Work Text:
The growing ache of Min Yoongi’s back tells him he should take a well-needed break. He stretches his arms up and stands, making sure to move all his stiff joints. A yawn escapes his lips and his eyes look at the time—6:47 a.m. Well, damn. It’s morning now with only some hours left until he should be getting ready to work at the restaurant.
“It’ll be worth it.” Yoongi mutters to reassure himself. He drags his feet across the small bedroom and crashes onto his bed with a groan. He checks his phone before closing his eyes. “Sleep, take me in your arms.”
Time passes quickly and already his alarm is ringing. He curses as he dismisses it, rolling to his side. It feels as if it’s only been a few minutes since he fell asleep. Despite the lingering tiredness in his bones, he pushes himself up and out of bed. Sluggish movements mark the start of his day at 11:00 a.m. He freshens up and gets dressed to go, grabbing his laptop and putting it in his bag before going out of his studio apartment.
“Suga-hyung,” Yoongi’s neighbor greets him as they meet at the elevator. “Morning.”
Yoongi waves his hand as if it’s a troublesome chore to do. “Namjoon-ah. Stop calling me that.”
Kim Namjoon just smiles, saying “It suits you.”
Another yawn passes Yoongi’s lips and he leans his head back against the elevator wall. “You’ve been saying that for 7 years and it’s still not true.”
“I still think it does. Hoseok has good sense.” Namjoon laughs, quieting down to a grin when Yoongi stares humorlessly at him. “You ready for Friday?”
Yoongi groans as he hits his head on the wall a few times. “I still need to polish some more sections. And I’m dragging Taehyung to sing for me.”
“Taehyung?” Namjoon looks a little lost for a moment before a look of realization passes. “The guy with the deep voice, right? Can you introduce me to him? I’d like for him to sing some songs for me too.”
“Sure. You free later?” Yoongi stretches as the elevator arrives at the ground level.
“I’m treating Abi to bingsu. We can meet wherever we end up in?” Namjoon lets Yoongi go out first before following.
This time, it’s Yoongi who looks confused. “Abi?”
“Haven’t I told you about her? She’s sung for me a few times. The one with that vibrant voice you liked in Butterfly.” Namjoon fixes his bag to rest more comfortably on his shoulder.
“Ahh!” Yoongi points a finger at Namjoon as he finally remembers. “Her! Well, this is good. I’ll introduce you to Taehyung and you’ll introduce me to her. What’s her name again? Abi?”
Namjoon smiles and nods. “Yeah. Abi. And it’s a deal. I’ll see you later, hyung.”
They part ways once they’re out of the building, promising to meet after work and bidding a safe and good day to each other. Yoongi takes the bus to go to the restaurant. He scowls at being in the crowd, the jostling and noise grating on his fatigued nerves. By the time he gets to the restaurant, he’s downright grumpy.
“What’s got you in a mood today?” Jungkook asks as Yoongi passes by the kitchen. It’s no longer a surprise to her, or anyone at the restaurant, if he comes in with a scowl.
Yoongi looks at Jungkook, who he likes to call Cookie. His scowl turns into an almost pout. “Slept late and I hate crowds.”
It’s a testament to how well-versed she is with him that she only smiles amusedly. “That’s what you get. Is it coming together well?”
“I’ll be borrowing your boyfriend later to meet with Namjoon and schedule a recording.” Yoongi stifles a yawn before continuing, “Wanna come with? There’s gonna be another girl—sings for Namjoon. But we’re having bingsu.”
There’s an immediate hesitant expression on Jungkook’s face that Yoongi understands. She bites her lip and contemplates for a moment. “I’ll- I’ll think about it. Tell you later?”
Yoongi waves his hand dismissively as he begins to walk away. “Whatever you want, Cookie. No pressure, you know that.”
“Thanks!” Jungkook replies and Yoongi hears her go back to washing the dishes.
The afternoon drags on excruciatingly for Yoongi. He thinks he should be used to operating on a few hours of sleep since he does it often. But, he supposes, the frequency results in detriment rather than adaptation. Time for a decent sleep schedule, he thinks to himself—even if he’s also convinced he’s never going to get it right. At the very least, he gets off early today.
Yoongi stretches his arms up in the air, joints cracking at the movement. A voice comes from behind him, “You’re getting old, hyung.”
“And you think somehow you aren’t?” Yoongi retorts as he turns around, eyebrow already raised. His expression is met with a bright grin.
“It’s not in my genes to grow old like you.” Taehyung giggles. He stops short when the kitchen door opens enough for half of a face to peek out. Then, his whole demeanor brightens tenfold. “My beautiful Cookie!”
