Archive of Our Own

Sunday, 8.30am: 202 Days Till the Wedding.

Jimin positively shrieks as he rips out the dainty envelope, tracing the wedding invitation in awe.

“Hoseok-hyung this is so beautiful,” he claims, placing a wicker basket he’s been carrying from his apartment down onto the large table. It is 8.30am and the cafe is sparse from customers. “I can’t believe they are finally settling down. About time, though. If I have to bear another one of Jin-hyung’s meltdown, I’d kill myself. Good thing Namjoon-hyung is such a patient saint.”

“You and I both,” Hoseok lets Jimin read the invitation card over and over while he dives into the basket full of freshly baked goods. Gotta start Sunday morning with a hearty selection of pastry, his mind supplies happily.

“Jimin, you bake like a dream,” he mumbles between bites of pineapple puff. “Seriously this is better than room service at Four Seasons.”

The young guy flushes. “You’re just saying that, hyung. Don’t distract me from basking in happiness over the news.”

“I always mean what I say, you know that,” he shrugs. “Ain’t nobody got time for empty flattery.”

Jimin runs a hand through his hair, ruffling the blonde strands a bit as he passes the invite back to Hoseok.

“But isn’t it too early to send out invites, hyung? It is only the beginning of March after all,” Jimin wonders, nibbling on an almond croissant.

Hoseok tuts. “It doesn’t hurt to be prepared, precious. I don’t plan on distributing just yet. Plus don’t you know how busy our guests are? They would appreciate an early invite to block in their calendar and avoid all these double booked drama. At least I do.”

Despite what he claimed, Jimin knows Hoseok truly lives in the drama. Oh sometimes he creates those drama and once everything sets into motion, he subtly step aside and watch his creation unfolds. Jung Hoseok is simultaneously both one of the sweetest and scariest person Jimin knows personally and it is best to not doubt his capabiities nor cross him. Being Seoul’s most beloved (and secretly one of the most despised, depending on which side of the coin you’re referring) socialite, Hoseok grows up in the middle of it all and soaks the lifestyle like sponge to water. His parents are always away due to business trips and when Jimin was born, Hoseok pretty much live at his cousin’s rather than his family home. Even when the Jungs filed for divorce, Hoseok remains safe, sound and untouched at the Park’s household. Jimin’s parents on the other hand are very supportive of his interest, being in the entertainment industry themselves and dotes on Hoseok as much as them on Jimin.

 As such, the two young boys are always acompanying each other while Jimin’s parents work odd hours and Hoseok’s social buterfly personality wriggles his way into the unsuspecting people’s lives ever since. He has dirt on every single one of them, knowing perfectly well when to drop a bomb unsuspectingly onto his victims yet always calculated the risk and made it seem an innocent accident instead.

“And don’t let me start on Jin-hyung’s part. He runs a tight ship on his leash. Why do you think he wants me to plan for his wedding? I’m basically saving some wedding planners from committing suicide here,” Hoseok rants.

A waitress come with the drinks Hoseok ordered beforehand, placing the cups and mugs one by one. The bell at the entrance chimes softly before loud, mingling voices announce a group of young lads’ entrance. Jimin waves at them excitedly, beckoning them to come over as if they don’t know their where their regular spot is.

 “Chims!” Taehyung scoops the tiny boy into his arms, squeezing him breathless.

 “He’s choking for air hyung, let him breathe a little,” laughs the black haired guy behind Taehyung. “Long time no see, Jimin-hyung.”

 “You too, Gguk,” Jimin coughs.

 “Ah, Jung Hoseok, what would I do without you,” quips Seokjin’s voice as he perches on a stool, inhaling the aroma of a warm caramel latte. “Two dash of cinnamon, just the way I like it. You know me so well, Seok-ah.”

 Hoseok beams, gesturing all of them to take a seat and get on with the program already. “Min Yoongi, what are you doing lagging behind like a slug! Hurry up your iced americano is getting watery!”

Jimin who is in the middle of laughing while watching a video on Jeongguk's phone of Tae’s drunken antics stiffens. If Jeongguk notices, he keeps his mouth shut as Tae next to him whines about it’s not fair Gguk I can so walk on heels without tripping on daily basis I’m a model for fuck’s sake. Across them, Namjoon and Seokjin are checking something on the former’s phone while right across him, Hoseok is waving his arm up and down, pointing to the seat at the head of the table -in between Jimin and Hoseok.

 See, Park Jimin knows he is blessed in so many ways. He was born into a well off family, has great friends, his parents don’t care that he doesn’t want to go to college but becomes a Youtube sensation instead; they are very supportive, in short. He has a good following on social medias and just last week sealed a deal for a mini 10 episodes tv show with a well known food channel in Asia. All that, together with the news of his close friends getting married makes him so happy, before Min Yoongi nonchalantly walks towards their table, that is.

 Min Yoongi hates Park Jimin. And while hate is such a strong word for Park Jimin, he’s 100% sure the feeling is mutual and is definitely intimidated like hell.

 And now, watching from his peripheral vision as the intimidating man dressed in all black approaches the table, Jimin swallows dry, sipping on his iced chai to ease the burn. After a round of exchanged greetings -Jimin meets Yoongi’s eyes once and gulps- everyone puts down their phones and turn to the couple in attention.

 “We’ve been thinking we want to get everyone involved for such a special occasion,” Namjoon starts, sipping on his drink slowly. “And lucky for us we have such talents in our close circle.”

 Hoseok almost snort at this. More like Jin-hyung doesn’t trust outsiders and wanting to avoid repeating himself over and over again at wedding planner, he thinks.

 “I trust all of you with my life,” Seokjin says seriously. The atmosphere is tense for a second before he laughs heartily, almost falling over if not for Namjoon’s quick reflex. “Oh I love you all so much!”

They discuss the overall picture with Hoseok who brings out a thick folder from his bag, full of almost everything pertaining to wedding planning needs. Jimin swears amidst all that pictures and words he sees a color wheel of pastels and whites that Seokjin shrieks gleefully upon seeing. Hoseok keeps pointing here and there, occasionally asking the group of their ideas and thoughts. Seokjin and Namjoon keep nodding and throwing a few questions that Hoseok answers in a heartbeat.

“Jeongguk, I understand you have tight schedule so all I’m asking is will you do the honor of becoming the ring bearer for the ceremony?”

 “Of course, Namjoon-hyung. Thanks for including me,” the younger agrees easily. Being on the team for Tokyo Olympics 2020, Jeongguk can’t spare too much time outside rigorous training schedule but he has cleared any sort of activities before, on and after the wedding date because it’s better to be prepared for unfolding dramas when it hit them later on.

 “And babe, our suits will be from Gucci, so we can all be matchy-matchy with each other,” Seokjin turns to Namjoon who nods in agreement, beaming in Taehyung’s direction. “I heard you’ll be walking at Seoul Fashion Week in two weeks! How exciting!”

 “Actually, I’m walking for Chanel now,” Taehyung pouts. “They pay me higher and I gotta eat. Such dismal though.”

 “It’s okay Tae, I’m rooting for you no matter what,” Jimin reaches past Jeongguk to pat his back, all smiles at the news.

Everything is going well until Seokjin drops the bomb.

“Of course, Yoongi will oversee the menu. I expect nothing short of perfection from you,” Seokjin marvels, leaning forward and shaking Yoongi’s wrist lightly.

 “Well, what kind of menu do you want? Traditional, western, fusion?” he sips on his iced coffee.

 “Anything is good, really,” Seokjin beams, picking the raisins off a pastry. “You know I’m not picky with food. Surprise me. I don’t really mind. Oh lord Jimin how many times does hyung needs to tell you I don’t like this kind of raisin I only like the yellow ones.”

Yoongi nods, looking at those poor raisins littering the table but internally screams. Seokjin is such a strong character with strong traits. He doesn’t thread between the lines; it’s always a solid yes or no. That’s what he thinks anyways --except he has such a huge preferences sometimes it overlaps and he doesn’t like to be put on spot too so Yoongi knows he needs to devise at least 3 solid three course menus that are of different themes but flexible enough they’re interchangable. The wedding is in six months. And nobody can say no to Kim Seokjin.

Now Min Yoongi might be a renowned chef with one Michelin star restaurant and a celebrated outdoor style grill bar in Itaewon with the 4^th Masterchef Korea and Masterchef All Star title winner under his belt, but he swears he’d rather compete in another obnoxious cooking competition than deciding the menu for the Kims wedding. Catering it; not a problem. Knowing the responsibility of choosing what them and another 200 or so prolific guests at the wedding of one whipped IT/business genius and one extremely picky, temperemental film star but also one of his closest friend will be fully beared by him though makes his head dizzy.

“It’s an evening garden wedding so make sure there’s plenty of those tiny food for us to munch before too,” Taehyung supplies, already imagining the autumn sunset and twinkling garden lights and how nice it would be to shoot some cool pictures then. “Hors d’ ouvres, however you say it.”

 Great, why don’t you ask me to make the wedding cake while you’re at it, Yoongi thinks.

 “Aww I wish I could’ve help more, hyung,” Jimin says, fidgeting with his sleeves. “I guess I’ll just help Hoseok-hyung with planning and everything then.”

Namjoon’s face lightens up like a bulb. Seokjin immediately turns to face him before his face lits up too, twin expressions on both their faces making Jimin slightly squirms.

 “W-what’s with those faces...”

 “Jimin, Seokjin and I have been discussing,” Namjoon begins, ignoring Jeongguk’s you just look at each other then smile creepily what is this, telepathic connection? at the background. “It would be an honor for us to have you make our wedding cake.”

 The person in questions gulps almost audibly. Suddenly the spices in the iced chai decided to attack Jimin’s throat in his vulnerable moment. “Oh...my god.”

 “I take that as a yes!” Seokjin cheers. “Dear, we are so lucky!”

 Jimin’s fried brain tries to do a quick calcualtion. 250 guests is equivalent to how many tiers...well do they want round or square cake? God, please no weird shaped ones. Knowing Seokjin-hyung though, a pentagon shaped cake is not an outlandish thought. And what size of a portion? Maybe wedding cupcakes is a better idea?

 And more importantly...

 “How is the kid going to bake a full on wedding cake,” Yoongi says more to himself, almost inaudible from the chatter at their table. “Does he even own a cake fridge?”

 Jimin huffs, turning a shade redder. “What do you mean, hyung? Are you saying I can’t bake a wedding cake?”

 “Now you’re just putting words in my mouth,” Yoongi replies with a smirk. “Have you bake anything for more than 10 people to eat? We’re talking 250 servings for esteemed guests here.”

