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The scent of sand and surf hits Taehyung's nostrils with a rush. Coconut lotion mixes with sun and sweat to wrap his body in warmth as he watches puffy clouds in the sky. A beach towel snuggles his body into a cozy cocoon while the latest hit single sounds a thumping beat through his earbuds. A feeling of peace and hope fills him with wonder and he yawns happily as the sun shines down on him.
Life back in Seoul is nothing compared to this luxury. Seoul is college and family responsibilities; fatigue and being frazzled to the bone.
Last winter the company Taehyung's father works for began to require extra training abroad. Six months is a long time so Taehyung took up the mantle of helping his mother care for his younger brother and sister while his father temporarily resided in Beijing. Between his mother's job and his heavy class schedule they worked together to maintain normalcy in the Kim household. Despite their exhaustion they managed to successfully feed, clothe, send off to school, and occasionally amuse and entertain the two kids.
When his father returned in late spring, Taehyung's friend Jimin suggested a well-deserved summer vacation to Hawaii as soon as classes were over for the term. Taehyung jumped at the chance after initially scoffing; like a broke university student could afford a trip across the globe for fun in the sun. But since Jimin found a buyer for his Kaws collection he had extra money and thought there'd be no better way to spend it than by taking a once in a lifetime trip with his two best friends, Tae Tae and Kookie.
Taehyung was beyond excited. The furthest he'd ever been from home was a trip to Japan when he was young enough to still be the only child in his family. And now as he looks over at all the multi-colored umbrellas and lounge chairs and happy faces, including Jimin and Jungkook's contagious smiles, Taehyung feels truly lucky to experience such an opportunity with his friends. He decides this time needs to be remembered forever.
After taking out his earbuds, Taehyung pushes up on his elbows. "We should get a tattoo," he says dreamily.
"What?" Jimin raises an eyebrow above his sunglasses and wrinkles his nose. "A tattoo? Why?"
With a pleasurable groan, Taehyung smoothes out the towel on the sand and flips over to his stomach. He cradles his head with his arms, running his fingers through light brown hair, even lighter now since he's been lounging at the beach. His stylist - AKA the woman he calls "mom" - will chastise him for letting the sun bleach out his hair but he knows this vacation will be worth a faded dye job. Besides, he's getting used to the almost-blond color.
"Because getting a tattoo will commemorate our special trip. It will solidify our friendship forever. What do you think, Jungkook?"
"I don't think I want a tattoo. It'll hurt, don't you think?"
Jungkook is a couple years younger than Taehyung and Jimin, normally the one who crashes through life headfirst unafraid and ready to do battle. So his hesitation confuses Taehyung.
"No, it won't be that bad," Taehyung says, pouting they aren't on board with the idea like he is. "I mean, yeah, I'm sure it hurts but if we get a little one -"
"Maybe we could get henna," Jimin offers. "You know you're a big scaredy-cat when it comes to pain. Even worse than Kookie -"
"Hey!" Jungkook yells and punches his fist in the air. "I'm not scared of anything!"
Jungkook bounces to his feet and leans down to grab him by the throat, shaking his head back and forth while Jimin tries to pull his feet out from under him.
Taehyung rolls his eyes at their playful scuffle. "No, I want something permanent. But you guys get henna if you want. It'll still be fun."
******
"Welcome! Welcome to Jin and Joon's!"
Taehyung's smile grows wider when the man addresses him in Korean. He glances at Jimin and notices the way he gives him a knowing look, like it didn't surprise him in the least to find a tattoo shop in Hawaii owned by a gay Korean couple.
"Where'd you find this place?" Taehyung whispers.
"Instagram."
"Hello," a man with friendly eyes and dimples says. "I'm Kim Namjoon, the 'Joon' in Jin and Joon's."
"Hello," Taehyung bows. "I'm Kim Taehyung and my friends Park Jimin and Jeon Jungkook."
"Taehyung." Namjoon bows and reaches out for his hand, greeting Jimin and Jungkook as well. "A pleasure to meet you all. So, where are you from?"
