” Yoongi’s teasing elicits a loud chuckle out of Jimin and despite the nerves Jeongguk doesn’t fail to notice the look the two share just then.
Jeongguk slides both hands into his pockets and attempts to channel sensual with his face but even he can sense how tight his muscles are and how rigid his movements feel. His eyes unintentionally rake over his audience and meet Taehyung’s gaze, so unwavering it makes an instant blush creep onto Jeongguk’s cheeks.
He’s a very competitive person, a perfectionist who hates being seen out of his element, not to mention by some hot guy who makes his stomach clench just by being present. Right now, Jeongguk kinda wants to dig himself a hole and die in it. But of course that’s not a possibility. So instead he lets out a laugh. At least he can laugh at himself. After mentally shaking himself for a second he looks back up, a bit more composed, and Taehyung is standing right in the middle of his field of vision.
“Uh, Jeongguk?” Taehyung starts, voice smooth and low. “I can help. If you want..” He sounds a bit unsure but he sends Jeongguk a reassuring smile nonetheless. His beauty really is dazzling. In his stupor Jeongguk can simply nod. At that, Taehyung smiles even wider, eyes disappearing, mouth turning rectangular, and hell, if it isn’t the cutest thing Jeongguk has ever seen. “Ok, try copying me.” Taehyung calls, his whole demeanour suddenly changing.
His lithe form looks even more elongated as he tilts his head just a slightest bit, showing off his long, tan neck, prominent collarbones peaking out of his black, silk shirt. His mouth is slightly agape, lips shining, while he looks through the curtain of his long eyelashes. Straight at Jeongguk. Jeongguk’s breath hitches for a second, taking in the vision that is this gorgeous man in front of him. It’s no time for thirsting, though. With all his concentration Joengguk tries mimicking Taehyung’s posture, the way his shoulders are pulled back, yet look relaxed. He tilts his head, relaxes his jaw, hoping to at least look slightly decent. Yoongi hums appreciatively and snaps a good five or so shots straight away, so Jeongguk assumes it couldn’t have been too bad. He feels just a tiny bit more at ease and looking back at Taehyung he’s met with a blinding smile. He then nods his head slowly and Jeongguk knows it’s time for another pose.
Taehyung stands tall and straight, eyes intense, eyebrows furrowed just the slightest as he slowly trails his left arm up his torso, long fingers lingering on his own body as they crawl up to his neck, ending up in the hairs at his nape. He looks like the embodiment of carnal sin and Jeongguk doesn’t even know how he’s still got the ability to focus on his task, but he does, eyes firmly set on Taehyung as he copies the other’s actions, his own exposed skin seeming too hot to his touch. It’s like he developed tunnel vision. All there is is Taehyung, the rest is fuzzy, white noise.
“See? You can do this without being stiff.” Yoongi praises, camera clicking away. “Oh, he is stiff, trust me.” Jimin mumbles under his breath, eyes trained on Jeongguk, his tone mocking. Jeongguk mentally flips him off.
If Taehyung heard any of that he doesn’t let on, gaze locked with Jeongguk’s he motions his hands up and down on either side of his chest, his imaginary suspenders, so Jeongguk grabs onto his own and just as a cocky smirk appears on Taehyung’s face Jeongguk answers with his own. Feeling daring all of a sudden he gently bites down on his bottom lip, head slightly tipped, looking through the lock of unruly fringe that has fallen into his eye and for a fraction of a second he think’s he sees a slight pink dust Taehyung’s cheeks, though that was probably just the light, or wishful thinking on Jeongguk’s part.
The rest of the shoot goes by in a blink of an eye. Taehyung is still there, though he doesn’t need to interfere too much afterwards. When Yoongi calls it a wrap he grabs him into a tight hug, patting his back and ruffling his hair.
“I missed you, brat!”
“I missed you too, hyung!” Jeongguk laughs.
“Jeongguk-ah!” Jimin slow claps his way over to them. “You sexy beast, you!”
“Ugh” Jeongguk groans. “Please stop!”
“Never.” Jimin stage whispers before giggling at his friend’s pained expression.
“Jimin!”
Aaaaand it’s all gonna go downhill from here. Oh boy, what a timing this is. Jeongguk is already cringing on the inside as he sees no other but Woo Jiho approach their little trio.