 “Well, I haven’t. Doesn’t mean I can’t,” Jimin pouts.

 “And you decide the best moment to experiment is on your best friends’ wedding of the year?”

 “Hyung, why are you always mean to me?” his voice gets slightly louder than he meant to project. “Need I remind you that you almost get eliminated from Masterchef thrice and all of those were on baking challenges?”

 “Ha! I don’t need reminders from someone who rose to fame because he almost burn down his kitchen trying to make brownie crinckles drunk and share it on the internet for the world to see,” Yoongi counters. “If I have to share a kitchen with anyone, you would be at the bottom of the list.”

 “I will not share a kitchen with you!” Jimin shouts in annoyance.

 “Good, because I dont’t want to share anything with you too, midget!” comes the reply from Yoongi.

 “We’re off the same height!”

 Seokjin sighs, a delicate hand on his temple. “Enough! You two will learn to coexist together at least for the duration of my wedding preparation or so help me god I will ban BOTH of you from attending!”

 Jimin gasps. “Jin-hyung, no!”

 “Jin-hyung, YES,” Seokjin confirms.

 “Jimin, Yoongi, you guys are very dear to Seokjin-hyung and I. It would break our hearts if you guys are not there at the wedding,” Namjoon steps in, hands holding Seokjin’s arms softly. The implied so get your shits together apparent though unspoken.

The mood is tense as the couple make their exit, Namjoon throwing a glance backwards and mouthing good luck at their direction. Yoongi and Jimin sit at the table, an almost similar petulant pout on their faces. Taehyung whistles lowly, grabbing his bag and a doughnut from the basket.

 “I have casting in 30 minutes. Gotta run,” he says in lieu of farewell, dragging a confused looking Jeongguk with him. Hoseok puts on a meaningful smile aimed at Yoongi, both lips pressing tightly and the curve awkwardly slanted.

 “Jimin, will you be a doll and help hyung with the florists? They’re expecting me in an hour and I think I’ll be a tad bit late. Can you go on first and meet them? You know what Jin-hyung likes and Namjoon’s allergies after all.”

 A statement, not a suggestion.

 Jimin nods silently and gather his stuff, bidding a small see you later. His eyes linger for an extra second at Yoongi, face flushing for whatever reasons unknown to him.

 “Min Yoongi.”

 “Hyung. Min Yoongi-hyung,” Yoongi corrects.

 “Fine. Min Yoongi-hyung,” Hoseok says, venom dripping in his voice. Yoongi flinches a little. “You are the biggest scum in my eyes right now, even more than that one guy I got fired from fashion week because he messed up my seating chart.”

 Yoongi winces. “Technically, I only told him the truth, okay? And Jin-hyung is crazy I think all that drama scripts has been processed to real life scenarios in his head. I just don’t want him to be hurt when he realise it’s basically mission impossible. It’s too much of a pressure for the kid who makes us bear claws once a week.”

 “They’re good bear claws though, admit it,” Hoseok waves a bear claw in front of Yoongi who takes it and promptly gives it a bite.

 “They’re really good bear claws,” he sighs.

 “Jimin thinks you hate him, you know?”

 “What? How could that be? Did you tell him weird stories about me again?” Yoongi asks in between bites of the bear claw. “If trees are green, then Jimin is the one who hates me. I am perfectly civil on my part.”

 “Civil my ass,” Hoseok sniggers.

Yoongi narrows his eyes. 

Hoseok rolls his eyes.

“Well, what happens every single time you guys talk to each other?”

“We bicker and someone starts yelling and we don’t talk until the next gathering,” Yoongi mumbles, licking his fingers clean.

“Uh huh. And that doesn’t scream ‘I hate you’ to you?”

“Well, I...”

Hoseok watches Yoongi’s shoulder slump down, a smll victorious smile on his face. “Seriously hyung, just try to be nice to him. Your defence mechanism kicks up high and weird whenever the poor boy is in vicinity.”

“Shut up,” Yoongi blushes. Well, Hoseok is damned. He really need to get these idiots see the same picture -the sooner the better. “He just....brings that out of me for some unknown reason.”

“How ‘bout this,” Hoseok clears his throat. “Invite Jimin over to discuss about the menu. You can give him advice on the cake and whatnots, because I really love my baby cousin and need him to realise his potential. And just... don’t screw up this peace treaty I’m offering, okay?”

Yoongi nods at the suggestion. He’s a strong man but his resolve crumbles when parred against one Park Jimin.

“Good. I’ll send you the color schemes and some themes I’m working on for the decor. Maybe use that to assimilate with the menu and wine.”

Yoongi scrunches his nose at the thought of the wine. “I’ll have my sommerlier at the restaurant look up the pairings,” he sighs, watching Hoseok’s eyes bulge slightly at a glance of his watch.

“Shit, gotta run and make sure Jimin doesn’t screw up the flowers. Invite him, hyung, seriously.”

With that, Hoseok bolts out of the door, leaving a sighing Yoongi and a list of items behind.

Friday, 1.30pm: 176 Days Till the Wedding.

One Friday afternoon three weeks later finds Park Jimin standing in front of a three stories high villa apartment in the Apgujeong district, finger hovering over the intercom button. The building is located in a nice neighborhood tucked away from the bustling activities of the town for privacy but still within walking distance to nearby stores and businesses.

 Jimin shifts his weight from one foot to another. Of all things, he hasn’t imagine Min Yoongi to be living in a more traditional villa apartment rather than a swanky, modern and futuristic one smack in Gangnam. He himself lives with Hoseok in an apartment at the city center while his parents are housed in another unit at another floor. Granted, his father owns the whole building but still, he doesn’t expect Min Yoongi to be so...humble.

Aish, what am I doing standing here like a creep, Jimin muses. He has been standing there for close to 15 minutes already and he feels like he could raise suspicion if he delays further more.

 A dog’s sudden bark from the street startles Jimin and he presses the intercom buzzer 3 seconds too long compared to what a polite buzz would be.

 An irritated, augmented voice comes from the intercom almost immediately. “Which one of you brats is it? I swear if you break another one of my plant and buzzes me only to leave some squiggly, half-hearted apology note--”

 “Uhm, Yoongi-hyung, i-it’s me, J-Jimin,” Jimin mumbles into the speaker.

 A moment of silence passes and Jimin starts to clear out his throat when Yoongi’s voice comes out again.

 “Come on in. Please close the gate when you enter.”

Jimin does just that, making sure all his belongings are inside before double checking the gates. He notices a door ajar from where he stands, facing a courtyard of neatly trimmed grass and a huge koi pond stretching alongside the gates. There’s a bridge crossing the pond and Yoongi is standing in the middle of it, throwing fish food pellets into the pond. Jimin watches as swarms of colorful scales gathers beneath the bridge, glistening in the afternoon sun.

 “Just go in first, Jimin-ah. I’ll be right in in a few minutes,” Yoongi says without looking at his direction.

 To say Jimin is puzzled is an understatement but he hurries through the open door, of which leds him straight to the kitchen area. As expected, it is a large area set in a rustic theme with bare bricks wall and dark cherry red kitchen island. He sets his items on the large marble topped counter, positive that he can see his own reflection on it.

 A small yelp leaves Jimin’s mouth when someting brushes against his legs. Jimin peers downwards, elated to see the infamous Min Holly, conqueror of Min Yoongi’s stone heart and occasional star of the chef’s instagram account. Not that Jimin stalks follows Yoongi on social media anywyas.

 (He totally does.)

“Oh I see you’ve made some company,” Yoongi greets while closing the door. The room is noticeably dimmer than before but the sunlight streaming through the open window of the kitchen provides sufficient lighting.

 “Holly baby, why don’t you go play outside for a while, hmm?” Yoongi lifts the dog close to his chest, setting it off in front of the kitchen door. Immediately, the brown dog makes a dash outside towards the pond. “You closed the gate shut, right?”

 Jimin nods, not knowing what to say as everything is happening out of his imagination leaving him feeling overwhelmed. He stands at the edge of the kitchen island, occupying as small of a space as possible. The awkwardness hangs heavily around them for they never hang out alone without a bunch of rambunctious, loud and obnoxious group of friends or at least Hoseok between them.

 “Want anything to drink? Water, juice, soda?” Yoongi breaks the reverie, gesturing towards a wine cupboard on the far side of the kitchen. “Some red or white? I don’t keep a stash of hard liquor though.”

 “Oh no hyung it’s okay I brought a couple of bottles myself. Here,” Jimin fishes inside a large bag he has been carrying, producing two bottles of red wines out of it. “Belated birthday gift, I guess.”

The minutes he wasted hesitating to press the doorbell had caused the cold bottle to sweat and almost slipping from his hand, if not for Yoongi’s warm ones gently cradling the bottles (and subsequently, Jimin’s hands as well) from falling.

 “Gaja 2010 Barbaresco. Phew, this baby is exquisite,” Yoongi whistles, immediately loading up the ice bucket and grabbing some glasses, avoiding some squishy toys Holly left on the floor. “And La Jota 2014 Merlot. Fancy.”

 “The Gaja was a gift from a producer at my dad’s,” Jimin blurts. “I’m not really big on drinking reds but Merlot is mellow enough for me.”

 “You’re right about that. Merlot is a fantastic choice for red beginners,” Yoongi answers.

 “Wow, that’s a first. We actually agree on something,” Jimin laughs a little, easing himself on a stool. “I also brought some bread pudding. Hoseok-hyung thinks it’ll be great for people to bond over food.”

 “He’s not wrong, you know,” Yoongi is almost hidden by the fridge’s door, grabbing ingredients and stacking them in his arms. “I can make us lunch and we can discuss afterwards. Though you hate my cooking, I think you don’t want to miss out on this spicy lamb stew.”

 “What do you mean I hate your cooking?” Jimin’s brows furrow in confusion. “You never cook for me, hyung. And you never eat anything I bake either.”

 Yoongi unloads everything on the counter, turning around to grab a chopping board and a knife block. Well, not to your knowledge, Yoongi thinks silently of the amount of baked goods from Jimin he’d consumed all these years.

 I really should get Hoseok something amazing for his birthday next year, he thinks.

 “Well, remember when we all first met each other?”

 “Of course! I just graduated high school and Jin-hyung got his first major role in that film,” Jimin reminisces. “We were all gathering at Namjoon-hyung’s and that’s the first time I met Jeongguk and you. Gosh, he was such a scrawny kid back then. Has it really been 6 years?”

 “Uh huh and there was a lot of food, remember?” Yoongi asks, chopping the vegetables at an impressive speed.

