"And.... Cut!" shouted the director, clapping his hands in sweet relief at the two men standing in the middle of the filming set. "We're going home, people!"

A smile instantly bloomed on Taehyung's lips, breaking through the teary expression he had on earlier. In his arms was his co-star, red-nosed and still in character. Although, after seeing how Taehyung easily fell out of character, a lopsided smile appeared on Jeongguk's face.

"Your nose is red again," Taehyung teased, not moving from Jeongguk's firm hold.

"It always happens," A sniff, "when I cry, hyung. You know that."

Taehyung let out an easy laugh as his co-star's hand reached to dry the remaining tears on his cheeks. "Yeah. Yeah I do." there was a playfulness to his eyes that made Jeongguk snort. Taehyung flicked the rosy tip of the other's nose, pulling away as Jeongguk yelped.

"I just felt like reminding you, Rudolph."

Jeongguk groaned, not really feeling remorse. "Please, that's all you ever remind me about."

Taehyung rolled his eyes and turned to walk to his stylist, letting the girl guide him to where the changing rooms were. "That's not true. I'm also reminding you about tonight!" Taehyung called out, shrugging out of his sponsored coat, "Pick me up at seven or forget about being my date, Jeon Jeongguk."

The younger one nodded dismissively, noting down to show up an hour earlier since Taehyung usually fusses about for too long before actually being ready to leave. "Can't forget my leading man at the red carpet," he winked, earning a huff from his co-star.

The stylist girl behind Taehyung grinned excitedly at their interaction, feeling regret as she led the actor away from Jeongguk. It was known that the two men had amazing chemistry, on and off camera.

"Jeongguk-ssi!" The director called out from where he was sitting with a cup of ramyeon in hand. "Great job today, it was such a smooth shoot," his smile was satisfactory, "at this point, we'll be wrapping up the last filming in no time!"

Jeongguk bowed at the compliment and felt the older man pat his back, "Ah, but it's because Taehyungie hyung is so easy to work with. I'm lucky to be paired with him."

"Whatever it is, keep it up son." The director shook his head as the noodles in his cup sloshed around, "We'll be shooting the final episode next week and if we're going, we're going out with a bang. Not the Michael Bay kind of bang, though. You get me?"

"Sure," Jeongguk smiled uncertainly, dropping the topic to look around for his manager. "'till next week, then!"

"Jeongguk, my superstar!” A man wove through the crowd of busy staff to reach him, “Here, I’ve got you tissues and some Vick’s for your nose.”

Grateful for the attentive nature of his manager, Jeongguk beamed as he received the roll of tissue. “Thanks, Hobi hyung. Where would I be without you?”

Hoseok rolled his eyes good-naturedly and scoffed as he said, “Probably in a law firm,” Jeongguk nudged him playfully at that, “and not doing some gay ol’ kdrama on national television.”

“Have I disappointed you?” Jeongguk took some of the cold balm near his neck to rub it in. From across the set, he could see Taehyung being surrounded by his flock of stylists, getting ready for his next scheduled event. Jeongguk should probably be doing the same.

“Why, never!” His manager gasped comically, “You and Taehyung do not disappoint. South Korea can back me up on that. You two are basically national sweethearts by now!” Hoseok glanced at his watch and started ushering Jeongguk to their van. “Oh, okay we gotta run to do your final fitting. Traffic’s gonna hold us back so we need to move now.”

There was a subtle blush on Jeongguk’s cheeks, “Shut up,” he followed Hoseok inside the car, “You’re not really telling me that’s what people have been calling us?” the actor asked with a little incredulity.

His manager gave him a look that spelled are you blind in big capital letters and continued to click on his seatbelt. “Read the headlines, Golden Boy.” Hoseok added with a snort. “I’m not the one coming up with these.”

Jeongguk’s mouth slacked as he looked out of the car’s tinted window. He could see Taehyung talking to the scriptwriter, looking serious throughout the discussion. Kim Taehyung was known for his free-spiritedness, but in these moments, Jeongguk could see the 15 years of acting experience that made him the actor he was today.

“I just… I can’t believe it sometimes y’know?” He said softly, leaning back into his seat when the van started moving. “I never expected for us to receive so much love.”