"We live in Seoul. I'm from Daegu but my family moved to Seoul after my younger sister was born. My friends are originally from Busan."
"Seoul...Ahhh..." Namjoon sighs. "I miss Seoul. We'll be returning soon enough for military service, but it's been nice to live so openly and not worry about what other people think."
Taehyung nods his head in understanding. It isn't easy being gay in his homeland. If he ever has the fortune to really fall in love Taehyung knows marriage is out of the question. He wonders if the opportunity arises can he live so openly to build a life with the one he loves.
"How long have you lived in Hawaii?"
"We moved right after Seokjin graduated from university. I ended up finishing my degree here. We used to do tattoo work back home on the side and decided to open up our own business here in Hawaii. It's a good life. Zen," he adds thoughtfully. "I guess it's been a little over three years now."
"Almost four," the obvious other half of Jin and Joon's corrects, wrapping his arms around Namjoon's waist. "Hello," he waves. "I'm Kim Seokjin."
The trio smiles and bows.
"Nice to meet you," Taehyung says.
"This is Kim Taehyung, Park Jimin, and Jeon Jungkook," Namjoon introduces.
Greetings of welcome are expressed and before long Taehyung finds himself sitting in a chair looking at one of the tattoo design books written in Korean while Namjoon and Seokjin cater to other clients.
Jungkook is hungry (that boy is always hungry!) so he and Jimin leave to find a place to eat lunch. Taehyung read somewhere it's a good idea to eat a full meal before getting a tattoo but he's so anxious and afraid eating anything will upset his stomach.
His nerves are on high alert, excitement mixing with a little fear of the unknown. Taehyung's skin is a blank, virginal canvas and even though he's always romanticized the idea of getting a tattoo, the actual act of following through is rather intimidating. Something this permanent needs to be saturated in meaning and purpose. Or at least look hella cool.
He thinks about his relationship with Jimin and Jungkook, the three always tied at the hip from their first introductions. Jimin, the soft-spoken, angelic hyung who has a devilish streak inside him that Taehyung adores; Jungkook, the devilish maknae who can be the sweetest of sweet angels when he wants to be. And then there's Taehyung, sort of the ebb and flow, always in transition and keeping the trio in symbiotic harmony. The glue that holds them together.
A particular section of the book suddenly captures Taehyung's interest. Various designs - some intricate and stunning, others simple and plain - stare back at him as if to say, "Pick me!"
Moon tattoos can depict eternal transformation. They are mystical and filled with energy; life-affirming and divine. They represent time and magic. People with a sixth sense often gravitate towards the idea of a moon tattoo, a symbol of constant change.
His connection to the idea of a moon tattoo is strong, the pull magnetic and almost primal. Taehyung has always been a chameleon, constantly adapting to his environment as situations warrant it. The moon is the perfect way to celebrate this particular time in his life; young and forging lifelong friendships with two men he considers brothers. Who knows what the future may bring? The fluidity of life is up and down and whirls all around. This moment in time will always be remembered fondly and with love.
The next step is finding the perfect design. So many beautiful tattoos are featured. It's overwhelming and still a little scary. He's not sure why trepidation coats him like a blanket. Perhaps it's the commitment, the finality. Or more than likely it's the fear of pain. Or a combination of both. Moons with faces and colors - some barely discernible, others quite garish - full and crescent moons, playful moons with complementary clouds and birds, tempestuous moons with howling wolves, moons with swirly artistic lines or strict geometric patterns. The decision is more complicated than Taehyung anticipated.
Sunshine suddenly gleams through the half open blinds over the large storefront window and lights over a pair of tattoos in the book like a sign from the heavens, one sun and one moon. The simplicity of both designs is striking: a tiny circle with eight lines to represent the sun's rays and a small waxing crescent moon, plain and beautiful.
Perfect.
