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Christmas vacation is just around the corner.
Some employees are already planning their vacation, some already bought their plane tickets to have a trip abroad and some just decided to stay at home, like Jimin have intended to.
It was supposed to be a Merry simple Christmas at home, wearing his ugly Christmas sweater from his folks, sip some hot cocoa with marshmallows on top by the fireplace, listening to Christmas songs and carols blasting from the neighbors' speakers and binge watching all classic Christmas movies til midnight— but no, not until Taehyung shove that plan off the table and proposed the most impossible plan in such holiday and in such freezing weather.
"Jimin! Let's go on a camping!"
And that moment, contrary to Jimin's scowling face— Jimin can't decline his best friend's request when he sees him all giddy and excited for it.
"For fucking sake, okay let's!" his words seemed to fuel Taehyung's excitement that he found himself mirroring a smile from his best friend.
Sure he might be throwing himself to die from the negative degrees out there as he pictures the plan to life. And sure he'll regret it.
"So when will our trip be?" he asked then Taehyung smiled widely, that he can feel his lips might tear if he keeps up. And that smile could possibly suggest a disaster coming.
"Tomorrow!"
And oh, Jimin swears he wanted to take back everything he have said.
So when Jimin went back to his apartment he abruptly packed up because there's no way Taehyung will move the camping further. And when he says Tomorrow, it'll be tomorrow. No buts, period.
"Hey Jimin, why are you needing a first aid kit all of a sudden?" Jin enters his room with a full set of first aid kit, placing it on his bed with the other things Jimin have gathered to use for the trip.
"And why are you borrowing my insect repellants?" Hoseok added and slumped on Jimin's bed with Jin.
They both eyed Jimin with intent and utmost attention that Jimin have halted, hand hanging in mid-air on its way to pack up a compass alongside a huge map folded into a smaller size down into the camouflage backpack he have borrowed from Jungkook. Their gazes have pierced him enough to send chills on his spine and enough to bore holes into his skin.
"What?" he deadpanned when both didn't flinch when he stared back.
"Is something crazy will happen?" Jin questioned his eyebrow already arched and Jimin glanced back arching his eyebrow in response.
"Guess what?"
"Are you going out on a camping with Tae, Jimin?" Namjoon suddenly butted in making his way inside the apartment casually walking with his pyjamas. Wow, I guess Yoongi-hyung and Jungkook will come next to my apartment and throw a reunion before I die. How nice.
"Camping in Christmas Eve? Of all the days left in this year, seriously?" Hoseok rants before Namjoon have even reached them on the bedroom.
"I just heard it from Tae that have told Jungkook that have told Yoongi and that have told to me about it."
"Wow that's some chain of message going on." Jin comments, patting the space on his side for Namjoon to sit in.
Jimin just glanced at his friends already crowding him and occupying much space that they even leaned over some necessities for his trip.
"Y'all just came here to stare at me packing?" then all at the same time they rise from the bed and walked away. Namjoon even whistled while the two just smiled and waved their hands.
"We've already contributed our fair shares of first aid kit and repellants." the eldest chimed, waving a hand.
"And I've added a pepper spray in case of emergency." Hoseok winks before leaving. The audacity.
"And I came here for moral support but I'll leave so, have fun packing!" Namjoon says and leaves.
And then they slammed the door shut.
Wow, what a bunch of supportive friend he have.
Jimin just sighed and shove all of his friends' things inside his bag. He couldn't do much about the whole mess he have entered and whining about it like a goddamn child won't save his ass from freezing tomorrow. All he wishes that he'll come back here whole in one piece, all limbs attached and unharmed from any possible injury that may occur.
"What kind of devastation have you been through last night, Chim?" Taehyung with his eyebrows furrowed halted on his way to pick up Jimin's bag on his doorstep.
Jimin just rolled an eye and pulled his hoodie up, like a vampire hiding from the blinding light that creeped to him soon as he opened his door. He looked like one though. His eyes are hooded and probably red, the dark circles below it prominent that a shit ton of concealer can't hide it, and his skin pale, looking like those from Yoongi. He'd say he just can't sleep too well last night.