“Oh, Jiho-ssi, hi.” Jimin greets, voice audibly strained.
“So about our date, what are you doing next Friday night?”
Straight to the point. Yep. Jeongguk wishes he could suddenly disappear. Jimin is staring at Yoongi with wide eyes bleeding concern, Jiho sports a greasy smile and lifts a hand to squeeze Jimin’s arm, prompting the younger to jerk out of the way of his touch, while Yoongi suddenly finds his cuticles the most interesting thing in the room. To describe the situation as uncomfortable would be a serious understatement. That’s until Kim Taehyung arrives to save the day. For the second time.
“I’m sorry to butt in, Jiho-ssi, but I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation, and as the HR representative I sadly have to inform you that dating between employees is strictly forbidden by company policy. If Head Office were to hear about the breaking of the rule that would result in serious consequences for all parties involved. I’m sure you understand. You can find all information regarding office dating in the employee’s handbook.” Taehyung says remorsefully.
Jiho’s expression immediately turns sour while Jimin heaves a sigh of relief. Jeongguk sees him reach a tentative hand out after Yoongi - who has turned his back on the group with lightning speed - when Taehyung lightly squeezes his arm.
“You did a great job.” And there it is again, that irresistible smile that prompts Jeongguk to forget about all the commotion and answer with his own. His cheeks are burning a bit as he thinks back on the shoot. Without Taehyung it would have surely gone awfully.
“I did okay. Thanks to you.” He clears his throat. “Thank you for .. you know … the 101 on the spot.”
“Don’t mention it, cutie.” Taehyung chuckles. He has the audacity to wink. Jeongguk honestly feels so attacked right now.
Thursdays are usually hell. That’s when most of the weekly in-house meetings are scheduled Namjoon oh so kindly always sends Jeongguk to. They are a good opportunity to learn, Jeongguk-ah. It’s like exclusive training. Read: I can’t be fucked to go so I’m using my power as your superior to get out of it. That’s why Jeongguk is fueling up on Red Bull right now - 4 and counting. Preparing for the approaching nightmare of an afternoon. Maybe if his pee turns fluorescent he’d have an excuse to opt out. No such luck so far though.
He’s reading through reports from Publicity when the window of the internal chat system pops up on his screen with a loud ping, making him jump. He almost never uses the chat, conducting all his inside business via email. Call him stuck up but he finds it more professional.
Taehyung, Kim
Human Resources
Jeongguk! hope you’re well. id need you to do me a favour
What the hell. Jeongguk hasn’t spoken to Taehyung since the shoot last weekend, nor has he seen him around at all. HR are based in the adjoining building so chances of them crossing paths outside of meetings would be pretty slim. He can’t imagine what HR could want from him right now.
Jeongguk, Jeon
Public Relations
Hello, Taehyung-ssi! What can I do for you?
Taehyung, Kim
Human Resources
:/ don’t call me that, just taehyung
i wanted to ask if you could join me today
Jeongguk, Jeon
Public Relations
Oh. If you insist.
Join you?
Taehyung, Kim
Human Resources
i am going to meet the chairperson of the charity we’re supporting
invite them to the christmas gala, that would be a nice gesture i think
id like another employee to come with
and since you work in pr you’re the perfect choice ^^
Jeongguk, Jeon
Public Relations
I am only the Assistant to the PR Manager.
Didn’t you want to ask Namjoon hyung?
Taehyung, Kim
Human Resources
your boss has too much on his plate as it is so i thought
never mind, if you dont wanna do it i guess ill look for somebody else
Jeongguk, Jeon
Public Relations
No! I mean.. If you need me to accompany you I will do.
I don’t mind at all.
Not sure Namjoon hyung will be happy though.
Taehyung, Kim
Human Resources
dont worry, ill speak to him
meet me in the front hall @ 2 :)
Jeongguk, Jeon
Public Relations
Alright then.
And with that trip a friendship slowly began.
Sitting in the cab Taehyung explained that this is a good opportunity for me to get to know you better, since it’s an essential part of my job to build rapport with company employees , though his questions were never official to begin with. He used their time stuck in traffic to find out more about Jeongguk’s aspirations; eventually taking over Namjoon’s position, interests; extreme sports and tattoos, and random trivia; Jeongguk’s ability to dislocate his right thumb, which he uses as a party trick. (It’s truly gruesome to look at.)
