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“This is crazy,” Jimin breathes out. “This is definitely the craziest thing I’ve ever done in my whole 24 years of living.”
It’s not that he doesn’t want to, but really, who’s stupid enough to agree to move in with that one person you’ve been so damn head over heels for? Jimin, definitely Jimin. Hell, okay, so he has been head over heels for this guy for 5 years. 5 fucking years, and what makes it absolutely worse is that it’s his best friend, his platonic soulmate, his partner in crime, his bro for life.
Jimin can’t say no. Not to Hoseok, Seokjin, Jeongguk, Namjoon, Yoongi, and most especially, he couldn’t say no to Taehyung. Sure, he says no every now and then to his other friends, but not Taehyung, he can’t. It’s like depriving a child from candy or being banned to dance. That’s what it would feel like if he said no to Taehyung.
The thing is, Jimin feels like Taehyung’s what keeps him running, Taehyung’s voice ringing in his ear is no match to coffee served in the cafeteria in the morning, or Taehyung’s laugh that goes straight to his heart and pumps energy to his muscles and helps him get through the day. Jimin made someone his world when he was told not to. They would say “Don’t make someone your world; instead give them as much of the world as you can.” But he did, he made him his world and now he’s drowning in Taehyung’s galaxy.
Which he only made worse when he said yes into moving in with him. Damn you Park Jimin and your soft heart for Kim Taehyung.
That’s basically how he ended up packing all his stuff from his old dorm to transferring them to this tiny-but-not-so-tiny apartment he and Taehyung paid for with the little savings they had allotted for “emergencies.” You know, like late night splurging and alcohol kind of night (the amount of self-control they had to have to be able to get through with this was no joke).
Jimin finished packing up some of the last boxes he needed when he heard a light knock on his shared dorm room door.
“You done?” Hoseok asked.
“Yep, this is the last of it.”
“I’m gonna miss you bro. Who’d be singing endless Disney songs with me when I’m feeling down?”
Jimin chuckled, “I’m only a call away and a few blocks down the road, I can always come running when you need me.”
Hoseok laughed and said, “Your gay ass is strong, tone it down.”
Hosek helped Jimin tape up the last box and stacked it with the others when he looked at Jimin, a hint of worry in his eyes.
“What’s up?” Jimin asked when he noticed the way Hoseok was looking at him.
“Are you sure about this? What if you’ll just, you know, get hurt?”
Ah, shit, I knew it. “Hyung, I’m going to be fine, I promise,” I’m not sure, but I’ll try to be fine. “Besides, I can always come crashing here when I need to, right?” Jimin said with a little smile on his face.
“Always,” Hoseok said as he messed with Jimin’s hair. “Wow I really can’t believe you’ll be moving. Tell me if stuff happens between you and Taehyungie, okay?” He teased.
“Ah hyung, as if. It’d be a miracle if something actually happened between us.”
“Well, you’ll never know Jiminie; you might not notice some things others do.” Hoseok winked.
Jimin and Taehyung were moving in their new apartment in the weekend, which was… tomorrow. Oh shit. Okay, he still has a day to change his mind… But what was he gonna say? “Hey Taehyung, I, uh, can’t move in with you because I’m in love with you, I have been for 5 years, and moving in with you might be a bad idea.” Well, he can’t say that, definitely not.
He’s just gonna have to suck it up then. Get used to seeing Taehyung’s morning hair, messy and all over the place, hear his morning voice, that deep, caramel voice, and maybe steal each other’s sweaters when they’re too lazy to look for their own, smelling like each other’s perfume when they’re in each other’s clothes, and everything domestic thing live ins do.
The thing that makes Jimin regret this so much is the things that comes with living in with Taehyung. It kills him knowing that he would see and do everything he wanted to see and do but in a whole other scenario, a whole different scene, a more platonic one, when all he wanted is less platonic “I love yous” and waking up to non-platonic cuddles. But it’s kind of a lost case, isn’t it?
Jimin laid down on his bed, took a deep breath and mentally prepared himself for whatever’s going to happen tomorrow. He wanted this (kinda, it was an impulsive decision), he agreed to do this and there’s no way out of this now. There’s no way he could say no to him anyway.
Really, if there was a word more perfect to describe Jimin’s feeling for Taehyung, it would be SUPER-FUCKING-WHIPPED. But, really, in all honesty, Jimin would cross worlds and galaxies for Taehyung if he had to. Never in his life did he want to hold someone’s hand so badly. Don’t get him wrong, they hold hands A LOT, but he wants more than just platonically holding them. When Jimin holds Taehyung’s hands he feels like home, he feels like he’s finally found his place in this world and that’s right beside Taehyung. Holding his hand feels like stars aligning and drowning in the waves of the ocean. Wanting to hold Taehyung’s hands is like asking for oxygen when it’s right there but you feel like you’re not worth it enough to breathe. Wanting to hold his hand felt so wrong but he’s actually holding it feels so fucking right and it’s not supposed to be like this.