Taehyung smiles when he decides on the moon design. His next step is figuring out where to put it on his body. He looks around and sees that Jimin and Jungkook are still nowhere to be found. The clock on the opposite wall says they should have been finished eating at least half an hour ago. Taehyung smirks to himself and thinks Jungkook probably found an arcade or something. The picture of Jimin rolling his eyes as Jungkook mercilessly beats him in competition gives Taehyung an inside giggle.
Seokjin is working on a client but Namjoon looks like he's just finishing up. Taehyung decides to get an expert opinion on where to put the tattoo. He picks the book up with a finger in place for a bookmark and steps over to speak with Namjoon.
His breath catches and his throat constricts as he walks closer. A flash of bare chest, golden skin, low slung board shorts, and an exposed hipbone are certainly enough to stop his heart. But what really gets to Taehyung is the tattoo Seokjin is marking into the man's skin.
A tiny circle with eight lines.
"Hey, Taehyung," Namjoon says. "Did you find something you like?"
"Uh...yeah." He blinks in shock a few times and slowly hands the book over. "Moon."
"Oh, my God!" Namjoon exclaims. "It's from the same set. You have to see this when you're finished, Seokjin."
"Finished!" Seokjin shouts with a smile. "What do I have to see?"
"Look."
"Wow! Hoseok, Taehyung is getting the same tattoo -"
"No!" Taehyung feels an urgent need to defend himself, against what he's not sure. "I'm getting a moon."
"Oh," Seokjin says. "Well, still it's crazy you two are getting tattoos from the same set. Most of the time we don't get specific requests from books. We create designs from someone's own idea or -"
"You don't think getting a book one is a good idea?"
Suddenly Taehyung is unsure of his decision to even get a tattoo, much less this particular moon design. Maybe he should design it himself. Perhaps he's rushing into something and he needs to step back and think about it a little more.
"Can I see now?" the man obviously named Hoseok asks as he sits up and then stands to his feet.
The full-length mirror reveals Hoseok's small tattoo and large smile as he pulls his shorts down even lower to admire the fresh ink. His whole face lights up and Taehyung's insides do flips while the rest of him tingles. Taehyung can't help but stare into the mirror and run his eyes up and down Hoseok's body. When his gaze reaches to Hoseok's shiny black hair and handsome face their eyes meet in the mirror and Taehyung nervously looks away.
"You're getting the matching moon," Hoseok says. He turns abruptly to face Taehyung. "That's awesome! Hi, I'm Jung Hoseok." A quick bow and he reaches for Taehyung's hand.
It takes a few seconds before Taehyung realizes Hoseok is speaking to him in Korean. And when he is placed within the direct path of Hoseok's brilliant smile, Taehyung decides getting this moon tattoo is the best idea he's ever had in his entire life.
"Um...Hi. I'm Kim Taehyung," he says slowly as if he isn't exactly sure what his own name is, and then he bows to Hoseok in greeting. Hoseok's skin is soft against his hand and he puts forth an extra effort not to hyperventilate and make a fool of himself. "Do you...live here?"
"At Jin and Joon's?"
Hoseok chuckles and Taehyung can feel his face heat up in an embarrassed blush.
"Sorry, I'm just being silly. No, I don't live here. I live in Seoul."
"You do? I live in Seoul, too."
"Ah! Small world!" Hoseok grins. "We are just here as tourists."
We.
Oh.
Taehyung's spirits suddenly take a nosedive.
"Oh, yeah, we are, too."
Hoseok nods. "Are you here with your family?"
"No, my two best friends."
"Really? I'm here with my best friend, too. Although most of the time I feel like I'm alone on this island because all he wants to do is sleep," Hoseok adds with a half-laugh, half-grimace.
"I really hate to break this up but if you want that tattoo I should get going on it. It won't take long but I have a full day of clients lined up," Namjoon interjects. "I'm sorry."
"Oh! Right, sorry," Taehyung says sheepishly.
"Can I..." Hoseok hesitates, "...can I hang out for a while?"
Taehyung catches the grin between Namjoon and Seokjin.
"Absolutely!" Seokjin says with a little laugh. "Let me put a bandage on then you can just sit right here..." He grabs a chair from the corner and places it next to Namjoon's station. "...and keep Taehyung company."