Well not really, he didn't just sleep that's why. You couldn't blame Jimin being antsy about the trip. It will be his first time camping, and for it to be Taehyung's idea, he knew it wasn't going to be a simple camping like they'll set up tents and just that. No, as Jimin have known his best friend too well he have come to prepare himself for any drastic time thinking the worst thing possible.
So that includes Jimin staying up the whole night searching for boy scout camping 101 possible worst case scenarios and to the point that he have at least finished a series long episodes of Survive That! in Discovery Channel, taking notes of some survival tips in various terrains since Taehyung didn't quiet brief him with the said trip and said further information about it. And when Jimin already feel he had manned up and gathered all the knowledge to face whatever bullshit that may come, it was already 5 in the early morning and Taehyung has to pick him up around 6.
And that explains his demeanor as of the moment.
"Good morning to you too, Tae." he mutters locking his door and grabbed the strap of his bag. Gradually stumbled upon the cognizance that this shit is heavy as fuck and how the hell could he manage to bring this along.
Taehyung jolts and snatched the backpack from Jimin, the heavy load off his shoulder and Jimin felt grateful for that gesture. He just cling into Taehyung's arm, beginning to get sleepy and Tae just chuckled they went out of the building.
"You could've told me to pick you up late to get you some sleep." Taehyung suggests as he slides an arm around Jimin's waist, the warmth of his hand settles on his side.
"I could've just sleep on our way," Jimin muses, leaning in the warmth and comfort of Taehyung. Sure, they're so clingy at the break of dawn. No one bothers anyway.
"If you can though," Tae laughs as he presses to turn of his car alarm when they reached on the ground floor. There, for the first time Jimin saw Taehyung's new car and sure, a glance of it tells where the hell they are going.
And yes, if Jimin could spare a minute or two to sleep in such ride, it'll be a damn miracle.
"I thought you'll buy a sports car?"
"Change of heart in the last minute I guess?" Tae retorts and Jimin knew there is more to it when Taehyung just traded his dream Maserati over a 4x4 vehicle, bumpers raised and wheels quite bigger than usual cars have than a luxury ride he have saved up since then. But at least Taehyung could saved up the remaining fortune he have intended to buy such branded car.
Jimin just nods and placed his hand carry bag on the backseat, the back was covered so every luggage were thrown alongside with it. He settled beside Taehyung seating on the passenger seat while Tae have climbed up and occupied the driver's seat.
It is still a dumbstruck sight seeing Taehyung on that seat, and Jimin doesn't know how such simple thing can make him flustered. The view of Taehyung on his seatbelt and one hand on the wheel maneuvering it so easily does turns him on. And fuck life for making him feel like this towards his best friend.
"Fasten your seatbelt, Chim." Taehyung snaps, bringing Jimin out of his growing infatuated thoughts.
"Yeah. I forgot, sorry." Jimin quickly complies but his shaky hand doesn't do much of help, looking at Taehyung with all his beaut and glory makes it worse and the sound of deep fond laugh from his best friend reaching out to help him now with such close proximity makes it all worst.
Damn, Jimin. What's with the sudden sexual tension?
He sudden knew how to breathe when Tae have latched the seatbelt on, gap decreasing that Jimin longed for the sudden warmth Taehyung gave and started to drive.
Breathe, Jimin. He's your best friend remember that.
But as easy as breathing like you've know how to do it since you've come to existence seemed to be damn hard for Jimin right now, and oh, this'll be a very long trip ahead.
As difficult it is to stay civil with the stray thought of infatuation towards Kim fucking Taehyung, Jimin manages to divert most of that unwanted thoughts for the mean time when he turned on some music to get by. The stereo somehow lighten up the mood when Tae would casually singing along and Jimin smiles at that joining him.
Sometimes they'll engage some casual talks of their recent whereabouts, some bickering and reminiscing their moments that just fueled up Jimin's unwanted thoughts back again.
