Archive of Our Own ^beta

The first time Taehyung met Jeon Jeongguk, he almost killed him.

In his defense though, he was really scared and it could've been anyone— even a murderer.


It had all happened one hot night at the start of yet another year of college. Although it was September, Seoul’s unforgiving heat still struck, leaving a sticky feeling when skin touched literally anything. Taehyung had opened the window because the fan in his and Jimin's dorm was very useless as it didn’t exist.

"Couldn't you just, help me study real quick," Taehyung looks up through thick rims to see his roommate pouting. "It won't take long, I promise. I think I've got everything covered."

"Then why do you need me?", Jimin takes the notes and starts shuffling them around to get a look at what they were about. Meanwhile, the younger made a show of dramatically falling into a heap next to the other's legs on the worn out couch.

"Because my brain hurts from looking at them," the brunet adjusts himself so Jimin’s legs are resting on his lap. "Plus, I feel like we haven't talked in ages."

"We just talked this morning before our classes." Jimin moves his eyes from the mess of notes to fix an unimpressed stare at the other.

"That's different. We were talking about who's turn it was to go grocery shopping. That's not a real conversation, Jimin," the brunet chuckles and rolls his eyes as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"So you're saying a real conversation is about," he squints his eyes to look at the paper, "clinical microbiology and shit?"

Taehyung just stares blankly off into the distance for a brief moment before speaking up. "Well, no, but we could've bonded over something during the process and then just had a random conversation like we used to."

"What are we gonna bond over? The pathogens we've had in our bodies?" the blond chuckles as Taehyung leans over and slaps his shoulder halfheartedly.

"No, you dickwad. Just- just study me already," the younger sits back and crosses his arms, waiting for the first question.

All he hears, however, is a sigh—more like a huff of annoyance. "As much as I'd love to see you in crazy scientist mode, I can't. I gotta go to Yoongi’s tonight and I probably won't be back until after my classes tomorrow," the shorter boy stands up, leaving the stack of papers where he had just been sitting.

Min Yoongi, Jimin's crush.

Annoying .

It wasn't Yoongi that was annoying per se, he's really a great guy to Taehyung’s knowledge. It's just the way Jimin is always "Yoongi this" and "Yoongi that". And now here he was, ditching him for Yoongi.

Taehyung pushes up the sleeve of his ratty sweatshirt to pick his phone out of his pocket. He clicks it on and reads 8:34 pm. "He's like your new best friend isn't he? Well too bad, you're not getting rid of me that easily, babe," Taehyung spoke as Jimin makes a bee line for his room.

"I know that sweet cheeks. If it were easy, you'd be gone by now," he calls distractedly.

Taehyung places his hand over his heart for dramatic effect, “You wound me, Jimin. Truly, I weep.”

No less than five minutes later, his best friend reenters the living room with arms extended expectantly. “How do I look? And be brutally honest with me. I can take it.” The blond squeezes his eyes shut in show of bracing himself.

Taehyung chuckles, but takes time to assess Jimin nonetheless. He was wearing the green jumper he’d bought months back, but rarely wore. Taehyung never knew why he didn’t wear it more often一 it complimented his tanned skin and his complexion seemed to always glow. Paired with it were black jeans, ripped at the knees only and fit in all the right places. He always accessorized with various silver rings on slim fingers, and tonight was no exception. On his feet, he donned a recently purchased pair of clunky black boots.

Taehyung dramatically fans himself while batting his eyelashes, “Oh, Jimin. If he doesn’t jump your bones, I will.”

“Shut up.” The younger doesn’t miss the slight blush entertaining Jimin’s cheeks.

“Seriously though, Chim,” he stops only to make eye contact. “Yoongi is gonna go crazy for you. God help and bless his soul.” They both smile, Jimin’s once rosy cheeks burning a brighter red.

“You think so?”, his voice is small as he fumbles with car keys.

It’s moments like these Taehyung wishes to find the source of his best friend’s doubt and insecurities, and punch it in the face. Screw you for lying to my ball of sunshine.

So, he flashes a purely radiant smile, pearly whites and all. “Don’t be so modest. Now go, go. You have a date,” Taehyung squeals excitedly as he ushers Jimin out the front door and into the hallway. “Go get your fuckin’ mans.” Taehyung earns a judgemental glare from some passersby and effectively decides to ignore them in favor of seeing his best friend off.

The sight of Taehyung becoming increasingly choked up by the immense pride he has in his soul for Jimin could be compared to a mother seeing their child walk down the alter at their wedding. One hand over the heart, the other wiping away stray nonexistent tears— all the while smiling lovingly at the retreating figure. The figure who just so happened to spare one final glance at his roommate, only to throw a mocking look at him for his show of theatrics.

(Taehyung likes to think he calmed some of Jimin’s pre-date jitters with that display. Jimin likes to tell him how childish his antics were.)

When Jimin’s body can no longer be seen, Taehyung treks back to the living room by the opened window, feeling a slight gust of air comb through his bangs and touch his forehead. He lets his eyes flutter closed for a fleeting moment until the cold sweat has once again creeps up his cheeks and makes his shirt cling uncomfortably to his back. He felt like a gross mess of perspiration in need of a shower and the overwhelming desire for one is what ultimately convinces him to stand up.

His eyes fall to the pile of paper resting on the mini table in the middle of the room.

It mocks Taehyung.

He’s far too tired to try and rack his head around the different treatments to certain diseases, and how to make them. His brain has been going up into flames for the past few days since the announcement of the short notice quiz.

With a lazy sigh, the boy works his way to his closet, absentmindedly grabbing a pair of old grey sweats. They weren’t very thick, so Taehyung could actually bare to wear them on nights like this. He moves to his dresser, and gives the drawer a quick scan before he grabs a tank top.

His fingers mussed up his brown locks tiredly, as his bare feet walked from the carpeted flooring of the dorm into their tiled bathroom. The slight chill was a welcomed feeling, even if it only translated to the soles of his feet.

Taehyung doesn’t need to turn on the lights due to the sun filtering in through the small window located on the opposite wall of the sink. It looks out to a small grassy area on campus that is usually left abandoned for what reason, Taehyung doesn’t know. He’s caught in a hazy moment where everything seems to stop around him. His eyes droop as he watches the warm glow of the sun cast light down the center of the room, seeing the floating particles move in and out from the beam of light.

He yawns, blinking away the moment, and is once again tuned in with the sounds of everyday life. He faintly hears birds chirping from the other room where the window had been left ajar. When he turns the knob for the shower, he hears the stream of water droplets pound against the floor, as well as the faint sound of water running through the pipes in the wall.

He efficiently undresses himself and pulls back the shower curtain slightly. He steps one foot into the bath followed immediately by the other. His front side faces toward the flow of water, and the pressure of the beads combined with the cool temperature eases all of Taehyung’s worries and discomfort momentarily.

He keeps the shower quick so he can get one last study session in before the morning. When the heavy stream of water lessens to a slow drip every now and then from the remaining water in the pipes, he pulls back the curtains. The air is somewhat fresh against his newly cleaned skin, and he takes a deep breath watching as tears of water fall from his body.

He grabs his towel, the material swift to soak up the stray beads on his skin. He pats himself dry and discards the towel on the sink for the moment. His tanned hands reach for his boxers and sweats. He makes quick work of tugging his briefs on before sloppily pulling up the sweats. They’re a little big so they pool at his ankles and faintly drag against the ground when he walks. His better judgement decides against wearing the tank top, the light material making all the difference between feeling stuffy or free of constriction.

