Archive of Our Own

Taehyung stepped into the warm, dry sand and wiggled his toes as they sunk slowly into the shingle. Toes! He had toes! ‘Ha, told you I could do it Yoongi hyung’ he thought as the memory of the other mermaid saying he didn’t have the guts to step onto land resurfaced.

They had been out catching lunch when thoughts of the human world suddenly flooded Taehyung’s mind.

“Hyung, what was the human world like?” he asked Yoongi, mesmerised by it all.

Yoongi chucked and replied, “Tae, you do know that we’re in the same world as the humans, right? We’re just in a different part.”

“I know, I know but I bet it’s like a completely different world,” Taehyung pointed out.

“True,” Yoongi said. “Did you know most humans don’t need to catch their food? All they have to do is visit the grocery shop and buy it,” he recounted as his navy blue tail pushed him swiftly towards the sea anemone.

“Grocery shops?” Taehyung thought aloud. “Hyung, I’m going to go to a grocery shop one day!”

Yoongi had stopped and turned to face Taehyung. He was silent for a few seconds before he just started laughing; laughing so hard that he gradually started sinking deeper into the water. He quickly pulled himself together after a while and looked Taehyung dead in the eye.

“Sorry Tae, but going to a grocery shop requires going on land and you don’t have the gills for that,” Yoongi spoke, trying not to start laughing again.

Taehyung pouted, puffed the ruby red hair away from his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest, petulantly.

“Wow thanks so much, hyung,” he spat. “That makes me want to do it even more, you just watch I’ll do it,” and with that Taehyung had swam away. Let’s just say Taehyung didn’t purposely swish his tail harder than normal in order to push Yoongi during his grand exit.

Taehyung snapped out of it and smiled taking in his surroundings. He hadn’t realised it would be this dark since underwater it was always the same brightness. ‘It must be night time’ he thought.

The cool wind that was blowing behind him, as the waves came crashing in, felt so amazing, so different from being underwater all the time. It felt more free and breezy. Come to think of it, it felt a bit too breezy. Taehyung slowly looked down and took in his naked body. Obviously he didn’t have his tail anymore but rather than his legs, something else caught his attention.

So this is what Yoongi had talked about. It was right there, between his legs, dangling and Taehyung had never felt this frightened in his life. He wasn’t this scared when his tail got stuck in a bunch of coral. He wasn’t this scared when Ernie the Anglerfish almost bit his arm off. He wasn’t this scared when Seokjin hyung swapped his seaweed pillow for a jellyfish. So what does he do? He runs.

Taehyung ran along the shore as fast as his new legs could carry him hoping he could get away from that thing. His hair was flowing in the breeze and he couldn’t help but wave his arms around like a maniac. Now, here’s the thing. Taehyung had only got his legs a few minutes ago and he didn’t know how to use emergency breaks yet so when a head of black hair came into view Taehyung couldn’t control himself.

“INCOMING!” he yelled hoping to get the human’s attention. But this proved to be useless as he went crashing into the guy and only then was he able to stop and watch as he went flying through the air and landed with a thump a few feet away. The body lay still and silent. “Oh no,” Taehyung muttered.

*** 

Jungkook didn’t know why he did it. One minute he had been enjoying the moon and stars and sea and the next there was a flash of red and he was flying through the air. At first he thought it was another one of those vampire hunters that he could easily take down but the startled repetition of the phrase “oh no” made him believe otherwise.

So he did the first thing that came to mind. Play dead. Even if he was already technically dead.

“Oh no, oh no, this is bad,” he heard which was accompanied by some shuffling around. “This is really bad, oh no!”

As Taehyung was pacing it dawned on him that apparently his mermaid strength worked on land too. He didn’t mean to push that human through the air like that. How did he manage to kill someone as soon as he stepped onto land for the first time? This is bad.

Taehyung had a bucket list. Just a simple list of all the things he wanted to do in the human world before going back home. But as he turned back around and glanced at the dead person laying still as a brick in the sand, he realised his plan was ruined.

Then it clicked. “Maybe Namjoon has a potion that can bring him back,” he spoke to himself. “Yes, he definitely does!” and with that Taehyung hurried on over to the figure. He was wearing all black and his skin was very pale but what could he have expected, right? He’s dead.

Cautiously, Taehyung grabbed the guy’s legs and began pulling him towards the sea. ‘Don’t worry, Taehyung,’ he thought. ‘We’ll be fine. We’ve got this’

Jungkook was being dragged and he can’t say he enjoyed it very much. He could do this all day. He didn’t mean to toot his own horn but he is a pretty good actor if he does say so himself. But this ‘act’ soon started to crumble when he felt the water that was slowly but surely rising up as he got pulled deeper and deeper into the sea he presumed. He couldn’t help it when he started flailing around, trying with all his might to get the hands around his ankles, off. The deafening scream that rung through his ears forced him to stand up and step back. In front of him was a mermaid. A beautiful one at that. He had a long emerald tail with hints of blue scales every so often. His red locks shone in the moonlight and his tan caramel skin glowed. The look on his face, however, did not glow as much (if at all), as he glared at Jungkook with an almost murderous look.

“What the hell are you doing?” he screamed and Jungkook had to take a moment to cover his ears as he peered at the mermaid, slightly disconcerted.

“What do you mean, what the hell am I doing? What the hell are you doing?” he shouted back once he had taken his hands off his ears.

“Oh my goddess Atargatis, I thought I killed you,” the mermaid, started to become more unhappy than angry while Jungkook got confused because what the fuck is a goddess Atargatis? “I actually thought I- hold on a second,” he suddenly said. 

Jungkook knew what was about to come so he started to walk backwards trying to get out of the sea. He was completely soaked but he wasn’t ready to expose himself. Not yet, anyway. 

