Work Text:
Taehyung wakes to the sound of his phone alarm blaring in his hotel room. He sits up slowly, neck sore from his sleeping position, and feels around for the device. After many failed attempts, he finally turns it off and strokes a hand down from his face. Sleep sits deep within his body and he furrows his brows, wondering why in the world he had set an alarm.
His feet swing over the edge of the king-sized mattress, and he heads toward the thick bohemian curtains of the balcony. He pulls them open to let light pours into the room and gazes out at the urban waterway below. It's then that his eyes widen and he remembers his plans for the day.
Dashing to his suitcase, he rummages around to find the outfit he had put together and heads to the bathroom, quickly washing up and styling his dirty blonde hair in light waves. A tiny bit of makeup is necessary for his escapade, smudging his eyes and covering his blemishes. He tugs on his denim pullover over his striped blue shirt and adjusts his sandals. He sits his tan hat carefully on his head and stops to give a twirl in the full-length mirror, admiring his work; it's a job well done if he's completely honest with himself.
Grabbing his tripod and camera, he bounds out the door and down the dimly lit hallway. It opens up into an open-air balcony adorned with delicate railings. Taehyung glances down at the decorative pool in the courtyard below, noting it's vacancy, and sprints down the stairs to the hotel’s restaurant. He devours a freshly made omelette and heads out to the riverwalk.
He trods down the hotel’s tiled stairs and looks out at the display of vibrant landscape. The cypress-lined paths along the river bank greet him with a fresh smell. He looks up and down the winding pathways and inwardly rejoices. At such an early hour of eight in the morning, hardly a soul is in sight which grants him an opportune time to start his project.
Taehyung assembles his camera on the steps facing the arching stone bridge and adjusts the settings. He looks out at the water glistening with the rising sun and snaps a few tester pictures. He sits down after being satisfied with them and waits.
When his overseer had suggested starting a new project, he wanted to try something out of his comfort zone. He's not sure what had possessed him to hop on a plane and travel to a foreign land for the sake of his artistic growth as an amateur photographer, but he's found himself in this historic city nonetheless. While packing up his clothes, Taehyung had narrowed down his subject to humans. Naturally, Taehyung had to put a spin on it and make the idea his own. The final conclusion was this: in each place he visited in the historic city, he would find a stranger wearing a matching item of clothing to his. He would then ask for a kiss and capture the progression of emotions surrounded by beautiful scenery with his camera. The idea had seemed crazy at first, but Taehyung was always one to experiment.
Taehyung bites on his lips anxiously. A few travelers pass, but none of their apparel seems to match his. He tries not to stress for now because someone is bound to be wearing something similar to him. He listens to the birds wallowing in the trees and looks out at the terracotta tiles on the old building across the way. Taehyung bunches up his knees towards his chest and rests his head on top.
“Excuse me,” a voice from behind him beckons.
Taehyung jumps up startled but moves out of the way to let the person pass. He mutters out a Sorry with his slightly unconfident English.
When he turns to face the stranger, he feels his heart quicken. Staring back at him are attractive wide eyes. He feels himself being drawn into their innocence until he looks at the rest of the boy. There's a strange aura of beauty and maturity that surrounds the stranger the more Taehyung looks at him.Tousled brown hair frames his face quite well and his pouty bottom lip and thinner top lip are somehow fitting. However, the stranger’s oversized nose is absolutely adorable. Taehyung notes the cute bandanna tied around his neck and the striped blue shirt saying cotton candy.
Taehyung smiles so wide he feels his cheeks bunch up to his eyes. He's finally found someone to match him.
A blue striped shirt.
“Can we take a picture?” he asks, gesturing to his camera. “Together?”
The stranger smiles at him, showcasing his front teeth and gestures to his own camera perched on his shoulder. He looks a bit flustered at the sudden question.
“Sure,” he responds. He seems to think before speaking again. “Are you Korean?”
“Yes!”
The stranger seems to relax down. “Me too,” he states, switching over to the other language.
“Thank gosh. My English is sort of limited,” Taehyung chuckles out.
“I've been studying English, but I still have a long ways to go,” the stranger says.
“So you wouldn't mind being photographed with me? It's for a project I started so I can improve my work.”
“I'm a photographer myself, so I wouldn't mind helping out.”
Taehyung nods slowly, taking in the stranger’s expression. “So,” he begins, “How do you feel about kissing me?”
The stranger’s cheeks turn red and his eyes widen in shock. “W-What?”
Taehyung thinks the stranger is absolutely adorable getting embarrassed but proceeds with caution. He knows how homophobic some people could be, and he doesn't want to take a chance. “Look if you're uncomfortable with it-”
“No!’ the stranger pipes in, holding his hands up defensively. “It’s not like that at all, actually. It just caught me off guard.”