 “Ah the food, of course,” Jimin scrunches his nose. “I remember bonding with the toilet bowl that night vividly. It’s like my stomach wanted to turn inside out from all the vomiting.”

 Jimin flinches when Yoongi’s knife clatters on the tabletop.

 “Do you hate my food with all your might to that extend? I just won Masterchef that night,” says a hurt Yoongi.

 Eyes widening at the realization, Jimin immediately shakes his head. “What? Oh no hyung I didn’t mean it that way! Oh my god is that...is that why you think I hate your cooking?”

 Yoongi says nothing, lips pouting in a you think? gesture, picking up the knife and placing it inside the sink.

 Jimin laughs humorlessly, wiping at a stray tear almost escaping on his eye. “Hyung, I don’t hate you. I thought you hate me because of what happened that night. I puked on the floor and used your sweater to clean it up! I didn’t remember anything other than vomiting and when I realised what actually happened, it was already a good few weeks after the incident and I thought it seems weird to apologize so late and maybe you’ve forgotten about it. I should’ve explain a lot sooner and we can save all these years being awkward of each other.”

 “What do you mean?” Yoongi’s interest is piqueing as cleans his knife.

 “The food, it was all seafood right? I remember scallops, cioppini, calamaris?” Yoongi nods, dicing the lamb softly. “I’m allergic to seafood, hyung. That’s why I got so sick eating them. That, and because I was too excited of becoming an adult and can legally drink. I hadn’t had a single drop of alcohol for a few months afterwards.”

 Yoongi stops dead in his track, eyeing Jimin like he had told him the world’s best kept secret.

 “You...you aren’t playing with me?” Yoongi blinks. “Because if you do, it’s not funny, Park Jimin. Hyung’s pride is on the line.”

 “No, hyung! I really am allergic to seafood! Shellfish, in particular. I can stomach some fish like salmon and sea bass but other than that it’s one way ticket for my stomach to crawl its way out of my esophagus,” Jimin assures, hands clasping in delight before turning beet red all of the sudden. “So hyung...does that means you don’t hate me?”

 Yoongi shakes his head, dropping everything to rush to Jimin’s side. “I never hate you. I just thought that since you hate me I had to pretend to hate you too otherwise we have nothing to talk about during our gatherings.”

 “Oh god we are two stupid people, hyung,” Jimin giggles, downing his glass of red dry in happiness.

 “Slow down there. Don’t want you developing alcohol poisoning symptoms this early of the day,” Yoongi cautions, heart a million times lighter now that everything is out in the open between him and Jimin.

Well, almost everything, because how do you tell someone who you thought hated you for six whole years that you’ve been crushing on them since day one?

Wednesday , 5.30p m: 164 Days Till the Wedding.

They gather again a good month after the last meeting, this time opting to hang out at Yoongi’s grill restaurant in Itaewon because 1) it has an amazing private outdoor grilling area 2) the food is great and 3) it’s free. That’s what family is for, right?

 Itaewon at this hour is just beginning to be swarmed by people, mingling about on a weekend or strolling nearby parks and doing some shopping. It is not exactly an area one would normally choose for hanging out if they don’t have bulky wallet and purses, save for unknowing tourists trying to catch a glimpse of a famous face here and there.

 Contrary to popular belief, someone of Seokjin’s status has no problem whatsoever reaching Yoongi’s restaurant without being mauled by crazed fans, even in broad daylight. He doesn’t even have his bodyguards with him as it is not an official schedule so Namjoon took liberty in getting them there safely.

 When they arrive, Hoseok and Jimin were already there with Yoongi already starting to bring out the finest meat and cut selection he prides his restaurant in. While Namjoon and Seokjin discuss business with Hoseok, Namjoon couldn’t help but to notice the lack of hostile banter and sharp glances between the two other persons in the room. Instead, both Yoongi and Jimin look comfortable sitting next to each other, barely speaking other than Yoongi occasionally explaining which cut of meat this is and how to recognise them from visual perspective. Jimin seems content to absorb all the information, nodding and giving out small smiles at Yoongi’s direction generously.

 Oh, could it be?

“So as I’m saying, we are all on good track! Well, Yoongi still hasn’t pass me the menu suggestion yet but,” Hoseok speaks fastly, one hand on top of Seokjin’s in a reassuring manner. “--that’s only because I want to finalize the theme and deco with you first before we got onto the menu. After that, I’ll make sure to hound him like the grim reaper.”

 “Oh, we’re not worried about that at all,” Namjoon waves his hand in the air. “We know Yoongi’s more than capable of coming with great things and he has a good team at his beck and call.”

 A knock sounds from the door before it slides open to reveal a grinning Taehyung and Jeongguk, clad in similar attire of navy blue trench coat, dark fitted jeans, white tee even downing identical pairs of boots.

 “We’re twinning,” is all Taehyung has to offer at the slightly perplexed expression on the gang’s faces.

 Jeongguk makes a beeline towards the table, wasting no time in helping Yoongi flipping the meat on the grill. Jimin and Taehyung exchange pleasantaries while Hoseok wraps up the discussion with Namjoon and Seokjin. The food is ready in no time and they immediately dive in while Yoongi quickly places another slab of meat onto the grill to be cooked whilst they are eating.

 “Here, hyung,” Jimin mumbles softly while placing some meat into Yoongi’s bowl which the later ackowledges with a slight nod and a soft smile.

 “It’s so good to see you not trying to rip each other’s throats out,” Seokjin comments as he sips on his tea, oblivious to Jimin choking on air at the comment. “Try to keep being this civil until the wedding, yes? I have you two sitting next to each other after all.”

 “My idea,” Namjoon supplies, as if it’s the solution of world’s hunger and famine crisis.

 “Of course! My husband-to-be is so smart!” Seokjin sighs blissfully, giving heart eyes and a huge smile for his partner.

Neither Yoongi nor Jimin react much verbally but the twin prominent blush on their cheeks are enough indicator of something juicy boiling on underneath the surface and Taehyung’s eyes flickers between the two so fast Jeongguk had to physically distract him by pushing a spoon down the floor. The clatter snaps Taehyung out of daze and he begins lecturing Jeongguk on stop pushing things out of the way with your strong arms and Seokjin-hyung look Namjoon-hyung is stealing from my plate again.

 Seokjin retaliates with piling Taehyung’s plate with assorted cut of meat to compensate Namjoon’s stealing and the younger squeals in excitement, already forgetting about that time he almost give himself a headache looking at Yoongi and Jimin back and forth.

 Hoseok leans forward to snatch more beef into his plate, piling Jeongguk’s plate as a silent act of gratefulness.

 “Stop looking like a deer caught in the headlight,” he singsongs into Jimin’s ear. “And you, hyung, who knew red is such a nice color on your face.”

 “Shut it, Hoseok,” Yoongi mumbles, pointedly avoiding Hoseok’s knowing gaze and wiggling eyebrows for the rest of the day.

W ednesday , 7.15am : 122 Days Till the Wedding.

Jimin opens his bedroom door slowly, ensuring the hallway is clear before tiptoeing his way out. It’s still early and there’s a 95% chance that Hoseok is still knocked out unconscious inside his room from helping Jimin films his latest drunk baking series for Youtube last night. Normally, Jimin manages just fine on his own with setting up of the cameras and all but Hoseok’s involvement is crucial to today’s plan which definitely doesn’t involve Hoseok ruining his first and official date with a certain chef.

 A dreamy smile reaches Jimin’s face at the thought and he curses when he almost fall down flat onto the plush carpet in the living room while busying himself daydreaming. Just a few days before he had been visiting Yoongi at his house, helping the older with menu selections for a good few hours before unwinding with homecooked meals and glasses of red. Few times they keep meeting like that after they made up-- it’s always either coming up with menu selection or Yoongi personally showing Jimin some cooking skill and teaching him recipes or Jimin pointing out reasons as to why Yoongi’s trials at baking bread almost always end up with a burnt loaf. Somehow, their lunch and wine sessions had evolved to the two of them sitting together watching old Disney movies, still sharing a bottle of red between them. Often, Holly would join them on the sofa despite Yoongi’s lackluster attempts on lecturing Holly to not come up on any furnitures.

 On one particularly lovely spring day though, Yoongi casually asks Jimin whether he wants to go ‘sightseeing at the countryside next week’ which perplexes Jimin initially since they only ever spend time at Yoongi’s house. Upon seeing Jimin’s reaction, Yoongi hurriedly adds ‘I want you to meet some of my ingredient purveyors and their amazing produce and maybe take you out for lunch or dinner later’.

 To which Jimin blurts “Like a date, hyung?” much to Yoongi’s chagrin, cheeks tinted red.

 “Yes, I would very much like to take you out on a date.”

 Which leads to this very moment of Park Jimin very sneakily trying to exit his own apartment before Hoseok decides it’s time to sniff out new gossips and troubles.

Once he’s outside, Jimin texts Yoongi that he’s coming down in 5 minutes, tapping his foot impatiently while the elevator rides down. Clutching his oversized beach bag tightly, he almost trips on his feet again while running jogging enthusiastically towards a black Range Rover Autobiography waiting in front of the apartment complex.

 The first time Jimin had seen Yoongi’s Rover was a couple years back during New Year’s Eve where the seven of them squishes together inside the 5 seater (then new) car on the way to Taehyung’s friends party. Only, Taehyung had been so intoxicated to recall the correct friend much less the address because do you know how many people are named Jiho in Korea, hyung?

 They ended up celebrating New Year at the Han River parking lot, Yoongi’s Rover attracting so many unwanted attention given the size and color of the vehicle and a drunk Seokjin doesn’t really make an attractive frontpage news so Yoongi, Jimin and an only slightly intoxicated Jeongguk locked the rest of them in the car and went on a stroll nearby instead.

 It was the first time they were almost left out alone, since Jeongguk isn’t exactly sober enough to notice subtle glances they were throwing at each other, alcohol seemingly making their hatred muted for the time being. But now, Jimin is definitely not drunk and smiling so wide his cheeks hurt as he climbs inside the car, a warm greeting thrown to Yoongi who wastes no time hitting the road for their little trip.

 “We should arrive in a little under three hours,” Yoongi informs, sipping on his iced coffee. “I have to meet my vegetable and wild rice purveyors at the highlands for their seasonal stock then we can have lunch and go sightseeing a bit. How does that sound?”

 “Fantastic,” is all Jimin replies, enjoying the morning car ride, opening up a food container. “Breakfast?”

 Jimin had made quiche last night for his fortnightly drunk cooking video, deliberately drinking at a slower pace than normal. Hoseok though, held no bars back, ecstatic at helping Jimin making his cooking videos and emptied a few cans of beers then using said cans to roll out the dough.