Jeongguk finds Taehyung easy to talk to, and even though he is still affected by the exceptional good looks of the man sitting next to him, - good looking people always make him kinda flustered, he relaxes into their light conversation. Taehyung doesn’t seem like the celebrity being on covers of tabloids Jimin described him as, he doesn’t seem like a celebrity at all. He doesn’t seem untouchable. He is remarkably amiable and down to earth, and he also shows a huge interest in supporting S.A.R.R. - Seoul Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation, the charitable organisation Do Entertainment will be donating the money to this year.
Taehyung tells him Head Office allowed him to choose the recipient, they explained it was their way of saying welcome to the company, though Taehyung a bit bitterly points out it was most probably special treatment because he is in the public eye. (Jeongguk wonders if he really is the only one who had no idea about Kim Taehyung’s existence until 6 days prior.) When Jeongguk asks why Taehyung, a successful model decided to work what most people would consider a boring office job, Taehyung meets him with a slightly tight lipped smile and reasons with I’m not gonna be pretty forever, Jeongguk, and what then? Jeongguk feels there might be some more to the story but of course he doesn’t pry, he’s got no right to. When Taehyung mentions in passing that he is currently doing a degree in Environmental Science at an online university (while working as a model AND as a part time HR representative) Jeongguk can really only marvel at him. Kim Taehyung is pretty fucking amazing.
Despite the separate buildings and all Jeongguk starts seeing Taehyung more and more often after that, and he’s secretly very pleased. Somehow Taehyung turns up in their building almost every other day, flying in and out of departments with a huge smile on his face, completely unaware of the dozens of appreciating gazes that follow him as he passes by, Jeongguk’s being one of them. He does always take time to stop by Jeongguk’s desk though, hugging his folder of documents to his chest, smiling his cute little smile, and asks about his day, whether he’s feeling ok, or if he had something to eat yet.
Jeongguk tries to ignore the butterflies in his stomach in favour of simply appreciating what a caring person Taehyung really is, how he’s got the capacity to genuinely be interested in how he’s doing, when he is swamped by work just like the rest of them. Hell, Jeongguk doesn’t even like engaging in small talk on really busy days, the recluse he is. Of course if it were Taehyung he’d gladly chat his afternoon away.
On one particularly awful day, another Thursday, - seriously, fuck Thursdays, Jeongguk technically runs out of the meeting room, finally being able to get away from all the nonsense that went down in there for 3 hours straight. He’s annoyed and mentally exhausted, not to mention starving. Entering his office he throws himself into his chair, rolling away slightly from the sheer force, and as he is about to rest his head on the desk he sees a small box of sushi on there, with a yellow sticky note stuck on top, that reads;
Get some calories in you.
Not too long to go now!
Take care of yourself!
T
It’s very difficult not to fall for Kim Taehyung.
Taehyung, Kim
Human Resources
rec me a film Jeonggukkie
Jeongguk, Jeon
Public Relations
What genre?
Taehyung, Kim
Human Resources
hmm. whats your favourite film?
Jeongguk, Jeon
Public Relations
That’s an impossible question.
I’ve got too many.
Taehyung, Kim
Human Resources
ok tell me one you currently love
Jeongguk, Jeon
Public Relations
It’s an animation. Does that count?
Taehyung, Kim
Human Resources
of course! i love animations ^^
Jeongguk, Jeon
Public Relations
It’s called Kimi No Na Wa.
It’s a love story.
It’s beautiful.
Taehyung, Kim
Human Resources
daaw, i wouldnt have pegged you as a romantic ;)
Jeongguk, Jeon
Public Relations
If you’re just gonna tease me you can forget I ever said anything
Taehyung, Kim
Human Resources
no no, dont be like that
i wanna see it!!!
is it sad?
Jeongguk, Jeon
Public Relations
That’s a spoiler.
Taehyung, Kim
Human Resources
will i cry??
Jeongguk, Jeon
Public Relations
It’s not fun if I spoil it for you, Taehyung.
Taehyung, Kim
Human Resources
:((
thats a yes
Jeongguk, Jeon
Public Relations
I didn’t say anything.