“Hold on, wait,” the mermaid spoke as he followed Jungkook, his tail flapping in the shallow water. “How are you not dead?”

“We’ll save that for another time,” Jungkook offered and quickly began walking to the dry sand. But he was soon stopped by that red hair in front of him and that beautiful face that Jungkook just couldn’t help but stare.

Once he had snapped out of it he turned his head to look at the sea where the mermaid had been then back to the man in front of him. Puzzled, he asked, “How did you get there so fast?” but the mermaid casually shrugged.

“I asked you a question first,” he said as he brought his arms up to fold on his chest.

“And where did your tail g-“ Jungkook started but as he looked down his words were cut off due to the very much naked man he had just looked at. “Oh my god,” he spluttered, covering his eyes with both hands but peeked through to look at his face.

The mermaid seemed to look down as well and a look of shock (?) made its way to his face.

“Oh goddess,” he started. “Oh goddess Atargatis, it’s back. Oh no, oh dear goddess.”

Jungkook may be an awkward guy but in that moment he had been quick to remove his black leather jacket and hand it to the mermaid.

“Here you go,” he said as the mermaid blushed furiously. ‘’Mermaids can blush?’ he thought. But the blush soon faded as the look of fear returned yet again.

“What am I supposed to do?” the mermaid cried, seemingly having forgotten about their little meeting. “How are you not scared? What. Do. I. Do.” he said clutching onto Jungkook’s shoulders-having dropped the jacket-shaking them slightly.

Jungkook bent down to retrieve the jacket, trying really hard not to get a face full of balls, and shot back up while pushing it back into the mermaid hands.

“Look, you need to calm down,” he spoke trying to calm the panicked guy in front of him. “It’s just your di-“

“But what do I do with it,” the mermaid interrupted, the shock replaced by curiousness in almost an instant.

Jungkook felt the heat rise up his face as he stuttered out his answer.

“Right now you do nothing, just please cover it up with my jacket. Please,” Jungkook almost begged. 

“What is a mermaid like you doing on land anyway?” he questioned, after he finished tying the jacket around the mermaid. 

“Oh, I’ve got a bucket list,” the mermaid replied, trying his best to cover himself up. “Oh dear, how silly of me, I haven’t even introduced myself. Hello, I’m Kim Taehyung,” he added quickly, lifting up one leg in front of the other man.

“Um, I’m Jeon Jungkook,” he said with a questioning look on his face. “But why have you lifted your leg up?” he asked watching as the mermaid struggled to keep balanced.

“Well, I don’t have my tail right now so I thought I’d use my leg instead,” the mermaid nonchalantly replied but then noticed the confusion in the other man’s face. “Normally, mermaids greet one another by touching our tails together,” the mermaid informed him, noticeably getting more and more disappointed in himself. “I’m sorry, I just assumed you guys do the same thing.”

Jungkook lifted his leg up to gently touch the mermaid’s leg and was somewhat pleased with himself as the mermaids pout slowly disappeared and morphed into a huge boxy grin. “Nice to meet you, I’m Jungkook,” he said, smiling back.

They just stood there for minutes, smiling at each other looking like two 15 year olds that just confessed to their crush of 2 weeks. But it soon turned awkward when Jungkook realised what was happening and he broke the eye contact straight away.

“So, um,” he started, “the bucket list?”

“Oh yeah,” Taehyung replied. “The whole reason I’m here is because I made myself a list of all the things I want to do in the human world. After I tick them all off I’m free to go back home!” he said rather excitedly.

“That’s interesting,” Jungkook concluded.

“So what sorts of things do you have in mind?”

“Well number 1 is to go and visit a grocery- hold on a second, mister,” the mermaid interrupted himself. “You still haven’t told me why you’re not dead!” he shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at Jungkook.

Jungkook knew he wouldn’t have been able to get out of this, but he continued with his act.

“It’s nothing,” he shouted back. “You didn’t even push me that hard!”

“Oh please, you went flying through the air!” came the mermaid’s reply. “Has your mother never taught you how to be a good guy? My mum always said two things: number 1, always stay pretty and number 2, never lie!”

Jungkook huffed and looked the mermaid up and down. Then he smirked. 

“You’re not even that pretty,”  he regretted it as soon as it left his mouth because soon the mermaid had tears flooding in his eyes. The pout had returned and this time lips quivering too.

“Taehyung,” he said as the guilt came crashing into him.

Something in the mermaid seemed to snap because the sadness quickly disappeared as his entire face started turning red, matching his locks.

“Humans are stupid!” Taehyung said, throwing the jacket back at Jungkook and stalking past him and back towards the sea, nudging his shoulder hard.

“Where are you going?” Jungkook tried.

“To the sea, can’t you see?” Taehyung replied without turning back. “Humans really are stupid.”

“Come on, Taehyung,” he tried once again. “What about your bucket list?”

But the mermaid didn’t reply as he walked straight into the sea, his glimmering tail appearing almost immediately. 

Jungkook hurried towards him and quickly shouted, “I didn’t mean it, Taehyung,” but by then the only thing left in the water was a small sparkle of red but that too disappeared in a matter of seconds.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake!”

 ***

Jungkook walked into his flat, slamming the door shut and making his way to his room. Did he really just do that? Basically call a mermaid ugly? What the hell was he thinking? What makes it even worse is that the mermaid was beautiful; the mermaid was the most ethereal thing he had seen in his whole 20 years of living. So what went wrong in his mind that made him say he wasn’t pretty? He’ll never know.

“Alright, Steve?” Jungkook asked out loud. “Mate, I had the worst night so far.”