 While Hoseok is well on his way to intoxication, Jimin quickly wraps up filming, making mini sized quiches for today’s trip as well. He did checked Hoseok’s clendar and found nothing on today’s entry so Jimin is at ease for he known at least Hoseok won’t miss anything out today.

Namwon-gun is beautiful at this time of the year as the royal azaleas begin to bloom in earnest in time for the flower festival. They might not be able to climb Jiri-san to see the beautiful field but from what Yoongi had told him, Jimin is looking forward to see the pretty pink petals floating gently on the river surface. There’s a restaurant just by the river that makes Jeolla-do specialty dishes and while Jimin enjoys his steamed rice and veges in bamboo, Yoongi caught him eyeing his clam porridge more than once with such longing stare during lunch.

 After the simple lunch, the pair stroll around one of the many park surrounding that area. Although the sun shines bright, the blooming flowers provide shaded canopy for them to enjoy the nature, the soft blow of spring wind blowing through the city of love. Time passes by slowly as they walk along the river, watching as thousands of soft pink petals trembles with the wind, sailing gently with the river flow. It’s truly a sight Jimin will never forget and the very picture of Jimin leaning against the rail next to the pink river, sunset in the far background, widely smiling with petals stuck in his hair is the sight Yoongi wishes he could tattoo to the inside of his eyelids.

 They had dinner at a rest stop on the way back, reaching Seoul by 11pm. Yoongi had offered for a nightcap and Jimin agrees easily; one drink turning into two, then a whole bottle. By the time they almost finish the bottle, one innocent kiss turns into two innocent kisses which steadily progresses into countless not so innocent kisses and roaming hands unclasped from wine glasses, latching onto skin and muscles instead.

 Neither of them knew how they got safely to Yoongi’s bedroom on the second floor without tripping down the stairs and Jimin would admire the classy cool grey hues of the room and the exquisite feel of satin sheets on his back later in the morning as he’s busy vocalizing his passion and desire for the time being.

 Which he did for the rest of the night.

Jimin wakes up with a smile when a groggy Yoongi kisses his temple good morning as the latter gets ready to send Jimin back home. They had decided to switch off both their phones; something usual for Yoongi when he’s working but not for Jimin and he winces as he logs in the group chat, scrolling up to read the bizarre and countless questions regarding his whereabout. Namjoon even made a MISSING CHILD poster with Jimin’s face stamped on it to which Seokjin promptly made it as the group chat icon.

 He is slightly perturbed that he has about 34 missed calls and around 50 unread messages but none whatsoever from Hoseok, which baffles him a bit. Yoongi comes out of the bathroom, giving Jimin a short tour of his massive bathroom before leaving Jimin to clean himself before he sends him home.

 Jimin shuffles inside his apartment stealthily, not wanting to make any unnecessary noise. He balances his large bag over one shoulder, holding edible souvenirs from Namwon for Hoseok to eat and blushing at the dark red and purple souvenirs on his neck. It’s already eight in the morning and there’s a slight chance that Hoseok is awake. Jimin knows he will have to face Hoseok and explain about his disappearance sooner or later but he definitely prefers later much better.

 Well, no such luck.

“Good morning my precious,” Hoseok grets him loudly as soon as Jimin steps inside the kitchen.

 “Shit, hyung, what are you doing up so early?” Jimin clutches his chest, feeling his heart beating erratically.

 “As a matter of fact, I’m about to go sleep, actually,” Hoseok says, eyes glinting unnaturally. “I had parties to attend last night and something interesting happened oh so suddenly it makes me party harder than I should. Glad you’re home safe.”

 Jimin watches in confusion as Hoseok all but skips merrily to his room, leaving Jimin to sort the food into containers and into the fridge before seeking comfort in his own bed shortly afterwards.

Sunday , 2.30p m: 104 Days Till the Wedding.

A few staffs dressed in crisp white shirt and black pants, balancing a silver tray on their left hands make their way inside an otherwise large, empty room. They place the content of each tray gracefully, neatly arranging the little sampler size food into categories.

 “So you start from your left, the hors d’ouvres selection for before the reception, and then your selection of appetisers, main and of course, dessert,” Yoongi says almost robotically as soon as the staffs stand just outside the main door, waiting to be called. “I have my sommerlier print out the list of wines to pair with each selection present. There are 4 menu sets so you can choose which one you like the most. Here are the menu cards.”

 “Tsk, Yoongi-hyung, who hurt your heart?” Hoseok jokes, taking the ornate menu cards, scanning the printed words quickly. “Tell me in details, dumbass. I’m not here as your friend, I’m here as a client.”

 “Look, I’m sorry but I just have a lot to handle right now. Just have a taste test first I’ll explain in details you’ll be sorry you even ask later,” Yoongi plops down a chair, cradling his head in is hands.

 “Uh oh, I smell trouble,” the red haired guy sing songs, munching on an avocado and kidney pâté crostini. “Tell me. Food tastes extra good when there’s good gossip around.”

 Yoongi arches an eyebrow and takes a seat right next to Hoseok, cradling his head with a hand.

 “Baek Seju.”

 Hoseok almost drops a tiny porcelain bowl contaning a reduction of pea soup and lavender, swallowing the morsel of food with difficulty. “What does that bitch wants?”

 “Me, apparently,” Yoongi sighs. “She got me to be on Junior Masterchef Japan as a judge and we start filming in a month. Also some appearance here and there while we’re at it.”

 “Well, first off, that’s actually a legit job so kudos to her. Finally finding you an actual job and not sorry excuses to get you within her vicinity,” Hoseok resumes his food sampling, ignoring Yoongi’s scowl. “But I sense something off here.”

 “Well, filming is one thing. You know how I hate to be on a tv show. I can’t swear without them bleeping the hell out of me. It’d be better to put a permanent censor on my mouth,” Yoongi begins, reminiscing his share of being a contestant in the show. As brilliant as a cook he is, the show had to reduce his air time due to the heavy censorship of words that spew out of his mouth almost constantly.

The only time where he was actually shown was when his dish was chosen as the best three on mystery box challenges. As such, some viewers protested that the show was staged since they rarely see Yoongi actually cooking, even on team challenges he rarely takes charge but ended up saving everyone’s asses anyways. However, Min Yoongi really shines bright on the final showdown, displaying exceptional skill and techniques in front of a kitchen-full of spectators and millions more at home. He was too strung with nerve to talk then, much less swearing and a judge joked if he really is foul-mouth Min or a doppelganger.

 “It’s a tv show with kids. I’m horrible with kids,” Yoongi groans into his hands.

 “Actually, you’re horrible with everyone, adults and kids alike,” Hoseok rubs a comforting hand on Yoongi’s back, only to earn a stare.

 “If you’re not here to lament with me then why do I even bother pouring my heart out to you?”

 “No, hyung. See, it’s great that you feel the same way towards kids. It means you’re unbiased. Which means, you are the perfect candidate as a judge,” he explains, resuming in sampling the food. This time, he’s trying the first main; classic fillet mignon and green beans.

 “That’s just the first part of my problem. The second part is I have to stay in Japan for a whole 3 weeks or so,” he finally gives in and crack open a bottle of red. Hoseok doesn’t even bat an eyelid at the antic and continue chowing down the food. “A month close to that witch is something I don’t want to think about yet alone actually executing it.”

 “I can only imagine,” Hoseok shudders. He knows just how persistent Baek Seju, Yoongi’s agent in Japan is; both in creating perfection and also her pursuit of the man’s heart. She is of Korean descent but has been living in Japan for the past ten years or so. For some reason, she has a bad history with her family in South Korea so she opts to live freely in the neighboring country instead. Being a talent manager is not exactly a glamorous job but when you’re one of a prolific family heir coupled with a stunning appearance, Baek Seju is almost a celebrity of her own kind in Japan and she lives for the fame.

 Yoongi on the other hand, despises the spotlight and much rather prefer his sweltering kitchen, barking orders and creating art forms on a plate.

“I need you to watch Holly for me till I come back,” Yoongi says, much to Hoseok’s horror.

 “What? No! Holly doesn’t like me,” he stammers, remembering that particular day he agreed to babysit the dog alone. “All he does is growl at me and chew my shoes!”

 “That’s because you left your house slippers around the house and your shoe cabinet open,” Yoongi smirks, shaking his head a bit. “Anyways Holly likes Jimin a lot so it shouldn’t be a problem. Just keep him away from the kitchen when Jimin’s baking and make sure your shoe cabinet is closed.”

 At the mention of Jimin’s name, Hoseok perks up and sits up straight.

 “So I take it things are going good bet ween you and my precious baby cousin?” Hoseok asks, smiling like a lunatic over his glass of wine.

 “Well, we’re not set to murder each other in the near future if that’s what you mean,” Yoongi answers, polishing his own glass off. “Why? Did Jimin say something?”

 Hoseok twirls his fork around, much to Yoongi’s aversion. “Now, now, why would he do that? Unless... there’s something you wanna tell me.”

 They way Yoongi shifts doesn’t go unnoticed. “I have nothing to tell you.”

 “Uh huh,” Hoseok replies too cheerfully as if he’s been waiting for the moment to appear. “Well, you know I’m all about respecting people’s privacy if they want to but maybe don’t drunk call me when you’re having sex with my precious Jimin at one in the morning if you’re not ready to tell any of us that you have channeled all that hatred energy into mutually inclusive sexual encounters. And going to Namwon? Wow, Jimin sure got you wrapped around his chubby little finger, huh?”

 “What--”

 Hoseok shoots him a pointed look that effectively shuts Yoongi up. “Give me a love call any day, I accept that but Yoongi, don’t hurt Jimin. Get your intention straight and don’t break his heart. I give you my permission if you truly like him but if you don’t, back off, dude.”

 “What do you take me for, Hoseok? Of course I like him. You of all people should know how big of a crush I have on him for over six freaking years,” he says with a flamed face. “And I’m sorry you had to hear us...doing that. It was accidental, I swear.”

 Yoongi’s face blooms red at the thought and Hoseok chuckles at the sight, looking down at particularly nothing on the table.

 “He’s all that I have, hyung,” Hoseok pleads softly.

Wednesday , 10.45 p m: 80 Days Till the Wedding.

The room is sweltering warm, even with the air conditioner blasting at a low temperature. Pants and huffs of breaths mix with the humming drone of the cooling device, satin sheets crumpling with every movement.

 “Fuck, come here.” Yoongi whispers, scooping an equally sweating Jimin into his arms, peppering small, lazy kisses onto his temple.