“Don’t get your head all twisted. You and Tae have undeniable chemistry and people could see that clearly aside from all the controversial shit that happened.” Hoseok paused for a second, frowning at a sudden thought, “You guys aren’t actually dating are you?”

“What?!” Jeongguk choked on his spit. “No, hyung of course not!” he coughed out.

Hoseok eyed him sceptically before patting his back lightly. When the younger’s coughing fit died, he stared the other down, “Why’d you ask?”

“I don’t know, Guk. It felt real. The smiles, the tears, the laughter, it all felt real despite the cheesy background soundtrack that’s recycled for every highlight of each episode.” Hoseok snorted, “It didn’t feel like you two were following a script, and heck. Even I get confused over you two sometimes!”

“We’re not dating if that’s what you’re implying.” Jeongguk rolled his eyes with a smile.

“Correction-” The other singsonged, “that’s what Dispatch is implying.”

✧

The apartment door swung open, hitting the wall with quite the impact. Yoongi twitched from the sofa and suppressed a tired groan in his throat. It was that time of the day again.

“Hyung! Yoongi hyung! Yoongs!” A sharp voice, definitely out of breath, was calling out from the entrance. Yoongi could detect shuffled footsteps and shoes being taken off before the voice neared him. He proceeded to bury his face in the pillows.

“Jimin calm d-“

“Have you seen the latest episode?!” There was an increase in pitch. “I can’t believe they played us like that! It was so painful I had to watch the Behind the Scenes like ten times before feeling normal again. Gosh! Sometimes I just wanna yank the scriptwriters by the ear for manipulating my feelings like some government’s tax-“

Yoongi blinked, half confused and half worried for the sake of the younger boy. He stole a glance at Jimin and watched the other walk around agitatedly- his curly blonde hair bouncing from the action. “Min… Are you still going on about that drama?”

An affronted gasp was heard from Jimin. “It’s not that drama, or a drama. I’m talking about the drama!” he raised a finger to clarify his point, “The drama we all deserved!”

Yoongi huffed in mild amusement, “Sure. Yeah, I meant that one.” He shifted into a sitting position, figuring that he wouldn’t get any sleeping done when Jimin’s around. “Did something happen again?”

Jimin opened his mouth to answer before promptly shutting it again, pouting. “I… I don’t wanna spoil it for you, so.”

It was really cute, Yoongi had to admit. “How considerate of you.” He smiled lazily, patting the spot next to him before reaching for the remote. It was on the coffee table, just a fingertip away from his reach and Yoongi refused to leave his current spot on the couch to get it. So he stretched. “On which channel did it air again?”

With an exasperated huff, Jimin snatched the remote and handed it over to Yoongi. The older man smiled at him sheepishly. “It’s on the 6 PM slot. It should be on tonight.”

Yoongi’s bottom lip jutted out slightly, “Does that mean you invited Seokjin and Namjoon hyung over too?”

“Why, what’s wrong with that?” Jimin tilted his head aside, letting a few stray locks cover his eyes. He was absolutely clueless. Yoongi ruffled his hair fondly before continuing to switch the channels. “Nah, it’s fine.”

A few notifications came from Jimin’s phone and Yoongi looked away when the other started scrolling through his phone. “Oh my God! Oh sweet, sweet mercy!” Jimin yelled as he typed something furiously on his keyboard. His short thumbs struggled with making continuous typos.

“What is it?” Yoongi questioned without looking away from the changing TV screen. He could even feel Jimin’s restlessness at this point.

“It says! Oh… OH MY GOD.” Jimin blabbered on seamlessly, “Hyung, take a look at this!”

A phone was tossed onto his hand and an enthusiastic Jimin was egging him on to read whatever it was aloud. So with a certain flatness in his tone, he did. “Actors and Entertainers Shine on the Red Carpet at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards” he scrolled down the article and continued, “With the highly anticipated ending of their hit drama Li(V)e, Kim Taehyung and Jeon Jeongguk were the most sought for couple to attend the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards held last Tuesday, one of the most prestigious award shows in Korean entertainment.”

“Hyung just skip that part and get on with the good stuff already!”