Everything is platonic and it’s killing him inside, slowly, burning all his sides, eating him alive.
Jimin breathed in, exhaled loudly, and breathed in again when he heard a knock on the door.
“Jiminie!” Jimin’s breath got stuck in his throat. Fuck.
“Taehyungie!”
“Wow you’re all packed up.”
“Yeah well, I don’t really have much to pack. What’s up?”
“I was just gonna ask you if you could maybe help me with packing coz I got so much I want to bring that I know I shouldn’t and I need youuuuu.”
“Sure, Tae. Give me a minute.”
After Jimin grabbed his jacket and put on his shoes, the two of them went on their way. It was a chilly day, typical for their place. Not that Jimin wasn’t used to it, it’s just that he gets chilly so fast, he hates it. The moment they stepped out, Jimin felt the chill of the wind hit his face and he really wanted to hit it back. Fucking wind.
But they continue walking; hands almost touching, shoulders brushing, and Jimin’s breath getting stuck in his throat or breathing faster than usual.
“I’m so excited to move in with you, Jiminie!” Taehyung says excitedly, hopping from one foot to another, bouncing happily on the balls of his feet.
“I know! I can’t wait either!”
“Jiminie, we can do forts or we can stay on the rooftop and count the stars and wish on shooting stars, or stay up at night not worrying about curfews and not giving a damn about being too loud!” Taehyung never runs out of things to be excited about, more so talk about, and that’s one thing Jimin loves the most about him. There was never a boring moment with Taehyung. 7 years of friendship and not a boring conversation with Taehyung. Yeah, he may have impulsive, out-of-the-blue, and out-of-this-world kind of decisions, but that’s what made this friendship grow and last. That’s what made Jimin love him more than he should’ve.
Taehyung put his arm around Jimin’s shoulders, noticing how Jimin was still shivering from the cold. “You’re still cold? Aw, baby, come here.” while pulling him closer. Jimin stiffens but tries his best not to show it.
“I can’t help it,” Jimin pouts. “I’m easily cold, let me live.”
“Aw, my Jiminie. Here, have mine; I’m not really cold anyway.” Taehyung said as he started to remove his jacket to give to Jimin.
“No you don’t ha─” Jimin was just about to say that he doesn't have to when Taehyung threw his jacket at his face. So much for being romantic, Taehyung.
Just when he was about to put it on, Taehyung giggled and spoke, “Here, lemme help you.” Which surprised Jimin. Okay, wow. He’s lucky the cold is painting his cheeks pink, if not he’d definitely be flushed red.
‘Just a few more Jimin, just a few more and you’ll reach Taehyung’s dorm.’ Jimin pep talked himself, trying his best to suppress the way his hands are shaking, not because it was cold, but because he wanted to hold Taehyung’s hand and keep him warm, the way he warms Jimin’s insides.
They arrived in Taehyung’s dorm after a few minutes of walking, not mentioning the sidetrack of ice cream and petting a dog that approached them while they were finishing their ice cream.
Taehyung wasn’t really a messy person, but his room was a sight. Boxes here and there, clothes sprung out by the foot of his cabinet, books for university, and the other things Jimin didn’t know Taehyung had.
“Hmm. What kind of hurricane struck your room?”
The struggle present in Taehyung’s face looking for a good enough reason to explain how his room got this messy got Jimin stumbling back, laughing his lungs and life out, his back pressing against Taehyung’s chest. He feels Taehyung’s laughter as well, his chest rising and falling rapidly, but he feels Taehyung hands against his waist and arm more. Taehyung balances Jimin with his grip and Jimin can feel his heart beat pounding harder against his chest, hoping it’s because of all the laughing he’s doing and not because of his hyperawareness of everything Taehyung does.
Jimin pushes himself off Taehyung, balancing himself on his own, his head spinning from laughing too much and because Taehyung held him protectively. Jimin tried to hold back his thoughts, he really did. But the way how Taehyung held him tightly traps the air in lungs and he feels like drowning.
Taehyung started walking inside, kicking the pile of clothes off his and Jimin’s way, making room for them to sit somewhere while they pack his boxes. When they finally got a patch cleared of Taehyung’s shirts and used papers, they settled down to start deciding which to pack and which to get rid of.
Jimin started with Taehyung’s books, Taehyung started folding all the clothes scattered on the floor to put them properly in his suitcase later. Jokes thrown here and there, Jimin laughing at everything Taehyung says, not just because they’re funny but because literally everything that Taehyung says amuses Jimin.
“Oh, I have another one!” Taehyung says
“Ah Taehyung-ah, I don’t want to hear another one.”
“Come on, please I promise it’s good.”
“Fine, shoot.”
“What did the bartender tell the sandwich when it entered the bar?”
“Ugh, what?”
“’Sorry, we don’t serve food here.’”
“THAT’S WORSE THAN YOUR ‘NO BODY KNOWS’ JOKE!”