Taehyung feels relief spread through his body and let's out a breath. “Thank gosh. I was afraid there for a second.” He adjusts his hat before eyeing the bridge. “So you'd really be up for it?”
“Yeah! Just tell me what to do.”
“Perfect,” Taehyung says. “Can you go up on the bridge so I can photograph you alone? I need a few solo shots so I can showcase a bit of your personality.”
“Sure.”
The boy puts down his own camera and walks up the stone steps to the top of the bridge. Taehyung adjusts the camera so he's in frame, giving the boy a thumbs up, and instructs him to be natural. He strikes a variety of poses, looking up towards the sun, peering out over the water, striking a peace sign, showing his cute side, and giving some sultry expressions at the camera.
Taehyung scrolls through the previews and is not shocked that nearly every picture is workable. He motions the boy in place so he's standing off to one side.
“Ready for the grand finale?” Taehyung announces.
“I'm ready if you are.”
“Good.” Taehyung clicks on the timer and rushes up the bridge to face the boy. When the camera goes off with rapid clicking sounds, the boy wraps his hands tentatively around Taehyung’s waist. His hands are thick and settle comfortably in place. Taehyung smiles at him, wrapping his own hands around the boy’s neck. He closes his eyes as they inch towards each other. Their breath fawn over each other's lips, both of them a bit hesitant to act. Taehyung feels like he's holding his breath, waiting in anticipation for what's to come.
The boy surges forward to capture their lips, making Taehyung gasp at the sudden action. The boy tastes like sweet vanilla and something else Taehyung can't quite pinpoint. The kiss is tender and unrushed, but the stranger kisses with a confidence that seemed absent before. Taehyung finds himself tilting his head for better access and dissolving into the other’s plush lips. He kisses softly, merely pressing his lips fervently. When the clicking stops, they separate and Taehyung finds himself feeling at his slick lips with his fingers.
“Wow,” Taehyung says, staring at the boy. Real smooth , he thinks and mentally slaps himself for his lack of eloquence. Although, He can't help himself from wanting to kiss the boy again.
“I know,” the boy smirks, pride subconsciously puffing out his chest.
Taehyung feels himself flush because where did this boy’s sudden confidence come from? He heads back down the steps and looks through the series of pictures.
“By the way, I realized I never introduced myself,” he laughs. “I'm Taehyung.”
“Jeongguk.”
“My project is photographing strangers. The element that ties me and the stranger together is a matching piece of clothing.”
“I was wondering why you chose me out of all people. Striped shirts, right?”
Taehyung nods enthusiastically as he's hit with a bright idea. While his project was originally meant to happen with multiple people, he can’t help but only want Jeongguk. It probably isn’t the best idea to change his project at the last second, but he doesn't want to lose Jeongguk just yet.
“Well Jeongguk, I hope you're up for traveling around the city with me because I kind of need you now.”
Jeongguk let's out a laugh. “I had the feeling you were going to say something like that. I was going to photograph the city anyways though, so it works out perfectly.”
“Hope you don't mind kissing me at each location I bring you to.”
Jeongguk looks down and then smiles as his eyes crinkle up. “Wouldn’t mind at all.”
Taehyung grabs his camera and tripod and begins the journey down the winding pathways with Jeongguk in tow.
He learns that Jeongguk is two years younger and is originally from Busan. He had moved to Seoul to pursue photography as his full time career. Although the younger is definitely more reserved than Taehyung, conversation seems to bubble easily between the two.
Taehyung stops as they near a small waterfall surrounded by blossoming trees. Pink petals decorate the ground and fall into the flowing water.
“We have to stop here. Look how gorgeous this is.”
Jeongguk hums in response, waiting as Taehyung sets up.
“I want you to surprise me with this one, Jeongguk.” He gets the camera ready and heads over to Jeongguk underneath the trees.
The timer sounds off and Taehyung braces himself.
He feels Jeongguk grab his body. Suddenly, Taehyung is leaning back. Taehyung is surprised to say the least and rolls his eyes at the dip. Jeongguk teases him, bumping his nose against Taehyung’s and then traveling to meet his lips. Taehyung braces his hands into Jeongguk’s arms, noting how toned they are, and this time, it's Taehyung who takes the first step.
There’s a force and desperation this time, but there's still a gentleness hidden behind it. Their lips move against each other, building up a rhythm until Taehyung nudges at Jeongguk’s lips with his tongue to gain access into his mouth. The sensation is warm as Taehyung hungrily explores. The camera stops and Jeongguk pulls Taehyung up into his chest.
Taehyung steps back and buries his head in his hands. “That was so cheesy. I can't believe you.”