"Is that alright?" Hoseok asks, dark eyes searching Taehyung's face intently.
"Sure. Yeah," he nods.
"Now that's settled, where do you want the tattoo?" Namjoon asks.
"I think..." Taehyung pauses, his face heating up once again as he looks Hoseok's way. Seokjin is cleaning Hoseok's skin and placing a protective bandage over his pelvic area. "I'd like it here." He points to his lower stomach, opposite to the side of Hoseok's sun.
"Ahh," Namjoon gives him a knowing grin. "Sexy. I like it. Take your shirt off and lie down."
Shit.
Undressing in front of Hoseok didn't even cross Taehyung's mind when he impulsively decided on the tattoo position. Normally Taehyung didn't care about these things. It isn't like he's a virgin or anything and too nervous to show off his body. He knows he has a nice body and people find him good-looking; tall with an athletic build, maybe a little on the thinner side if he's been particularly stressed out but definitely a man who turns heads.
Yet for some strange reason Taehyung is nervous as hell and quite intimidated by Hoseok's presence. He wonders what Hoseok will think of him, if he'll find Taehyung attractive. He already knows Hoseok's body is fit and sexy and he's gorgeous. Taehyung's desire to impress the stranger is almost overwhelming. It's like a kinetic pull, yin and yang.
Sun and moon. Moon and sun.
Taehyung takes a deep breath and reaches for the hem of his t-shirt, pulling it up over his head and tossing the garment to an empty chair. His peripheral vision indicates Hoseok appreciates the view and he slightly grins to himself before he takes a seat in Namjoon's chair. Reclining backwards, he puts his arms up and tries to smooth out his hair.
"You're like me," Hoseok says.
Taehyung turns his head towards Hoseok. "Excuse me?"
"Sorry," Hoseok laughs softly, almost like he's a little uncomfortable. "You don't have any tattoos. Well, at least none I can see," he says with amusement in his eyes. "This sun is my first tattoo."
"The moon will be my first," Taehyung nods. "I'm...I'm a little nervous."
"That's okay. I was nervous, too. But it's really not bad at all, especially with a small tattoo."
"Okay," Namjoon says, "are you ready? Let's go for it. Pull your shorts down a little bit and we'll get started."
Taehyung isn't one for pain. Even though it's a small area it still hurts like hell. He already started feeling tender when Namjoon was just disinfecting the tattoo area. Like that could even actually hurt. Taehyung knows it's mostly in his head.
"Almost done," Namjoon says softly. "You're doing great."
With gritting teeth and eyes closed - maybe from pain, maybe from embarrassment because he's making such a spectacle of himself - Taehyung suddenly feels someone grasp his hand and he tightens the hold to steady himself from the onslaught against his skin. He slowly peeks his eyes open and sees a bright ray of sunshine beaming down over him. The discomfort of the needle suddenly melts in the midst of Hoseok's wide smile and he smiles back.
"You got this," Hoseok says with determination. "If I can do it, anyone can do it."
As if on cue, Jimin and Jungkook finally make their appearance - followed by someone he's never seen before - and Taehyung is suddenly surrounded by curious onlookers. The stranger puts his hand on Hoseok's shoulder and squeezes.
"Let's see the tattoo," he nods pointedly at Hoseok.
"You'll have to wait until later when I take the bandage off to clean it. I told you I had an appointment but you just ignored me -"
"I was tired."
"You're always tired, hyung. Taehyung, this is my friend, Min Yoongi. And this is Kim Taehyung. My tattoo twin. Sort of."
The sound of his name on Hoseok's lips sends a shiver through Taehyung's body. He could get used to Hoseok calling his name all the time.
"Nice to meet you." Taehyung bows his head. "These are my friends, Park Jimin and Jeon Jungkook. And this is Jung Hoseok," he gestures to Jimin and Jungkook.
The small group greets one another and smiles.
"Tattoo twin?" Jimin smirks at Taehyung.
"Okay, you're all set once I get the bandage on," Namjoon says. "Can I get a little breathing room here, guys?"