When things get silent, not awkward but comforting, Jimin yawns and lets the music lull him to sleep— but not long enough when he woke up with a sudden shift of the road being bumpy for him to have a decent slumber. He looked outside the window and saw a road route board, their direction now leaving the safety of the city.
"We're going out of town?" Jimin questions staring at Tae and the younger had his rectangular smile shining down on him and nods.
Taehyung didn't say anything at all and diverted back his attention on the road. It seems like his best friend wouldn't tell him where they'll go, but Jimin had been so clueless since yesterday about Taehyung's plan and hell he'd accuse this man over here for kidnapping if he won't say a thing again.
"Where are we going anyway?" Jimin finally asks, his voice appeared soft when he have instructed his mind to put some irritated tone in it. And Taehyung's smile isn't what Jimin wanted for an answer.
"I do have to orient you that there'll be no free Wi-Fi, a Starbucks, a mall or a comfortable house to stay in." Tae retorts his smile never fading.
"So where is that even?"
"You'll see. And I know you'll like it."
And from the smile that never falters and the excitement that can't contain of his best friend, Jimin hopes he'll like it at least not because Taehyung brought him there but the fact that the feeling of being there makes him plaster a smile genuinely. Jimin won't tolerate bullshits wasting the rest of his Christmas vacation over this trip but he trusts Taehyung in this. He just hopes his best friend's effort wouldn't put to waste but be appreciated.
Guess what, Jimin didn't.
They were greeted with a scorching heat despite of the cold weather. The contrasting sensation hitting him on his few exposed skin wants Jimin to cry for help and drive Taehyung's car back in the comforts of his home. Though he knew they were far from their destination, the sight of gruesome trip he'll be facing sure makes him regret going with Tae a lot more.
They've pump some gas in a gasoline station oddly in the middle of nowhere. Phone services unavailable, sight of people can now be counted on Jimin's chubby fingers, the area was remotely eerie, hopping off the car was a bad decision, Taehyung's smile is not helping and Jimin is beginning to get terrified from the unwanted gaze pierced by the gasoline boy at him.
"Would you mind telling me how long will we stay here?" Jimin asks Tae with a hint of irritation and the audacity to roll his eyes on the gasoline boy gazing at him. He further leaned to his friend reaching his ear and whispered, "He's fucking creepy. Please help."
Taehyung laughed and held him on his waist, pulling him closer as he leans down now breathe resonating clear in Jimin's ear with their proximity.
"Just look at me like we're only the only person here, Chim." and like a spell Jimin looked at Taehyung not bothered with how flushed his cheeks are and soon bloomed into an obvious shade of red when Taehyung matches his gaze, unthreaten to look away until the gasoline boy butted in to get the bill.
It wasn't long enough that they hit back the road, track still unknown to Jimin. Their way coming from the smooth paved road to a rocky track few hours ago, now they're going on a rough path of uneven land masses and civilization stripped away. It was already roughly 5 hours of traveling, with constant complains from Jimin of stopping the car when they just turned away from the main road now going further inside an unknown forest-like terrain.
It was fine for Jimin few minutes ago before they've encountered endless edgy curves which Jimin have held the grab handles so tight after being tossed further on the car door receiving a loud chuckle from the latter.
"Is this why you've chosen to buy such heavy vehicle?" and the sheepish smile Taehyung gave already said enough for an answer.
"I can't believe you, Tae." Jimin sighed.
"Don't make it sound like that's the worst decision I've ever made." Taehyung pouts acting like a child now but Jimin rolls his eyes and looked outside the window still gripping at the handles tighter.
Well, it is but Jimin it's a shit head to blatantly hurt Taehyung's feelings from his impulse actions.
The unpaved road seemed to have constant turns after turns that Jimin himself, someone who doesn't have a sign of motion sickness and rarely gets dizzy from any form of transportation he have rode suddenly felt his throat constricted and a sickly feeling of retching his guts out from the unsteadiness.