But he was laughing, holding himself back from bursting because he actually hates the joke but the way Taehyung said it made it actually funny. Jimin laughs with his whole being, his body leans to whoever or whatever’s closest to him, and his body was leaning on Taehyung’s chest, his head at the crook of Taehyung’s neck but he doesn’t realize it immediately. He only noticed it when he looked up to Taehyung’s eyes but instead he was met with the younger’s lips. Jimin couldn’t move, stuck at his position because Taehyung was holding him close and tight.
Taehyung’s making it so hard for Jimin to breathe but he doesn’t even realize all the things he makes Jimin feel, all the things he does to Jimin’s heart. And it frustrates Jimin how he wants to hug Taehyung whenever he wants, wherever he wants without it being strictly platonic, hugging him like he was afraid of losing him, saying the three words he wanted and hoped to hear. Like right now.
It’s not helping that they’re so close to each other, and how now Taehyung was looking in Jimin’s eyes. Jimin has his breath stuck in his throat, trying hard to swallow it and avoid it from spilling the words he’s been dying to tell Taehyung for 5 damn years.
Jimin’s eyes went from Taehyung’s eyes to his lips back to his eyes, licking his moist without realizing it, not realizing how Taehyung did the same. Taehyung started leaning in, and so did Jimin. Their faces now only a few inches apart, Jimin could feel Taehyung’s breathe against his own lips. Taehyung halted for a while, looking into Jimin eyes, looking for any sign of hesitation then continued leaning in when he didn’t find any in Jimin’s expressions. Jimin’s eyes slowly fluttered close and he’s holding his breath again for the nth time this day.
Taehyung’s lips finally against Jimin’s and they were kissing. Taehyung was kissing Jimin and Jimin was kissing Taehyung. Jimin was kissing Taehyung and it felt so surreal. His lips felt like cotton on skin, it felt like paradise, it felt like it was meant to be on his.
Jimin started to shift his position to a more comfortable one, almost breaking the kiss, but Taehyung held his face closer and Jimin melted, he melted in Taehyung’s touch, the way his hands were cradling Jimin’s face made his head spin and Taehyung’s hands against his felt so warm and like home.
Taehyung bit on Jimin’s lower lip and made Jimin gasp when Taehyung’s tongue slid in and Jimin felt like he was on cloud nine, he felt like he was floating, he felt like he was on top of the world and everything wasn’t against him.
They continue to fight for dominance, Taehyung in the lead but that’s only because Jimin gave in. Taehyung had his hands all over Jimin, his hair, back, neck, waist, and every inch of Jimin and it’s driving him insane how his fingers fit perfectly on Jimin’s skin. Taehyung memorized Jimin’s lips and mouth with his tongue and Jimin didn’t want to stop.
They pulled apart to take a breath, their foreheads pressed together, Taehyung looking at Jimin, his eyes screaming of love and adoration and appreciation in so many languages but Jimin’s eyes were still closed, but Taehyung could see bliss all over Jimin’s expression and that was enough for him.
“You love me?” Taehyung asked.
“For 5 years.” Jimin looked at Taehyung, with so much certainty.
“And you… Since when?” Jimin asked, breathless.
“I realized when I first held your hand, but I may have been way before that.” Taehyung said.
Jimin looked him in the eyes, happiness screaming from them, when he recalled the night Taehyung first grabbed his hand 6 years ago.
They first met back in 6th grade when Taehyung was new in Jimin’s school. Jimin, despite being the shy little kid that he was, approached Taehyung during snacks, smiled at him, and ate in comfortable silence because that’s how Jimin is, comfortable and a ray of sunshine. From then on they were attached to the hip.
But Jimin had to transfer to a different school and it devastated Taehyung when he broke the news that he needed to. First year in high school was the year where everything and everyone was new. New people, new groups, new experiences. That’s why Taehyung moved to wherever Jimin was; not that he can’t leave Jimin alone, he just doesn’t want to.
He doesn’t care if there were a million people in this world, all he knows is that he found his place and it was wherever Jimin was.
In their first year in high school, Taehyung became the popular one, everyone wanted to be friends with him, everyone wanted to sit with him during lunch, every single person in their batch wanted to get into his circle of friends. But Taehyung stuck with Jimin and Jimin stuck with Taehyung.
Being friends with someone popular definitely had it’s consequences. Jimin was bullied, bad. People talking behind his back about how he doesn’t deserve to be friends with Taehyung, how Taehyung was too high up there while Jimin was mediocre. Jimin didn’t tell Taehyung about this, didn’t even want to show Taehyung how much he was hurt and bothered about it. Taehyung only found out when he found Jimin crying in one of the stalls in their high school. Taehyung’s heart broke when he saw Jimin sitting there, eyes puffy and red, his cheeks puffier than usual; something snapped inside of Taehyung.
He pulled Jimin by the hand, the very first time he held his hand, the both of them marched out of the restroom hand in hand, letting everyone see and know that Jimin does deserve to be friends with Taehyung and whoever thinks otherwise can suck their own dicks.
It still makes Jimin’s heart flutter whenever he remember how Taehyung didn’t let go of his hand the whole day.