Who’s Steve you ask? Jungkook’s pet goldfish. Call him crazy but Jungkook really enjoyed talking with his fish even if he never replied, obviously.

As Jungkook put his phone on charge, he remembered how he even got the fish in the first place.

It had been around 1am and Jungkook had just come back home from studying in the library after they decided to close earlier than normal. So Jungkook was still wide awake. His phone buzzed.

‘That’s weird,’ he thought. ‘None of my friends are usually awake at this time.’

Nonetheless, he curiously picked up his phone and saw multiple messages from Jimin. Of all people, Jimin, the big baby that normally fell asleep at 11 after they had dance practice together.

Shorty

JUNGKOOK

ANSWER

PLEASE ANSWER I NEED HELP

JUNGKOOOOK

I KNOW YOURE NOT ASLEEP ASSHOLE

JUNGKOOK

Jungkook had been quick to type his messages back, worried about his tiny friend.

Me

omg hyung

are you okay

have you been kidnapped

i mean you look like a child so it doesn’t seem too unlikely

Shorty

I don’t have time for this

Look I need your help

I found a goldfish washed up at the beach and it won’t go back to the sea

Please bring some sort of container or something to take it home

Me

i can’t believe this

you seemed so scared and this is all because of a goldfish?

what are you even doing at the beach at almost 2 in the morning?

where are you? i’ll be there soon

Shorty

NO TIME FOR QUESTIONS

NEAR THE LITTLE HUTS

Me

ok see you

So Jungkook got up and he took a huge plastic bowl from the kitchen and zoomed through the door and down the stairs. Jungkook was at the beach in about a minute and half while a normal human would have taken about 15 minutes at a normal pace.

He saw Jimin’s back and from what Jungkook could see, he was knelt down in the water with one hand sticking inside it. Quickly, he walked towards Jimin holding the bowl out, ready for the fish.

“Hyung,” he called catching the older man’s attention.

“Jungkook,” he replied. “Look, I’ll show you what I was talking about.”

Jimin held up the tiny fish to show Jungkook then swiftly placed it in the water making his way back to shore. Jungkook paid attention to the waves and soon the little fish was back at Jimin’s feet, wiggling in the wet sand and struggling to breathe.

Jungkook swiped some water into the bowl and held it out to Jimin, watching as he placed the fish in.

“Why don’t we just throw it in?”

“Don’t you think I’ve tried?” Jimin huffed and only then did Jungkook realise how tired he looked. It was way past his bedtime, maybe that was why, right? “He just keeps coming back.”

Nodding, Jungkook tried giving the bowl to Jimin but the man wouldn’t accept it.

“Thank me later, Jungkook. This is your birthday present from me, your best friend!”

Jungkook chuckled but replied, “Why would I want a goldfish?”

“Oh, I’m so nice,” Jimin continued, making his way up the beach. “You really don’t give me enough credit.”

“I don’t want this fish, hyung.”

“I see you love him already, how nice. See I should specialise in gift giving.”

“Hyu-“

“I’ll just be on my way.”

“I don’t want this bloody f-“

“What a lovely evening,” and then Jimin started running down the street, leaving Jungkook under a lamppost, holding a fish that wasn’t even his.

Thinking back on it, why didn’t Jungkook run after Jimin? He could have caught up in a second. But instead he had just huffed and trudged back home, carrying a big plastic bowl and an abnormally small goldfish with him.

Ah, the memory of how Steve had come into his life. The little fucker didn’t stop eating and was about 5 times bigger than when Jungkook had first got him. But recently he seemed kind of down.

“As I was saying, mate,” Jungkook spoke twisting open the box of fish food. “I called a mermaid ugly! Can you believe it?”

Dropping the food in, Jungkook watched as Steve didn’t even touch any of it, sinking to the bottom of the tank and staring out towards Jungkook’s bed. Jungkook gave him everything from these little talks everyday to the mansion of a tank the fish lived in. But nothing helped and as the days went by Steve got more and more upset looking and Jungkook couldn’t do anything about it.

“Alright buddy,” Jungkook said, reluctantly screwing the lid shut and heading towards his bed. “What do I do with a depressed fish like you?” he said in a singsongy way while sitting on the edge of his bed.

“You know, come to think of it, that mermaid might have been your cousin, Steve,” Jungkook said and the fish seemed to look straight into his eyes.

This might (again) seem crazy but Jungkook noticed that all these months that he’s had the fish, it seemed to understand him. Whatever he told the fish, he made some sort of movement that looked like a response. There had been times where he’d shake his tail once to show he didn’t want anymore food. If Jungkook mentioned Jimin’s name the fish would swim around in circles like an excited child. Every night before he fell asleep, Steve would rub his face on the glass of the tank which Jungkook took as a ‘goodnight’ before retreating to his hideout.

“You probably think I’m lying but I really did meet a mermaid. He had the most beautiful red hair which kind of matches you so you guys must be related! His tail was like emerald, literally, I’ve never seen something that glistens that much; the moonlight just made it shine so bright and-“ Jungkook’s rambling was interrupted by Steve turning around and swimming towards his little arc, uninterested.

That’s when an idea popped into Jungkook’s head.

What if he could get Taehyung to talk to Steve? Discuss his issues? Sort of like a therapist!

“I’m a genius!” Jungkook shouted jumping off his bed and the goldfish seemed to startle as he also jumped out from his hiding place. “Steve! I got you mate, don’t worry!”

But the thought of Taehyung stomping back into the ocean flashed through his mind.

Jungkook rushed to his desk and sloppily started typing into the search bar of Google Chrome.

How to summon a mermaid of your choice.

He had to click through a few different links but soon he found quite a promising one.

Clicking the link, he tapped his foot impatiently because how slow is his internet being today?