They back up a few steps, all except Hoseok, who still hasn't let go of Taehyung's hand. The gleeful little sneer on Jimin's face as he looks down at their joined hands makes Taehyung stare at the floor, heat spreading over his skin once again and causing him to blush uncontrollably.
"I like it," Jungkook says, pointing to Taehyung's hipbone. "It's cute."
"Yeah, it's cute," Jimin concurs.
"Congratulations on your first tattoo," Seokjin adds with a smile.
"I want to see," Taehyung says with exciting energy as he flies out of the chair to find the nearest mirror. The loss of warmth from Hoseok's hand is a bit of a letdown but Taehyung instantly brightens when he gazes at the moon tattoo in the mirror. "Oh, my God! I love it!"
"I'm glad!" Namjoon beams. "You've lost your virginity!"
"Heh!" Jimin snorts.
Yoongi clears his throat and moves into Hoseok's line of sight. "You got a moon also?"
"No. A sun. It's from a matching set."
"You two know each other?"
Hoseok shakes his head. "No, but we're working on it," he winks at Taehyung. "Maybe we could have dinner together. Tonight?"
An infinite smile spreads across Taehyung's face and fills his heart with joy. A date with Hoseok is thrilling and hopeful and...terrifying. What the hell is he going to wear?
"Yes! I'd love to have dinner with you."
******
The restaurant is popular among tourists as well as locals. Taehyung can't believe how beautiful the scenery is once they've been seated. An amazing view of the ocean's crashing waves and stoic palm trees are visual feasts for the eyes. The man occupying the chair across from his is also a visual feast. He wants to tell him but isn't sure how to articulate it without sounding stupid.
"You are so handsome," Hoseok says.
Taehyung's eyes widen in surprise as if Hoseok can read his mind. "Thank you. You do, too. Look handsome, I mean. Very handsome."
"Thank you," he grins. "I love your outfit. Very stylish. Looks expensive. You're not an incognito idol on holiday, are you?"
"Ha!" Taehyung laughs. "Try poor student on a vacation supplied by his friend who feels sorry for him."
"Why sorry for you?"
"Good evening and welcome," a server with kind eyes and a wide smile greets them.
"Hello," Hoseok says in English.
Taehyung gives a little nod and smiles at her.
"May I start you off with some drinks?" She points to the drink menu to as if to help in the translation. "Wine or beer or maybe a Mai Tai?"
"Mai Tai!" Hoseok says and points his finger in Taehyung's direction. "Yes?"
"Mai Tai," Taehyung agrees. He's not much for alcohol although every once in a while he enjoys getting a good buzz on. But tonight Taehyung wants to be in complete control, to make a good impression on his date.
With smiles for the waitress she leaves to get their drinks. They peruse the menu in comfortable silence, Taehyung staring at the photos on the menu rather than trying to make out the English words. His English is sub par at best and he gets the feeling Hoseok's could possibly be worse than his. The scallop dish looks good. Or the Kobe beef.
Once they have drinks in hand and orders of Korean barbeque strip loin and shrimp tempura on the way, Taehyung and Hoseok clink glasses in a toast of newfound friendship. With the possibility for something more, Taehyung hopes.
"So what are you studying?" Hoseok asks when the subject turns to school.
"Accounting."
"Really?" Hoseok's eyes narrow, a look of confusion surges over his face.
Taehyung chuckles. "No. I'm pursuing an arts degree. Media arts. I'm an illustrator and I want to get paid for doing something I enjoy."
"I get it," Hoseok nods and takes another sip of Mai Tai. He wrinkles his nose as if the alcohol is a little strong. It is.
"What do you do?" Taehyung asks.
"I'm a rapper."
"Ha!" Taehyung laughs. "Good one."
"No, seriously, I'm a rapper. Yoongi-hyung and I are part of the underground hip hop scene in Hongdae. I'm J-Hope and he's Agust D."
"What?!?"