 Jimin giggles at the act, letting himself being manhadled a bit before propping himself up on an elbow, fingers trailing down Yoongi’s face appreciatively. “What was that, hyung? Why are you being so touchy?”

 “I miss you already,” he admits softly. “Fuck how am I going to tolerate being far from you?”

 “Hyung! Don’t say things like that,” Jimin flushes a lovely shade of red, hiding his face into the crook of his arm. “You’re making it so hard for me to go tomorrow.”

 “Then don’t go?” Yoongi jokes, receiving a half hearted hit on his arm from Jimin. They settle into a momentary silence, just simply enjoying being near each other and savoring the moment.

 “It’s okay, hyung. It’s only a whole week,” Jimin mumbles despite feeling swell of tears forming. “Vietnam is only 2 hours earlier than Seoul, and I’ll make sure to turn on my roaming first thing first after landing and call you every hour.”

 “Yah, you want to end up with a lifetime of debt paying for your phone bills?” Yoongi jokes, tucking Jimin’s hair behind his ear, feeling the smooth strands between is fingers.

 “I’d do it for you.”

 The way Jimin doesn’t even hesistate with his reply makes Yoongi’s heart clenches acutely. “Focus on your filming, Jimin-ah. You’re shooting 10 episodes in one week so you will most probably have a solid 12 hour shoot per day. Although it will hurt my heart, just give me a call when you’re up in the morning and hyung will call you at night before I go to sleep. How does that sound?”

Before this moment, Jimin was so happy at his trip. He had never been somewhere without the close supervision of Hoseok and while he appreciates his older cousin for taking up the big brother role, Jimin sometimes long to try traveling on his own. While he is aware that a small army of crew and cameras will be following him constantly, he could finally get a small taste of freedom. But that was all before him and Yoongi patch things up; now he feels reluctant to leave all the same. That, and the fact that Yoongi will be away close to a month just a few days after he gets back from Vietnam is exasperating him a little bit.

 “I need to sleep, hyung, stop it,” Jimin giggles against Yoongi’s kisses along his neck, soft and inviting. “If you continue doing this I will demand you to drive me to the airport tomorrow. There’s no way I’d wake up so damn early to catch the aerobus if you are responsible for tiring me out before I even begin filming.”

 “You know I’d drive you anywhere, right?” Yoongi frowns. “It’s just that I happen to have a huge meal prep for that charity luncheon tomorrow. Fuck, I would’ve drive you all the way to Vietnam itself if I could.”

 Jimin smiles elatedly, content. “That’s okay, hyung. It’s enough that you drive me crazy.”

 “So cheesy,” Yoongi mumbles into Jimin’s shoulder, hiding his blushing face. Nope, he’s not letting Park Jimin knows how happy he makes him be.

 “I love you, hyung. You know that, right?”

 “And I you, Jimin-ah.”

Tuesday , 3.30p m: 72 Days Till the Wedding.

It’s been a full minute since Jimin sits on the hotel bed, breath slightly labored as he tries in futile to shove the lid of his trunk down. He had went slightly lunatic on buying (and receiving) souvenirs along his trip, despite being on camera for a good 14 hours a day. His hotel room is barely slept in as the crew team keeps on moving from one city to another and the only sightseeing he was able to do was when they go shooting. As he finally manages to zip up his luggage by sitting on top of it, a chime comes from his phone. It is from a staff informing that they’ll be hurrying to the airport in 20 minutes time and Jimin practically runs throughout his room to make sure he has everything packed and loaded.

The time between getting out of the hotel and getting into the plane blurs significantly thanks to his sluggish, sleep deprived mind. Once Jimin is safely seated inside the plane, he notices a text from Yoongi sent half an hour ago.

Min Chef <3

When r u arriving?

Want me to pick you up?

In all honesty, Jimin misses Yoongi. A lot. But in between the sudden hectic schedule and preparation for Seokjin and Namjoon’s wedding, Jimin couldn’t but feel a wee bit suffocated, for lack of a better word. Of course he has plans to see his boyfriend, almost half of the souvenirs he got was for him anyways, but for the time being, the young lad just wants to be left alone. His conscience is begging him not to answer negatively but Jimin’s fingers move on their own before it dawns upon him, a hasty it’s okay hyung I’m arriving late will be dead tired -just gonna go home and sleep typed and sent.

 Yoongi’s okay be safe, love you is left on read before Jimin turned on the airplane mode, ready to sleep the instant he felt the plane lifts off the ground.

When he comes to a good few hours later, the plane is already circling for landing at Incheon Airport and Jimin mumbles a thanks to a crew member for packing up his dinner. It’s a little past midnight when they land, and close to one in the morning after they finally gather up all their belongings. Jimin is buzzing with leftover energy and adrenaline rush despite his body protesting to get some rest instead. Being on such tight schedule made him feel agitated and unruly and it affects his behavior.

The director did offer to drive Jimin home since they’re living around the same neighborhood but he declines, lying that he has a ride coming to pick him up soon. He’s drained of energy and a tiny bit disoriented and the best thing would be to go straight home; it’s not like he can’t give a call to Yoongi for a ride but Jimin thinks his current state and his boyfriend doesn’t really mix together well. After all, he is the poster child in their group of friends -the bubbly, cheerful, positive one and Jimin would like to keep the act up for as long as possible, pressing down his darker, brooding and not so fun personality everytime they’re together.

 But not tonight, it seems.

 And so with a huge lugagge and a few carry ons on tow, Jimin calls the only person who knows him better than he knows himself, knowing he will pick up Jimin’s call no matter what time of the day it is.

“Hey, Taetae? Can you pick me up at Incheon? I’m not feeling myself.”

 A mumble of sleepy strings of yeah sure mix with eat something sweet and stay in the light comes from Taehyung before he ends the call, taking his friend’s advice and getting himself a cup of hot chocolate from a vending machine. The temperature of the drink is too hot it almost scald his tongue and lips and the mixture a good three quarter sugar to cocoa powder. It’s not the best, but it would do.

There’s no words exchange between those two when Taehyung arrives half an hour later, Seoul’s bare traffic at this hour is such a blessing. Instead, Taehyung wordlessly engulfs Jimin in a warm hug before gesturing him towards his car. It’s a flashy Ferrari 488 in its iconic red which Taehyung claims he bought solely for the legspace but Jimin knows it’s like a personal benchmark for Taehyung to be able to afford a car of the make and status.

Unlike Jimin and Hoseok and frankly, the rest of the group, Taehyung wasn’t born into the rich and famous lifestyle. He met Jimin purely by chance at kindergarden his parents could barely afford to send him to if it’s not for his aunt that works there. Jimin had been an extremely shy child at first and Taehyung is the only one who coax him out of the shell little by little. One day they met Hoseok when they both enter elementary school and the three had been inseparable since then. Right before they finish high school, Taehyung was scouted as a print model and has been busy working from paper and screen to runway. The time he spent with Jimin and Hoseok became even more sparse day by day but they remain good friends. While Hoseok is undoubtedly the closest to Jimin, there are things only known to Taehyung for he spends a good portion of his life being Jimin’s confidante and his anxiety attack is one of them.

 From experience, Taehyung knows that what Jimin needs now is space for his head to relax but with someone close that he can trust within vicinity. Hoseok would likely smother him with questions and Yoongi would definitely try to calm him in a more physical way; all which Jimin appreciates had it been under normal circumstances. Taehyung though know the best one could ever do right now is just get Jimin somewhere quiet (Han River is thankfully sparse at two in the morning), put on a light classical piano playlist at a low volume on his phone and hold his hand over the console, thumb rubbing against Jimin’s knuckles and wait until the attack subsides.

**

“Is something wrong?” is the first thing Hoseok blurts out once he opens the apartment door with Taehyung holding onto a disheveled Jimin on the other side. “I can’t contact Jimin at all since last night and you haven’t been online in the group chat either.”

“Jimin’s phone is switched off and mine runs flat some time before dawn,” Taehyung explains, getting the half asleep Jimin inside the house. “I fetched him from the airport last night.”

 There is a series of questions hanging in the air but Hoseok swallows them down, knowing he can play 20 questions later. He shifts his focus on getting the luggage inside and hugging Jimin who has a loopy, sleepy smile on his face when he greets Hoseok. “Hi hyung, I miss you.”

 “You say that but you barely text me. Brat,” Hoseok chides affectionately. “Were you with Tae last night, precious? Are you okay? Everything safe?”

 Jimin nods in affirmation, flinching the very next moment as a voice he knows too well appear out of the blue.

 “And none of you think it’s adequate to tell any of us about it? We thought of the worst when neither of you picks up our call this morning,” Yoongi says from a chair in the kitchen, partially hidden behind a partition from the front door.

 “Not now, Yoongi, can’t you see? Jimin is tired,” Hoseok cautions, a hand supporting Jimin up. “I’m sure it’s accidental?”

 Jimin’s slow brain tries to assess the situation and he ushers Yoongi towards the balcony, softly shaking his head at Hoseok’s protest. Hoseok grabs a key and drags a frowning Taehyung out of the house, yelling “I’m gonna go get brunch!” loudly to announce their exit.

 “I’m sorry I didn’t call you, hyung,” Jimin starts, one clammy hand wraps around Yoongi’s. “I didn’t mean to get anyone worried.”

 “You could’ve call me, kid. I would’ve gone regardless what time it is,” Yoongi scolds softly, heart softening at the dark circles around Jimin’s eyes. He notices the tiny bullets of sweat forming on Jimin’s forehead, the younger looking gaunt and drained stirs somethig protective in his heart.

 “I don’t want to disturb you. It was late and TaeTae always answer when I call,” Jimin mumbles, not really thinking about the connotation of his words. “Taehyung will always be there for me.”

 “So you think I won’t always be there for you?” Yoongi can’t help but feeling slightly accused. Here is a sleepy Park Jimin; a candid Park Jimin and is he implying Yoongi can’t be that trusted?

 “No, no, hyung don’t get me wrong, please,” Jimin pleads, holding Yoongi’s hand tighter. “I’m not really making sense, am I?Look, I’m sorry to make you worried but I’m here now and it’s all good, right?”

 “It’s not all sunshine and rainbow, Jimin-ah. Don’t you ever, I don’t know, think about your actions? Even a little bit?” Yoongi breathes out harshly, half perplexed at his own reaction. “Is there anything going on with you and him?”

 “It is just Taetae, hyung!”

 “Just Taehyung? Then what am I to you? Just Yoongi?”

 Jimin stands there, mouth closing and opening not knowing what to say.

 “I don’t want you to go out alone with Taehyung again,” Yoongi hisses. A small part of him knows he’s being irrational but jealousy had consumed a large part of his heart and he is ironically, quite blinded with love.