It has gotten easier for Yoongi to notice Jungkook’s moods since she wasn’t as talkative in the beginning and even most of the time now. He sees her eyes narrow and he sighs before smacking Taehyung playfully on the head. “Stop causing a commotion or I’ll drag you out.”
“Well,” Taehyung drawls with a grin. “You’re taking me to meet your famous friend and his singer. So you’re already dragging me somewhere.”
Yoongi can’t help but pinch the bridge of his nose. “Whatever. I’m not up to spar words with you right now. Let me log out and we’ll go. Namjoon said they’re already there. That overachiever.”
The conversation ends there. Yoongi walks away without a response from Taehyung, already knowing the other would take no offense in this and would simply hound Jungkook instead. He hears them talk in hushed tones just as he closes the door to the changing room. Once he’s done, he stretches again and walks out to the front.
“You ready?” He asks Taehyung, glancing at Jungkook who seems to be both calm and apprehensive at the same time.
Taehyung smiles, still holding onto Jungkook’s hand. “Yeah. Just gonna say goodbye to my beautiful, wonderful, extraordinary girlfriend.”
The eyerolls are completely necessary. Yoongi and Jungkook do it at the same time yet still it has no negative effect on Taehyung’s mood. Instead, he chuckles and seems rather pleased. Jungkook mutters, “Stop before Yoongi-oppa gets aneurysm.”
Yoongi’s outward disdain for public affection shines through his scowl and crossed arms. Admittedly, he’s pleased that the two have each other but he’d rather have couples tone down the romantic gestures. He still has lingering feelings of inadequacy and alienation from identifying as aromantic. Though, he supposes he probably shouldn’t displace his feelings to other people. He sighs, shaking his head and looking expectantly at Taehyung.
The other seems to understand and nods before turning to Jungkook. “See you later,” he murmurs then kisses Jungkook’s cheek.
“See you,” Jungkook responds. She turns to Yoongi with a wilful expression. “I’ll catch up to you guys later. Just message me the place.”
Yoongi can’t help but smile at this. It’s good for Jungkook to get out there and get used to being with other people again. He reassures her, “Don’t worry. Namjoon is a good person. He’s one of the most open-minded people I know. If his friend isn’t, you can bail out. No need to say anything. Just go.”
“You’re the best, hyung!” Taehyung gives him a thumbs up. Jungkook smiles brightly and nods in agreement.
“I know. Now come on.” Yoongi drags Taehyung away before the couple can do anymore loving gestures to each other. He waves without looking back to Jungkook, “Check your phone in 5 minutes. We’ll see you there.”
Once out of the restaurant, Yoongi pulls his phone out to message both Jungkook and Namjoon. The latter is quick to reply that they’re already enjoying their orders, topping it off with pictures. These make Yoongi scoff which piques Taehyung’s curiosity. “They’re already eating.”
“Those look delicious,” Taehyung comments as he looks at the pictures. “But even if we get there, I’ll wait for Cookie. Doesn’t feel right if I eat before her.”
“Damn you’re so domestic.” Yoongi pulls a scrunched expression before schooling it back to indifference. “Let’s just hurry.”
As they ride the bus to get to the bingsu store, Yoongi and Taehyung talk about schedules and meeting up to record some songs. They agree on a date and time as the bus arrives at their stop. The conversation then steers into the songs Yoongi is composing and producing. Taehyung’s excited and interested expression makes Yoongi feel good about it.
“Finally here, hyung.” Namjoon calls out as soon as Yoongi and Taehyung enter the establishment, a few blocks from the bus stop.
“Shut it, Joon.” Yoongi has a lingering smile on his lips. He looks to the woman standing next to Namjoon, small of stature and yet her presence feels larger than her body. He doesn’t try to equally match her wide and bright smile. But he smiles amiably, “I’m Min Yoongi, Namjoon’s friend. Nice to meet you.”
She shakes his outstretched hand with a firm grip. “Aster Beatrice Dilag. Abi, for short. Nice to meet you.”
From her brown complexion to her name, Yoongi knows she’s most likely from another country. Unless she was born here, he amends to himself. Namjoon comes in to clarify, “She’s an interior designer who came from the Philippines.”
“Oh, cool!” Yoongi nods to Abi before introducing Taehyung. “This is Kim Taehyung. Taehyung, that’s Namjoon. And you heard Abi introduce herself.”
“It’s so nice to meet both of you!” Taehyung shakes hands with the two enthusiastically. “Your songs are amazing, hyung.”
Namjoon laughs and thanks Taehyung. Then, they all settle on their seats. Yoongi takes this opportunity to speak, “Hey, Namjoon. I invited Cookie to join us. Do you mind?”