Taehyung, Kim
Human Resources
meanie
.
.
.
hey gukkie, you know how films and music say a lot about a person
Jeongguk, Jeon
Public Relations
Yeah?
Taehyung, Kim
Human Resources
make me a list
a list of your most favourites
It was the beginning of December that Jeongguk leaves his home at ass o’ clock one morning, making his way towards his local Starbucks to pick up a tall Americano before leg day at the gym, when he comes face to face with Taehyung. Well, a 40 feet version of him. On a billboard. In front of his apartment complex. A fucking Nike campaign, brand new, featuring no other than Kim Taehyung in all his ethereal glory, posing in sports gear, gazing into Jeongguk’s poor soul. Figuratively. And thank fuck for that because if Taehyung were to actually be able to see into Jeongguk’s soul right now he surely wouldn’t appreciate the thoughts going through his head. Choke, Jeon Jeongguk. You can stop thirsting right now. Taehyung may be lovely, super intelligent, and incredibly gorgeous (fuck, how is his face even real, his lean, toned calves in those shorts though, wtf his proportions are to die for), but he is his friend now. And Jeongguk doesn’t have many of those to begin with. And he loves being around Taehyung, kind, caring Taehyung who seems to genuinely like his company.
Also, wouldn’t his social status kinda make him unattainable? Like, ridiculously, unmistakably above Jeongguk and 99.9% of society? Not to mention the fact that Jeongguk heard with his own two well functioning ears from Taehyung himself that dating between employees is strictly forbidden, so it’s not like anything could ever happen. It’s time to get his head out of his delusional ass.
“I saw your Nike ad, hyung.”
It’s a quiet Monday morning, Namjoon isn’t even in yet so Jeongguk allows himself to relax a bit, his report can wait 20 more minutes. Taehyung popped by, looking for Jeongguk’s boss he said to discuss some details about the upcoming Christmas gala, but he takes the opportunity to plop himself down on the sofa by the door to wait for him, looking absolutely content while sipping on his white chocolate, vanilla Mocha. Jeongguk’s statement makes him look up, a bit caught off guard. For a second Jeongguk might have even thought there was a teensy bit more colour to his hyung’s golden cheekbones, but it’s gone in a heartbeat. His lips quirk into a teasing smile.
“Do I look good?” He asks, wiggling his eyebrows at Jeongguk who instantly feels his heart rate quicken. Taehyung has a way of making him lose his cool in seconds.
“You know you do. You don’t have to ask.” Jeongguk answers, scowling at him.
“Hmm..” Taehyung hums with a nod. “It’s nice to hear it sometimes, I guess.” He states quietly, voice missing the teasing tone this time.
Something clutches around Jeongguk’s heart at that. There must be dozens of people telling Taehyung how utterly beautiful he is every single day, he’s sure of it. Yet Taehyung’s voice just now sounded so unusually small Jeongguk feels like an ass for not admitting to how perfect he thinks the ad turned out.
“It’s really nice, hyung. You look super cool. Also very beautiful. It’s a perfect shot really.” And Jeongguk allows himself to pour as much sincerity into this confession as he can. After all, friends do that for each other. He really does think it’s a wonderful photo, the fact that he spent about 5 minutes stood outside his apartment just staring at it should be proof enough. And the smile that overtakes Taehyung’s features upon hearing his compliment is so worth it. He visibly lights up, ducking his head bashfully. Jeongguk himself is red as a tomato, yet he cannot keep his eyes off of Taehyung right now. He really is the cutest, jesus christ.
“Now that you’ve mentioned it, I was meaning to ask you something.” Jeongguk watches as Taehyung fiddles with his fingers in his lap.
“There’s gonna be this event organised by Nike that I am invited to. I was wondering if maybe, if you’re not busy or anything you could come with me?”
“Me? Going to a vip event?”
Jeongguk is floored by even the idea. He’s never mingled with famous people, just the thought gives him anxiety. Taehyung of course is an exception, but blame Jeongguk’s weak heart (and Taehyung’s irresistibility) for that.
“I mean, I’m just asking because these events are pretty boring as they are, with my agent probably even more so,” Taehyung chuckles. “If you were there I’d at least have somebody to talk to. You might even have fun.”