The ends of his locks collect beads of water which fall onto his bare back. The sensation was slightly uncomfortable so he grabs at his damp towel and uses it to dry his darkened hair.

While doing so, Taehyung moves to the living room and  gathers his notes (some had fallen to the ground due to the light breeze of their slightly-open window). He then heads to his room, glad to have left his shirt off because it was hot and stuffy in his room due to the lack of a window or fan.

(“So you’re telling me I can’t get a fan for my room?” The brunet’s whines easily carry their way to Jimin’s ears.

“No. I’m saying when you bring your own money you can buy whatever fan your heart desires— that is in the price range of a broke college student like yourself.”

Needless to say, Jimin’s obnoxious comment held some validity and Taehyung still hasn’t gotten around to buying himself a fan.)

His eyes scan for the clock, quickly locating its position and reading 12:34 a.m.

Great . He was nowhere near tired, yet this was the one night he needed the most sleep. He decides to make some hot cocoa because that always helped him feel sleepy.

In the kitchen, he scrolls through his phone as the dull sound of the microwave plays in the background. He would've used the stovetop to heat his milk, but it always seems to make a weird rattling noise. Jimin insists it’s fine, but Taehyung gets the heebie-jeebies, always convinced it’s going to impetuously cause a fire. And that was something he definitely did not need.

He sips his finished cocoa on the way back to bed. Once sat down and comfy, Taehyung turned off the bedside lamp and began drifting off.

*

Thump!

"Oh for the love of god."

Taehyung shook awake and shot straight up. He had heard a loud noise followed by a voice that was one hundred percent not Jimin’s. He silently looks at his phone. It was 3:23 a.m.

Oh my god… Am I going to die? He was scared out of his mind. He also hadn't heard anything since the first round of noise. Maybe he was just hearing things.

But Taehyung was always the type of person to sleep through a hurricane. So, why would a nonexistent noise pull him out of his slumber?

Bravery broke through, along with adrenaline, and the brunet slowly opens his bedside table drawer. His hands move around, being carefully aware of any noise, until he feels what he was looking for. Pepper spray.

(He had received the spray as a gift from one Jung Hoseok. He laughed at the time while Hoseok cautiously and seriously remarked, “You never know these days, Tae Tae.”)

After grabbing the spray, which Taehyung will be forever grateful for, (mental note: And will also give Hoseok a call if he survives this) he slowly creeps to his closet. It was extremely dark and his eyes weren't used to it, leading him to silently pray he doesn’t trip. He was also half awake and still not completely sure if he'd just imagined the noises.

In the closet, he feels around for the pan he had. (He had seen too many cop shows to feel safe without his closet-pan. Jimin had made fun of him, but when he gets out of this alive he's going to brag about it for years.)

The brunet was sure the noises came from the living room. He bites his lip and braces himself before he peers past the doorframe of his room. As expected, Taehyung can’t really tell what he is looking at because his eyes were not yet adjusted to the pitch black surrounding his every angle. He can only seem to make out faint shadows of his furniture, if that’s what he’s even looking at.

He wishes that he somehow was more prepared for this and knew the entire layout of the dorm like the back of his hand. His saving grace (or impending doom) saves (or dangers) him, as he then sees some light streaming in from where the window is.

Of course I left the window open. Taehyung mentally face palms himself.

He’s about ready to blame everything on the wind like typical victims in horror movies do and call it a day, but he hears a muttered ‘oh fuck’ that certainly did not come from his mouth.

Or did it? He shakes his head. Fucking idiot, no he didn’t say anything.

Okay snap the fuck out of it, Taehyung. Someone is in your house and you need to pull yourself together. Are you mentally prepared for it? Hell no, but you have pepper spray and a very heavy pan meaning you can definitely fuck some shit up.

He takes a hesitant step forward to score a better look at the window, but the floor creaks and he curses under his breath.

"Who's there?," the voice from not even 2 minutes before speaks.

"I should be asking you that." Taehyung still hasn’t stepped even a toe forward out of fear of this actually being a murderer. "Why are you in my house? Do you want like, money or something?" His eyes squint in disbelief. Did he really just say that?

He wasn’t very good at this whole house break in thing.

"Oh my god, no! I'm so sorry I just saw your window open and there was-"

The intruder had been walking closer to Taehyung as he spoke. The homeowner makes to pull out his phone and call 911, but of course he left it on his bed. Of fucking course.  

His life is a living, walking, breathing cliche.

He’s painfully aware of the ever growing close proximity of the stranger. However, he gets cut off due to the sting of pepper spray in his eyes and the pan that hits his head.

Not today, bitch. Taehyung takes a second to mentally pat himself on the back.

"Agh, ow! What the hell?," his hands immediately shoot up to cover his eyes and the brunet jumps out so he was in the living room.

"Who the hell are you?" The frantic college student holds out the pan as if warning the stranger he will strike again.

"I'm sorry. I was being chased and your window was open. I obviously wasn't thinking straight when I did that," he struggles with his words for obvious reasons.

"Why were you being cha- oh my god are you running from drug dealers or something?" Taehyung panics. His hands move to the sides of his head in anxiousness. This guy may be harmless, but that doesn't mean whoever was chasing him was.

"No! I was being chased by some crazy girls who clearly do not know what personal space is." The figure now moves his hands from his eyes to the back of his head, Taehyung only being able to see a rough outline and some shadows of the man.

"You still never told me who you are!", he raises his voice slightly in a failed attempt to sound dominant.

"Why the hell do you have a pan and pepper spray?", he peers his eyes up to Taehyung, who, in return squints to get a better look at his face.

"Who are you? I'm not joking, I will hit you again!"

The boy wipes his eyes one final time before standing up straight and brushing his shirt off.

"I'm Jeon Jeongguk, and I'm very sorry for this inconvenience. Now, it’s been a long night and I would love to get going if you don't mind."

“Nice try. Now,” Taehyung flips on a switch and watches as the room suddenly illuminates. “Sit the fuck down before I call the cops.”

*

It was now about 4:30 in the morning, and Taehyung was fucking exhausted. As well as kind of flabbergasted because,

“Woah woah woah. So you’re telling me, that you’re some fancy schmancy actor who has been in a shit ton of movies that I’ve never even heard of? And now you’re just attending Seoul University?” The brunet raises his brow in disbelief, even if Google says it’s true.

Google is run by the government, it’s lying to you.

Taehyung’s exhaustion had a tendency to make him a bit paranoid.

The stranger, Jeon Jeongguk as he’s been made aware, has the audacity to look offended. “Well, surely you’ve heard of some of them.”

Taehyung looks down at his lit up screen once again, the brightness makes his head pound. He tries to connect the titles to some sort of memory he has, but nothing comes to mind. He stares blankly at the screen. “Nah man, I really haven’t.”

Jeongguk brushes off his pants and straightens himself up, an attempt at brushing away the rejection. “Well, I’ve been told they’re good. Maybe you should watch one sometime.”

“Did you just not so subtly plug your movies to me?” Taehyung smirks as he shuts off his phone and gives his fullest attention to the hot man in front of him.

Jeongguk pokes his tongue at the inside of his cheek, smirking as well. “Or maybe I was not so subtly hinting that you should come watch one of my movies with me sometime.”

Taehyung becomes painfully aware of his shirtless torso. He looks down at his tanned skin before meeting Jeongguk’s gaze again. The man quickly averts his eyes from exposed skin to somewhere off to the side of the room, a faint tint of pink coloring his cheeks.

The brunet chuckles. He actually chuckles. This whole situation is absolutely hilarious.