With a snort, Yoongi quickly scrolled down the article, “The much-awaited arrival of the two stars had the crowd wild in excitement as they walked down the carpet together. Kim Taehyung, who was known for being quite the fashionista, sported a black beret and a floral printed shirt tucked under a zip-up black sweater. Matching his co-star, Jeon Jeongguk was found dressed to impress in a stunning black tuxedo paired with a floral-printed tie.”

Jimin’s smile was reaching his eyes, “The definition of relationship goals!”

“Min, all they did was walk on a carpet-”

“-and they did it together with coordinated outfits!” Jimin insisted, snatching back his phone, “They’re real!”

Yoongi sighed, “They’re actors first and foremost. You shouldn’t get yourself too emotionally invested with these things because they could backfire-“

Right on time, the doorbell rang and Jimin almost fell off his seat trying to answer it. Yoongi could only sigh and turn back to the TV, now showing an insurance commercial.

Seokjin and Namjoon (as promised) came tumbling into the apartment and were attacked by Jimin’s bouncing enthusiasm. “Just don’t speak of the drama in front of him, Jimin.” The eldest pointed his thumb at Namjoon, who sheepishly smiled. “He’s still on the fourth episode.”

“It took you three weeks to watch four episodes, hyung?” Jimin tutted in disbelief.

“I actually have a life, thank you very much.” Namjoon countered, crossing his arms defensively in front of his chest.

Seokjin landed himself next to Yoongi on the couch with a huff, “Namjoon was too scared to continue watching because he cried too hard in the fourth episode.”

At that, Yoongi gave his friend a concerned glance. Namjoon sputtered unattractively.

“Anyways,” Seokjin continued aloofly, turning to face Jimin, “They said there was an interview for Taeguk in their GQ shoot last week.”

Jimin’s face brightened, “The one to be released this Friday?”

The older man raised his hand in a toasting gesture, tilting his head back in glee, “The one and only!”

✧

Q: Jeongguk-ssi, any opinions on your character in Li(V)e?

A: When I first received the script, I didn’t think I could pull off a complex character like Lee Seuhwan. I have never been in a situation where I had to resort to do the things he did in the drama, so relating to him as a character was a challenge. When I consulted writer Eun about this, she told me that everybody had their own moments of desperation, those little gaps of weakness in our characters. I realised that I didn’t need to relate to Seuhwan, because I understood him.

Q: What was your moment of desperation?

A: I tend to over exaggerate things in my mind so I doubt that it was anything of real concern, but I remember studying my brains out for the national college entrance examinations because otherwise, I wouldn’t have been allowed to pursue a career in acting (laughs) I think my nose bled several times that week.

Q: Could you tell us more about how you were chosen to act for Li(V)e?

A: Tae-hyung and I met a few years back from being ambassadors of the same clothing brand. We became good friends for a while after and we supported each other’s work. When he told me that he was casted for a new, different kind of project, he asked me if I was interested in joining and that he could suggest me for the role. I wasn’t sure at first but then writer Eun thought, just as Taehyung had, that I suited the role. I guess… that’s how. Yeah.

Q: The response for your drama was mixed between positive and negative, how do you feel about that?

A: Li(V)e would be the first drama aired on national Korean television with two lovers of the same gender as the main leading roles. As a predominantly conservative country, concepts like these are still difficult to come to terms to and I respect that mindset, but the existence of the LGBTQ community in South Korea deserves to be acknowledged in the media. That said, I am always grateful for the public’s love and support for this drama.

Q: Could you give us a hint about the final episode?

A: Now where’s the fun in that? (Laughs) All I can say about it is that it’s a very fitting ending.

Q: What sort of goals have you set for yourself as an actor?

A: I still have a lot to learn as an actor, but my goal in the long run is to be able to try out various genres and experience each character so that people would go ‘Ah, Jeon Jeongguk has improved again’. I want to focus on making myself better- not just bigger.

Q: How was Kim Taehyung as a co-star?

A: Working with Taehyungie hyung made me feel like I’m a rookie all over again (smiles), but since it was his idea to work together for this drama I was ensured that he saw something in me that convinced him to call me up for the job. I have been told we have great chemistry.

Q: What is Kim Taehyung to you?