Jeongguk wishes he wouldn’t feels so excited by the fact that Taehyung thought to invite him, when basically anybody would volunteer to accompany him to such event. Being in the limelight with the prettiest model in all of Korea, socialising with the country’s elite and celebrities they’d have no chance of ever seeing in the flesh otherwise. Not that Jeongguk cares about any of that. It’s simply the thought that Taehyung asked him. This is, if nothing else, at least a confirmation that he likes having Jeongguk around, and that means a lot to him. And Jeongguk could contain the butterflies if it meant doing Taehyung a favour and being there to support him, keeping him company. Friends do that sort of thing.
“Okay, hyung. When is it?”
Taehyung’s eyes widen, like he wasn’t expecting Jeongguk’s answer at all. He probably has caught word around the office of what an introvert he truly is, Jeongguk notes.
“It’s on 13th December. Next Friday.”
Next Friday. Oh. His parents are coming next Friday. His realisation must show on his face because Taehyung smiles understandingly.
“You busy?”
Jeongguk nods.
“My parents are coming to Seoul that day. They’ll only be here for a couple nights, and well, I haven’t see them in a long time, I don’t go back to Busan too…”
“It’s ok, Jeongguk-ah.” Taehyung stops him rambling. “I understand. Family always comes first.” He says, smiling comfortingly at Jeongguk, to make sure Jeongguk knows it really is ok.
“I’m sorry, hyung. I would have loved to go with you.”
“Maybe some other time then.”
“They’re finished! Look! Look at this beauty right here!” Jimin sing a songs as he barges through Namjoon and his office door, not caring at all about the evils Jisoo fixes him with as he startles her on his way. In anybody else’s case Jeongguk would worry about Namjoon’s wrath but it’s common knowledge he’s got a soft spot for Park Jimin. Most at the company do.
“Hey, Namjoon hyung!” He greets gleefully before dumping a stack of calendars and some magazines down on Jeongguk litter clad desk, making a few empty cans roll under Namjoon’s chair. The manager doesn’t even look fazed, he just fixes a dimpled grin at Jimin and ruffles his hair before making his way towards the door.
“Don’t forget the presentation, Jeongguk!”
“On it as we speak.”
As soon as the door closes behind him Jimin squeals and shoves a calendar in Jeongguk’s face.
“Look at my masterpiece! I’m a genius.”
Jeongguk takes the calendar in his hand and instantly looks for December, eager and slightly nervous to see how his photo turned out.
Jimin and Yoongi chose one of him where he’s holding onto his suspenders. His body looks defined, his cheekbones sharp, eyes half hooded behind his fringe. He has to admit, in his humble opinion he looks pretty fucking hot thank you very much.
Looking through the rest with a lot more ease now he could barely find fault in anything, the photos are shot incredibly well, not like he had ever doubted Yoongi’s abilities as a photographer, but even then he’s surprised how good clothes, make up, and a good eye for composition could turn him and his equally inexperienced coworkers into decent looking models for this shoot. Everything about the calendar looks professional. Flipping to September his breath catches in his throat. Taehyung. For a second he forgot Taehyung would be in it too. And out of all the months he’s September. Jeongguk feels like his birthday came early.
Taehyung makes him speechless. His picture shows him mostly from his profile, accentuating his long, slender neck, his perfect jawline and his nose bridge. His plump lips are slightly parted, like the photo was a candid shot taken mid movement, yet Jeongguk knows it’s Taehyung’s talent that’s making it look so effortless.
“Wow.” He breathes out to Jimin’s amusement. “He’s beautiful.”
“I know.” Jimin agrees. “And you’re whipped.”
Jeongguk doesn’t even have the fight in him to disagree, Jimin’s totally right after all.
“I hope he’s ok.” Jimin continues, voice taking on a concerned tone.
“What do you mean?” Jeongguk observes him confused.
“You didn’t see then? Here.” He reaches for one of the magazines he brought with him that ended up on Jeongguk’s keyboard. “I was just collecting these from all over the building. People love to gossip. I assume you wouldn’t be one of them.” He says with a frown as he hands Jeongguk the papers. “I wanna reduce the chances of everybody seeing them, knowing what some of them are like. I especially don’t want him finding one lying around somewhere.” Jeongguk doesn’t know what to expect but judging by Jimin’s efforts and the seriousness he’s treating this issue with he knows it’s not gonna be a pleasant read. Looking at the front cover the headlines are enough to make him see red.