“You literally just broke into my dorm and now you wanna start flirting?”

Jeongguk just stares expectantly. “You’re really cute,” he replies bluntly, all shyness from earlier seeming to have left the premises.

Taehyung ignores the rising blush and flails his arms for drastic measure. “I pepper sprayed you! And I hit you with my pan!” The look the raven haired man throws him makes him feel crazy.

“Good aim, too. I might have to really layer the makeup to help distract from the swelling. My stylist is going to hate you.”

The brunet sighs incredulously. He had to admit Jeongguk was very attractive. His black hair was tousled by the wind in such a way that made his locks look very touchable. His brown eyes had such a puppy dog look to them.

And his jawline. His fucking jawline. Sharper than his finest kitchen knife.

There was much to admire when it came to Jeongguk, there was no doubt about that.

“But I know nothing about you,” is what he opts to say instead.

Jeongguk shrugs. “My whole life is documented on the internet somewhere. You just have to search it up,” He leans back on the couch, crossing his arms behind his head to seem nonchalant.

Taehyung can’t help but feel a little dejected at that and slightly pouts. “But don’t you want people to hear who you are, I don’t know, from you?”

Jeongguk’s expression falters slightly. He licks his lips before solemnly saying, “People are going to take what I say and turn it into what they want me to say. They’re going to develop these preconceived notions of the kind of person I am, and there’s no changing their minds then.”

Jeongguk’s eyes drift off to the side, his face very somber. Taehyung feels the urge to tell him that no, he’s not like that— he’s willing to hear whatever Jeongguk has to tell him. Most importantly, he’s willing to actually listen and believe.

Never in a million years would Taehyung have predicted he’d be sitting on a kitchen chair that was dragged into his living room at 4 a.m., talking to an intruder, and finding himself sympathizing for the man.

Instead of so easily giving into this stranger, Taehyung opts to try and lighten the mood. “Other than the fact that you’re incredibly stupid when it comes to compromising situations, I have no preconceived notions about you.”

Jeongguk covers his heart in mock offense.  “Ouch. That hurt.” Taehyung laughs.

From what he did see in the short Wikipedia excerpt that popped up when he searched Jeongguk’s name, Jeongguk has been in show business since he was just a young boy. He can’t imagine Jeongguk had many close friends or even much of a childhood. At least, not one filled with parks and birthday parties and sleepovers with friends.

Taehyung could see it on the other’s face that he did wish people would give him the chance to show them who he truly was, and not what tabloids had to say about his latest love connection.

He bites his lip in hesitant contemplation before looking up to the younger. An oddly comfortable silence fell upon them, and Taehyung credits it to the fact they both must be too tired to really care about their predicament at this point.

“I’ll tell you what,” Taehyung starts, moving so his elbows rested on his thighs and his chin rested in his hands. “For every sit down we have where you tell me things about you, the real you that you want to get across to the world, I will gladly accompany you in watching one of your movies.”

The raven haired man smiles a genuine smile, a display of his pleasure upon hearing Taehyung’s words. The look in his eyes gave way for a serious conversation topic, before it melted away into something more playful. “I swear they’re not all cheesy romcoms.” They both laugh.

“You swear?” Taehyung playfully challenges.

Jeongguk exaggeratedly nods his head, “Cross my heart and hope to die.”

It’s as if a blind was pulled off Taehyung. Jeongguk looked young, and his smile was very boyish in a carefree manner. He looked like a normal college student in this moment. His shoulders were no longer tense, his eyes no longer scanning every inch of his surroundings, no longer looking at Taehyung as if he were going to hurt him.

Celebrity or not, Taehyung thought Jeongguk should always be able to feel as carefree as he looked in this moment. He finds himself smiling along with the other, suddenly so content he forgets all of his surroundings. All he can see is Jeongguk, sitting in front of him, smile so bright but suddenly dulling down. A frown pulls itself onto his face, and Taehyung is so confused until—

“UM KIM TAEHYUNG WHAT IS JEON JEONGGUK DOING IN OUR DORM ROOM?”

Park Jimin. He is going to fucking murder Park Jimin.

Jeongguk is the epitome of a deer caught in headlights. He’s frozen in place, hands now placed on the couch on either side of him as he prepares himself to get the fuck out of here. Taehyung scrambles to his feet and walks over to the boy. Taking absolutely no time at all to swoon over those big puppy dog eyes and parted lips.

“Jeongguk, it’s okay. This is my idiot-“, Taehyung side eyes Jimin, “-roommate, Jimin. He is no more harmful than a goldfish.”

“Okay, well that whole thing was just offensive so fuck you,” Jimin deadpans. “Also, yeah hi. Um, you’re Jeon Jeongguk,” he points to Jeongguk who can only offer up a lopsided grin.

“Oh! You don’t say,” Taehyung stands up straight, hands on his hips. Jeongguk calms down after seeing they’re  childish bickering.

“Yeah, I’m not liking you’re tone.”

“I thought you were going to be out all night with Yoongi,” Taehyung crosses his arms and looks off to the side, avoiding Jimin’s eyes. Like a child trying to prove his anger.

“Yeah, I was. It’s like 5:30 in the morning, Tae.”

The brunet drops his arms by his side and almost visibly deflates, as if his exhaustion is just now catching up to him. “Shit. I’m sorry Jeongguk I didn’t mean to keep you here so long.”

Jeongguk is very quick to shake his head, standing up and even if Taehyung is slightly taller, something about the way the younger carries himself makes him tower over the brunet. “No, this is all completely my fault,” his head slightly dips down. “Not that I can say I regret this.”

Taehyung blushes madly, and he swears he thought he was over this whole schoolgirl type shit, but of course Jeon Jeongguk would be the exception. “So I guess I’ll see you around?” No one in the room can miss the hopeful lilt to his voice.

Jeongguk smiles and once again meets Taehyung’s gaze. He slightly bites at his lip before nodding, “Yes. Definitely. We have some movies to watch.”

“Oh my god, it’s like I don’t even exist,” Jimin huffs under his breath, deciding to sit down on their couch. If he revels in the fact that Jeon Jeongguk, famous actor, sat on his couch for just a second too long, no one can blame him.

“I think it’d be better if you used the door this time,” Taehyung chuckles and rests his hand on Jeongguk’s shoulder before retracting it almost immediately.

That was a nice, defined fucking shoulder. Taehyung can only imagine what the rest of his body is like—

Okay, nope. Sorry Jeongguk, time to go.

“Yeah, probably,” Jeongguk’s eyes crinkle and his nose scrunches up in the most adorable way. His hand finds the small of Taehyung’s bare back, and gently leads him to the door.

Oh wow, that’s a big, strong hand.

Taehyung needs some water. Some ice cold water.

Jeongguk unfortunately removes his hand in favor of opening the door and stepping into the hallway. He looks around cautiously before Taehyung’s soothing voice calls his attention.

“It’s fine, these halls are dead until like noon,” his voice is barely above a whisper but it helps immensely in calming the younger. Taehyung leans against the doorframe, his head also resting against it. The silence could lull him to sleep.

“Am I going to be able to see you anytime soon, hotshot?” Taehyung tiredly smiles.

Jeongguk seems apprehensive before speaking. “I can’t give you my number for security reasons, my manager would kill me. I have to be smart about being here, Taehyung. It took a lot to convince everyone I could attend college like a normal person,” he seems to sense Taehyung falling into himself from the rejection. He quickly brightens his mood, a promising smile gracing his features. “But I will find you as soon as I can and we can get started on our arrangement.”