“Cookie? Your co-worker? I don’t mind.” Namjoon shrugs with a smile. “So will you both order now or wait for her?”
“I’ll wait.” Taehyung responds, leaning back on his seat. Yoongi shrugs and decides he’ll get a bingsu together with them. He turns to look at Abi.
“Would you mind if I ask you to sing for one of my songs?”
Abi almost chokes on her chocolate bingsu at the sudden question. She swallows a mouthful and coughs to clear her throat. “I’d love to! Namjoon lets me hear your songs and they’re honestly the best!”
“Ah!” Namjoon clutches his chest. “I’m the one you’ve been singing for. What is this disrespect?”
“Drama king.” Abi responds back in English, laughing loudly afterward. Her laughter is so contagious that everyone else laughs along with her. They eventually quiet down. “Sorry, Namjoon. But Yoongi-ssi is a genius.”
A swell of pride and smugness threatens to burst inside of Yoongi. He settles for a smirk to convey how affected he is by the compliment. Taehyung giggles beside him, saying, “Ah, you totally made his day.”
The comment earns a smile from both Namjoon and Abi as well as an almost scowl from Yoongi. It’s rather hard to be angrily embarrassed when he’s still feeling happy at being called a genius. Instead, he asks when Abi will be available for a session. As they set up their meeting, Namjoon takes the opportunity to do the same with Taehyung.
“How long have you been here?” Yoongi asks her when they’ve finalized a date and time.
“About 2 years. I got recruited by my employer when they were visiting the Philippines, checking out the designs there.” Abi smiles at the thought, eating some of her half-finished bingsu. “It’s been great. Korea is so beautiful.”
“I heard the Philippines is beautiful too.” Yoongi comments, thinking of Chanyeol who had been there and have showered many compliments about it. “You guys have delicious food.”
Taehyung takes the opportunity to join in. “I’ve tried the uhh- adu- no wait-”
“Adobo?” Abi helps Taehyung out. He smiles wide.
“Yes! That! There was a Filipina exchange student when I was in uni. She cooked for us.” Taehyung sighs wistfully. “That was so yummy.”
Abi wags a finger at Taehyung causing Yoongi to raise an eyebrow. She says in a serious tone, “Sinigang is better. Sinigang is the best. Sinigang is life.”
“What?” All the men ask at the same time.
Yoongi almost laughs at the scandalized expression on Abi’s face. She asks, “What do you mean what? You’ve never heard of sinigang?”
Once again, all men shake their heads in unison with varying expressions of amusement and interest. She shakes her head. “This is not good. Okay. Fine. I’ll cook it for you guys some time.”
Taehyung lets out a noise of excitement that has Yoongi slapping his arm. Namjoon speaks for them, “We look forward to it.”
“Ano ‘tong pinasok ko? Pasalamat kayo gwapo kayo.” Abi mutters to herself as she eats another mouthful of bingsu. When asked what she said, she shakes her head with a smile, “Nothing.”
Yoongi is sure it isn’t nothing but he’ll never know anyway. He lets it slide and turns to Namjoon. “You haven’t let me hear your new one yet.”
“Later. I promise.” Namjoon hands Yoongi the spoon for his green tea bingsu. “Try it.”
There’s no refusing Namjoon so Yoongi takes the spoon and scoops some up. It’s delicious, he thinks as soon as he puts it in his mouth. He nods and gives the spoon back as well as a thumbs up. “That’s good.”
“I know.” Namjoon grins.
At that moment, Taehyung cuts his conversation with Abi short to inform them, “Cookie is here! I’ll be right back. Gotta get my lovely girlfriend.”
Yoongi sighs, “Hopeless.”
“I think it’s cute. Ah, I wish I had a boyfriend like that.” Abi smiles and chews on a piece of mango. She looks at Yoongi and he could feel the bile rise in his throat. Here it comes, he thinks. She asks, “Do you have a girlfriend?”
“No,” he manages to push the word out of his clogged throat. He really hates these questions, completely annoyed by them. Still, sometimes he thinks he can’t fault people. There’s definitely a pressure to be in a relationship, to get married, and all of those things.
Abi seems to sense something off because she has that peculiar expression people have when they think they’ve caught on to something. She asks, “Not interested?”
Namjoon almost replies for Yoongi but he’s interrupted by Yoongi’s meaningful look. Don’t get involved in this or I will maim you, Yoongi thinks. He knows Namjoon means well but it’s different when you speak for yourself rather than have others make explanations for you.
“Not really.” Yoongi tries to brush it off with a shrug.