Kim Taehyung seen with Im Jaebum at Nike promotional event.
Is Taehyung getting his heart broken again?
(full coverage starts on page 36)
There’s a slightly blurry picture of Taehyung on the cover, standing side by side with a man who’s got his arm resting on Taehyung’s lower back. They seem to be in deep conversation, the guy leaning in close to Taehyung.
Jeongguk flips to page 36 before he could even stop himself.
Kim Taehyung was seen cuddling up to notorious playboy Im Jaebum at Nike’s promotional gala last Friday night. The young model seems totally enamoured by charismatic badboy Jaebum, who, according to these pictures and many witness accounts spent the night whispering intimately into his ears. Are they dating? Is Kim Taehyung letting another player into his life? We would have thought he’d be more careful with what man he opens up to, after his ugly breakup with Park Bogum last year, who played around with his heart for months before Taehyung himself caught him cheating in their own shared…
Jeongguk doesn’t wanna read anymore. His mind is reeling with overwhelming emotions, but most of all he feels sick to his stomach. He feels ashamed for reading even this much, like he’s intruding on Taehyung’s private life, something he would never want to do. And the fact that whoever wrote this article talks the way they do about him makes Jeongguk want to punch a hole in the wall. Don’t people have any compassion? Doesn’t that person feel awful making their living out of discussing Taehyung being cheated on by his boyfriend? Something that must have been so painful to have to go through, only for it to be talked about in papers for weeks after?
Jeongguk chastises himself for the spark of jealousy that awoke in his chest upon the prospect of Taehyung dating some hot, famous guy. He should only be worried about Taehyung’s feelings getting hurt. He’s such an exceptional man, he deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and Jeongguk is upset for him.
“Jeonggukkie. Oh ..”
Oh indeed. Timing and Jeongguk will never be friends.
He’s still holding onto the magazine when Taehyung enters the office, steps faltering as he takes in Jimin and Jeongguk looking at something with his name plastered all over it. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what is going on. And Taehyung dares being the one looking embarrassed, instead of being angry like he rightfully should be. He quietly excuses himself and makes to leave already but hell if Jeongguk will let this become a misunderstanding. He wouldn’t wanna live with himself if he let Taehyung believe he had any malicious intentions looking at that piece of garbage of an article.
“Taehyung!” He calls after him and he’s already up and marching towards the door. He sees Taehyung at the end of the corridor, arms holding his folders to his chest as always and Jeongguk doesn’t hesitate to run after him. He silently thanks the universe for this part of the building being deserted other than the two of them.
Taehyung turns around to face him before Jeongguk could even get to him. He doesn’t seem upset, he mostly just looks tired. The kind of tired that is more than physical exhaustion.
Jeongguk doesn’t think before wrapping his arms around him, pulling him in close. He feels Taehyung go rigid, his shoulders tensing up upon his touch, which sobers him up enough to make him feel embarrassed by his impulsivity.
“Taehyung, are you okay?” He asks, unable to keep all the pent up emotion out of his voice.
Taehyung laughs, but it’s not a happy laugh. “I, yeah, sure.” He doesn’t speak more but he keeps his eyes bored into Jeongguk’s.
“I need you to know that I wasn’t … ugh, no matter what I’ll say it will sound like a pathetic excuse but please, please believe me when I say this; all I am right now is furious at the person who wrote that about you and worried for your feelings, okay?” Jeongguk grunts in frustration. “I wish I could make you believe me.”
“Okay.” Taehyung says quietly. “I believe you.”
Jeongguk fixes him with an incredulous look. “What?”
“You asked me to believe you, and I trust you, so I shall.” Taehyung replies simply, as if they were discussing the weather. Could it be that Taehyung trusts this easily? What has Jeongguk ever done to deserve it?
“I …” Jeongguk stands at a loss for words. “Are you okay?” He asks again, fighting the urge to touch him, to comfort him in any way he can.