A: Confidence.

Taehyung’s gaze lingered on the last part of Jeongguk’s Q&A segment, his front teeth worrying mindlessly over his bottom lip. He snorted, flipped the magazine shut and tossed it onto the couch.

“Leo~” his hands dipped to scoop up a half-asleep feline from the carpet. “Can you believe how cheesy his answers were?” he laughed as he walked into the kitchen, walking around the kitchen isle.

“They also asked me who Jeon Jeongguk was to me and all I said was ‘baby’,” Taehyung paused pouring in his cat’s food when a call angrily buzzed through his pocket, “I kind of feel bad for it.” He shrugged, ignoring the call with a playful smile on his lips, “Oh well.”

✧

It was on an awfully peaceful Saturday when Yoongi’s suspicions began to grow.

“You’re real quiet lately,” he halted his shopping cart in front of a shelf stocked neatly with different brands of cereals, looking at Jimin as he picked up some Honey Stars. The younger didn’t take his eyes away from his phone screen, scoffing a little to himself.

“I’m not allowed to be quiet?”

“No.” Yoongi tossed the box of cereal in before he began pushing the cart once more, “It unsettles me to see you so calm.”

A bubbly laugh was heard from Jimin and it made Yoongi smile as he searched around for the milk aisle. They walked in circles around the supermarket for some time with Jimin pausing every five minutes to window shop and Yoongi urging him to move along.

“Oh, I have to buy dog food for Holly.” Yoongi stared at the last item in his list, “Wait here,” he said to a distracted Jimin. The other boy was too busy staring at ice cream cakes to respond.

As he walked through the pet supplies aisle, Yoongi scrolled through his phone to see if Seokjin or Namjoon needed anything from the mart. He wasn’t paying attention when his cart hit someone else’s. “Sorry!” he looked up, pocketing his phone hastily. “I’m so sorry, it’s my bad-”

The person he bumped into was tall, dressed in baggy clothing and a cutely animated face mask. Under the mask, Yoongi could see that the man was smiling. “Hey, it’s okay. No harm done.”

Bowing a little, Yoongi gave the stranger a smile (more like a grimace) before he turned to stare holes into the bags of dog food. “I’m guessing you’re a dog owner?” the stranger piped up in his deep voice, standing next to Yoongi.

“Yeah,” he nodded, looking down at the cat in the stranger’s arms. “And that’s yours?”

The man’s eyes turned into little happy crescents in response, “Leo’s turning one this December, but it feels like yesterday when I adopted him with…” The stranger waved at someone behind Yoongi, “Oh there you are!”

Yoongi turned to look back and saw another man dressed down in what it seemed were pyjamas. He was also carrying a cat, his face covered by a mask. “You left us at the yogurt aisle, hyung.”

“You were walking too slowly,” The taller one snorted. Yoongi watched as he set Leo into the empty shopping cart before opening up his arms to the other man, “Give me Kiss.”

The man in pyjamas walked near and gave a quick peck onto the other’s cheek. It was a ridiculous sight since they still had their masks on and Yoongi honestly was not up for third-wheeling strangers this late at night so he looked away and continued scanning through dog chow.

“Guk, you know I meant the cat.” The man rolled his eyes playfully and took the sleepy animal from the latter’s hold. “Excuse us, he’s out of his mind.” He said to Yoongi, tone apologetic.

“Your boyfriend?” Yoongi asked with a smile.

The stranger laughed, “Yeah right.” He turned to speak to the man next to him, “Why does everyone think we’re dating?”

Yoongi stared at them both with a quirk in his eyebrow. Maybe he hadn’t noticed it earlier, but something about these two men seemed familiar somehow.

“That’s what you get for naming him Kiss.” The stranger in pyjamas taunted, walking away with a laugh.

“You wanted to name him Sexy! Mine seemed like a better option!”

Yoongi stared silently as the two people bickered away. Something was familiar. He just couldn’t put a finger on it yet.

Shaking his head from those thoughts, he picked a bag of biscuits for Holly and walked out of the aisle, whistling under his breath.