Once it finally loaded, Jungkook read through it and decided that he was going to try this.

Bring Your Mermaid Back

Mermaids are often seen as the beautiful sea creatures that are easy to fall in love with, the most loving sea creatures to date. But they also are well known for creating storms, shipwrecks and drownings and can, along with being the most loving, be the naughtiest creatures of the ocean.

You’re here because you need help bringing a certain (naughty) mermaid back to land or simply because you just want to see her/him again. Well, have I got news for you. Follow these simple instructions and you’ll easily have that mermaid back and your heart will be at rest.

•First, gather 2 pearls that best match the colour of the mermaid’s tail. If for instance you couldn’t properly make out the exact colour, just pick the colour that you saw the most of. This shouldn’t cause too much problem if you know the mermaid’s name. However, if you do not know it’s name it’s important to do this step as accurately as possible or you could fail in summoning the mermaid that your heart desires.

•Second, take your pearls and go to a secluded area of a beach or seaside, preferably with large rocks or boulders. The boulders are not necessary but they help the mermaid hide from prying eyes of other humans. A top tip is to go to the beach that you first met the mermaid at, as it might be the closest to her/his home.

•Last, throw the pearls in the sea when the waves are calm and close your eyes; think of that mermaid’s face and why you so badly wish to see them. Calling out the mermaid’s name is highly recommended as they’d know exactly which mermaid the human wishes to see. We also suggest that it’s day time and that the sun is in the sky so the mermaid is summoned to a pleasant surprise of warmth and light.

And hopefully, there you have it. The mermaid you wanted is now here with you. These three easy steps should have bought you two souls back together if you have done it all right. We wish you the best of luck.

Jungkook read through the short page about 5 times taking in all the detail and every single time, he huffed at the ‘day time’ and ‘light’ part. It was going to be difficult but he was going to do it. For Steve.

 ***

Taehyung sped through the water towards his and Yoongi’s home. How dare a human speak to him like that? Was he even human? He’ll never know. Because he’s never going back.

He swam through the window and straight to his room but on the way he noticed Yoongi in the front room.

“Oh Tae,” Yoongi called when he laid eyes on his little brother. Well they weren’t really brothers but after you spend your whole life with someone they are practically family. “You’re back early. I knew you wouldn’t have the gills.”

“That’s not it!” Taehyung cried. “I did go on land! But I met an absolute piece of carp! I never want to go back, he was so rude.”

Yoongi followed as Taehyung swam to his room and over to his bed and couldn’t help but feel worried. He looked not only angry but also upset and defeated based on the arms crossed over his chest. So Yoongi made his way to his brother and sat down next to him.

“What happened Tae?” he pushed reaching over to stroke his ruby hair.

“I thought I killed this guy because apparently our strength works on land too,” Taehyung started, pointedly looking at Yoongi.

“Oops, sorry I forgot to tell you?” Yoongi tried but hardly looked apologetic. 

“Anyway,” Taehyung carried on. “He somehow survived and long story short, he called me ugly!”

Yoongi’s hand seemed to freeze in the younger’s hair and then he started laughing, cackling. This situation reminded him of the time that got him into this mess in the first place.

“Look Tae, in the ‘human world’” Yoongi said making quotation marks with his fingers, “people are a lot ruder and more awkward compared to us. They say things and lots of the time they don’t really mean it.”

“I’m telling you hyung, he meant it! He even looked me up and down as if I was some sort of animal that he wanted to eat!”

“Maybe he did want to eat you,” Yoongi smirked.

“What?”

“Nothing. Tae, if he looked you up and down he probably liked how you looked, anyone would be blind if they thought you were ugly, I mean look at you.”

“I’m serious hyung, he said and I quote ‘you’re not that pretty’” Taehyung said making his voice significantly squeakier imitating the goggled eyed stranger.

“On land you will meet dozens of people who are just plain rude. If someone doesn’t appreciate how beautiful you are, then simply put, they’re not worth your time, Tae.”

Taehyung seemed to be deep in thought as Yoongi could practically see the cogs moving inside his head so he decided to continue.

“Don’t let some asshole, or even worse, some fishhole stop you from doing what you want to do. Go back and do that damn bucket list!”

Suddenly Yoongi had a face full of red and arms full of Taehyung as the younger mermaid hugged him tight, squeezing his arms around his bare shoulders.

“Thanks Yoongi hyung, I’ll see how I feel tomorrow.”

The rest of their time was spent cuddled up on Taehyung’s bed and talking about Yoongi’s adventures on land. However Taehyung still wasn’t sure if he wanted to go back.

 ***

Now don’t get him wrong, Jungkook was able to go outside. As long as he had his necklace on - the one with the lapis lazuli stone - he was completely safe to go out in the sun. But being able to go and wanting to go are two completely different things. To say Jungkook hated the sun would be an understatement.

But he had to do this for his goldfish. He had to do this if he wanted Steve to go back to his usual self and what better way than to get a mermaid to talk to him?

(He was also doing this for himself but he wouldn’t admit it, where’s the fun in that?)

Jungkook was about to leave the house with his black mask already on, covering his nose and mouth, when the image of the naked man flashed through his mind. Clicking his fingers, he hurried back to his room and pulled open his wardrobe.

“What do I bring for a mermaid?” he asked aloud as he dug through the drawer filled with trousers.

In the end Jungkook decided on a pair of black adidas joggers and a plain, loose white t-shirt. As a last thought he quickly pulled out a new pair of briefs as well as some old flip flops just for the sake of it, stuffing everything inside his gym bag. 

What? 

If he’s going to bring a mermaid out of the ocean he’s going to make sure the guy is at least comfortable. You know, get a good first impression. Or second impression. Whatever.