“Well you did say to surprise you.”
Taehyung rolls his eyes. “Anyways, we have a lot more pictures to take! C’mon!”
They continue along like that, stopping to take pictures of the stone buildings and overhanging trees and weaving in and out of boutiques and souvenir shops. Taehyung stops now and then to take pictures of Jeongguk taking pictures of his own, eyeing the scenery with wonder, laughing about something, or getting embarrassed. Soon enough, Taehyung’s camera is filled with Jeongguk and all he can seem to do is check the younger's reaction for everything. There's a certain peacefulness that Jeongguk brings in an unfamiliar land.
Taehyung’s stomach rumbles and Jeongguk smirks at him.
“Hungry?” Jeongguk teases, poking at Taehyung’s stomach.
“Stop that,” Taehyung says, lightly hitting Jeongguk on the arm, but his action has no menace behind it. “Maybe.”
Jeongguk eyes Taehyung with a knowing look which has Taehyung giving in.
“Ok fine,” Taehyung huffs out exasperated, “I'm starving.”
“Cute,” Jeongguk laughs which has Taehyung taken back. His cheeks feel like they're burning from the remark, and he proceeds to kick the younger playfully. “I know a good place just around the corner.”
Jeongguk leads them to a small shack alongside the river offering anything from salads to burgers. Taehyung can't resist a double stacked burger while Jeongguk opts for a sandwich. They sit at a small table alongside a stream that leads into the river.
“Mmphf,” Taehyung sighs into the burger. The flavors dance on his palate as the tender meat dissolves in his mouth. He chews slowly, letting himself enjoy each burst of flavor.
“I'm guessing it's good?” Jeongguk smiles at him.
Taehyung wipes his oily hands on his napkin and reaches for a fry to dip it in a dollop of ketchup. He's not sure what prompts him to reach over and hold it to Jeongguk’s mouth, but what surprises him is when Jeongguk delivers a few kittenish licks to the tip. He stares back at Taehyung with innocent eyes before his tongue darts back in.
Taehyung stares back dumbfounded as Jeongguk cleans his mouth. Taehyung pulls the fry away because two can play at this game . He licks a stripe down the fry and engulfs the tip of it into his mouth. He watches Jeongguk's expression change before his eyes. Taehyung stares back with a devilish smirk before he leans forward and throws the fry into his mouth.
“Something wrong Jeongguk?” Taehyung looks back with wide eyes. He can feel the heat running through his body and he knows Jeongguk can too.
“N-No. It's nothing,” Jeongguk coughs out. Taehyung laughs at the ridiculous expression on the younger’s face and soon enough, Jeongguk is joining in. Taehyung can't help but look at Jeongguk as he laughs. He's cute , Taehyung thinks. His hair ruffled in a subtle way, his barely noticeable mole under his lip, his nose scrunched, and teeth that protrude ever so slightly. Taehyung stares at Jeongguk’s creased eyes and notices the faint shimmery eyeshadow and the way it blends into a light caramel color at the edges.
“Oh my gosh,” Taehyung states, taken back.
Jeongguk’s face visibly tints pink. “Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?” He starts touching around, pulling out his phone to see himself.
“No not at all! I was just admiring your makeup. You have some serious skills.”
Jeongguk gives a small smile, tucking a piece of stray hair behind his ear. “Well, you learn a few things after working with Jung Saem Mool.”
Taehyung splutters because Jeongguk can't be serious. There's no way he's seen Jung Saem Mool, let alone worked with one of the top makeup artists in Seoul.
He takes in Jeongguk’s neutral expression and finds his mouth going slack. “ What? Are you serious?”
Realization washes over Jeongguk’s face and his mouth sets into a line. “Yeah,” he laughs stiffly, “I've worked with her a few times during some shoots and stuff.”
Everything clicks into place from there.
“Wait, are you Jeongguk as in Jeon Jeongguk the famous photographer for Vogue Korea?”
Jeongguk rubs the back of his head, looking down sheepishly. “That would be me.”
“Oh my gosh and you didn't fucking tell me? I feel so stupid now.” Taehyung can't help but smile as wide as he can and bury his face in his hands. “I've been following your work for as long as I can remember. You've been such an inspiration to me.”
Jeongguk is at a loss of words, simply giving Taehyung a smile.
“Even though you're some famous photographer, I hope you know this doesn’t change the way I see you. You're still the same Jeongguk as before and you still need to help me finish my project.”
“I wouldn't want it any other way,” Jeongguk says. “I'm glad someone doesn’t see me just for my success for once.”
Taehyung offers him a reassuring look. “Don't worry. I'm not someone who'd treat you differently just because you're well known.”
“Thanks. It really means a lot.”