Taehyung seems pleased with that as he smirks at Jeongguk. “You better, or else you’re manager will be hearing from me.”

The raven haired boy flashes an unbelievably bright smile and their gazes linger for a minute too long. The silence is not uncomfortable, both of them just wanting this unexpected happening to carry on for a little while longer while it still can.

“Goodbye, Taehyung.”

“Bye Jeongguk.”

Taehyung watches on wistfully like a lovesick fool as Jeongguk retreats down the hallway. The actor looks back once more and smiles knowingly at the brunet.

“So are you gonna explain to me what the fuck happened, or am I going to label it a weird ass dream?” Jimin’s voice breaks whatever sort of moment Taehyung was letting himself have. He rolls his eyes as he backs up into the dorm and closes the door.

When Taehyung looks to the blond, his eyebrows are raised expectantly as he holds the uncapped pepper spray and very large pan.

Once again, Taehyung rolls his eyes and walks past Jimin to his bed. His eyes absentmindedly look to the clock where he reads 5:56 a.m.

“It’s too fucking early for this.”

*

Taehyung hasn’t seen Jeongguk since that fateful night, which was two weeks ago.

He’s read a lot about Jeongguk, and some of the tabloids he’s read has made him outwardly laugh at their ridiculousness.

“Jeongguk has been reportedly seen with fellow actress Im Yoona on several occasions. Witnesses even say they saw Jeongguk get down on his knee for her. Was this a proposal? Can we look forward to a wedding from the rumored couple in the upcoming months?”

Jimin then laughed at Taehyung and muttered something about him being insanely jealous. Taehyung pretended not to hear Jimin so he wouldn’t have to explain himself. It was perfectly rational to laugh as such a ridiculous claim.

Perfectly. Normal.

Maybe he hasn’t seen Jeongguk because he’s been planning for his wedding.

“Hello? Earth to Taehyung,” a hand is waved in front of Taehyung’s face, and his vision focuses in on the fine lines of the person’s palm.

He blinks and pulls back his head. “Yes, Hoseok?”

The man next to him in the booth they sat at scoffed. “Did you hear a word I just said?” Taehyung is on the receiving end of an expectant glare.

The younger is sheepish as he shrugs and looks to the two other people accompanying them for help. Yoongi and Jimin just look at him blankly. He sighs and drops his shoulders, “No, I’m sorry. My mind was somewhere else.”

Jimin plays with the straw to his tall glass of Coca Cola, his red sleeve dampening from the glass’ dripping condensation. He smiles teasingly at everyone in the booth. “He was too busy thinking of his actor boyfriend.”

Taehyung sights the nearest straw wrapper, snatches it as well as crumples it all in one, and aims it at his roommates head. Jimin’s hands come up to cover his mouth as he laughs evilly, his rings catching the light of the diner’s overhead bulbs.

Yoongi rolls his eyes as he picks up the wrapper and discards it in a growing pile of trash off to the side of the table. “Are you even sure that whole thing happened? You said you were both really tired. And you haven’t seen him since.”

Yet another thing to add to the list of things he disliked about Yoongi.

“Who even invited you?” Taehyung asks frustratedly, moving his bangs out from his eyes.

“My boyfriend did. Who invited you?” Yoongi replies challengingly. His voice remained calm for the most part, and his face didn’t give way to any signs of anger. He just seemed annoyed.

Oh yeah, Jimin and Yoongi started dating two days after he met Jeongguk.

Jimin effectively cuts into their conversation before Taehyung can make a witty quip. “Okay, boys. Calm down. You’re both here because we’re all friends.” He put emphasis on ‘friends’ as he looks back and forth between the two.

Because Taehyung cares about Jimin very much, as well as the fact that he felt a little ashamed of attacking Yoongi like that due to his own frustrations, he drops it. He slumps back into his seat like a scolded child.

Yoongi sighs as he tightens his hold around Jimin’s shoulders just a little bit.

Hoseok takes the silence as his cue to continue with his point from earlier. He adjusts his checkered cap on his head and scooches closer to the tabletop.

“I just want to get this straight. You’re telling us Jeon Jeongguk, famous movie actor, broke into your dorm?” Hoseok raises his brow in questions and Taehyung quickly shushes him and sighs in frustration.

Everyone gives him an expectant and confused look. Taehyung rolls his eyes, “Are you stupid? There are crazy fangirls all over this place, you can’t just say it out loud like that,” he looks around the diner and suspiciously stares down anyone who looks as if they’ve heard too much. Once settled back into the booth he huffs out. “But yes, I am saying that. I’m just as mind blown as you. I didn’t even know the guy existed.”

“Since when did he go to our college?”, Hoseok pauses and furrows his brows. “Since when did he even go to college?”

“Since two weeks ago, I guess,” his eyes skimmer over everyone else at their booth before continuing. “But don’t you dare breathe a word of this to anyone. I’m guessing no one else knows about this for the time being.” He gives them The Look™ to make sure they all understand him clearly.

“And us.”

They clearly don’t understand him at all.

“No, we don’t,” Taehyung looks up to see questioning expressions on everyone’s faces as he sips his drink. “We’re not going to talk about this. I could get sued or something.”

Jimin pipes up, a confident tone in his voice, “How is that possible? He broke into our dorm.” The other two nod in agreement.

Taehyung rolls his eyes. “Do I have to explain everything to you?”

A cheeky grin plasters itself onto the blond’s features. “Apparently, yes.”

A scoff unwillingly leaves his mouth. He lowers his voice to a whisper. “I hit him with a fucking pan and set his eyes on fire with pepper spray. If a bunch of whiny little girls come stalking him because of my big ass mouth— or yours—my ass is going to prison for life.” he takes a deep breath before adding one last comment. “So don’t talk about it to anyone, not even me.”

He hears Yoongi and Jimin holding back their chuckles and once again drops back against the booth cushion. “Dude, you’re so paranoid,” Yoongi supplies. Taehyuns sends a sarcastic smile his way.

Hoseok taps his arm to gain his attention. He fixes his checkered cap on his head before speaking. “And when do you think you’ll see him again?” He directs his question to taehyung and Taehyung only.

Taehyung faintly smiles at the gesture. “I have no clue. When he left he said ‘I will find you as soon as I can’ and I haven’t heard from or seen him since.”

“And you’re absolutely sure this wasn’t one of those really vivid dreams you have sometimes,” the raven haired man lowers his head to maintain eye contact with the youngest. His voice holds no judgement and his eyes only hold assurance. This wasn’t Hoseok making fun of Taehyung.

Taehyung rolls his eyes as everyone seemed to be holding their breaths. “I’m positively sure, Hobi.”

But he wasn’t.

To seem more convincing, he attempts a goofy smile. It probably looks more like a grimace.

Jimin says he doesn’t remember much of anything due to the few drinks he’d consumed earlier in the night. He remembers seeing Taehyung out and about at an ungodly hour, and there might’ve been someone else but he couldn’t recall.

On top of that, there was absolutely no press about Jeon Jeongguk attending Seoul University, which, granted could mean Jeongguk wants privacy for as long as he can to make this transition easier. It could also mean Taehyung’s active imagination made it all up as well as extremely realistic seeing as he can’t tell what was real or not.

His smile does nothing to stop the uneasy silence the booth is now experiencing. He can’t take the way they all seem to be looking at him in pity, even Yoongi looks as though he feels bad.

He can’t take the fact that he can’t even decipher if what happened was real life or a stupid dream he can’t seem to forget.

He slurps the last of his shirley temple and pockets his phone. He pulls out a five dollar bill for his drink and excuses himself from the booth.