“Bye Steve,” he said before going to the beach, getting there about 10 minutes later. He couldn’t risk using his powers in broad daylight now, could he?

Jungkook scanned the beach and as expected there were quite a few people but not too many to the point where there was no space at all which seemed to happen a lot during the summer holidays. Luckily for him, it wasn’t Summer.

He walked along the beach, toes burning with every step he took, and soon he was at the part of the beach with the large rocks and boulders just as he was told to find in the instructions. Luckily, there was nobody there at all which is to be expected since most people would enjoy the sand more anyway.

Jungkook jumped down from a large rock and found himself in a part of the beach hidden by other large rocks with pebbles covering the floor, almost like a cave, so he knew he had enough privacy here.

He carefully took out the two pearls from inside his wallet, one a beautiful emerald green and the other a deep blue, and held them out on the palm of his hand. Getting these hadn’t been too difficult since his Hoseok hyung knew a guy.

Jungkook strode towards the sea and waited for the water to calm before he dropped the pearls in and immediately closed his eyes. He thought about the red hair, the glowing skin, the glittering tail.

“Taehyung,” he called aloud.

“Taehyung,” he tried again and he was starting to lose hope.

“What the hell do you want, Jungkook,” said a voice and Jungkook jumped at least 2 feet back, clutching his chest, eyes shooting open.

Once he regained his composure he spoke to the mermaid that was currently resting in the shallow water with his elbows resting on the pebbles and chin in his hand, looking very bored.

“Um, hi Taehyung,” Jungkook started and stared at the mermaid’s judging face. “Nice to see you again.”

“What do you want?” Taehyung replied again, clearly getting more and more annoyed.

“Who said I want you?”

“Well why would you call me if you didn’t?”

“Why are you being such an asshole?”

“Why are you responding with questions?”

“I don’t know, why are you?”

“Because I fucking asked first.”

“Wow, never knew mermaids could have such foul mouths.”

“You’re being really shellfish right now.”

“Wow did you just use an ocean pun?”

“It’s not an ocean pun for me you idiot, it’s just a normal pun. I don’t see you humans using the phrase ‘land pun’. Pathetic.”

Jungkook huffed. They didn’t even know each other and they were arguing like an old married couple, but more aggressive. He noticed Taehyung’s face was starting to get red and he couldn’t be sure if his face was doing the same or not.

So he decided to be the bigger person.

“Look, Taehyung,” he started. “I’m sorry, I just need your help.”

Taehyung seemed to peer up from where he was looking down at Jungkook’s toes.

“Sorry about what?”

“I’m sorry for scaring you and making you think you killed me and I’m sorry for saying you’re not pretty.” It didn’t look like the mermaid was going to reply so he quickly added on, “I promise I didn’t mean it.”

The mermaid was silent, then let a small smile spread on his face and Jungkook could tell it was genuine.

“Okay, why did you call me?” he asked, this time a lot more friendly. Jungkook was slightly shocked and only then did he notice that mermaids really were the kindest and most loving creatures because it didn’t take much for Taehyung to forgive Jungkook. But he didn’t say anything out loud.

“So my fish is depressed.” Jungkook said bluntly. “I need you to give him therapy, you know? Like talk to him, see what’s wrong.”

Taehyung didn’t seem weirded out at all and replied with, “And what do I get in return for helping you?”

Jungkook completely forgot that there would most likely be a deal taking place. What was he thinking? Of course this would come with a cost. So he thought for a bit and then he remembered.

“I’ll help you with your bucket list!” he exclaimed.

At that moment Jungkook’s breath was taken away as he watched the mermaid’s entire face light up; the boxy grin was back and his eyes turned into tiny crescents due to the force of his smile. His heart seemed to stop but he stared in awe at the deep brown eyes he had and the pearly whites of his teeth.

“-t’s go,” was all he heard as he was snapped back to reality.

“Sorry? What was that?” Jungkook asked dumbly.

“I said,” Taehyung huffed completely oblivious to what Jungkook had been feeling a second ago. “I accept the deal! Let’s go!”

And with that Taehyung started making his way out of the water and Jungkook watched as the tail vanished and was replaced by long slender legs and oh no Taehyung’s di-

“Oh, here you go,” said Jungkook passing over the duffel bag. “I got you some clothes just so, you know, you don’t need to walk around naked.”

Taehyung accepted the bag with a smiley thank you and immediately went through the contents of it.

“Um, I’ll give you some privacy,” Jungkook said putting his face mask back over is mouth and turning to face away from Taehyung.

He heard lots of shuffling and a full 8 minutes later (yes he was counting) he heard a muffled ‘there’ and then Taehyung spoke aloud.

“Finished, you can turn back around!”

Jungkook definitely was not expecting to find Taehyung with a pair of underpants on his head, that’s for sure. The man had the briefs on so that one of the leg parts was covering his mouth and Jungkook could only stare in confusion.

“Why have you got underpants on your head?”

“Well, you didn’t give me a mask like yours so I just thought...” Taehyung cut himself off and his head started drooping.

Jungkook explained everything to him, including underpants were supposed to be worn under your trousers and he once again turned around letting the mermaid change, properly this time.

As he waited he decided to speak up, “Tae, I’ll get you a mask, I promise.”

When the shuffling stopped he realised he had just used the nickname and was about to start apologising when the shuffling carried on and Taehyung told him he was done once again.

Cautiously, Jungkook turned around and took in the sight of Taehyung wearing his clothes since he didn’t quite get a chance to earlier. It was quite intriguing.

“How do I look?” Taehyung said raising both hands up questioningly to the height of his shoulders.