"Yeah! I mean, we don't make shit and I can't even afford to move out of my parents' house. I have to work part time at a coffee shop just to keep my head above water. The only way we were able to make this trip is because we were invited to an unsigned competition here in Hawaii. The owner at one of the clubs we perform sponsored us. Even paid for our passports."
"Wow. That's amazing! I'd love to see you perform sometime."
The opportunity to actually get paid for living a dream is something Taehyung always hopes for. He sees how his father goes through the motions of his office job, counting down the hours and days until he has time off from the corporate world. His mother the same way. Neither one of them love what they do, they just do it to pay the bills and take care of their family. Taehyung desires something different. Something more fulfilling.
When the food arrives both men dig in with pleasure. Taehyung loves to eat and he especially loves it when someone can keep up with him or even surpass him like Jungkook. Hoseok has a healthy appetite if the way the shrimps are flying off the plate is any indication.
"Good," Taehyung says in-between bites.
"Mmm...Delicious," Hoseok agrees. "Would you like a shrimp?"
"Yes, please."
Taehyung opens his mouth while Hoseok hand feeds him a shrimp tempura. His tongue swipes over Hoseok's fingers - accidentally, of course - but if Taehyung lingers just a little longer than necessary it isn't going to hurt anyone, right? Hoseok smiles as if he knows exactly what Taehyung is doing.
After washing down the shrimp and more barbeque and kimchi with the cocktail, Taehyung wipes his mouth and puts his chopsticks down for a breather. His head is starting to get slightly woozy and he decides that's enough drink for the evening.
"Can we come see you and Min Yoongi-ssi at this competition?"
"No, the competition is over. It was two nights ago."
"Oh! We missed it!" Taehyung frowns.
"We didn't place. It was disappointing but, you know, we work hard. I love performing and I'll keep trying to get better. Yoongi-hyung's taught me a lot. He's the big brother I never had, always guiding me and supporting me. He's my biggest fan. I want to keep rapping as long as I can. I guess until military service. Maybe after that I'll give up the dream and become...an accountant."
"No! Don't give up your dream! Keep going and don't give up. You'll find success, I just know it."
Hoseok laughs. "How do you know? You've never even seen me perform. I could be horrible -"
"No," Taehyung leans forward and reaches for Hoseok's hand across the table. It's a little bold but Taehyung feels he needs to make a point. "No, you're good. You're talented. I know it. There's something about you, Hoseok. You are destined for great things."
"Ha! 'Great things'? Wow! I need you around all the time. You're good for my ego," he says with a bashful grin.
"I'm the moon to your sun."
The mortification hits Taehyung instantly before the words are even completely out of his mouth. How cliché can a person be? I'm the moon to your sun. Unbelievable and embarrassing. Yet he feels the softness of Hoseok's finger stroking along his thumb, tender and caring and non-judgmental.
"I think you are," Hoseok whispers thoughtfully, barely loud enough for Taehyung to hear. "You're bright and stunning like the moon."
The continual brush against his skin sends shivers to Taehyung's body. He stares at Hoseok's hand, mesmerized by the gentle motion.
Hoseok takes a deep breath, shaky, like he's nervous. "I feel like we were supposed to meet. It's weird we both met here instead of home but I guess...I don't know. We have a connection. You're the moon to my sun and I'm the sun to your moon." A little squeaky laugh and Hoseok bows his head. "Aish, I don't even know what I'm saying. I like you, Taehyung. You're sweet and kind and beautiful. And I've only scratched the surface of you. There's so much more to learn. I want us to keep in touch back home."
Now it's Taehyung's turn to bow his head shyly. Such words from Hoseok gives Taehyung a warm feeling deep inside his chest. Like there was a big hole in it he didn't even realize was there and now it's filled with happiness. A sudden need for fresh air overcomes Taehyung and he looks up expectantly into Hoseok's eyes.
"Do you want to get out of here? Take a walk on the beach?"
"I'd love that," Hoseok smiles.