"Breathe deep for me, Chim. You're getting pale." Tae mutters, his hands finding a way to squeeze Jimin's hand for comfort.
He easily complies counting down his breathe, a mantra on his head repeating breathe in, breathe out slowly dissipates the odd sickening feeling of vomiting. His breathing evens, his stomach calms, his throat free from the tightness, his skin back in its color but his heart rapidly beats.
He glances back at Teahyung who still kept his hands on him, his face depicted a sign of relief when Jimin begins to smile.
But it soon faltered when another uneven road took Jimin off his smitten mind and be tossed back and forth on his seat. They were out from the crazy edgy turns and now back with a rougher track, more rocks, more mud, narrow path and a steep incline route coming.
Jimin now concluded, they're on a fucking mountain.
And what bad could possibly Jimin been doing in his past life to deserve this suffering, and seconds later making the car suddenly got jammed on a thick mud.
Taehyung already hopped off the car and looked at what devastation they've met, Jimin on the other hand is banging his head on the dashboard from the frustrations.
"Chim I think we need to trek the remaining trails without the vehicle." Taehyung said after inspecting the exterior of the car.
Jimin, while whining as he straps his bag on his back, couldn't do much but to do whatever Tae will say. All their backpacks have been brought, heavy it might be but Jimin thinks everything he have pack inside is necessarily important despite it being the absolute cause of few days of back pain. But Taehyung was a gentleman and helped Jimin carry some of his bags as they begun to distant away from the vehicle.
They were suddenly getting deeper into the woods, the chill air from atop a mountain now obviously felt, the trek is getting steeper that it'll make you stumble down into the base anytime possible. But for Jimin, he wouldn't fall and roll off the mountain, not when Taehyung decides to held his hand as they walk, the younger nonchalant about it saying, "For safety measures."
But Jimin is not complaining, though.
"Taehyungie I'm hungry." Jimin grumbled squeezing Taehyung's hand that successfully made his best friend stare back at him.
"We just ate our packed lunch few minutes ago, Chim." Taehyung reminded which made Jimin pout and they both stopped walking.
They have been walking for what feels like a hundred years. All the carbohydrates, nutrients and energy from his lunch have been dissolved soon as he stepped to begin the trekking again. It was like Taehyung just wanted to beat the living shit out of Jimin by torturing his feet by walking aimlessly to nowhere.
"Here's some gum if you want." Taehyung offers as he handed him a packet of xylitol in raspberry flavor. Jimin happily grabs it because you gotta use what's just there to be offered.
"By the way," Jimin starts up the conversation as they walked again. Taehyung raised on of his eyebrow it response.
"It seems like you've know this track so much and all giddy about it. Where are we going anyway?" Tae points upwards and smiled. Jimin thinks it's not a good idea. At all.
"At the top of this and I'll bring you with me because I want to show you something."
If is wasn't for Taehyung's smile that gives Jimin assurance and this weird feeling of safety with his mere presence, he could've punched Tae right here right now for dragging him to trek on a mountain in the middle of Christmas vacation.
It was near afternoon in Jimin's estimation. The gum only has 5 tablets left, the air was getting more chilly that he can feel it through the layers of jacket he have worn. Taehyung's hand is still intertwined with his. They kinda fit in the rght places though Jimin knows his hand is pretty small compared to Tae's. But slowly his best friend's hand slips away from his and Jimin would ignore that he felt sadden. Tae stayed forward and halted as he looks infront of him. He became stiff all of a sudden and Jimin heard him curse under his breath.
"Are you okay, Tae?" Jimin asks reaching for Taehyung's hand for comfort.
"There's a snake on the trail, Chim. Stay behind me." Even though Taehyung didn't glance at Jimin at all, he held the elder's hand behind his back.
Jimin would say he wasn't scared though he's seriously getting pale again. This is his first time encountering a wild snake out of glass cages that he have only seen from the zoos and even though he have seen a video of how to handle a situation like this, he can't still do anything to protect Taehyung least he can't even move.
But Taehyung audibly breathes and freed Jimin's hand once again, suddenly a sound of deep airy laugh resonates.