“You look really nice,” Jungkook replied stupidly then stumbled over what he was going to say next. “I mean, you look cool and comfortable, you’re comfortable right?”

“Yep,” Taehyung said popping the ‘p’. “Now come on Jungkookie, let’s go.”

Jungkook stared at the man’s back as he went strolling ahead, looking like he already knew the way, and tried to calm down the blush that had surely ridden up his face at the pet(ish) name. Soon after he jogged to Taehyung’s side and they walked in silence, hands brushing every so often.

“So, where are we going?” Taehyung asked.

“My flat,” Jungkook replied. “It’s a few minutes from here so you won’t need to walk too long.”

“Actually I can move quite quickly if you remember when we first met.” Oh, did Jungkook remember. “I was right in front of you! You should have seen your face, you looked really shocked.” Taehyung was laughing and Jungkook’s competitive side was starting to peek through inside him, trying hard to force its way out. And in the end it won just like it always did.

Jungkook looked up at the sky that was now a darker shade of blue. He hadn’t left his flat that early on in the day because again, he hated the sun, so by now it was already starting to get dark and Jungkook smirked. Which meant less people were around. Perfect.

“Do you want to race me?” Jungkook asked. “It’s just straight from here until you reach a bright red building, easy to spot. So you’ll know when you see it.”

Jungkook saw the spark of excitement in Taehyung’s eyes as he nodded enthusiastically.

They both stopped and Jungkook counted down.

3...2...1!

And Taehyung was off. But by the time Taehyung had run halfway Jungkook was already at the entrance of the block of flats, spinning his keys around on his index finger.

“How did you... how did you get here... so... fast?” Taehyung panted out, knelt over, both hands on his knees.

“I guess you could say I’m magic,” Jungkook replied bravely forgetting of the repercussions momentarily. But before Taehyung could say anything else he used his keys on the intercom and lead him to the lift.

Once inside Jungkook explained simple things like to get into the block Taehyung would need a key for the main door of the building and then also a key for his flat door and Taehyung nodded along understandingly and soon they were inside the flat when one of their first awkward silences took over them.

“Um,” Jungkook spoke shuffling around from foot to foot. “I’ll take you to the room you’ll be staying in and oh! I’ll show you Steve,” and the awkwardness was gone.

Taehyung looked excited but he wasn’t saying much so Jungkook decided to tone it down a bit and gestured for the mermaid to follow him coolly.

“So this is-“

“Oh my goddess! Flubber?”

“You know him?”

“Yeah! My Yoongi hyung sent Flubber to watch out for his human!” Taehyung clapped excitedly and Steve-Flubber seemed just as excited as he spun around in circles then did something Jungkook had never witnessed in his life. The fish jumped out of the tank then back in again several times reminding him of a dolphin.

But the excitement on Taehyung’s part was short lived when a look of realisation settled on his face.

“Wait, you’re Yoongi hyung’s human?” and Jungkook felt his heart sink when Taehyung’s face was overtaken with a look of disappointment. “I could have sworn his name was Jimeth? No Jemon.”

“Jimin?”

Taehyung clicked his fingers. “Yeah! Jimin! But why do you have Flubber if he’s supposed to be with Jimin?”

Jungkook momentarily forgot about the ‘Yoongi hyung’s human’ part and replied, “Actually Jimin was the one who found Steve.” Then he corrected himself after Taehyung looked at him sternly. “Sorry, Flubber. Look I won’t easily get used to the name when I’ve been calling him Steve for like a year!”

“Yoongi hyung told me specifically! He said,” and Taehyung cleared his throat, “ ‘I’m sorry Taehyung, but Flubber’s going to be gone for a while. I’ve sent him on a mission to look after Jimin.’ “ Jungkook chuckled as Taehyung made his voice even deeper and monotonous.

“How does your hyung know my hyung? I’m guessing he’s a mermaid too?” when Taehyung nodded and Jungkook got the clarification he needed he continued. “Jimin hyung never told me about knowing a mermaid. I wonder why he wouldn’t since he already knows I’m a vampire, so he shouldn’t be worri-“ Jungkook cut himself off and mentally cursed himself for having the worst habit of blabbering and the worst brain to mouth filter.

“You’re a vampire?!?!” Taehyung exclaimed. “I’ve always wanted to meet one of you since I’ve only ever heard stories from Namjoon hyung. Oh my goddess this explains why you didn’t die!” Taehyung was talking so fast and Jungkook just didn’t have it in himself to protect his identity anymore.

“Yes I’m a vampire but back to our problem. How does your hyung know mine?”

“Well, I don’t know much about their relationship but Yoongi hyung went to land for a while and after he came back home he sent Flubber away. I mean, he must have cared about this Jimin a lot, but whenever he pops up in hyung’s adventure stories he always manages to change the subject.” Taehyung spoke nonchalantly. “Oh I also know they kissed!”

“So you’re telling me, Jimin hyung was dating a mermaid?” Jungkook asked, shocked at why his best friend never mentioned anything.

“I guess they were dating, yeah,” Taehyung replied as he bent down in front of the tank, staring at Flubber. Jungkook had no choice but to watch in astonishment as the mermaid stuck his hand in the tank, stroking the fish gently.

“How has your tail not appeared?” Jungkook asked letting his curiosity get the better of him. He’s never had the pleasure of meeting and talking with a mermaid so he might as well take advantage of the situation.

“My tail only appears if my feet touch water,” Taehyung replied seemingly uninterested in Jungkook; it was quite mind boggling to think Taehyung was more interested in a fish than Jungkook but what could he expect if Taehyung was half fish himself. Jungkook was absolutely and positively not jealous of a fish. At all.

(Maybe a little.)

Not any jealousy in his body, whatsoever.

(Maybe a lot.)