A chorus of “Where you going?” and “We haven’t even ordered yet!” and “Oh come on Tae. Just stay.” rings out from the three males at once.

Taehyung waves his hand to gesture he’s fine and they have fun without him. “I just need to get some air, so I’m going to walk back to the dorm. Enjoy dinner. See you at home, Chim.”

His friends stare sadly at Taehyung’s retreating figure. They know it’s useless to try and get him to stay no matter how badly they want him to.

The brunet says thank you and goodbye to their waiter while he briskly walks to his friends with a small notebook and pen in hand.

A bell jingles as his hands push the door open. The air is humid and the night sky is dark. The overhead lights cast a shadow of Taehyung’s body on the sidewalk. He pulls out his phone to check the time. 7:22 p.m.

He spares one final glance at his friends through the large diner window. He watches as Hoseok says something with a smile and the other two laugh, hands finding a place on the others’ body to ground themselves. Taehyung grimly smiles, wanting to just pull himself together and sit the fuck down with his pals.

But he needs some air. Preferably not the muggy air he was currently walking in, but nevertheless he needed space to think for himself.

His brows unconsciously furrow in concentration as Taehyung slowly but surely loses himself to his thoughts. His feet kick around at pebbles on pavement, and his hands are stuffed into his pockets out of habit.

Is he seriously still hung up on whether meeting Jeongguk was a dream or not?

How could he dream of a man, whom he didn’t even know existed, so vividly. He could still picture the juxtaposition of his muscular build and puppy dog eyes so actively. How his voice still played over and over in his mind at times he least expected.

Taehyung snaps back to his reality as he comes up on the entrance to his building. The tacky light from the main office is already giving Taehyung a headache as he approaches the door, keys in hand.

He walks down the halls distractedly, almost completely missing his door. The keys in his hand jingle as he scrambles to find the correct one. In his attempt to achieve it quickly, the whole bundle falls to the ground.

He sighs and closes his eyes, a hand coming up to pinch the bridge of his nose. He gathers his sanity and squats down to retrieve the bunch of nickel silver. You’d think hoping the rest of the process of entering his own home was an easy given, but not for Taehyung.

After only two failed attempts (third time is always the charm) Taehyung makes it into his home sweet home. He flips on the switch to the living room, the overhead light doing a good job at illumination the rest of the open dorm.

He resolves to award himself with a bottle of water and walks to his small kitchen. The yellow gleam from the fridge brightens his face. He grimaces at the pounding at the back of his head as he reaches down for the cold plastic bottle.

He twists the cap until he hears a snap and walks to the ratty brown couch in the living room. His head tilts back, and a stream of cold water hydrates his throat.

He plops down with an overtired huff, his legs spreading on their own accord and his back slumped back. He’s too lazy to reach for the remote to the tv so he just sits in silence.

Tap, tap!

Taehyung nearly pisses himself when the sound rings in his ears. He jumps forward and in doing so, squeezes the open bottle in his hand. The cold liquid lands on his white shirt, making that area of cotton cling to his abdomen like a second layer of skin.

The sound came from the window behind him, as if someone, no something, tapped on it.

Someone play the eerie music because Taehyung has found himself caught in a cheesy slasher film.

Taehyung slowly turns his head, eyes blown wide and mind woken up from his previous sleepy haze. He knows he’s always saying he wishes for the sweet release of death, but come on. Not like this.

The whole thing is very anticlimactic in retrospect, because Taehyung is now fully facing the window and all he can really see is the reflection of the bright light behind him. His eyes squint as he tries to see past it, and all fear has left his body due to the inconvenience.

He looks behind him to the table to see a large, glass candle and grabs it. He positions it above his head so he can be prepared to strike at any moment, and leans a knee on the couch. His shaky, free hand unlatches the window and he slowly pushes it up. His bottom lip is caught between his teeth due to a worry driven habit.

In the pitch black, except for the light shining from behind him which outlines his silhouette, he sees a hooded figure. The stranger wears all black, and his eyes and mouth are covered and locked away from sight.

In a heady moment of fear, Taehyung brings his hand clutching the candle down towards the uninvited guest’s head.

“Taehyung! Stop!” The stranger’s hands exit the warmth of their pockets and move to shield their face as they simultaneously step back.

For the nth time that night, Taehyung is so very puzzled. His hand drops down and his threatening stature slowly neutralizes. He knows that voice.

“Jeongguk?”

The figure slides his hoodie off his head and pulls his mask down. There is no doubt in Taehyung’s mind that is Jeongguk. “Keep it down! Someone could hear you,” he chastises all the while inching closer to the window.

Taehyung steps back and watches as he climbs up and through the framework. If his eyes drift from the boy’s defined chest to his long legs, well, you have no proof.

But while yes, this means Taehyung didn’t go crazy and dream up his whole previous encounter with the idol, it also means—

Whack! Taehyung hits his arm, and he doesn’t hit like a little bitch because he’s not trying to be cute.

He knows he technically has no right, and he shouldn’t be mad because, well, Jeongguk did find him. It was a feat carried through only because he let his inundate feelings influence him more than his rationality.

“Ow! What the fuck, Taehyung?”

The brunet composes himself rather dramatically and takes a deep breath in, remaining as indignant as ever. “You haven’t talked to me in two weeks,” is all he has to say.

The younger’s shoulders slump. He sat on the crevice between the window sill and the head of the couch. “Yeah. I’m sorry about that.”

Taehyung doesn’t overlook the fact Jeongguk must’ve had many reasonable excuses as to why, but doesn’t mention a single one of them. He fights back a giddy smile.

Why are you making this more complicated than it has to be? Jeongguk is here! Jeongguk’s here!

Taehyung casually shrugs and swivels slightly on his foot, an embarrassed smile adorning his features. “It’s okay. I shouldn’t have hit you.”

Jeongguk chuckles before regarding the abandoned candle left on the couch cushion. “What is with you and really hurtful objects?” The sides of his beautiful brown eyes crinkle while he looks at the object.

Taehyung’s head bows down in embarrassment and his lips remain pinched. His face feels slightly warmer than it did just a second ago. “You can never be too careful these days.”

Jeongguk slides down to the leather cushions and plants his feet firmly on the carpeted flooring as he stands himself up. He walks over to Taehyung, his very stride demanding the elder’s attention on its own. His face is very determined as he gets close to Taehyung, close enough for their breaths to mingle.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be careful for you from now on.”

It was endearing, truly. And Taehyung didn’t mean to laugh, honest. It’s just, Jeongguk looked so serious and cute with a slight pout on his face. His dark hair once neatly parted to the side like a mature young man now brush against his forehead just above his eyebrows, his part now mingling with the rest of his hair. Taehyung couldn’t deny he still looked handsome, just in a more boyish and youthful way.

“That was embarrassingly cheesy. Did you steal that from one of your movies?” Taehyung’s eyes hold a teasing glint. The other tilts his head back in amusement, his inky crown of hair shifting with the movement.

“Surprisingly, no. I just thought it was the romantic thing to say. My mistake.” Jeongguk’s hands are hesitant, but sure as they snake their way around Taehyung’s middle.

The slender boy is taken aback for a moment, not expecting such forwardness, but quickly recovers and moves closer. He rests his hands on the idol’s broad shoulders, interlocking his hands behind the younger’s neck. He makes sure there’s some distance between them as he wants to take things slowly.

“Oh, so you’re trying to be romantic, huh?” Taehyung attempts playfulness even as his heart rate picks up unnaturally. He can feel the ghost of Jeongguk’s breath hit his nose, and feels the imprint of goosebumps on his exposed arms.