 “You can’t tell me what to do, hyung!”

 “You’re right, I can’t, since apparently I’m just another hyung to you” Yoongi shakes his head slowly. “I brought Holly here, he’s sleeping in his carrier. I’m actually here to tell you that I’m leaving early for Japan. Instead of Monday, I’m heading out on Saturday.”

 It’s Jimin’s turn to frown. “But tomorrow’s Saturday...”

“Yeah,” Yoongi nods, suddenly feeling depleted of energy. “Thought I want to spend some time with you before going but I can see that you’re tired so go get some rest. I’ll see you when I’m back from Japan then.”

“No, hyung, wait--”

 Yoongi doesn’t wait, and he’s off out of the door without so much a backwards glance.

Wednesday , 10.30 a m: 45 Days Till the Wedding.

“Hello, hyung,” Jimin greets, a little restrained and unsure at the gruff grunt of what could be a hey he receives back.

 Speaking on the phone should be an advantage but Jimin is nervous all the same. Him and Yoongi didn’t exactly part in a good way when Yoongi left for Japan and against his heart, Jimin decided not to contact Yoongi personally until the chef is back in Korea. Their interactions in the group chat is also minimal, aside from the usual banter with the others. Finally, after close to 4 weeks, Yoongi is back in Seoul, having wrapped up the filming of Masterchef Junior Japan and some interviews with cooking blogs and magazines -all which Jimin religiously keep himself updated. Holly’s presence at his home only solidifies his yearning for Yoongi, up to the point where one time he just looked at Holly and started crying because he misses his boyfriend but is being difficult by not contacting him you two are idiots is what Hoseok had commented. The younger had wanted to meet for dinner but chickened out even before suggesting it to the elder.

 “Are you back in Seoul safe?”

 “Yeah,” is the short reply on the other line. Jimin’s heart beats faster. Yoongi sounds annoyed, which is not good, Jimin thought.

 “Hyung, I took the time to reflect while you were gone,” Jimin starts anew, holding tight onto the tiniest sliver of confidence. “And I want to apologize. I realize that not everyone shares the same thing as another and I shouldn’t expect you to understand how close of a friend Tae is to me and how I always run to him for comfort before...you and I got together. I’m sorry I keep some stuff away from you and Tae is my only confidante. Please understand,” Jimin exhales softly. “I’m sorry I took things for granted and never tell you how close I am to him. He’s like a real family to Hoseok-hyung and me, hyung.”

 Yoongi stays silent on the other line. After a few long seconds, it sound like he is trying to speak but words caught in his throat. He hadn’t expected Jimin to be the bigger person between them two and apologize first -the kid can be a hotheaded brat when he wants to. Throughout his working days in Japan, Jimin is all Yoongi had in mind. The producers of the show ran things with him before each filming, fearing his loose mouth will make an appearence and wondering how long of a runtime of the judging portion can they air out sans Yoongi’s swearing. To their delight and bewilderment, there’s no need of censoring whatsoever for Yoongi had been perfecly civil, docile almost, throughout the entire process. Even when one of the kids almost burn his station down, Yoongi was quick on his feet and kills the fire effectively without so much so saying a single damn.

All that occupies his mind is Jimin’s smile, Jimin’s laughter, Jimin’s coy looks when he wants something...everything connected to Jimin is what constantly on his mind.

 Jimin stays patient on the other line, hands gripping his phone tightly.

 “Yeah...I need time to think, Jimin,” is what Yoongi finally chose to say.

 Jimin nods, though the other couldn’t see him. “I understand, hyung,” Jimin replies, unresponding to silent tears falling off his eyes fast. “I love you, Yoongi-hyung.”

 Lowering the phone down, Yoongi end the call and closes his eyes, tears streaming down off his face too.

 “And I you, kid.”

Friday , 6 . 45a m: 43 Days Till the Wedding.

To say the news broke fast would be an understatement.

 It spreads like wildfire, an outrageous and unbeliveable claim if not for the pictures accompanying it. Hoseok’s phone never stop beeping since 6am and while the socialite is murderous for having his beauty sleep robbed off him, he jolts wide awake when he reads a random message he received then another and another asking him of the truth of the news.

 “Who is Baek Seju?” Jeongguk asks as he spoons soggy cereals into his mouth.

 Hoseok groans in reply, a throbbing headache on its way of full blossom soon. “Fuck, what the hell...”

The house is awfully quiet even when Hoseok is around and that speaks volume of the severity of the condition. Hoseok is glad Taehyung and Jeongguk stayed over last night after learning that Jimin had been bawling his eyes out since yesterday. They had a Harry Potter movie marathon and ate chicken wings like there’s no tomorrow and it did significantly seem to cheer Jimin up.

 As such, it was the youngest of the two guests that have a rigid schedule of going jogging at an ungodly hour because he was sure anyone other than Jeongguk wouldn’t have react properly to a pajama clad Hoseok staring lifelessly out the balcony on an exceptionally windy summer morning air. Jeongguk had dragged him inside slowly and throw a blanket around his soulders, sitting him on the stool by the kitchen. He then helped himself with the cereals, even placing a banana in front of the still dazed Hoseok.

“Baek Seju...” Hoseok sighs, not knowing where to start. “She’s a talent manager of sorts, runs a branch of her family business, mainly in Japan.”

 Jeongguk sips on his milk loudly. “Uh huh and what does she has gotta do with all this mess involving Yoongi-hyung?”

“She and Yoongi has a history. Had. Past tense. Long time ago when they were studying in college. They were pretty close, I guess. Yoongi, being the dense rock he is, didn’t realise that she was harboring feelings for him. They never really declare what they are and to Yoongi they’re nothing more than old colleagues. Friends, at most. To Baek Seju, Min Yoongi is her first and only love,” Hoseok rants, thoughts jumbling here and there.

 Jeongguk raises his eyebrows at the story, hand pausing mid-bite. He lowers the spoon back into his bowl, swirling the remnants of colorful cereal around. “Is it unrequited love?”

 “Pretty much. I personally think she puts Yoongi too high on a pedestal. He saved her life once, maybe she she feels indebted, maybe she’s obsessed.”

 “Yoongi-hyung saved her life?” Jeongguk inquires at the information. Though he is pretty close to Yoongi, they past had never really came out during conversations.

 “Yeah, back when they first started college, I think? She’s really pretty as you can see from the pictures so it’s inevitable that she has so many fans. Some jealous girlfriend of one of her suitors tried to run her down with a car. Yoongi was there and pushed her out of the way. Messed up his shoulder blades pretty bad. Maybe that’s when she started idolizing him,” Hoseok answers, feeling more awake as his brain whirs on how to control the damage.

Jeongguk’s brows scrunch in contemplation, his jaw set to one side as he process everything Hoseok had told him. The scandal was even on the morning news which is how Jeongguk found out about it in the first place right after he came back from his jog. Blurry pictures of Yoongi and a beautiful woman with the former’s hand around her back, going inside a hotel were plastered on the tv screen. They were dressed similarly in dark colored clothings but the woman looked too prim and perfect; figure hugging dress, designer handbag and makeup in place contrasting with the laid back navy flannel and dark jeans Yoongi donned. Apart from that, there’s also another set of photos taken from a close distance of them dining, enjoying coffee at a cafe and some random shots of them traveling together.

 “To be honest, I don’t see anything peculiar with the photos,” Jeongguk comments after a while. “But they do look a bit suspicious. Not the subjects, but the way they were shoot.”

 “Hmm, I get what you mean, some of those looked too well aimed. As if, posed?” Hoseok is busy swiping through the pictures in his phone, looking up at Jeongguk when the younger clears his throat.

 “Why is this such a big deal, hyung?”

 “See, Yoongi is a celebrity chef first and foremost whether he like it or not. And it doesn’t help that his close circle of friends include us; media is starting to hound me for quotes for the past hour. Baek Seju is another high profile name in the industry, especially in Japan. She’s the media darling there and I guess they’re excited at the fact that their little princess is showing interest in someone...even though it’s totally one-sided.” Hoseok frowns. “Well, I surely do hope it’s one-sided otherwise I have to murder Yoongi with my own hands.”

 “Why are we talking murder such early in the morning,” Jimin yawns, waddling into the kitchen with Taehyung draped on his back. “We can hear you talking all the way to the bedroom.”

 For the first time since forever, Hoseok feels the telltale signs of an incoming panic attack. His breathing becomes labored, inhaling too fast and too much air in a short span of time, his phone clutters down onto the sleek marbled floor.

 “No, no, no, hyung breathes slowly, slower, slower,” Taehyung is quick to come to aid, sleepiness forgotten, making sure Hoseok is standing and leaning him against the wall, the coolness spreading across his back easing Hoseok back to the right headspace.

 Jimin comes right over with a damp washcloth Jeongguk had given and wipes down Hoseok’s face slowly, eyeing Hoseok’s phone where a picture of Yoongi is zoomed in open. Wordlessly, he grabs the device, eyes bulging at the photos he sees, swiping back and forth as if in trance.

 Jeongguk bites his lower lip in worry, trying to silently communicate with the glances Taehyung throws him from across the kitchen table, hand rubbing comforting circles against Hoseok’s back. Once he realises what is truly happening at that very moment in the kitchen, Hoseok losts his words as Jimin places his phone back onto the table before running towards his room, door banging shut with a definite click of a lock.

 As if a man possessed, Jimin reaches for his phone on the nightstand in the dark, bumping painfully against the bed frame but his senses are dulled for the only thing occupying his mind right now is call Yoongi.

“--llo?” comes the gruff voice on the other line. Tears fall down Jimin’s eyes unknowingly, feeling a mixture of relief, confusion and something tugging at his heart string given the situation.

 “H-hyung,” he begins, loss at word, not unlike last night, only ten times worse.

 “Jimin, it’s way too early for this,” Yoongi states roughly, wincing at the roughness in his own voice. “What do you want?”

 “I-I want you to s-stop playing with my heart, hyung.”

 “Kid, it’s 7am. Too early for all this shit.”

 Jimin’s voice quivers. “Hyung, are you ashamed of me?”

 “What? Where do you get that idea? I swear if it’s Hoseok--”

 “No, it’s not anyone’s fault, hyung,” Jimin defends his cousin in a heartbeat. “All these time, and I thought we had something special. It seems like I’m mistaken. I’m sorry for being a bother and wasting your time, Yoongi-hyung.”

“Jimin—what are you talking--”

 And the last thing Yoongi heard from Jimin was a heart wrenching sob before the line got cut.