That’s another thing about Taehyung that Jimin noticed and fell in love with. Taehyung doesn’t give a fuck about what others think. His clothes are out of season? Fuck it, he’s going to wear it if it’s comfortable. The color mismatches? Fuck it, he can still pull it off and he knows it. Taehyung doesn’t even think twice about what other’s tell him or say about him. Taehyung is Taehyung and he’s not going to change anything about him to please others.
And. now, he can add “kissing Taehyung” to the long list of all the things that he loves the most about him.
With their foreheads still pressed together, Jimin looked Taehyung in the eyes, his heart skipping beats but beating a million miles a second at the same time, his hands holding Taehyung’s, which were still pressed against his cheeks. Jimin can see Taehyung’s lips; beat red, still slicked with spit after their make out, soft and plump looking, and perfect. It’s so perfect. Everything about Taehyung was perfect.
The timing feels so right. They’re moving in together tomorrow, and today unspoken feelings have been screaming even in the way they were looking at each other. It was perfect.
“Let’s continue packing, yeah?” Jimin said in a soft voice, a tiny laugh at the end of his sentence.
“Yeah, let’s do that.”
Yeah, they do continue packing, but now with more laughing, fooling around, and kissing, a whole lot of kissing (to catch up with the years they missed, as Taehyung had said).
They finished packing at 6 pm; Taehyung sat on the couch, well more like to let himself fall on it, and opened his arms, asking Jimin to sit beside him and cuddle which he, of course, accepted. Who would say no to cuddles?
They sit there, Jimin in Taehyung’s arms slowly drifting to sleep when he heard his tummy grumble. Oh right. Eating’s a thing.
A hearty laugh left Taehyung’s lips and said, “Come on, Jiminie. Let’s go have dinner.”
“Noooo, I’m too tired to stand.”
“I’m paying.”
“Unlimited beef?”
“Unlimited beef.”
Taehyung reached out for Jimin’s hand, which Jimin took gladly. It wasn’t a long walk from Taehyung’s old dorm to the Korean barbeque restaurant down the road so it wasn’t really much of a loss and tire for the both of them.
It was more chilly than it was earlier that day and Jimin thinks his nose is gonna fall off and his fingers are going to leave his hands any longer they walk outside. Jimin fidgets with his hands when it’s cold to keep them warm, something Taehyung took notes about a long time ago.
Of course Taehyung notices when Jimin started to fidget so he grabs Jimin’s hands and keeps them warm in his.
Jimin likes this, he likes how Taehyung’s hands engulfs his hands, how their hands perfectly fit, how, finally, he knows what it feels like to hold Taehyung’s hand with butterflies dancing in his stomach and doesn’ give a single fuck about what others would think. He can hold Taehyung’s hand without thinking of an excuse anymore. He loves how this isn’t awkward; this isn’t new but it feels like it is and it makes Jimin’s heart flutter and beat hardly against his chest.
When they were seated and their orders were taken, Taehyung couldn’t stop looking at Jimin. Jimin pretended to not notice and look anywhere except Taehyung; he tried looking at his phone, the screens all around the place even if they were playing the same thing, the grill, the plates, anything,
“You’re so beautiful.”
Jimin’s breath hitched in his throat, his hands were shaking and his face felt warm, he felt zoos in his stomach and he felt like screaming. His heart was beating a million miles a minute, mind racing ten thousand kilometers a minute and his mouth felt dry.
“I- what? Um, what?” Jimin stuttered, still couldn’t process what Taehyung had said but it’s speeding in his thoughts.
“Oh wait, was that too much? I’m sorry. It’s just that, uh, I’ve been waiting to say that for years.”
“You tell me that, like, all the time?”
“Yeah, but I just felt the need to tell you right now. Now that we’re just more than friends, you know…” Taehyung drifted off.
Now that hit him hard. Jimin couldn’t stop smiling, trying his best to hide himself behind his hands. He could feel his face heat up more, his cheeks hurting with all the smiling he’s doing, and his hands wouldn’t stop fidgeting.
More than friends.
Taehyung took Jimin’s hand in his, held them tightly until Jimin stopped fidgeting. He knew how fidgety Jimin could get when he’s nervous or overwhelmed and Taehyung knows what to do, and Jimin’s greatly thankful for that.
Taehyung couldn’t stop looking at Jimin, his eyes screaming with love, not wanting to take his eyes off the older because he’s scared that if he looks away, he’d miss something worth looking at. Taehyung kept his eyes on Jimin as if he was a gem robbers would want to steal from him. He kept his eyes on Jimin the way he would keep his eyes at the moon and stars at night when he’s scared. He kept his eyes on Jimin because everything about Jimin reminded him of everything he’s ever loved.
After dinner, they decided to walk for a little while, took the longer route back to Jimin’s dorm.