✧

“Seokjin hyung!” Jimin yelled from his spot on Yoongi’s couch, his hot cocoa forgotten on the table. “Look, Jeongguk posted a picture of his cat on Instagram! He put #withlove #kiss in the captions oh my God people are saying that the other cat in the picture is Taehyung’s… ”

Seokjin’s head popped up from behind the bathroom’s doorway. He was in the middle of washing his hands. “How do they know what Taehyung’s cat looked like?” he frowned, “I don’t remember him ever posting about it online.”

“Ah, you’re right,” Jimin pouted, looking a bit deflated from the realisation. “Oh well it’s nice to assume, I guess.”

Yoongi stole a glance at Jimin’s phone screen and blinked. “That’s Kiss…”

Jimin’s head almost snapped from the speed he used to turn his head at Yoongi. His eyes were wide and his eyebrows dipped down in the centre. “What did you say, Yoongi?”

“I… I know those cats.” He said blankly, pointing at one, “That one’s Kiss. The other is Leo.”

Jimin’s scoff was dripping with incredulity, “Sure, and you’re best friends with Kim Taehyung, I bet.” He laughed, “Keeping secrets from me now, huh?”

Yoongi’s eyes widened at the words, his jaw loosening as he lost himself in thought. “Kim Taehyung… you mean the actor Kim Taehyung?”

“No, hyung. The farmer Kim Taehyung.” Answered Jimin teasingly, shaking his head.

Yoongi thought back to the incident that happened a few nights ago and laughed unsurely, “Yeah, I must be mistaken,” and yet, later when Jimin gushed endlessly about how real Taeguk was to Seokjin, Yoongi hadn’t found it in him to deny any of it.

✧

Hoseok watched as Jeongguk started filming. The set was darkened and the actor was sitting on the ground, crouched into a pitiful figure as his shoulders shook with each sob. The tremors in his breathing were audible, but it was just as subtle- a technique that Jeongguk pulled off well.

The drawing tablet placed near him was the only source of light and it casted ominous blue light that was reflected on Jeongguk’s pale complexion. A cry broke out onto the silence and Hoseok noticed the trail of snot running down the actor’s philtrum. The veins in his neck were protruding, almost as if he was in physical pain.

Jeongguk had improved drastically these past few months. It was visible from how he was able to immerse himself into his character with more ease compared to previous years.

The actor was still crying. The whole crew was pin-drop silent, mesmerized by how focused Jeongguk was with his acting.

Soft footsteps approached Hoseok and he turned his head to see Kim Taehyung wrapped in a blanket and holding a carton of milk in his hands. The manager nodded at him and the actor reciprocated with a soft smile.

“How’s Gukkie doing?” he whispered, tilting his head up to see past the filming crew. His eyes held a touch of concern in their gaze.

Hoseok glanced at the said actor, “He’ll be happy to know that his acting got better.”

“Overjoyed.” Taehyung hummed, pupils darting from Jeongguk to the director and back.

When the director was satisfied enough to yell a ‘cut!’ Hoseok noticed Taehyung already making his way to the centre of the crowd- where Jeongguk was. He followed suit (considering that was his job as a manager) and found Jeongguk still sitting on the floor, but was already wrapped up in Taehyung’s blanket and sipping on the carton of milk to stop the hiccups.

“Ah, there he is again,” Taehyung smiled fondly, tapping the younger’s nose, “Rudolph.”

Hoseok laughed, reaching for something inside his pocket, “Tissues?” he offered.

Taehyung swiftly pulled out a couple of sheets and folded them before patting it on Jeongguk’s cheek. When he told Jeongguk to blow his nose, the other whined, “Hyung, that’s gross.”

“Your runny nose is gross,” Taehyung snorted with a smile when Jeongguk obliged, “Oh, you poor baby. You shouldn’t have cried so much.”

Hoseok’s mouth parted unknowingly. He knew the two had amazing chemistry but he hadn’t realised they were that close. If people didn’t know better, Taehyung and Jeongguk would seem like your average nauseating couple.

“The ending was really sad though. I couldn’t help it.” Jeongguk rubbed the back of his neck before letting Taehyung pull him up from his previous sitting position. Taehyung chuckled at his words, “Nawh, you’re so cute Gukkie.”

Hoseok cleared his throat, bringing the attention back to him, “Yeah, uh, I’m lost.”