They pay the waitress, each for their own meal and drinks, as quickly as possible and then take a path from the restaurant to the beach. The walk is short and yet Taehyung wishes it could go on and on. The instinct to reach for Hoseok's hand is strong but he resists the urge. It takes a while to get to know someone, even if a bond forms immediately upon introduction. There's a protocol to these things and Hoseok is older. Taehyung doesn't want to overstep.
The breeze coming off the water is slightly chilly and Taehyung rubs up and down his arms to generate a bit of warmth. He's glad to have a long sleeve shirt on tonight, one of his many considerations for the date to look his best for Hoseok. The sleeves are unbuttoned at the wrist and billow out like wings when he lifts his arms to greet the wind and waves. Sandals off and sand in-between his toes, peace fills him with soulful contentment and Taehyung can't help but smile wide.
"It's a gorgeous night," he says softly.
"Yes, it is."
Taehyung glances over at Hoseok, expecting to see him staring out at the ocean, but his eyes are glued to Taehyung's face and he grins before adjusting his gaze back to the water.
"Will you go out with me again?" Hoseok asks.
He steps in front of Taehyung, blocking his view of the moonlit sky and ocean and everything else. Hoseok fills his vision and heart with a deep longing Taehyung hasn't felt before.
"Yes. Tomorrow?"
His anxiousness is a little cringe-worthy but Taehyung knows it's alright. Hoseok isn't going to judge him or make him feel awkward.
Hoseok shakes his head. "Our plane leaves tomorrow."
"Oh."
"But I want to see you again back home. We found each other so...we can't lose each other. Right?" he adds in a whisper.
The soft breath blows in Taehyung's face. Or maybe it's the wind, Taehyung doesn't know or care. All he cares about is this very moment when Hoseok is standing right there; his eyes staring intensely into his own; flicking down to his lips every few seconds; inviting and offering and hoping and praying.
"Right," Taehyung groans and then surges forward to taste Hoseok's lips, the decadent dessert he's been craving all evening.
He holds tightly onto Hoseok's waist and presses them close when his face is suddenly cradled in Hoseok's hands and the elder takes control of the kiss, slowing it down from Taehyung's desperate and hurried pace. Soft fingers caress his cheeks and his head is tilted just so to the perfect angle for Hoseok's tongue to slowly slide in and begin exploring. Taehyung is taller than Hoseok and he bends to conform to Hoseok's will.
His skin heats up and tingles from the intimacy of Hoseok's languid tongue-fuck. Taehyung slides his tongue against Hoseok's and they dance at a maddeningly lazy speed. The anticipation builds and swells inside Taehyung's chest and he's sure that he's going to come out of his skin, the deep kiss filled with so much pleasure it's nearly painful.
Taehyung has experience, although it's limited to six months with a boyfriend and one drunken encounter with a guy he met at a bar after said boyfriend dumped him. He's kissed and been kissed many times before. Yet nothing like this.
Dropping his hands down to his shoulders, Hoseok wraps his arms around Taehyung and guides them down to the sand, their mouths still cemented together while harsh breaths scramble for any tiny piece of oxygen.
"Mmm..." Taehyung moans.
The nice shirt Taehyung picked out could be ruined and stained and ripped to shreds for all he cares, just as long as he feels Hoseok's warm embrace and warmer kiss.
But the kiss suddenly ends and Taehyung stares up into Hoseok's eyes, waiting and wanting more. Hoseok kisses the end of his nose and smiles. "You're so beautiful. I'm very grateful for this," he says, patting the area of his tattoo. "It brought you to me."
"Yes," Taehyung nods. "I feel the same way." He places his hand over the bandage on his own body.
The promise of meeting again in Seoul gives Taehyung hope for a brighter future; new beginnings and possibilities for friendship and love. He knows their paths are intertwined for something more, something deeper. His heart can barely contain the joy of anticipating Hoseok again. So much happiness overcomes any sadness of Hoseok leaving tomorrow. Sweet dreams await Taehyung for the rest of his time in Hawaii. And sweeter still once he returns home. Dreams of a little crescent moon and a tiny circle with eight lines.
Dreams of destiny.
THE END