There they were, hand in hand, a huge shit eating grin never leaving their faces. Taehyung was rubbing his thumb at the back of Jimin’s palms the way he knows Jimin likes and Jimin melts a little. They would sneak a few glances at each other, would look away when they think the other one would look their way, the same thing pre-pubescent teens do when they’re out with their crush. But in Taehyung’s and Jimin’s case, they we’re just 24-year-olds madly in love; they were two 24-year-olds holding hands, butterflies in their hearts, and love surrounding them.
Jimin couldn’t breathe, but in a good way. He was so happy he couldn’t care about the cold hitting his face or the way others are looking at them. Jimin was so happy he could scream about how long he’s waited to be able to hold Taehyung’s hand like this. He was so happy he could finally, finally¸ be able to tell Taehyung how much he’s made him happy over the last 7 years.
Jimin stopped walking and turned around to face Taehyung. It was Jimin’s turn to stare at Taehyung and Taehyung’s staring back. Jimin couldn’t stop thinking about the way Taehyung’s eyes are lit up looking at him, and how natural his smile seems to be whenever he was with Jimin, and how everything just goes perfectly when he’s with Taehyung.
If this was the universe’s way of telling him that he deserves to be happy and he can have all the means of happiness he wants, then he’ll take it. Taehyung was his source of happiness and he’s not ready to let him go.
Jimin walked towards Taehyung slowly, Jimin keeping his eyes focused on the younger’s, his hands trembling and his heart pounding. He took a deep breath and he finally, finally said, “I love you.”
The blush on Taehyung’s cheeks, the way his features went from soft to softer, and how his eyes lit up when Jimin said those don’t go unnoticed. He exhaled the air he was holding back, not realizing he was holding his breath the entire time Jimin was looking at him.
Jimin took a step closer again and this time without hesitation, he hugged taehyung. He hugged him as if he was his world and he didn’t want him to crumble down. He hugged him with everything he could give and so much more. He hugged him as tightly as he possibly could as if to let Taehyung know he’s never ever, ever letting him go.
And when they broke apart, Jimin looked Taehyung in the eyes and vowed to himself that he would do everything to keep the other happy and satisfied, to keep the stars in Taehyung’s eyes shining brighter than the sun and stars combined.
Taehyung walked Jimin back to his dorm a few hours before curfew because Taehyung knows Jimin would want to stay with Hoseok for a while longer.
“Thank you for walking me.” Jimin said. Sure, it may not be the first time Taehyung walked him home, they do it all the damn time actually, but Jimin just felt like saying thank you, maybe it’s the new ambiance, the new mood, the new feel, but he just had to say thanks.
“No problem, Jiminie.” Taehyung said with a smile, and that, that still takes Jimin’s breath away. It’s been 7 years but it still astounds Jimin in so many ways explainable and unexplainable.
They were looking in each other’s eyes for a few seconds longer when Taehyung started to lean towards Jimin. He held his breath until he could feel Taehyung’s lips on his, soft, comfortable, like home. Jimin has never felt his heart beat this fast. It’s that kind of rapid beating where it feels like it would stop beating anytime but at the same time it feels like you could run a million miles.
Jimin relaxed at the kiss and Taehyung pulled Jimin closer, they’re chest to chest, hip to hip, mouth to mouth and it couldn’t get any better than this.
When they pulled apart, Jimin felt bliss and Taehyung looked ethereal.
“Good night.”
“Good night, Jiminie.”
Taehyung let go of Jimin’s hand, slowly, looking intently in Jimin’s eyes with so much love and fondness.
When Taehyung was out of sight, Jimin went inside their dorm. His smile never left his face, it hurts but it’s so hard to get rid off especially when his lips wouldn’t stop tingling, reminding him it was Taehyung he was kissing.
He was so caught up in the memory he didn’t notice Hoseok was sitting on his study table, laptop In front of him, eyes staring intently at whatever he was working on.
“Your smile speaks a million words. What happened?” He asked with a smirk and Jimin felt his cheeks hurt a little more.
“Hyungiiieee, I can’t wait to move in with Taehyungie.” Jimin said cheerily.
“Hmm, you were thinking about not doing it just earlier today, what made you change your mind?”
Jimin smiled more before breaking the news, “We kissed.”
Hoseok’s eyes went wide, the biggest heart-shaped smile on his face, and sprinted towards Jimin to hug him tightly, lifting him off his feet.
“JIMINIE, WHAO WAIT WHAT THE FUCK, WOW FUCKING FINALLY. I HAVE TO TELL THIS TO YOONGI AND EVERYONE ELSE.” Hoseok screamed, probably waking up the dormers next door.
“Hyung, chill!” Jimin said, a laugh leaving his lips.
“What do you mean chill? I have been waiting for this for YEARS. You have no idea how adorably annoying Taehyung gets when he rants about how cute your cheeks are, he wouldn’t stop talking about how much he hates it when you diet and you lose your chubby cheeks coz he’s dreamed endless about kissing your cheeks. See, now I sound annoying.” He sighed, not in the frustrated way, more like a relieved way. “But bro I am truly, legitimately, so fucking happy for you.”
Jimin stood tongue-tied, step glued to the floor with what Hoseok said. He never knew how fucking dense he was that he wasn’t able to tell that Taehyung was into him like that.