“Anyways,” Taehyung adds, “I have two more places I want to visit for these pictures, but we’ll have to hop in my rental car to get there.”
“Can't wait.”
x
The drive to the outskirts of the city doesn’t take very long with Taehyung asking more questions than he could count and Jeongguk asking his fair share as well. Taehyung opens the car door and let's his feet touch the pavement. He looks up the hill and sees the large stony structure sitting at the top.
“What is this, Hyung?” Jeongguk questions as they venture towards the wooden entrance gate.
“A Japanese tea garden. Not sure how I found this place to be honest, but it popped up when I searched for things to do around here. Apparently it had been an abandoned limestone quarry, but a Japanese family bought it and made this.”
Jeongguk nods, mildly intrigued at the story. Taehyung gazes at the weathered wood of the archway gate and takes in the intricate characters carved into it's sign. The thatched roof slopes down in majestic layers. Jeongguk immediately takes out his camera and snaps a few shots.
The travel up the cobbled stairway and reach the pavilion at the top. Taehyung feels his breath escape him. They look down upon koi ponds feeding into each other and lush flowers settled into every space. Stone bridges lead far back to a waterfall cascading down the back wall. The little oasis is anything but small, but it feels welcoming.
“Oh my gosh!” Taehyung exclaims. “They have boba here Jeongguk! I have to get some!”
They walk over to the stand and Taehyung inspects the menu.
“Which one should I get? The mango peach one sounds amazing, but I also love matcha.”
“I’d go for the mango peach,” Jeongguk pipes in enthusiastically.
Taehyung orders and they wait off to the side for the drink to be prepared. Taehyung bounces up and down with excitement.
“Here you are sir. Enjoy your drink,” the clerk says, handing over the concoction.
“Thank you,” Taehyung remarks and makes sure to drop a few coins into the tip jar.
“Thank you,” Jeongguk echoes.
Taehyung shoots Jeongguk a side glance as they sit down at one of the benches. “Yah, did you just mimic my English?”
Jeongguk looks innocently at Taehyung but his eyes tell a different story. “No. Where in the world would you ever get that idea from?”
“You brat,” Taehyung teases. He looks down at his drink and feels confusion sink in. His eyebrows furrow together and he lifts the drink up to his eye level.
“Why are the tapioca balls white? The ones I normally get are either translucent or black,” Taehyung announces.
“I have no idea. Just try it and see how it tastes.”
Taehyung shrugs and takes a gulp through his straw. He immediately covers his mouth and squeezes his eyes shut. Jeongguk can't help but laugh. Taehyung swallows the down the substance reluctantly and coughs.
“This tastes like shit. The tea is unsweetened and the tapioca balls taste like paper.” He takes out a mint and plops it in his mouth. “This tastes as bad as black coffee.”
“Let me try,” Jeongguk says and motions the drink over. He takes a sip and nods. “Not bad. I also happen to like my coffee black.”
“You heathen,” Taehyung rasps out. “I will not stand for this boba imposter or your love for black coffee.”
Jeongguk chuckles and follows Taehyung to walk around the garden. He disposes of the drink about halfway through and Taehyung gets right to work setting up his camera in an alcove of the pavilion. Taehyung’s hands work slower as he mulls over an idea in his head.
“Hey Jeongguk?”
“Yeah?”
Taehyung hesitates. “Is it alright if I take more solo pictures of you, but not for my project? It probably sounds selfish, but you're fun to photograph.”
Jeongguk takes Taehyung’s hands in his own and let's his calloused hands run over Taehyung’s knuckles.
“I don't mind, besides I'm really enjoying this.”
Taehyung feels his heart flutter, but he doesn't let go. Instead, he leads Jeongguk over and sits down with him. His heart is hammering in his chest and beckoning him on.
He surges forward and feels Jeongguk gasp against him. Jeongguk smiles into him and kisses back. Their tongues dance around each other in patterns. He can faintly taste the lingering boba in Jeongguk’s mouth, but he’s too caught up to care. Taehyung settles back when realization washes over him and he takes in Jeongguk's flustered expression.
“Sorry,” he rushes out and looks into Jeongguk’s eyes. “I couldn't help it. You just do things to me that I can't explain.”
Jeongguk looks at Taehyung, his expression unchanged until he looks down and smiles.
“It's okay. I feel the same.”
Taehyung smiles and captures Jeongguk in a hug.
“You know, I originally set out looking to get my project done, but I think I've found something a little more.”
They both laugh and look out at the sky. Taehyung can't help but think that maybe his reason for coming here wasn't to finish his project. In fact, his reason for coming was to find Jeongguk. He doesn't know what lies ahead but Taehyung knows one thing for sure: He set out with the intention of kissing multiple strangers, but now he is set on only kissing one.