Jeongguk looks up in mock thoughtfulness. “Hm. Depends. Are you the romantic type?” They’re now gently swaying back and forth despite the silence of the room. Crickets are chirping and the windswept leaves rustle. Jeongguk’s thumb rubs softly against the side of Taehyung’s waist, and he softly smiles while looking down.

“I’d be down for a good boombox session outside my window,” his voice is softer now as if any sudden loudness will disrupt their delicately fabricated moment. He plays with his fingers out of anticipation. Jeongguk smiles for the millionth time that night, feeling so overwhelmingly happy. He never wants this moment to end, and if it must, he wants to follow it up with another, equally as great, moment with Taehyung.

Jeongguk never imagined his college experience could end up like this. Two weeks in, and he’s already found the most gorgeous boy on campus, no one can convince him otherwise.

He stares as Taehyung’s cheeks remain rosy, a beautiful contrast to his tanned skin. His mousy hair bounces faintly with every move, his bangs a bit overgrown catching in his eyelashes whenever he blinks. He has the plumpest pink lips that are constantly nibbled on or set in a cute pout. His doe eyes are almost always blown wide open, or drooped in tiredness due to the late hours they always see each other.

If his parents or managers knew about Jeongguk’s attachment to this boy, they would immediately worry endlessly about him being at college. Jeongguk’s parents knew about and were okay with his bisexuality. From the little he knows about Taehyung due to a few internet searches, they would absolutely adore him almost as much as Jeongguk does, but they did not allow him to attend Seoul University to find a relationship.

He wants to take the elder on dates, out in the open, but he doesn’t want to risk scaring him off. The media doesn’t know about Jeongguk’s sexuality because both him and his parents felt it was his business and had nothing to do with his career, therefore there was no need to make it into a public announcement. He’s not ashamed of who he is, and neither is his family, but the fangirls he’s accumulated are just as ruthless as sweet.

A rumor that him and Im Yoona were engaged recently surfaced and his fans had gone berserk. Im Yoona and Jeongguk are just friends, and he’s said that multiple times to any media network that’s directly asked him, but that didn’t stop his fans from sending her nasty messages. They were so jealous of this unconfirmed relationship they let it drive them to typing out the most awful and threatening things directed at her.

He doesn’t want to think of the kinds of messages Taehyung would get. He could never let that happen to him.

Im Yoona knows that it’s not Jeongguk’s fault and it’s just a downside to their occupations, and they still remain good friends despite everything. They’re just keeping it to texting for now, though.

But Kim Taehyung is a college student with a goal for his future and a life that doesn’t involve paparazzi stalking his every move. He’s a boy who, instead of hired guards and a top notch security system, keeps pepper spray and a very offensive pan in his dorm in case of an attack.

And looking at Taehyung in this moment, Jeongguk wishes he could be so selfish and take what he wants from him. He’s laughing as Jeongguk takes his slim hand and leads him into a twirl. It’s so melodious in his ears, and he joins in soon after. He looked so unbelievably effervescent in this moment, hips swaying to a nonexistent beat.

He must be able to tell something is wrong, just like last time. It’s like his specialty is detecting peoples’ inner turmoil, and helping them through it. His hips stop, and his brows furrow as he pulls his hands back into himself. He still looks beautiful.

“Jeongguk? What’s wrong?”

Jeongguk doesn’t wish to cut his moments with Taehyung short. He keeps his inner worries to himself for the moment. He distractedly shakes his head and steps closer to the other in hopes to be reassuring. “I start my first day of classes tomorrow.”

It was true, up until now he had been attending courses held at night, far too late for anyone to be noticing him. He would sit at the back with the most casual clothes he could find, and listen on while diligently taking notes. It’d been going well, but Jeongguk wanted more normalcy. He convinced his parents to let him start day lectures.

Taehyung smiles brilliantly and takes Jeongguk by surprise when he wraps his arms around his neck in a warm hug. He stumbles back, hands unsure what to do until they find a place around the small boy’s upper back. He squeezes slightly and shuts his eyes.

“You’re going to be great.”

And he says it with so much conviction and sincerity, Jeongguk believes him.

“Thank you, Tae.”

He feels Taehyung hang on just a little tighter at that, and the idol smiles into his shoulder.

*

Things were hectic around campus since word broke out that Jeon Jeongguk, famous heartthrob, would be attending Seoul Uni for the remainder of the school year.

“Jeon Jeongguk sat on my couch!” Jimin bursts excitedly as he sits down at a bench with his lunch. It was a nice October day, leaves all different shades of brown and orange blowing on the ground.

Taehyung rolls his eyes at his best friend’s behavior. “Would you keep it down? The whole school is gonna hear you.” He picks up his spoon and scoops some soup onto the utensil, watching as the steam rises into the cool air. He blows it off before inserting it into his mouth. A warm feeling enters his belly as he swallows the liquid.

“Let them hear, Tae. And let them be jealous,” Jimin’s smile grows cocky as he looks around at the passersby watching them suspiciously. He leans in closer to his friend. “So, when are you seeing him again?”

Taehyung blames the warm feeling in his chest on the hot soup he hasn’t touched for two minutes. He can’t suppress his smile, however and Jimin cackles wickedly at that.

“It’s soon, isn’t it? You sneaky bastards,” he clicks his tongue in mock disappointment.

The brunet simply shrugs and goes back to eating his soup peacefully, a smug smile resting on his face.

In the past two weeks, four weeks in total since he’s met the idol, he’s learned a lot about the boy. They’ve watched two of his movies, both from his childhood. In one, Jeongguk was a little league player who needed to create a fundraiser and boost morale to keep his team’s beloved field. In the other, Jeongguk was slightly older, a preteen he wants to say, and found an injured dog on the way home from school one day. The movie was about him nursing the dog back to health, building a relationship with the girl next door who helped him sneak the dog into his garage, and eventually welcoming the dog as a permanent member of his family.

They were both insanely adorable, and taehyung loved to poke fun at how little and innocent he was.

He’s learned much about Jeongguk personally. Little things such as favorite color (“Look at what I’m wearing, Taehyung. Do you ever see me wearing any color other than black?) and more serious things such as how he hasn’t really known much else other than the limelight since he’s been in it since he was five.

Taehyung’s heart breaks for Jeongguk at times and he makes sure to always assure him he will go far in life no matter what he decides to do with his future. Jeongguk doesn’t believe it himself, but he still has so much of life to live and he doesn’t have to spend it attending his latest movie premiere.

He’s also gained a lot of Jeongguk’s trust, leading him to now have the idol’s number. They’ve texted a lot since the night Taehyung found the slip of paper left on the windowsill after Jeongguk had left. He always finds himself smiling for no reason at Jeongguk’s randomness.

So when his phone pinged at nearly five a.m. that morning and Taehyung was ready to murder whoever dare disturb him already mentally unpacking the knives, he instead smiled giddily because it was Jeongguk.

From: Window Boy

4:58 a.m.

Hey Tae! I was thinking tonight we could watch another movie if you’re free? And maybe we could actually enjoy it in a cinema? Text me later :)

From: Window Boy

4:59 a.m.

Oh fuck I’m sorry it’s like 5 am im so sorry if i woke u up

Jimin smiles knowingly from across the table. His chin rests in his hands wistfully. “I want what you have.”

Taehyung laughs out loud. “You and Yoongi are literally dating. He buys you all the food you want and cuddles you.”

Jimin’s pout turns to an overjoyed smile, “Yeah. He’s pretty great isn’t he.” His chin sticks up with pride.