"The snake just passed by. It's gone!" Tae announces and his boxy grin flashes as he turn to look at Jimin.
"Hey Chim are you still breathing?" Tae then cupped his cheeks the coldness of his best friend's hand brought him back to consciousness. He slowly breathed again, mist from his breathing fanned Tae which was now few inches away from him, his eyes depicted a worried expression.
"Tell me, did you all plan this after watching a marathon of Bear Grylls' shows?"
Jimin have remembered Tae being the next Yoongi with his eyes hooded and sleepy, pale and thin body from not eating then filed a leave on his work for a petty excuse of "I watched tv all weekend long," and sure Jimin knew now what kept his best friend awake for 48 hours.
Taehyung gave him a sheepish smile and nodded. Jimin just groan in frustrations.
"C'mon I'll be here to protect you no matter what. I won't leave you." And for the nth time Tae smiled at him and suddenly all his fear and growing anger dissolved. His words echoed as Tae leaned forward fixing Jimin's scarf, their distance isn't helping to make his heart from beating normally.
"It's my liability if anything happened to you throughout this trip, Jimin." Taehyung mutters as he looked at Jimin straight in the eyes, his heart beat on his throat that it's the only thing he can hear. "And it's my responsibility to make you safe from any harm."
It's a blessing in disguised that his scarf now covers half of his face mostly his blushing cheeks. Tae grinned and pulled Jimin's hand, running towards their trail as if a snake haven't passed by the same way.
"Are you sure this is safe?" Jimin asks glancing at the track if the snake was still there.
"We're in the wilderness, Chim. Everything in here isn't safe." Taehyung retorts laughing as he still drags his friend.
"Then why didnt you tag Jungkook instead? He'll be the next Bear Grylls than me." he complains because Jungkook will be very happy if he's here. He might even grab that snake a while ago and hang it on his neck.
"Where's the thrill in that?" Taehyung chortled, not minding the whines Jimin is throwing.
"Hurry up, Chim! We might miss it!"
They were greeted with a pleasing sight of what Jimin only sees on pictures. Mixture of fading hues of red, orange, pink and purple wreathed the vast sky. The sun setting on the horizon dividing the beauty of scattered colors and the distant calm sea. The sun slowly casts down the water, it's warm golden rays reflecting it's majestic glow from the endless blue. The clouds as fluffy as cotton candies settles to cover quarter of the sky as light descends and darkness slowly sips in.
"Tae it's so pretty!" Jimin chimes as he had a glimpse of the last sight of sunset now drown with the few twinkling stars in the darkening sky.
"Yeah," the other replies.
Jimin didn't notice he was still wearing a smile since he got a glimpses of a picturesque sunset that he never except to see in his entire life. He looked at his friend if he was also looking at the beauty that they've just witness but Taehyung was looking at him, his lips semblance a fond smile that he only sees when he's with him. His eyes darted straight at him, dark, piercing that holds so much words to say.
"Are you okay, Tae?" Jimin worriedly asks but Taehyung dismissed it with a smile and ruffled his tousled hair.
"Let's set up our camp!" Taehyung blurts out turning his back at Jimin and he'll just act oblivious that Taehyung is acting weird all of a sudden.
They both gathered the things they've needed, their backpacks already on the ground. Jimin starts to make a fire while Taehyung decided to set up their tents. While Jimin finishes his tasks and decided to sit by the bonfire as he waits for Tae, he couldn't stop himself thinking over the stare Taehyung gave him a while ago before he starts acting so distant.
He glances at his best friend who was few meters away from him, and he sighed.
Jimin have been confused of what was Tae in his life. Their friendship was like a lightning bolt, it just happened so fast. They've been sometimes teased by their friends and he'd deny they were inseparable. Though true Jimin would miss Taehyung so much even if he wouldn't visit a day or two in his apartment.
Now Jimin wonders if he just wanted Taehyung by his side as his resident best friend or someone more than that and these trip sure proves that Jimin wanting that tongue in his mouth and lips interlock with his as he sees Tae in deep concentration to set up the tent, clearly it screams the latter.