Jeongguk raised an eyebrow at him, so the manager decided to drop it. He shook his head, telling the two actors that he needed to speak with the director for a bit before they leave.

When they walked away, Hoseok noticed how the two conversed; it was as if they were in their own private bubble, separated from everyone else. He sighed. No wonder people were convinced they were dating.

The band of three bowed at the staff members they passed and thanked them for their hard work. Jeongguk shuffled along and endured Taehyung’s jokes about his reddened nose. When Hoseok paused to speak with the director (who was absolutely pleased by the job well done), he heard the two actors behind him fussing.

“Guk, I… I can’t find it,” Taehyung whispered, patting down his pockets in urgency, turning around with his eyes frantically searching. “It was supposed to be in my back pocket but it’s… Do you think it dropped?”

The despair was evident from Taehyung’s voice and Hoseok stole a glance at the two, noticing the elder’s panicked state and Jeongguk’s blank stare.

“Oh my God, Gukkie,” Taehyung bit his lower lip, eyes unfocused, “I’m so, so sorry. I’m such a klutz I swear… I didn’t mean to lose it…”

Jeongguk shook his head, more than amused, “Wow, if you wanted me to buy you more, you could’ve just asked.”

“That’s not what I meant! That’s not… uh,” Taehyung sputtered, “It really was by accident-” and then he noticed the other’s teasing expression, “Oh. Ha-ha, real funny Jeon Jeongguk. Not.” he deadpanned.

Hoseok had no clue as to what was going on.

“I’m serious though,” Jeongguk’s playful grin softened into a smile, “It was time to replace it anyways. So it doesn’t really matter.”

A gasp, “Jeongguk… are you saying-”

“Later, hyung.” He cut the other off, parting ways as Taehyung’s stylists come by to ask for a selca. “We’ll talk later.”

Taehyung gave his co-star one last bewildered look before being pulled over for a picture. Jeongguk stood off to the side, waiting quietly as Hoseok summed up his chat with the director.

“What was that all about?” The manager asked once they were left alone. Jeongguk was rubbing his nose with some Kleenex.

The actor looked up to Hoseok and smiled widely, “It’s all due in good time, Hobi hyung,” was all he said, “You’ll see.”

✧

Despite Denying Dating Rumours, Dispatch Releases Photos of Kim Taehyung and Jeon Jeongguk on Alleged Evening Date

Even after BigHit’s denial of all dating rumours between their two star-actors Kim Taehyung (28) and Jeon Jeongguk (26), media outlet 'Dispatch' claimed the two stars went on an evening date, and were captured on camera. 

According to ‘Dispatch’, the couple was spotted walking together to Jeongguk’s house yesterday after returning from their final drama shooting.

See also: “Jeon Jeongguk’s Comment on the Final Episode for the Drama Li(V)e Makes Fans Nervous”

✧

As Yoongi expected, everyone was in Jimin’s good graces ever since the news on Taeguk dropped that morning. The kid was literally glowing as he went about, pulling curious glances from people by the way he’d put a little skip in his steps.

“Good evening Yoongi, love is mutual!” he yelled from the doorway, taking his shoes off before he entered the older man’s apartment.

“Whatever keeps you smiling, kid.” Yoongi leaned back in his seat with a groan, finished with grading all the exam papers. He could feel the effects of high school level math in his aching bones. He stretched his back, earning a few satisfying pops from his waist.

Jimin winced at the sound, “You sound old.”

“Rotten youth.”

Jimin rolled his eyes at the way Yoongi waved his imaginary cane angrily in the air. He plopped onto his usual spot on the couch, “You’ve eaten?”

The latter raised an eyebrow, “You gonna cook if I said no?”

“Nah,” Jimin smiled, turning over on his seat in a lazy movement, “Thought you might.”

“I only have ramyeon around,” Yoongi said flatly, already standing up from his previous position.

Jimin gave him a triumphant smile when he saw him heading for the kitchen, “That works.”

“Rotten Youth,” he repeated with a scowl.

As the older of the two stirred the softening noodles in the boiling water, Jimin entertained himself with his social media. Yoongi could never understand how one could extract such joy from virtual boosts of ego. When he returned with two bowls of steaming sustenance, the younger boy was still occupied by his Instagram feed.