*

A knock at the door distracts Taehyung from staring at himself in the mirror. The bundle of butterflies in the pit of his stomach now fly all around his body as he steps closer to the wooden door.

Deep breaths.

Behind the door stands a very handsome Jeongguk. He sports a dark grey knit sweater that bunch up at his wrists. An olive green button up coat outlines his broad shoulders and stops at his mid thigh. His light wash jeans are ripped and rolled up to give more view to his black boots.

Oh wow. Taehyung doesn’t know what else he expected. He looks fine.

The whole thing becomes more sincere when Taehyung’s eyes catch the bundle of flowers held in the younger’s hands. “You didn’t,” Taehyung blurts as he takes them from Jeongguk’s hands, skin brushing skin during the process. He flashes the idol a lovely smile as he ushers him in to place the flowers in a vase with some water.

“But I did,” Jeongguk clasps his now empty hands together as he follows the other inside. He watches Taehyung’s white button up shirt ride up to reveal golden skin as he reaches up to the top of the white fridge for a vase. Taehyung seems to struggle and the younger sees the object teeter on its side eerily. Before Jeongguk can think he’s reaching out and steadying the clear vase, taking it down for the other with his own hands.

Taehyung doesn’t miss the devilish smirk the younger displays. “Didn’t think you’d take me up on the whole ‘being careful for you’ thing.”

He knows it’s a joke but something so genuine swells up in his chest and makes him pause, leaving the vase on the counter along with the bouquet and sidles up next to Jeongguk. His doe eyes meet puppy dog ones. “Thank you,” it’s a whisper and Jeongguk knows it’s not just for the vase, or the flowers. It’s for everything.

Jeongguk doesn’t know what to say. All he knows is Taehyung’s lips look so inviting to him, and his body is so close and warm, and he’s been waiting since the lights turned on all those weeks ago and gave him a look at the cute boy who just hit him with a pan and pepper sprayed his eyes.

He gently wraps one hand around Taehyung’s waist, tugging him closer, while the other touches the side of his smooth cheek. Taehyung’s pupils are blown and his lips open to say something, but Jeongguk doesn’t let him.

Instead, he lets Taehyung’s hand that holds onto the one Jeongguk has resting against his face give him the last rush of adrenaline he needs. His eyes flutter close as he leans his head down to connect their lips. His thumb rubs across Taehyung’s cheek bones and he feels the smaller boy shift so both his palms are holding Jeongguk’s face.

His brows furrow in ecstasy as plump lips move sensually against each other. Nothing about it is rushed, and it feels good not to have to stop because someone yells cut. It feels good to actually feel something more than gross saliva when kissing someone.

It feels great to know he doesn’t have to act around Taehyung.

They break apart for air, but their foreheads remain touching, and Taehyung’s hands slide down to Jeongguk’s shoulders. Jeongguk lets out a shake breath before smiling wildly and shocking the elder by grabbing his face for one more quick peck before completely pulling away. He ignores the loss of warmth and instead ushers Taehyung to the door with a child like air about him.

“Come on, Tae! We’re gonna be late!”

It hits Taehyung then, and his smile drops. “You used the door,” he mumbles to himself, confusion taking over his whole being.

“What was that, angel?” Jeongguk smiles fondly at the brunet.

Taehyung doesn’t catch the pet name in favor of being so ecstatic. He laughs giddily before jumping excitedly over to Jeongguk, knowing his strong arms would be open for him. “You used the door!” he says it so loud this time, the whole hall might’ve heard him.

Jeongguk looks at the wooden door as if he’s just now realizing that he did indeed use the door. He looks to Taehyung with confusion, but upon seeing his expectant, hopeful look, smiles as wide as he can muster up.

“I used the door!” he shouts equally as loud and excited as Taehyung had been.

They both laugh until tears prick at their eyes and Jeongguk offers up his arm for Taehyung to hold onto as they leave the house.

Taehyung hesitates before they’re fully out the door. “But Jeongguk, there are gonna be people out there.” He gulps as he readies himself to go back inside and look the movie up on his laptop instead.

Jeongguk just lifts his chin up and gives him a kiss on the cheek, a reassuring grin and fondess written all over his smug expression. “I know, darling. I want the world to see us, if that’s okay with you.”

Taehyung doesn’t think he’s ever felt this spoiled in a long time. Not since Jimin bought him an extra pair of fuzzy socks last Christmas.

Instead of saying anything, the elder just interlocks their fingers and leaves the house, making sure to lock it behind him.

There are a few people in the hallway and they all immediately look to the pair, eyes drifting down to their hands. Jeongguk doesn’t let them linger however, as he gently tugs Taehyung to his side and kisses his temple while they walk towards the main entrance.

He hears the murmurs, and his heart rate has picked up, the pound of it ringing dully in his ears. But when he looks up to see Jeongguk confidently looking ahead of them, he knows they’re going to be okay.

*

Turns out Jeongguk, being ever so extra as always, rented out a whole cinema for the night so they could watch another of Jeongguk’s movies. He’s ashamed to admit they don’t spend much time watching it, however.

Taehyung clicks his phone on and sees the trending hashtag for him and Jeongguk. It’s been an hour and people have already taken pictures of the two, pointing out their proximity and intertwined hands, and captioning them #JKsMysteryBoy with whatever nonsense they felt the need to say.

Jeongguk sees this and throws a piece of popcorn at the boy, gaining his attention. Taehyung looks over to see Jeongguk’s body strewn across two movie seats. Taehyung fixes him an unamused look.

“Don’t pay attention to that,” he pouts. He has since put his spectacles on for quote unquote “visual aesthetics, Taehyung”. He’s not going to tell him he looks cute with them on right this second.

Taehyung sighs and turns off his phone before it can reload new pictures and captions by Jeongguk’s fans. He rests his head back against the seat and shuts his eyes.

“You’re right, I’m sorry. I just don’t want you to get hate from this. I don’t even know if you were in your right mind when you decided to take me out into public—“

Jeongguk’s body now solely occupies the seat next to Taehyung. His hand guides Taehyung’s face towards his and the look in his eyes is fond, but his lips tug down into a frown.

“Taehyung, I don’t care about what the media has to say. In fact, I want the world to see you. You’re so incredibly gorgeous and you’re an amazing person who has listened to me and supported me as a normal person.

“I could never be ashamed of you, and I don’t want whatever this is becoming to be a secret. I want to care for you in the light of day, because frankly, you’re window is starting to give my knees bruises and I don’t enjoy it.”

Taehyung laughs as he wipes away a few stray tears.

God, why was he being such an emotional bitch.

“Why didn’t I call the cops on you for breaking and entering all those weeks ago?”

Jeongguk tilts his head in consideration. “Because you were compelled not to by the devilishly handsome man who was only looking for a safe haven, and happened to find it in your lovely abode.”

Taehyung rolls his eyes but lets himself give into the laughter taking over his body.

Jeongguk laughs along with the elder, and wraps and arm around his shoulder, holding him as close as he can with the armrest between them. Taehyung lets his head rest on the younger’s shoulder and tunes into the movie.

But not long after, Taehyung somehow ends up straddling Jeongguk’s waist as they engage in a passionate kiss.

It was the craziest thing, Taehyung truly doesn’t know how it happened. Honest.

From there on, they lazily make out, occasionally feeding each other popcorn or one of the various candies they bought beforehand.

Jeongguk drives Taehyung home, and despite the elder’s insists that he better not, Jeongguk opens the car door for him and walks him all the way to his dorm room.

Because he is a true fucking gentlemen.