“Don’t just stand there, fill me in, idiot.” Hoseok said, pulling Jimin by the arm to sit on the bed across from where he’s sitting. And Jimin does.
That night, Jimin couldn’t sleep. He felt so full, so content, he felt like he was on top of the world and nothing could ever pull him down. He felt his insides tingling, his skin glowing and his heart beating fast with every thought and memory of Taehyung.
He goes back to the feeling of Taehyung kissing him and everything just gets better. He couldn’t stop thinking about how his lips felt so right against the younger. He couldn’t stop thinking about the way Taehyung held him, ran his hands on every inch of Jimin’s body that his fingers could reach. He couldn’t stop thinking about how everything turned around and proved him wrong, that things could turn out the way you want it too sometimes.
That night, Jimin slept with the happiest heart anyone could ever describe.
The next day started with Taehyung banging on Jimin and Hoseok’s dorm room. For fucks sake it was 7 in the morning on a Saturday.
“JIMINIE WAKE UP!” Taehyung screamed from the other side of the door. Jimin didn’t want to get up yet but he couldn’t stand hearing Taehyung’s loud banging on their door. So Jimin stood up to open the door and let Taehyung in and went straight back to his bed to, hopefully, get a few more minutes to snooze.
But Taehyung didn’t let that happen.
The moment Jimin laid down, Taehyung shoved Jimin farther to the wall so Taehyung could jump on him, hugging him tightly while continuously saying, “Jiminie, wake up. Jiminie, wake up!”
“Taehyung please, just a few more minutes. Hoseok hyung made me stay up last night to help him with his homework.” Jimin whined, facing Taehyung with sleepy eyes, curling in his embrace.
“Okay fine, 10 minutes then we’re leaving.”
Jimin hummed and felt Taehyung’s hug tighten around him. Jimin eased and pressed his head on Taehyung’s chest and slowly dozed off. The last thing he knew was Taehyung pressing small kisses on the top of his head and snuggling beside him.
Of course, Taehyung let him sleep a little longer than 10 minutes. 10 minutes became 30 because Taehyung fell asleep beside Jimin, feeling really comfortable beside the older.
Taehyung saw how peaceful and beautiful Jimin looked sleeping, cheeks pressed on his chest and breathing easily. He tried not to move too much to not wake Jimin up but when he was about to shift so Jimin could lie down a little more comfortably, Jimin stirred and slowly opened his eyes. When Jimin saw who was pressed beside him, hugging him, he felt a faint blush rush up to his neck and cheek.
“Good morning, beautiful.”
“Good morning.” Jimin said in his morning sleepy voice. Taehyung heard angels singing when Jimin spoke and he’s excited to hear that every morning for the rest of their lives. Oh wait.
“I, uh, I didn’t wanna wake you up anymore coz you looked beautiful sleeping.”
Jimin felt a much deeper blush shot through his body. Oh my god I can’t believe this is happening. I can’t believe this is real. Jimin secretly pinched himself to check if he was awake or still dreaming, you know, just to make sure. Well, he did and it hurt like fuck. His face scrunched up and he groaned a little, which wasn’t unnoticed by Taehyung.
“Wait, shit, sorry are you uncomfortable? I’m sorry, let me stand up” Taehyung asked, slowly getting up.
But before he could stand up, Jimin pulled him down, closer this time and said, “No, stay. I was just checking if I was dreaming.” He buried his face at the crook of Taehyung’s neck, thinking about how this is how it’s going to be from now on.
Taehyung’s expression softened when Jimin curled against his chest. He pulled him closer and rested his chin on Jimin’s head, his heart racing, and thinking about how he would keep this moment in his memories for the rest of his life.
“Oh my god, please shut up. You’ll be able to do that when you two lovebirds get to your own apartment.” Hoseok whined, tucking himself further in his blanket.
“What time is the truck coming to pick my boxes up?”
“10 am.”
“What time is it?”
“Hmm, 9:00.”
“Well, we better get ready.” Jimin said sleepily.
Jimin got up to get his clothes and head straight to the bathroom to prepare, leaving Taehyung staring at the ceiling and looking around Jimin and Hoseok’s dorm room.
The silence was broken when Hoseok spoke, “You finally did it huh?”
“Yeah hyung, thanks for pushing me.”
“No problem lil bro.”
“Ah, hyung, how’d you get him to say yes, by the way?”
“Didn’t really take much, to be honest. Just told him he’d get a little more time with you compared to when you both were shacked up in different dorms, and stuff like those.” Hoseok said with a shrug and a smug look.
--
When Taehyung and Jimin arrived, it’s an understatement to say they we’re excited. The biggest smiles on their faces, holding each other’s hand tightly, eyes going from each other to the apartment.
Jimin squeezed Taehyung’s hand as if to say, it’s real. This is really ours. Taehyung gave Jimin his widest, most beautiful box smile and Jimin smiled back, eyes crinkling at the side, eye smile twinkling.