“Cut that out and eat,” he said, placing the bowl in front of Jimin (Jimin’s phone, to be exact).

“Mmhm, just a sec,” Jimin fingers tapped to exit the app and shut off his device. For now. Yoongi dully notes. “There!”

They each began to dig in when Yoongi asked, “How’s it?’

“It’s like… Ramyeon.” Jimin licks his lips calculatingly, “Kimchi Ramyeon.”

Yoongi clicked his tongue as the other laughed out loud, already used to the kind of disrespect accustomed to Jimin.

A ‘ding!’ sound reverberated off of the younger’s phone and Jimin’s eyes widened as he glanced at the pop-up notification on his screen. He choked on his noodles, to Yoongi’s alarm, and proceeded to cough as his hands reached for the noisy device.

“Min, are you oka-” Yoongi’s words died down with Jimin’s dismissive hand gestures, telling the other to keep it down.

Jimin’s eyes were glued onto the screen and his cheeks were still full of noodles, forgotten in his mouth. He was frozen like a statue for three minutes (Yoongi was counting) and caused the other man to widen his eyes in panic when he let out a high-pitched squeal.

“The actual fuck?” Yoongi breathed out, a tiny bit scared.

“Tae-” Jimin gulped his food down, coughing a little, “Guk!” he proceeded to grin stupidly at the screen before laughing almost maniacally, “I’m just so- This is so! How can this day get any better?!”

Yoongi blinked, “Do I even want to know.”

Without as much as another word, Jimin thrust the phone into Yoongi’s hand and proceeded to smile like an overly proud parent. Yoongi sighed and looked down at what the other was freaking out for.

It was Jeon Jeongguk’s Instagram, Yoongi recognises from the username @jeonjk97 (no thanks to Jimin’s influence) and taps to open the latest post that was released just three minutes ago.

It was a video with more than 300,000 views, Yoongi took note. People need to get a life. The footage starts with Taehyung driving a car and Jeongguk in the passenger seat apparently filming it. “Hyung,” Jeongguk’s voice was heard in the audio, “Turn on the radio.”

Taehyung glanced at Jeongguk, and then the camera. A shy smile appeared on his face, “Is this a video?” his hands went for the car’s stereo and he fiddled through the stations, choosing his usual one.

“Ah, as expected. You always put this on,” Jeongguk commented once Taehyung settled for a specific radio station. “It’s his favourite radio show,” he said to the camera.

“Shush, they’re reading out requests now.” Taehyung chided, his smile still evident on his lips.

Jeongguk’s laugh was easy as he set the camera in a better angle, capturing both Taehyung and the car’s interior. The radio hosts announced that they were going to read the messages, “Okay so we have one from… Jeongguk-ssi? Oh, it’s a question- let’s see how I can help,” the woman who was reading chuckled. “Here it says- ‘My fiancé lost his engagement ring a few days ago, what do you think I should do?’ Ah, that’s unfortunate, Jeongguk-ssi…”

Yoongi noticed the change in Taehyung’s expression as he listened to the radio. His eyes widened and the actor threw a short, curious glance at Jeongguk before returning to focus on the road. “Guk, you’re still filming this?”

“Shh, they’re still reading,” Yoongi could tell Jeongguk was entertained.

The radio hosts continued in the background. “Well, Jeongguk-ssi what I recommend is to just forget the engagement rings and start anew with wedding bands! What are you waiting for? Now’s your chance!” A round of laughter surrounded the answer.

“Gukkie-”

“Hyung, pull over.”

Taehyung glanced at Jeongguk, then the camera. “I… What…”

“Pull over, babe.”

A squeal came from next to Yoongi. He almost forgot that Jimin was still there. When the car stopped, Taehyung gave the other a questioning look, “What’s going on?”

“I think we should follow their advice, don’t you think?”

And the video stopped. Yoongi let Jimin take over since he didn’t understand how SNS worked; apparently, the video was separated into two parts. He stared as Jimin’s small fingers slid across the screen to reveal another footage. A continuation.