“This is not the first time the media discussed my private life, Jeongguk, and it surely isn’t the last. Though I wish they hadn’t brought up Bogum, that’s a bit of a touchy subject…” Jeongguk vinces at the expression that flickers over Taehyung’s face, “but this comes with the profession I chose, and I’m living with it.”
Jeongguk nods. He cannot quite grasp how Taehyung can be such an amazingly strong person. He surely would have crumbled under the watchful eye and scrutiny of the media.
“I feel the need to point out though that I am not seeing Im Jaebum.”
“You don’t need to explain yourself to me, or anyone else for that matter.”
“No, but I do.” Taehyung sighs. He chuckles to himself and mumbles something under his breath that Jeongguk can’t quite catch. “He was trying to come onto me all night but I turned him down, like I had done multiple occasions before.”
“Okay.”
“I don’t want you to believe I’m, how did they phrase it? Enamoured by him .” Jeongguk vinces again. “I don’t. Promise.”
“Okay then.” Taehyung flicks the frown from between Jeongguk’s eyebrows.
The day of the company Christmas Gala arrives exactly a week later. Jeongguk hasn’t seen Taehyung since their awkwardish conversation because he’s been out of the country on promotional tour. Though it seemed like they had resolved all the possible misunderstandings right then, Jeongguk is still apprehensive of seeing Taehyung tonight for the first time since. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t excited also. A week’s been too long and want it or not, he’s a whipped man.
The venue for the event was spacious and elegant, with a high ceiling and luxurious curtains. An impressive chandelier illuminated the room which was tastefully decorated to match a Christmas theme.
Jeongguk arrives with Jimin, who soon after abandons him to run after somebody looking very suspiciously like Yoongi. Jeongguk wonders what’s going on with those two and secretly hopes all this interaction means they’re finding their ways back to one another. Jeongguk’s faith in true love died a little the day they broke it off.
He hangs out with Namjoon for a while, but being the social person he is, - so not at all, he ends up standing alone by the complimentary drinks table by the wall, out of everybody’s way and mostly out of sight too, observing the crowd. Not looking for Taehyung, of course not. Just people watching. And drinking, ‘cause damn, that champagne is some good shit.
It’s a good hour later that Taehyung turns up, not that Jeongguk was paying attention to the excrutiatingly slow crawl of time. He looks even more perfect than usual, if that’s even physically possible, but distance makes the heart grow fonder or however that saying goes, and his heart is so fucking fond right now… He feels so in fond right now…
“Jeongguk-ah?” Taehyung quirks an eyebrow at him as he approaches, head to toe in an expensive suit, probably Gucci.
“Hey, hyung.” He has to blink rapidly to break out of his daze. “How was your trip?”
“Exhausting.” Taehyung sighs. Jeongguk does notice the slight circles under his eyes, though he made a good effort covering most of them up with make up. Even now he looks radiant. So perfect.
Taehyung stands next to him, shoulder touching his as he relaxes against the wall. Jeongguk’s hyper aware body heats up at the point of contact.
“I missed you.”
It slipped out before Jeongguk could have censored the thought and he’s about to backpaddle to save himself some embarrassment when Taehyung bumps his head against his shoulder for a second and replies with a “Missed you too.” If Jeongguk was completely sober he could maybe hide the blush that’s very apparent on his cheeks right now, but well, he isn’t.
They stand in silence for a minute or so before Taehyung places a tentative hand on Jeongguk, right on his chest, his heart beating out of his ribs under Taehyung’s long fingers and Jeongguk whips his head around to look at him faster than the speed of light.
“Hand me a glass of champagne, will you?” Taehyung asks, looking at him with sparkling eyes but Jeongguk isn’t listening. His gaze rakes over Taehyung’s god-sculpted face before permanently gluing themselves to his pink lips and just like at the photoshoot, the outside world ceases to exist. All there is is Taehyung and his inviting lips and Jeongguk’s leaning in, closer and closer, his tipsy brain chanting ‘blame it on the mistletoe’ because yes, conveniently they happen to be standing under some mistletoe dangling from the wall, so Jeongguk closes his eyes and tips his head…
“Jeongguk.”
Fuck. Well this is definitely sobering.
Taehyung’s touch feels firmer on his chest, and Jeongguk knows it’s a warning. He instantly takes a step away from Taehyung, too afraid to look at him.