They started gathering the boxes, bringing the boxes to their own floor one by one, leaving them by the door first, Jimin helping Taehyung after he’s finished with his. When they’ve gathered everything in front of their door, Taehyung got his own keys out and unlocked it.
The both of them held their breaths as the door opened, releasing only when they saw how breathtakingly amazing their new and own apartment was.
Jimin looked at Taehyung, that kind of teasing look kids do before they want to go race someone. And that’s exactly what Jimin did.
Jimin dashed inside their new apartment screaming, his system running on adrenaline and excitement and his expression painted with the biggest smile. Taehyung followed suit and started running after Jimin, slowing down a little to peek inside the kitchen, living room and bedroom.
Their apartment was lovely. One bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen, a spacy living room, and a small terrace; it has a minimalist feel to it, definitely the perfect place for them. It was also to their advantage to buy a furnished apartment, only having to move their stuff and buying only those they need but isn’t there yet, since they were college students who still live by their parents’ money and small part-time job salary.
Jimin and Taehyung were running around the apartment, Jimin stuck behind the couch because Taehyung was out to get him.
“Let me through, please.” Jimin begged out of breath from running around the apartment.
“No.” Taehyung said, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
Jimin saw an opportunity and ran for the bedroom. But Taehyung was faster and he caught up with him just before he closed the door. Jimin started shouting and giggling when Taehyung tackled him on the bed, Taehyung resting on top of Jimin, tickling all the sides he knows Jimin was ticklish.
Jimin was still a laughing mess when Taehyung stopped. He was holding Jimin down by the waist, their faces so close to each other, Taehyung could feel Jimin’s breath on his cheeks and the rise and fall of Jimin’s chest. Suddenly, Taehyung couldn’t find himself to let go of Jimin; he couldn’t ove, pinned down by the sound of Jimin’s laughter and his smile, so he holds onto the older tighter instead and looks into Jimin’s eyes, air stuck in his throat and his heart beating faster than he’s aware.
When Jimin stopped laughing, he stared back into Taehyung’s eyes, his gaze filled with admiration and adoration Taehyung never knew was there until now.
They held their eye contact for a few seconds too long, both of them breathing heavily, hearts thumping loudly against their chest, both hearts longing to touch the other’s.
“I love you.”
Jimin’s eyes went wide, taken aback with what Taehyung had just said, his hand resting on Taehyung’s chest, he feels his own heart stop but his breathing chasing after Taehyung’s own heartbeat. Jimin was suddenly hit with the feeling of contentment and happiness that he knows he doesn’t want to let go for as long as he was breathing. He felt like he found the words that would bring him home and he was led back to where he was first put, where he was supposed to be. He found the spot where he was supposed to be.
Instead of answering, Jimin brought his lips to meet Taehyung’s and they were kissing. It was slow, passionate, and filled with nothing but love and content. They kissed slowly, savoring every inch of each other’s lips, exploring each other, memorizing everything they could memorize with their own senses and it felt so right.
They kiss, but instead of fireworks in their hearts and butterflies in their stomach, they felt warm and safe. Taehyung wrapped his arm around Jimin tighter, Jimin tugging onto Taehyung’s shirt to pull him closer, getting rid of the little space that separated them.
They kissed and kissed and everything fit so perfectly. When they broke apart, Jimin hugged Taehyung as tightly as he could, hoping Taehyung could tell how absolutely grateful he was that he had him in his life.
With one last peck on Taehyung’s lips, Jimin said, “Come on, let’s unpack.”
So they did. Jimin and Taehyung started carrying the boxes inside the apartment. The things that needed to go to the restroom went straight there but those that needed to be placed in shelves and closets were left on the living room for unpacking later.
This is cute. Jimin thought. He would be going to and fro the living room with a box, Taehyung on his way back outside to pick up another box, he’d look at Jimin, wiggle an eyebrow or hold Jimin’s waist and it would drive Jimin crazily flustered.
The both of them brought in the last of the boxes together; Taehyung waited for Jimin by the door and said, “These last two boxes go to the room.”
“Okay.” Jimin said enthusiastically.
Taehyung walked backwards, looking at Jimin fondly, getting Jimin all pink and flustered.
“Tae, what are you doing?”
“Walking backwards so I can stare at your pretty face.” Taehyung said with a smile as wide as the world.
“Stop, you look ridiculous.”
“Your blush says otherwise.”
Jimin was about to hit Taehyung on the arm when he remembered he had a box in his hands, almost dropping all the contents. He’ll save it for later.
It was around 6 pm when they finished unpacking the boxes where they put the pillows and comforters in and laid them on their respective beds, which were at the far corners of the room. They decided to grab dinner to formally call it a night.
And by dinner, they meant instant ramen. They ate in a comfortable silence, savoring the MSG in their ramen. They know it’s bad for them, but instant ramen is So Good, they don’t feel a single regret.
“I’m too full and tired to function.” Jimin whined after eating. He looks at Taehyung and Taehyung looks back at him with a big smile, and when Taehyung smiles like that, it means one thing and one thing only: bad news.