Saturday , 11 a m: 42 Days Till the Wedding.

The red tinted sunglasses sits atop Hoseok’s equally red hair instead of the nose of his bridge, glinting when the light hits its metal frame. He sighs as he flips an entertainment magazine, not really reading the words but flipping idly, one hand passing morsels of toast into Holly’s carrier by his feet. The dog yips excitedly every time he sees Hoseok’s fingers nearing by the carrier, them having growing close over the month Holly stays at his and Jimin’s apartment.

Speaking of which, as much as Jimin adores Holly, he refuses to come to the cafe with Hoseok today as he knew Yoongi is fetching his dog back. Instead, Jimin showered Holly with love, phone memory full of the said canine’s picture and bought a lot of toy before saying goodbye to him this morning.

“Never thought I’d see the day you start smoking again,” Yoongi comments silently, face scrunching slightly at the cloud of smoke.

Hoseok scoffs at his visible discomfort, silently watching as he drags a chair out to sit across him. “You don’t get to lecture me, Min Yoongi. This! This is what you made me do! I hate this cancer stick ugh,” Hoseok coughs out another lungful of smoke, eyes teary.

“Last time I see you smoking was when your parents filed for divorce,” he quips, taking the stick off Hoseok’s hand and stubs it quickly inside the ashtray. “I’m sorry.”

“You know it’s not me you should apologize to first,” Hoseok sighs, crumbling a whole pack of unlit cigarettes onto the table. “I warned you not to break his heart, Yoongi.”

“There’s nothing going on between me and that witch. You know very much as well as I do, Hoseok. Don’t you think I’m hurting too? I was just about to apologize about telling Jimin not to see Taehyung--”

“You what? What-why would you forbid Jimin to do that? Is that why he’s been moping around the house practically lifeless the whole month you were gone?” Hoseok screeches, not caring if any passerby happen to hear their quarrel. “And here I am wondering why Jimin doesn’t go out with Tae or Gguk and it’s all because of you?”

“I know, and it was stupid. I was blind with jelaousy, okay?” Yoongi admits roughly, palming his eyes. “They’re just so close and I... I don’t know, I got jealous.”

The expression decorating Hoseok’s face is a mixture of bewilderment and anger. “Wow, that’s just...stupid, Yoongi. And selfish. Not only you asked him to stay away from his best friend since kindergarden but you have to come back from Japan with this scandal of you and that woman like a slap to our faces?”

“I never intend for this to happen,” Yoongi cries at loss. “The hotel pictures? She said she wasn’t feeling well so I brought her there. The dinner? We were with the whole crew for god’s sake just because the picture cuts right next to us doesn’t mean we’re out there dating. They’re just pictures taken out of context!”

He is not used to expose his vulnerable self, always hiding behind the cold, composed exterior but it proofs so hard to maintain such act in front of one of his best friends in the world. “Please, Hoseok, I know I fucked up I just need to mend things up and I promise you everything is gonna be okay.”

Hoseok’s stare pierces through Yoongi like a sharp spear. “You are not to meet Jimin until the wedding,” he says with finality. “I’m sending him away for a vacation. I already have someone on standby for the wedding cake. I don’t see there’s a reason for you to contact him either for the duration being.”

“What-- Hoseok, you can’t be serious,” Yoongi deadpans.

“I am. You telling Jimin not to hang out with Tae because of your jealousy is out of line. Now I’m going to give you a taste of your own medicine.”

Sunday , 10.30p m: 41 Days Till the Wedding.

Seokjin fiddles with his phone, huffing as he tosses and turns, startling Namjoon on the bed beside him.

“I know that look,” Namjoon states, hurrying closer to massage Seokjin’s temple. “None of us could’ve predict that this would happen, dear. There’s no use in blaming ourselves now.”

“Aww, you use us instead of singular pronoun,” the actor smiles, heart a tiny bit lighter than before. “But I still feel somewhat guilty. We did sorta pushed them to work together in the first place.”

“And look at what that brought initially. It’s very painful having to see them being oblivious towards each other since all of us start hanging out. All we did was nudge them in the correct direction, they are the ones who have to determine their own course.”

“More like throw them overboard to feed the sharks,” Seokjin mumbles. “Maybe we jinxed it when we make them seat next to each other at the wedding?”

Namjoon winces at the thought (and the fact that he’s the one who suggested on that arrangement). “There’s still time before the wedding, you know.”

“Kim Namjoon, what are you suggesting?” Seokjin’s eyes narrow down, already speculating what Namjoon’s suggesting even without having the other saying it out loud.

“Hoseok tells you everything, dear, and Yoongi even bought that godawful blender thing because I convinced him to.”

“I just so happen to know where exactly Hoseok is hiding Jimin right now,” Seokin smirks. “Location, hotel, room number, everything.”

“And I just so happen to about to text Jimin asking him how’s Okinawa summer nights are this time of the year but oh look at that, I might have accidentally send the text to a wrong number. Hmm, wonder whose number might that be?”

Seokjin laughs and launches himself close to Namjoon, hands circling the other’s neck affectionately. “I’m so glad I found you, Namjoon-ah.”

“Glad to be on the same wavelength as yours.”

“Cut me some slack with the technological lingo,” Seokjin chides. “They’re not nearly as funny as my jokes.”

“Alright, alright now stay still I’m trying to type here,” Namjoon says, fingers hovering over the screen.

“Are you seriously using my head to prop your phone up?” Seokjin asks in a scandalized tone.

“Yep.”

“You’re lucky I’m in love with you,” he pouts.

Namjoon sighs, chuckling to himself. “I’m glad it’s you I fall in love with. Never change, Kim Seokjin.”

Tuesday , 7.30p m: 39 Days Till the Wedding.

Water drips down Jimin’s body as he stands up in the middle of the hot spring, stretching his taut muscles loose. It’s been a few days since he had arrived at the resort with Hoseok arranging everything from his flight ticket, hotel and transportation. He had only known he’s traveling to Okinawa a short hour before the he boarded the plane, still confused and weary from all the events that happened prior.

 He perches on the edge of the natural pool, wetting the rock before settling his bum there and let his thoughts wander for a bit. After his call to Yoongi, Jimin had practically shut down for a good couple of days, refusing to talk to anyone -not even Hoseok nor Taehyung nor Seokjin who senses the seriousness of the situation and took a break from his last drama filming before his wedding. Jimin hadn’t left his room in the span of said days, Hoseok barging in with a spare key to shove down overnight oat down his throat every morning and evening. He had let his cousin dearest do that, not uttering a single word in process, just tears flowing down his face rather freely all the time.

 His heart hurts greatly at first; the stages of grief washing over him in strong waves. First was denial as he refused to label where he and Yoongi stand as of now. Anyone with eyes can plainly see that things are not looking good for them. Then came anger as he spent the first night nursing a broken heart and yelling out curses to Yoongi from his darkened room. Bargaining came next with Jimin wondering what if he’s more careful of his words and action after coming back to Seoul? What if he had called Yoongi instead of Taehyung, would he be where he is now? Before the fourth stage hits him however, Hoseok came first, dragging him into the shower with a surprising strength. Jimin let himself be manhandled and Hoseok slowly explains everything there is to know about the woman and Yoongi as he combs Jimin hair on his spacious bed that night, stroking it softly with patience. He was surprisingly accepting, perhaps his mind and body too exhausted to protest when Hoseok dragged a luggage and packed for him, saying he’s sending you for a getaway, precious Jimin, to clear off your head.

 And that was 4 days ago. 4 days since he stopped logging into the group chat, 4 days since debating with himself whether to reach Yoongi or not. It’s not like the elder is trying to reach him, isn’t it? But then again, Jimin is oblivious to the fact that Hoseok had blocked Yoongi’s number form his phone one night when Jimin was showering.

The late summer breeze gets cool so fast that Jimin had no choice but to retreat back to his room. There is a festival going on when he first arrived and he should use the opportunity to go explore on his own yet all Jimin did since he came was moving around the hotel. Venturing out seems like a chore and the dizzying heat is worrisome. As he nears his floor though, he could see a silhouette of someone standing close to his room’s door and Jimin’s step falters. Pickpockets and drunkards are not unheard of, even at a classy resort like this especially in the summer where schools have summer trips and all. Just yesterday Jimin almost fall down the large koi pond (which reminds him greatly of the one at Yoongi’s house) at the lobby from being jostled by a group of tipsy university students who then apologised to the bamboo tree and not Jimin himself. It was amusing at the very least, but Jimin’s concern is at the guy who is pacing just outside his door.

He feels panic slowly rising from the pit of his stomach and without really thinking, Jimin hits the stranger’s head with the wooden bucket he has on hand. It wasn’t a strong hit per se, enough to knock down a drunkard but the man groans loud and Jimin’s eyes widened in horror.

“Oh my god Yoongi-hyung, are you okay?!”

“Shit that hurts,” Yoongi groans, rubbing a hand repeatedly over the spot, the snapback he’s sporting does nothing to ease the pain. “But I guess I deserved that, huh? For being stupid.”

“Oh hyung let’s go inside I need to see if I hurt you bad,” Jimin ushers, flashing his room card at the sensor.

He slams the door shut and pushes Yoongi inside hurriedly towards the bed but Yoongi stops him abruptly, knees sliding down to the floor, hands circling Jimin’s middle tight.

“I’m sorry, Jimin-ah. I’m sorry for everything. I was a resentful blockhead,” Yoongi mumbles, not letting go despite Jimin’s weak attempt at pawing his arms off of him. “There’s nothing going on between me and that witch you have to know that, Jimin. Oh god is this what you felt when I accused you and Taehyung having an affair? It hurts, Jimin-ah. It hurts. I can’t sleep properly, I lash out at people when they do so much as breathe, it hurts that I know I made you hurt and Hoseok warned me not to break your heart but I did, what kind of a douchebag am I--”

“Hyung, hyung, please stop,” Jimin pleads, finally able to wrench himself free from Yoongi’s vice grip and slides down on the floor, mimicking Yoongi’s position. “I know there’s nothing going on between you and the woman, hyung, Hoseok-hyung explained everything to me.”

“He did?” Yoongi asks in disbelief. Somehow, he had embedded in his mind that Hoseok doesn’t want Yoongi to be near Jimin anymore yet there he was, actually trying to glue them back together.

“Yes, and he also helped me understand why people might misunderstood my actions and my words. I hurt you too, hyung. And for that, I apologize. I love you, hyung. And I understand if you don’t want to stay together after all this mess, but let’s at least be nice to each other at the wedding, yes? I...I like being friends with you, hyung. I don’t wanna lose you just yet.”