In the seconds that Abi stares at Yoongi, Taehyung arrives with Jungkook in tow. Yoongi feels relieved at the company. They steer away from dangerous waters as introductions take place. Abi has a look of fascination as Jungkook speaks and then Yoongi sees her smile and grab her phone to type away fast.
Yoongi feels his nerves calm when Taehyung and Jungkook drag him to the counter. They order cheesecake bingsu for Jungkook, chocolate banana bingsu for Taehyung, and coffee bingsu for Yoongi. Jungkook quietly comments, “Coffee addict.”
“I heard that, Cookie. And yes, I am.” Yoongi waves the two off when they attempt to pay. He hands the cashier his card before turning to his protesting companions. “I’m paying. End of argument.”
Taehyung has no qualms hugging the life out of Yoongi. Conversely, Jungkook offers him a delighted smile and hushed thanks. He messes with both of their hairs before pushing them back to their table. He shakes his head when Taehyung makes Jungkook sit impossibly close. When he looks at a giggling Abi, there’s a slight dread as their eyes meet. Will she drop it or not?
“You know,” Abi begins, still looking at Yoongi. That’s a no, he thinks while his jaw tightens a little. “You sounded just like my best friend. She’s not interested in relationships at all. Well, romantic ones anyway. Swears she’ll never get married.”
Yoongi can’t help but grimace. A lot of people say that and yet most never truly mean the words. He doesn’t understand the smile on Namjoon’s face, asking in a disbelieving voice, “Really?”
“Yep!” Abi has a bright smile, expression full of fondness. “She identifies as aromantic. Is there a Korean word for it, Namjoon?”
While Namjoon and Abi talk, Yoongi stares absently into space. He knows Taehyung and Jungkook are talking as well but it’s all background noise at the moment. There’s also their bingsu that arrives but he only absent-mindedly eats it. The deliciousness is lost on him while Taehyung and Jungkook enjoy theirs immensely.
He’s unsure if he should believe that there’s another person like him whose best friend is right there, talking without judgment and with such affection. Is it possible to be how he is and receive love like this best friend she’s talking so fondly of? Is it possible for anyone to understand—aside from Namjoon and Jungkook? (Maybe Heeyeon on most days.)
“Anyway, don’t worry. I totally got her permission to tell you guys.” Abi holds her hands up as if in surrender, one of them holding out her phone. It’s open to a messaging app and Yoongi can guess this is the chat with the best friend. “She also said not to forget to say she’s pansexual. Namjoon, is there-”
“No.” Namjoon quickly replies, more than a little amused. “She’s still enthusiastic.”
“She did say “I’m never gonna meet them anyway” so maybe you mean she’s crazy.” Abi laughs loudly and again everyone can’t help but join in, even Yoongi who still can’t make heads or tails of things. “But she’s kind and very understanding.”
“She’s really pansexual and aromantic?” Taehyung asks, looking quite amazed, spoon dangling between his fingers.
Abi’s lips purse a little. “I would never joke about someone’s sexuality and identity. I understand how important and precious it is to them even if I’m not part of the community.”
Namjoon adds, “I’ve talked a little with Gail-ssi. She’s...very passionate about it.”
“That’s one way to describe her.” Abi laughs a little before her expression turns serious. “Correct me if I’m wrong but from what I’ve seen, Korea can be restrictive to people of the community. I can understand the disbelief, I guess, if I say my best friend is a pansexual aromantic.”
“Your observations aren’t wrong,” Jungkook mutters before stuffing her mouth with bingsu. Yoongi’s head turns to look at Jungkook, surprised she’s speaking on this. He sees her hand clutching tightly onto Taehyung’s and he feels sympathy wash over.
“In any case, and not at all to brag, but I’m open-minded. I’ve lived with her for more than half my life.” Abi scoops up the last of her bingsu. “Your perspective changes, you know.”
Taehyung nods along, looking at Jungkook. “I know.”
Distantly, Yoongi feels a small hollow in his heart. Or maybe my soul, he thinks. He eats more of his bingsu. Is there someone for him like Jungkook and Taehyung or like Abi and her best friend? He’s apprehensive on finding a person who’ll understand and stay. It feels like an impossibility—a miracle.
“No one has to tell me anything about themselves—admit anything. I just wanted to let you guys know that you can be yourselves with me. Don’t have to pretend to be anyone or anything.” Abi smiles. Her expression is so open and supportive that Yoongi feels a spot of warmth spread in that small hollow.
There’s a little bit of courage that tugs at Yoongi. “Could I- I mean- Is it okay to talk to her?”