“Ok, Taehyung,” Jungkook almost shouted, grabbing the redhead’s arm and pulling it out of the water. “Let me give you a house tour.” And without waiting for a reply Jungkook dragged Taehyung around, showing him every little nook and cranny of his flat.

It’s fair to say he didn’t let go of the mermaid’s wrist the entire time.

 ***

Taehyung had been sitting on Jungkook’s bright red sofa for hours now, just staring at the screen of the television (or TV for short as Jungkook had called it) watching repeats of a show called The Legend Of The Blue Sea. Jungkook was sat right next to him with another device called a laptop on top of his, well, lap. When Taehyung had asked what he was doing he had very bluntly just said ‘university work’ and that was the only talking they did since the house tour. Taehyung was starting to get bored.

The show was good and all but watching something as unrealistic as that for hours on end got kind of boring; a few of the only things on the show that made sense were that the main character (the mermaid) was beautiful and she also had the incredible strength, just like Taehyung.

During the hours Taehyung tried out many different positions on the sofa while Jungkook was sat there in the same position just like his sea star friend, Samantha. At one point he had his head on the arm rest, then he had his legs over the arm rest and his head really close to Jungkook’s thighs. Right now Taehyung’s legs were over the back of the sofa and his head dangling off the seat, watching the TV upside down.

“Taehyung, what are you doing?” Jungkook suddenly spoke and Taehyung almost fell from the shock. He quickly sat upright and looked over at Jungkook.

“This show is just so not real,” he replied and watched as Jungkook (finally) closed his laptop and turned his full attention to him. “For example, mermaids can’t read minds of others, that would be a major invasion of privacy!”

“Wait, for real?” Jungkook asked looking quite shocked. “This whole time I’ve been trying to get my thoughts to shut off because I thought you could hear me!”

“Well I can’t! Anyway why are you so scared about me hearing you, what were you thinking about?” Taehyung wiggled his eyebrows suggestively and went close up to Jungkook’s face enjoying the younger’s shocked expression.

“Nothing that you need to worry about!” Jungkook spoke suddenly getting louder. It took Taehyung a while to realise but as soon as he noticed how close his and Jungkook’s faces were he hurriedly went back to his spot and awkwardly turned to the TV again.

Taehyung will happily admit that Jungkook is one good looking guy. He was very much Taehyung’s type: tall, dark hair, muscly but not too muscly and incredibly handsome but cute at the same time. To add to that, Jungkook seemed like a genuine and nice guy even if he had been a bit of an asshole previously. He was letting Taehyung stay in his house and had promised to help with his bucket list, after all. But Taehyung was not going to say anything out loud. He’ll admit it to himself, but to nobody else, thank you very much.

They were sat in a heavy silence that didn’t seem like it was going to change any time soon. Taehyung shifted uncomfortably in his seat trying to move as far away from Jungkook as possible trying his very best to keep his eyes on the TV screen and the TV screen only, even if his mind wasn’t processing anything he was ‘watching’.

After a while Jungkook cleared his throat and started speaking, his tone of voice unsettled and awkward, “So, your bucket list?”

“Oh,” Taehyung said peering up at Jungkook. “Well, I have about 5 things I would love to do, number 1 is visiting a grocery shop.”

This seemed to start something in Jungkook and cut the awkwardness and tension straight away because the man started laughing aloud, eyes crinkling up and very odd two front teeth (in Taehyung’s opinion) on display.

“The first thing- the first thing,” Jungkook tried to speak out in between fits of laughter “is to- to go to a grocery shop?”

“Yes it is,” Taehyung said very straightforwardly, which seemed to sober Jungkook up.

“Are you serious?” Jungkook said sitting up from his doubled over position, the smile gone immediately.

“Yes I’m serious. Look at me, I’m as calm as a clam.”

“Well I mean, I can take you, but why do you want to go to one of the most common places ever?”

Taehyung seemingly didn’t even need to think about his answer when he replied, “In the ocean we have to go out and catch our own food and Yoongi hyung told me about how humans go to a special place called a shop.”

“Fair enough,” Jungkook shrugged. Outwardly, he probably looked nonchalant, well he hoped he did but inwardly, he cursed at himself for laughing at Taehyung like that, “I’ve actually got some shopping to do, so I’ll take you tomorrow after my classes.”

“Yay!” Taehyung clapped, bouncing up and down in his seat.

“But don’t get too excited right now, it’s almost time for bed.” Jungkook said trying his hardest to not let his smile slide out. “Are you hungry? What would you like to eat?”

“Fish.”

Jungkook got up and so did Taehyung following him into the kitchen and he watched as Jungkook opened the freezer (Jungkook had told him the names for almost all the different pieces of furniture that he didn’t recognise earlier) and took out a packet of frozen fish.

It took some time-since Taehyung had insisted on eating it raw multiple times-but soon Jungkook had an amazing fish meal cooked up for the other.

As Taehyung tucked in, making a hum of appreciation after the first bite, Jungkook tried, secretly, to get out the cow blood from the fridge. But obviously Taehyung caught on.

“Oh Jungkook, let’s eat together!”

“I don’t think you’d want to see me eat, it’s kind of gruesome.”

“No it’s absolutely fine,” Taehyung said holding up two greasy thumbs up. When Jungkook didn’t move he decided to add on an “I promise” which led to Jungkook bringing his cup of blood over and sitting opposite Taehyung.

“So aren’t you allowed anything but blood?”

“No I can eat whatever I want but I have to drink at least a glass of this cow  blood everyday.” Jungkook said, and Taehyung definitely noticed how Jungkook emphasised the word cow. 

He couldn’t help the smile that appeared on his face because Jungkook you’re cute. 