It’s late, so not many students are out and about in the halls. The only few don’t dare look up from their feet. Taehyung is grateful. He’s not ashamed of Jeongguk either, but he’s not so fond of everyone being in tune with whatever they had.

Picture it, the cliche scene of Taehyung leaning up against his door, twirling his hair exaggeratedly. He bats his eyelashes, not yet ready to leave his date and face the harsh reality of an awaiting Jimin behind the wooden work. Jeongguk goes along with the charade and whispers, “We should do this again sometime,” before extending his arm and placing his hand on the wood above the brunet’s head.

The say goodnight with stars in their eyes and butterflies in their hearts. Taehyung sees his lover boy off and turns to open the door and let himself in. He backs up against the wood, closing it with his backside.

He ignores the heavy, frantic footsteps of his roommate in favor of sliding his torso down the door, and sits on the floor, his hands holding his chest wistfully.

He looks up to Jimin, blond hair tucked neatly under a baseball cap. His hands are on his hips as he raises a brow at the younger.

Taehyung does his best to channel his inner teenage romcom actress. “I’m sorry I was out past curfew, but I think I love him, Chim.”

His roommate rolls his eyes and pulls Taehyung to his feet. “Oh for the love of god, you are going to tell me everything that happened.”

*

                      7 months later

“Hey baby,” arms wrap around Taehyung’s waist and lift him up. Taehyung lets out a surprised yelp, and swats at the exposed arms, the initial shock leaving his body as he laughs and kicks his legs.

“Nice to see you too, Guk,” Taehyung says breathily as the younger kisses the juncture of his neck and collarbone lovingly.

It’s May, which means it’s nice outside, which means they’re out in the park for a picnic date. It also means there are, no doubt, paparazzi and pedestrians snapping pictures of the couple.

That’s something they’ve both grown to accept.

They started dating a few weeks after that night at the cinema. They both agreed not to rush things, and to let the media simmer down after that initial outing where Jeongguk showed way too much PDA.

His manager and his parents weren’t very pleased with how they found out about Taehyung, but once he met them they grew proud of their son’s choice in partners. They now see Taehyung regularly due to their request. He doesn’t mind though, Jeongguk’s parents are very nice to talk openly with about so many taboo topics.

Jimin had a quick fangirl moment when he saw the two holding hands for the first time in person. He immediately called Yoongi over and they all ordered takeout and let Netflix play in the background as they chatted the night away. They still all meet up from time to time. Taehyung has decided Yoongi isn’t so awful after all, and since then they’ve been good friends.

Fans were hurt at first because they were so blinded by their ignorance they couldn’t see that Jeongguk could be anything other than heterosexual, and finding that out was bigger than Taehyung being in the picture. It was more so what Taehyung represented in terms of this ‘new’ Jeongguk that got some fans very worked up.

But now, they are stronger than ever. Most of the campus have grown used to Jeongguk’s presence and, upon request from Jeongguk himself via Twitter, have even started regarding him as a normal college student.

More people are supportive of their relationship, and he doesn’t get nearly as much hate mail these days. He adores reading messages from fans who give they’re love and support for the two and hopes that they work out.

Jeongguk has been busy the last few months due to a movie he filmed last year being in its final stages of production before it hits theaters. Because of this, they’ve made it a point to always set aside time during the week to at least have a real conversation with each other.

Numerous times he’s Facetimed Jeongguk while he was bored at a meeting, determined to entertain him enough to get his ass back in there and kick ass.

Tonight was the premier for that very movie, and Jeongguk ever so casually asked Taehyung to join him as his date. The idol assured him it was nothing to make a big deal out of and that he’s been to a million of them before and Taehyung should be fine. But the elder is still nervous that he’s going to make a fool of himself and trip over the red carpet.

The premier was a few hours from now, and Taehyung just wished to enjoy this casual time with Jeongguk before that. He smiles up at the boy holding him as he is set gently back down on the grass.

He immediately turns in the hold and pulls Jeongguk down for a kiss. Jeongguk’s hands move to either side of his waste and cling tightly, lips moving lazily against Taehyung’s.

They break apart and sit down on the blanket the brunet set up earlier. He even went as far as to buy a cute little picnic basket for the occasion. He and Jeongguk work on gathering the food and plates in their hands and transferring them onto the blanket.

Taehyung remembered Jeongguk mentioning how he doesn’t like to eat the food they provide at the premiers, so he purposely packed an extra kimbap dish for him.

Jeongguk smiles lovingly up at him as he digs in. “I love you’re cooking, angel.”

They’ve been dating for over half a year, yet Jeongguk still manages to make Taehyung blush. “It’s hardly cooking,” he mumbles in between bites instead.

Jeongguk just smirks and ruffles the elders crown of hair. “You’re so cute.”

Taehyung pulls out his phone to take a picture of Jeongguk, who is oblivious to the whole thing. He’s in the middle of picking up one of the slices, when Taehyung clicks the big white circle at the bottom of his screen.

Snap!

Jeongguk’s head immediately shoots up and looks to the surrounding bushes. Taehyung just snickers and shakes his head. He decides to take advantage of this moment

He keeps snapping shots of Jeongguk, all of them undoubtedly coming out a blurry mess of colors. “Jeongguk! Jeongguk! Is it true you got engaged to Im Yoona?”

Jeongguk looks over to Taehyung, mock anger playing out on his features. “When’s the wedding set to—“

Taehyung gets cut off by a head of hair charging straight at him. His eyes widen in shock as he’s tackled onto his back. His bangs fan out over his forehead and when he looks up at his attacker he bats his eyelashes innocently.

“I was just trying to take pictures of my lovely boyfriend,” he pouts as Jeongguk guides him up while clutching his hands. Their matching silver rings clash together during the process.

Taehyung lets his dead weight fall forward into Jeongguk’s muscular chest and sighs contently, shutting his eyes. He wraps his arms around the younger’s torso.

Jeongguk plays with his soft hair as he leans back on his free hand. They let the late afternoon sun cover them with light and warmth. Taehyung doesn’t miss the times where he could only see Jeongguk at night, not when he loves seeing sunbeams brighten up his lover’s face so much.

Taehyung lets one eye open. “You know what I just realized?”

“Hm?” the other’s deep voice inquires. Jeongguk lets his lips meet the crown of Taehyung’s head and the elder almost falls asleep from that alone.

“You had the audacity to scare the living shit out of me by tapping on my window,” he pauses, trying to gather his thoughts. “But you never made it up to me by standing outside with a boombox playing some cheesy 80s love song,” Taehyung pouts and lets his head fall back to look up to Jeongguk.

Jeongguk just laughs heartily and pressed his lips to Taehyung’s once again. “I’ll be sure to do that real soon, Tae.”

And for the sake of being cliche,

“You better, or you’re manager will be hearing from me.”

*

The premier goes splendidly well. Taehyung gets all dressed up, doesn’t trip once, and he gets to see Jeongguk all dressed up and in his element. They hardly pay attention to paparazzi’s insistent nagging, and Taehyung even manages to Facetime Jimin and Yoongi the first 15 minutes of the movie before they start making out and Taehyung quickly hangs up in disgust.

After the premier is over, they pose for a few more pictures and Taehyung loves to see Jeongguk getting so much praise and support. They drive back to Jeongguk’s city apartment, and they both snuggle up on his bed and watch Netflix until they fall asleep, Taehyung’s head rests on Jeongguk’s chest while the idol’s arm curls around his waist protectively.

Taehyung doesn’t think he’s ever slept better. Jeongguk knows he’s never slept better.