“I am so sorry !”
“Jeongguk.”
Taehyung’s voice is softer this time but Jeongguk doesn’t wanna face the consequences of his actions just yet, like, give him a minute to prepare, 5 to make a statement in his own defence before it gets overruled at the court of shitty friend. But Taehyung doesn’t seem to want to wait, he wraps a hand around his wrist and pulls him towards the back. Jeongguk only lifts his head up when he is being shoved into a utility closet? What the…
Taehyung barely waits for the door to close behind them before he pushes Jeongguk against the dusty wall of the room. The hand that’s been wrapped around his wrist slowly slides up Jeongguk’s arm and end up on his shoulder, the tips of his fingers brushing against Jeougguk’s neck. Taehyung bites his bottom lip before he leans in, placing his other hand right above Jeongguk’s hammering heart like before, but he stops inches away from Jeongguk’s face, eyes locking into his in one last silent confirmation that they are on the same page before his eyelids flutter shut and his soft lips meet Jeongguk’s in a tender kiss.
“I thought we don’t need an audience for this.” Taehyung whispers into Jeongguk’s lips before kissing him again, more firmly this time.
“I am so confused right now.” Jeongguk whispers back, mind having difficulty catching up with everything that’s just happened.
“I can see that. It’s cute.” Taehyung chuckles and presses a kiss on the tip of his nose. “So let me spell it out for you.” Taehyung pulls away a bit to be able to look into Jeongguk’s eyes. “You’re pretty neat. I wanna kiss you some more.” His fingers are drawing patterns into Jeongguk’s chest. He meets Jeongguk’s wide eyes. “I hope you feel the same way.”
And it’s the flicker of insecurity in his voice that makes Jeongguk act. He wraps two strong arms around Taehyung’s waist, palms sliding up his back as he pulls their chests flush and slots their lips together with hunger. Taehyung tastes like mint and peach lip balm, and Jeongguk wants to devour him right there. Taehyung’s hand moves into his hair, surely making a mess of it but neither of them are bothered the slightest, Taehyung letting out a contented sigh as Jeongguk bites his bottom lip.
“Wait, wait.” Jeongguk pulls away suddenly, panting against Taehyung’s cheek. “What about the no dating policy?”
“Who said we’d be dating?” Taehyung asks and Jeongguk’s blood freezes in his veins, the sudden shock written on his face.
“I’m joking, I’m joking!” Taehyung says apologetically, grabbing Jeongguk’s face in both hands and littering it with kisses. “I’m sorry. Bad joke.” He can’t fight a giggle before pressing his mouth on Jeongguk’s another time. “The policy on office dating was changed a few years back.”
“But I heard you say..”
“I saw how Jimin was looking at the photographer, and that he clearly wanted nothing to do with Woo Jiho. I had to do something.”
“Oh my god, Taehyung.” Jeongguk groans, frustrated but mostly relieved. Taehyung fists a hand into his shirt. He closes the gap between them one more time and pecks Jeongguk gently.
“Nobody ever reads the handbook, Jeongguk-ah.”
It’s the first working day after the gala, the first morning Taehyung and Jeongguk arranged a coffee date for before they’d need to get to work, Jeongguk at the company, Taehyung having a shoot later on the day. It’s early as hell and they’re both dying for caffeine, though the adrenaline from their first official date keeps them both more alert than they’d usually be at 7:30am. Sipping on his coffee Jeongguk is thinking about how utterly adorable Taehyung looks with his fluffy morning hair peaking out from underneath his oversized hoodie, face puffy and eyelids swollen, when Taehyung pulls a small box out of his pocket and slides it towards him.
“Open it.”
“Taehyung, what..”
“Just open it.”
So he reaches for the box and slowly undoes the ribbon tied around it.
Inside, there’s a tiny golden bell, tied to a piece of red string. Jeongguk looks up at Taehyung in slight confusion.
“It’s not our first meeting, but it’s as close as we will ever get now.” Taehyung explains with a smile. The bell jingles as Jeongguk takes it into his hand. When he looks at Taehyung again he’s got an identical one dangling from inbetween his fingers. He wiggles them, making his bell jingle too.
“Oh look, it’s fate.” He says with a cheeky smile.
Jeongguk finally catches on.