Taehyung’s mouth was agape as Jeongguk pulled out a royal blue, velvet box out of his coat pocket. “Gukkie… is that?” he blinked, still disoriented.

“Oh these?” Jeongguk’s smile was heard in his voice, “I picked ‘em out for us. I hope you don’t mind. Oh, and I’m keeping them ‘till the ceremony by the way, just in case you lose yours again.”

Taehyung buried his face in his hands, laughing into the steering wheel. “Oh my God I can’t believe you!” he then reached for the box to open it. The camera didn’t capture the rings, but they must’ve been gorgeous if the dazzling smile on Taehyung’s face tells Yoongi anything.

“I can’t wait to say ‘I do’.” He whispered, looking up at Jeongguk with pure adoration and love in his eyes. No amount of acting could portray the raw emotions seen in Taehyung’s eyes when he smiled at the latter. Their moment was real, private. Yoongi felt like he was intruding by watching them.

“In that case, we’d better set an earlier date, hyung.”

Taehyung snorted, “Touché.”

The video ended, leaving Jimin with breathless excitement and Yoongi with a cold bowl of swollen ramyeon. Jimin looked at him expectantly for a reaction, shoving the phone’s screen up Yoongi’s face, “Look! Look at what he said in his caption! They got us good, haha!”

“Technically, we didn’t lie,” Yoongi mumbled as he read out the caption.

“That’s because they weren’t dating, they were engaged!” Jimin almost screamed his ears off, bouncing happily on his feet. Yoongi could only nod, speechless. Jimin’s excitement could last for both of them.

Later on, Seokjin called them up, screaming along with Jimin from the other end of the line. Namjoon, as usual, got left out from all the drama that happened. He called Yoongi, asking why Seokjin had been calling Jimin for the past hour and Yoongi sighed, not in the mood to give Namjoon a summary of it all. “Honestly why do I even know these things, I only watch them because you all are-” he grumbled as he hung up.

Oh well, guess Leo’s and Sexy’s Kiss’ parents are together after all.

✧

Taehyung exhaled deeply in relief once they were seated in the airplane, a business class away from prying eyes and grabby hands. He remembered the chaotic mess of a crowd they had to tackle through to get their baggage checked in and was thankful to the heavens for having all his limbs still intact after all the pushing and tugging.

Jeongguk told him his ears were ringing when they took the V.I.P route to get to the gates. Taehyung had to ask him to repeat what he just said at least three times.

They weren’t an idol group, no, but they were the nation’s sweethearts-turned-fiancés and South Korea wouldn’t stop talking about it. Most people were happy for them, congratulating them and were beyond thrilled to find out that Taeguk was real (Taehyung entertained himself with all the reaction videos on YouTube. Jeongguk chose to maintain his distance.). Although, some people are bound to get petty over the news- damning them to hell and whatnot.

The reactions were so overwhelming, the paparazzi wouldn’t leave Taehyung’s front porch for a whole week. It had gotten so bad that the company agreed almost immediately when the two actors requested permission to take some time off abroad.

So there they were, boarding on a plane to the states- to some peace and quiet.

“Did you ask for extra pillows already?” Jeongguk asked, stuffing his bag into the cabin. Taehyung eyed Jeongguk’s shirt as it rode up, revealing a more than welcome strip of skin. He sighed, “Nah. Won’t need it.”

“You sure about that?” His fiancé sat down next to him, clicking the seatbelt on.

As soon as he settled down, Taehyung moved to rest his head on Jeongguk’s shoulder. “Totally sure.”

“You’re a menace, hyung.” The actor snorted.

Taehyung hummed in return, making himself comfortable on the other’s warmth, “You’re taking this menace to meet your parents, y’know that?”

Jeongguk chuckled quietly, recalling how ecstatic his parents sounded over the phone when he said he was visiting them. It was through unconventional means, but at least now he had the chance to let them meet Taehyung for the first time.

“I can’t wait,” he said into the other’s hair, kissing it gently before closing his eyes to last the flight.

✧

That weekend, the final episode of Li(V)e was aired, breaking thousands of hearts as people ranted online about the ending. It didn’t last long, though, since Taehyung decided to have mercy on their dedicated viewers and fans.

South Korea couldn’t have asked for a better ending.