“Are you kidding me?” Jimin winces at Yoongi’s tone. “Park Jimin, I have a crush on you when I first met you. I’m in love with you for at least four years straight now of course I want to be with you. You ain’t shaking me off with a bump on the road, love.”

Jimin feels more than hears Yoongi’s tears and sobs, wetting the crook of his neck where he plants his face in. It was such an emotional moment, with Jimin’s body feeling lighter than before, as if all the burden has been taken care of. They manage to patch things through and Jimin’s heart swells at that fact. Everything’s going to be okay now, I promise is what Yoongi keeps on mumbling, his hot breath hitting Jimin’s skin making the atmosphere slants away from tense to a stifling, sensual one.

Jimin bites his lips against the bubbling excitement he’s experiencing, realizing they had been away from each other for over a month now. That and the emotional roller coaster hell of a ride they had been through, it’s no wonder why he’s reacting so wantonly, his every being is missing Yoongi in one way or another.

Yoongi lifts them both up and pins Jimin against the wall, using the sturdy surface to support their movements, still nosing the younger’s neck.

“Fuck, your arms, hyung,” spills from Jimin’s mouth, holding onto Yoongi’s arms like a lifeline. “Always knew they’re strong enough to lift me up.”

“Hard work pays off, baby,” Yoongi growls, nipping at Jimin’s ear.

“Ho-hoseok, ah,” Jimin gasps. Yoongi frowns.

“Wrong name, baby,” a puzzled expression apparent on his face. What the hell do these cousins do?

“N-no! God, Hoseok will kill you if he finds out you’re here!”

“Don’t you mean us?”

Jimin giggles, nuzzling his face onto Yoongi’s shoulder. “No, silly. He’ll kill you, then maybe skin me alive?”

“If it means being with you again, I’ll let him skin me alive every single day,” Yoongi expresses, looking at Jimin intensely. “Come back to Seoul with me, Jimin-ah. “

A brilliant smile lights up Jimin’s face, eyes turning into a pair of lovely crescents, tears of joy brimming.

“I will.”

Saturday , 5.15 p m: Wedding Day .

The sun shines bright between plump white clouds, casting shadows in its golden hues as Seokjin and Namjoon step outside onto the open field, hands clasp tightly in each other. Family members and acquaintance alike are wishing them congratulations as Taehyung, Hoseok and Jimin watch from the sideline, laughing at Jeongguk’s antics when the guests mistake him for fellow family member and hand him the money packets instead.

They had just finish the solemnization ceremony which unlike the wedding, is a very private affair involving immediate family members and close friends only. Dressed identically in matching modern cut white satin tuxedos, they tied the knot at a small chapel nearby the reception location, exchanging vows and rings in a short but nevertheless sweet service. Jeongguk had been so close to bawling his eyes out at the beauty of the union, trying his hardest not to sob loudly but his stifled cries still somewhat echo around the room. It’s a good thing you cry so prettily Taehyung had commented once Jeongguk made it back to his seat, dabbing the tears on the youngest’s face carefully.

Yoongi and Jimin disappear once the newlyweds make their way to greet the arriving guests to check on the kitchen progress and sending out the hors d’oeuvres. Hoseok had playfully warned them to not sneak out and make out before the wedding is over and Jimin blushes a pretty red with a hyung how could you slipping past his lips. Trays upon trays of assorted mini sized food is being brought out to the main area as well as tall flutes of champagne. Yoongi had hastily stopped Jimin form devouring a lobster mousselini in nervousness as he keeps on thinking about the wedding cake.

“What if they don’t like it?” Jimin whispers into Hoseok’s ear for the nth time. “Will I be banned from future gatherings?”

“Hush child, there’s no such thing,” Hoseok affirms. “I saw your cake and it’s marvelous. Now go make yourself useful or better yet go bother your boyfriend or something.”

 Hoseok is equally nervous as he is desperately memorizing the wedding speech he has to make shortly, Taehyung cheering him up with you can do it hyung I believe in you. Yoongi is part relieved that the food preparation is going well but frequently visits the kitchen area anyways because you never know when disaster could strike.

 “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the celebrated couple of the day; Kim Namjoon and Kim Seokjin,” the MC announces in a loud, bright voice once the clock hits 6.10pm.

 A long table occupies one side of the garden, with a number of round tables surrounding a rounded elevated platform in the middle. The tables are decorated in complementing hues of burgundy table cloth and placemats as well as a lantern centerpiece filled with tall aromatic candle and fresh flowers underneath. The guests are seated respectively at their tables and one table in particular is buzzing even more so.

 “Hoseok, stop moving your leg it’s making the water spills from the glass,” Yoongi reprimands and Hoseok switches method to biting his nails.

 “Stop doing that either, hyung,” Taehyung peels the hand off Hoseok’s mouth. “It’s gonna be okay. Just wing it.”

 Hoseok pays no ttention to their words, reciting his speech again and again under his breath as the MC introduces the newlyweds’ families to the guests.

 “What if the cake’s icing melt down hyung-”

 “It’s crusted buttercream it won’t melt that easily,” Yoongi confirms, holding onto Jimin’s hand.

 “Yeah, Jimin, Yoongi-hyung even brought that gigntic cake freezer from his restaurant to store your cake,” Taehyung joins in cheering Jimin up. Yoongi gives him a thumbs up behind Jimin’s back, grateful for the support. In between everything that has been happening, Yoongi and Taehyung had sat down in the very same private room at Yoongi’s restaurant and had a lengthy talk about how things are. The model readily accepts Yoongi’s apologies without much of a thought for he believes in seeing the best in people. It’s just a misunderstanding after all hyung was what he said.

Soon after, it is Hoseok’s turns to give a speech and while he had been fidgeting and worrying himself to death, the second his hand grabs the mic he turns back into his old, bubbly self and tells amusing family friendly anecdotes of the celebrated couple, much to their embarassment. Namjoon’s smile looks pained and rigid as Hoseok recalls more and more memories of the couple -from their first fight to their first peace treaty. He ends his speech with literally a small bang for he had prepared a small firework show on the other side of the field, sparks flying in the air in vivid colors. Seokjin had been so startled he almost send his champagne flute off the table, hitting Namjoon’s thigh instead afterwards while enjoying the show.

Dinner follows immediately afterwards, as the servers bring out the food accordingly. The menu that actually made it to the wedding itself is the simplest one Yoongi had submitted. They start with marinated beef bulgogi and apple green salad and parmesan stuffed mushroom for appetizer, a selection of beurre blanc butterfish with wild rice pilaf or pan-seared chicken and pasta in the same sauce for the mains and a macaron tower placed elegantly on each table for dessert. It leaves the crowd chatters in admiration at the simple yet opulent sleection, especially with the ingredients used.

As the day changes into dusk, the atmosphere start sgetting livelier than ever and it reaches peak excitement when the cake cutting ceremony begins. Jimin is given the honor to wheel the massive cake in; a beautiful creation of 4-tier pink champagne cake with dark cherry mouse covered in unsuspecting vanilla buttercream. He had hand painted water-color like pink and gold patterns onto a layer of fondant at the base of each tier that gives a romantic (and expensive) vibe for the cake, with a bunch of cupcakes filling up the space on the trolley, each with beautifully piped buttercream roses and specks of gold on them.

There are tears forming on Seokjin’s eyes when he first lands his eyes onto the cake and he keeps on hitting Jimin afterwards for making me cry on my wedding day. Namjoon guides Seokjin in place, taking the customized cake cutter and pose for pictures before the servers take charge and speedily serve the cake to the guests. Seokjin again sheds a little amount of tears once he had the cake inside his mouth because Jimin do you want a loan to open your own patesserie hyung would love to invest in which Hoseok wastes no time and goes on snapping pictures and videos of the couple dancing on the makeshift dance floor.

Jeongguk is making rounds of thanking the guests as they start leaving when dusk turns night, amused of the amount of money packets handed to him. Taehyung had found himself a spot behind the canopy where servers come in and out with the food trays, polishing off morsels of food without reservation. Chatting up with the guests is Hoseok, living up to his socialite status and fishing out compliments on the decor, the food and the cake for the event. Meanwhile, Yoongi and Jimin occupy a small section of the elevated platform, swaying to the twinkling beat of a piano cover of God Gave Me You.

“Funny,” Yoongi begins. “I never realise how beautiful you are before.”

Jimin flushes easily, a natural reaction from all the champagne and the compliment. “Maybe you should get your eyes checked, hyung, I look the same as I ever do.”

Yoongi stares intently at the younger, tucking stray strands of silky locks behind Jimin’s ear. “Truthfully, I’ve always thought of you as a pretty one, Jimin-ah but lately...your existence has become overbearingly beautiful the more I get to know you.”

“Hyung,” Jimin whispers, unconsciously moving closer. “It’s a beautiful day, stop making me feel like crying.”

“But you cry so beautifully I can’t help it,” Yoongi admits, burying his face in Jimin’s shoulder. The couple keeps on swaying together for a long time, not exchanging anymore words or breaking apart until a shrieking Hoseok appears out of nowhere.

“Okay that’s enough, cut it you two! Let’s snap some pictures first before we get all lovey dovey and emotional here!”

Yoongi curses into Jimin’s ear, making the younger giggles. He grabs Yoongi’s hand and they make their way towards the long table, now devoid of food plates and cutleries. Jeongguk is calling them over excitedly, hands holding the pale blue and pink hydranges bouquet he seemingly caught when Seokjin was throwing it in the air a while ago. Namjoon has a hand around Seokjin’s middle, matching silver rings adorning their left ring fingers while Taehyung brought a tray of leftover crostini to munch on. Hoseok is busy dumping everyone’s phone to the photographer, Jimin and Yoongi perch themselves on top of the table on the side. The outcome is a series of pictures which are a far cry from the official ones they snapped right after the solemnization ceremony where everyone sits properly and looking dapper in their suit.

Hoseok examines the pictures; Jeongguk’s dress shirt is untuck and a few buttons undone, money packets spilling out from every crevice of his garment, Taehyung’s pants are rolled over his calves yet he still manage to look good posing with the tray, Seokjin’s mouth is wide open mid-laughter because one stray confetti made it into Namjoon’s eye and he keeps blinking, Hoseok himself is looking straight ahead with an unruly smile and Yoongi and Jimin think they’re being sneaky kissing in the background unnoticed. It’s a little bit blurry on the edge, probably from the shaking yet the genuinity of the moment tugs at Hoseok’s string.

So this is what we look like; a family.

It’s far from perfect but to him, it would make a great centerpiece inside their apartment for years to come.

(And probably Christmas cards too.)