“Sure!” Abi is already handing out her phone when she stop midway. “Oh, but she doesn’t know Korean. Would you like me or Namjoon to translate?”
“Since it’s your phone,” Yoongi trails off. Despite feeling more comfortable with having Namjoon translate, he’ll accede to working with Abi on this.
There’s some shuffling until Yoongi and Abi are beside each other. Abi starts, “Okay. Already told her you want to talk. Let’s wait a moment.”
Yoongi nods, silent from equal parts anticipation and dread. He actively ignores the conversation between the other three or else he won’t be able to articulate himself. Instead, he stuffs himself with bingsu. When Abi’s phone pings to notify a message, he peeks at the conversation. There are a few English words he can recognize and most he guesses are Filipino. He can also see an abuse of punctuation marks, capitalization, and emoticons.
“She’s up for it!” Abi has her phone ready and looks expectantly at Yoongi. “What did you want to say?”
It takes a moment for Yoongi to gather his bearings. This is a good opportunity—a closer conversation than an online forum. “How did she know? How did she know she’s aromantic?”
“Oh that!” Abi smiles, typing away. She shakes her head as she finishes and looks at Yoongi again. “I could have told you myself. I’ve asked her about it before.”
There’s another ping before Yoongi can respond. Abi reads it silently before saying, “She says that when she came upon the term, it got her thinking. And then she realized she’s aromantic. She doesn’t understand romance. She recoils from actually being with someone.”
“Oh,” is all Yoongi can say at that moment because oh that person understands. Oh, that person is the same. Oh, that person thinks just like him. He vaguely registers Abi giggling while typing something. Most of his brain, however, feels like it’s being pounded by a hammer. The impossible is possible.
“She’s asking if you’re looking for someone to talk to.” Abi nudges Yoongi’s arm with her elbow. “Yoongi-ssi?”
Her concern that clings to her voice snaps Yoongi out of his stupor. He nods, “I do. I am.”
Abi giggles again, concern leaving her as she says, “So cute.”
Yoongi’s eyes land on their other companions as Abi types away again. Jungkook is smiling at him like she’s happy for him about something—he’s not sure what. In turn, it causes Taehyung to look at him as well. Taehyung gives him a thumbs up and a wink. Yoongi rolls his eyes instead of laughing like he kind of wants to. Namjoon looks like he’s studying Yoongi before smiling as well.
Abi perks up then. “Okay. So feel free to chat with her whenever you want to. Or need to. I’ll translate. I’ll be your Google translator. We’ll open a group chat. Oh, and Namjoon can join too.”
Yoongi can barely process how he’s acquired acquaintances—dare he say friends—that are understanding and are willing to help and listen and talk. There’s a stranger that is willing to communicate with him despite language barriers just to be there for him. He’s utterly speechless.
“I know we just met but trust me. I won’t judge and I won’t tell anyone what goes on in the chat. What’s said there, stays there.” Abi reassures Yoongi after a stretch of silence.
“I think he’s too happy to say anything,” Taehyung comments and Yoongi wants to say he’s absolutely right. Taehyung turns to Abi, expression hesitant yet hopeful. “Is it okay for me and Cookie to talk to her too?”
Abi smiles brightly, “I’m sure she won’t mind. In fact, she’ll be happier.”
“Thank you,” Jungkook smiles at Abi. “To her and to you.”
“You’re very welcome,” Abi clutches her phone tight, seeming to be bursting in happiness.
Yoongi thinks it’s so good of her to feel happiness for the happiness of others and ventures to say something of the sort. “You’re a good person.”
The comment seems to surprise Abi. She turns her head, eyes wide and cheeks beginning to redden. “Oh. Thank you.”
“Thank you too,” Yoongi responds back. Life brightens up when he least expects it to. He certainly didn’t expect for Namjoon’s friend to be this wonderful and understanding person. There’s no chance he won’t keep in touch for more than her voice on his record.
“Okay. Finish up eating before everything melts.” Namjoon ushers the three to eat while steering the conversation to music again.
When Yoongi is lying down on his bed later that night, he feels better about himself. He has saved Abi’s number for both music and other purposes. He’s in a group chat with her, her best friend, Namjoon, Jungkook, and Taehyung. He has someone to talk to albeit having to go through translators—but still. Not only does he have the very understanding Namjoon who didn’t bat an eyelash at Jungkook, he also has Jungkook and Taehyung who are open-minded and willing to learn. Then, there are his new friends—yes he will call them friends—who give him acceptance and perspective. He smiles as he stares at his laptop still playing his demo. This is all that he needs—friends, work, and the belief that he is as valid as everyone else.