“Whatever you’re thinking, it’s a no.”
“Shut up, if you’re thinking about sex, then it’s most definitely not what you’re thinking,” Taehyung said, hitting Jimin on the shoulder.
Jimin broke into a blushing mess because he swears he wasn’t thinking about that, what the fuck.
“I wasn’t thinking about that you ass.” Jimin hit Taehyung back, harder that Taehyung did to him. “It’s just that when you smile like that it means you have a crazy idea and I don’t have enough energy to do anything stupid.”
Taehyung’s mouth was agape, offended with what Jimin said (he really wasn’t, anything Jimin says amuses him).
“My ideas aren’t stupid, they’re a delight. And don’t deny it, Park, you enjoy my ‘stupid ideas.’ Why else would you have stayed with me?” Taehyung had a smug expression on his face, started wiggling his eyebrows
“Yeah you’re right.” Jimin smiled, his eyes forming the crescents Taehyung fell in love with. “So, what do you plan to do?”
“4 words: Horror movies and forts.” Taehyung said looking dead straight in Jimin’s eyes.
The way Jimin looked at Taehyung was indescribable. It was a mix of fear, annoyance, confusion and a tinge of the expression of ‘unbelievable’.
“You have got to be kidding me.” Jimin deadpanned.
“No, I’m not.”
“I was being sarcastic Taehyung, what the fuck. You know I wouldn’t be able to sleep easy when I watch horror movies.”
“Please, Jiminie? You’ll have me. I’ll cover your eyes while you cover your ears when it gets too scary. Please?” Taehyung pouted and Jimin knew he’s lost this game.
He groaned, “Ugh fine. Go pick the movie on Netflix. I’ll fix the fort.”
Taehyung scrambled to his feet, running to their room to get his laptop and set it up in the living room while Jimin gets up to get the extra blankets and pillows to make the fort with.
The movie’s halfway done and Jimin was curled up on Taehyung’s lap, hands covering his ears and one eye shut tight, the other one slightly open to see what was happening. One of Taehyung’s arm on Jimin’s waist, the other was resting on the sofa cushion, his head resting on the palm of his hand.
They stayed like this for the duration of the movie, Taehyung protecting Jimin and letting him curl and get comfortable laying on the younger’s chest while Jimin indulges Taehyung and watches the whole movie, trying to brave himself and open his eyes for the majority of the movie. Taehyung would look at Jimin once and a while, check up on him and ask if he really were okay. Jimin would just answer a short ‘yes, I’m fine.’ or ‘You wanted to do this.’
After the movie, Jimin felt more exhausted than relaxed. He wasn’t sure if he loved Taehyung more or less than he already did. Okay, Taehyung did live to his promise to hold Jimin when he was afraid, cover his face when he was afraid, but Taehyung chose a horror movie with Jimin’s worst fears and he just doesn’t know what to do: to kill taehyung or hug him till all the fears go away.
Fuck, Taehyung. Fuck him really. Jimin lied down wide-awake, staring blankly on the ceiling, trying his hardest to get those creepy scenes out of his head but his mind decided to replay every single one of them. It was almost 2 in the morning and Jimin can’t sleep. He wasn’t a baby, everyone has fears that keeps them up at night. Right?
“I can hear you thinking.”
Jimin shouted so loud when he heard Taehyung speak from the other side of the room, almost falling off his bed. He felt his heart stop for a moment, then beating 10 million miles after. Taehyung, though, fell off the bed laughing at Jimin’s reaction.
“Jesus fuck, Taehyung. Don’t startle me like─ STOP LAUGHING! You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
“I’m sorry baby, I didn’t mean to startle you.”
Baby. He called me baby. B A B Y.
“Well you did. Make up for it. My heart is gonna burst out of my chest.” And I don’t know if it’s because you scared me, or because you called me baby.
“Here, stand up. Push your bed towards the middle.” So Jimin did and Taehyung followed suit, meeting their beds in the middle.
The both of them climbed back to bed, Jimin felt safer feeling Taehyung beside him, the younger’s arms snake around his waist, his chest pressed against Jimin’s back.
Jimin felt the weight of his fears and doubts subside, his comfort in the form of Taehyung. It comforts him to know that Taehyung will be there when he wakes up, beside him, and he doesn’t have to wake up worrying about how to hide the way he feels any longer.
“Go to sleep, Jiminie, I’ll be here when you wake up.”
Jimin knows Taehyung will be. Jimin knows Taehyung will protect him and he knows he was going to do anything to protect the younger too. For as long as he could, for as long as he was alive, and for as long as the stars exist, he would. He would do everything he can for Taehyung.
“Good night, Taehyung.”
“Good night, Jimin.”
After a few seconds of silence, Jimin faced Taehyung and said, “Oh, and Taehyung?”
“Hmm?”
Jimin hugged Taehyung tightly, the thought of never letting him slip out of his arms and disappear from his grasp only making him hold him tighter.
“I love you too.”