"Chim," Tae calls and Jimin didn't notice his friend was already infront of him. Taehyung leveled his gaze with Jimin as he squats, tucking his legs.
"What is it?" Jimin asks, his voice muffled by his scarf.
"I said you're burning up." Jimin seemed confused but Taehyung suddenly gave him a thermometer and there he realized what Tae was saying.
"We can already go back if you want." Taehyung suggests voice audible with concern.
"Its not that a big deal, Tae. What are these efforts if we just go back." And honestly Jimin just feels hot, like literally hot.
"Are you sure you'll be fine?" Jimin held Taehyung's hand to give him assurance and nods.
"As long as you're here, I'll be."
The night was spent Jimin tucked in his sleeping bag as Tae put him there. While the younger starts to prepare their dinner. Jimin crawled out of the tent, his head poking out as he glances outside.
The sky was pitch black where speck of stars scattered to light the sky. The cityscape was visible from a far, the flashing lights of various colors from warm streetlights to bright lights from tall buildings. And the sky full of stars brightly shines at them, now a view which seemed a vast darkest with lights glittering to give them brightness. It was like they were seeing endless set of stars, as if they were inside their own galaxy.
"Is this what you've been wanting me to see, Tae?" Jimin mutters, eyes mirroring the sparkles up in the sky. He heard footsteps getting nearer and heard a soft thud beside him as his best friend laid down.
"I remembered you wanted to star gaze and see the northern lights back then," Taehyung utters looking straight in the sky. Jimin shifts looking at his best friend.
"And you were stressed that you don't have any time to rest and see us." he adds, Jimin still looks at Taehyung intently.
Jimin now notices the small details in Tae. The imperfection of freckles spread across his cheeks, the tiny mole on his nose that seemed to be his asset, the pointy nose that looks perfect on him, his wide forehead that Jimin wants to kiss, his perfect facial structure from the textbook, his lips pink and kissable and his eyes like child, glassy, curious like it holds the stars he's seeing right now— that Jimin can stare at him forever if he's allowed to.
"We dont have the northern lights here but this is what I can give to you."
Taehyung shifts to his side and stared at Jimin. His heart erratically beats that he hears it right in his ear. The fondness and warmth Tae has given makes Jimin think he doesn't deserve all the good in this world most of all give Taehyung to him.
"I don't know if I want you to be with me because you're my best friend or because i feel something else," Jimin whispers finding his hands touching Tae's fluffy blonde locks. Taehyung leaned on his touch until he rested his forehead on Jimin's, his fringes blocking his sight but Jimin still notices how Taehyung looks at him like he's the most beautiful man he have ever seen.
"Kiss me so that you'll know."
And before even kissing his best friend he already knew why was his heart screams for Taehyung.
He leaned without hesitation and felt his lips touches Taehyung. The fluttering feeling of the moment swells his heart as Tae guides him, pressing his lips gently. His hand cupped Jimin's warm pinkish cheeks, thumb caressing him in the softest way. There were no fireworks but it was filled with yearning. They were contented both lips stretched into smiles. Tae pulled away, arms propped on Jimin's sides. His fringe still blocking his eyes but Jimin reached for it and run his finger through his locks.
"I like you so much," Jimin muses, looking at Taehyung with obvious fondness. The younger leaned forward again stared at Jimin intently, his eyes reflecting Jimin's face.
"I have always like you since the first time I saw you, Jimin." Taehyung mutters kissing Jimin in his forehead.
They now both laid down sharing each other's warmth as they gaze above the stars, fingers intertwined and smiles unthreaten to falter.
"I never thought you'll remember that I said I wanna see the Aurora. It was 5 years ago, Tae." Jimin grumbles as he quickly glances at Tae who just smiled back and shrugged.
"Though next time we'll see it, the both of us." Jimin exclaims raising his pinky and Taehyung held his fingers up and laced his pinky on Jimin's.
"Together,"