He didn’t say it aloud obviously, we’ve been through this.

“No I’m not,” Jungkook said a deep red appearing on his cheeks, his head dropping to look at his glass, startling Taehyung. Well obviously we haven’t been through it enough times because Taehyung managed to let it slip through his lips.

Taehyung looked at Jungkook with wide eyes as the man opposite him did the same.

“I’m guessing you weren’t supposed to say that out loud?”

Now it was Taehyung turn to blush and look down as he carried on eating his fish more quickly, nodding his head really fast at the same time.

“You’re the cute one,” he heard Jungkook’s voice say and he snapped his head up but it was too late since Jungkook was already stumbling out of his seat and almost running over to the sink.

“I’ll be in my room,” Jungkook said hovering at the corridor, awkwardly pointing his thumb behind him. “When you’re done just come as well.” And with that Jungkook pretty much ran out.

Taehyung was left sitting at the table listening to the sound of Jungkook’s fast steps and his own heart beat.

 ***

Jungkook stood there as the ice cold water came crashing in around him, hair dripping and body tense as the water cascaded down, leaving huge shivers in its path.

‘Am I crazy?’ he thought. ‘I just called him cute then ran away! What am I doing? Why do I feel so weird? What’s he doing to me? I literally only just met him! Fuck! But he is really cute so it not my fau-‘

“JUNGKOOK?” he heard the panicked shout coming from his room. He quickly shut off the water and stood very still in the cubicle. “Where are you gone? Oh no,” said Taehyung’s voice and Jungkook just had to speak up because they mermaid seemed very worried.

“I’m in the shower Taehyung!”

Then the door burst open and crashing through it came none other than Kim Taehyung. Jungkook had no idea what to do and he started panicking so he just decided to squat down and bring his knees to his chest.

“Oh my god I’m naked, get out!” Jungkook hurriedly let out as he looked out through the glass to see Taehyung look around until he found the source of the voice. Then he did the worst thing he could have possibly done in the situation and started moving towards the shower cubicle.

“I’m so sorry Jungkook! I thought you left me- oh my goddess what are you doing in there?”

“Taehyung, please just get out, I’m currently not wearing any clothes,” Jungkook said and even he could hear how defeated he sounded.

“Oh,” was all Taehyung said before rushing out of the bathroom and Jungkook couldn’t help but smile at the glimpse of pink cheeks he saw.

Jungkook quickly got out of the shower, wrapped his towel around his waist and made his way to the room, straight to the wardrobe. He could feel the eyes stabbing into his back from where Taehyung was sitting on his bed so he hurried up as much as he could slipping on some boxer briefs followed by a pair of jogging bottoms.

“Jungkook,” said Taehyung and Jungkook turned around to see the red head looking down at his hands, twiddling his fingers together. “I’m sorry for intruding while you were naked.”

Jungkook felt something odd rise up his chest and he forced himself to go and sit next to Taehyung on the edge of the bed.

“Taehyung, you don’t need to be upset, it’s fine. I promise.”

At that Taehyung cautiously looked up. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah I never break my promises. You were curious. It’s fine. We basically go inside the shower to clean ourselves using water and normally people do it naked. We have special chemicals that we put all over ourselves to make us smell good and clean our hair.” Jungkook didn’t know why but he felt that it was his responsibility to explain things to Taehyung if he didn’t understand, so he made it sort of like a mission for himself to continue explaining no matter what it was.

Taehyung reached out and rather aggressively took Jungkook’s arm up near his nose all the while Jungkook tried to stay as calm as he possibly could. Taehyung deeply inhaled.

“Mmmm, you really do smell good,” Taehyung said his eyes closing and letting his nose rest on Jungkook’s skin. “Smells yummy.”

Jungkook felt a shiver run through his body then snatched his arm back.

“Um, it’s summer fruits, you can use it if you want,” Jungkook spoke quickly and embarrassed. “Yeah, you should go shower too. Actually, you should have a bath instead since you have your tail and all.”

Again, it took a tremendous amount of time, lots of blushing and timidness (mostly on Jungkook’s part) since Jungkook had to help Taehyung while he was in the bath. Let’s just say that it was the first time Jungkook had ever massaged shampoo into another person’s (creature’s) hair. Let’s also just say Jungkook enjoyed it. A lot. A lot more than he’d care to admit. A lot more than he should have.

About an hour later, Taehyung was out of the bath and in a pair of fresh clothes, courtesy of Jungkook’s wardrobe. And even after hours of fun they were now in yet another awkward and heavy silence. They stood next to Jungkook’s double bed, one man on either side just staring at each other with wide eyes and flushed cheeks.

“Let’s just get this over with,” Jungkook broke the silent. “We’ll be sleeping here for the time you’re here,” but the confidence slipped as soon the words came out. “I mean, unless you’re uncomfortable, I can sleep on the sofa, it’s fine,” and Jungkook was already making his way towards the door.

“No it’s fine, it would be impolite of me to kick you out of your own bed, not that I’m uncomfortable with you here it’s just...”

“I mean the sofa isn’t uncomfortable either so...”

“It’s fine Jungkook seriously, I’m fine with it. But I feel like you want to sleep on the sofa...”

“The bed is more comfortable though...”

“So you don’t want to sleep next to me?”

“I didn’t say that I just...” Jungkook cut himself off. “You know what, fuck it.”

Jungkook climbed into the bed and slid under the white sheets. Then he did something he would have never have imagined himself doing. He lifted up the sheets and patted the spot next to him gesturing for Taehyung to join him. Taehyung quickly got inside and lay down facing Jungkook.

They were, for once, in a comfortable silence and Jungkook could already feel his eyes drooping shut but then,

“We’ll have fun tomorrow, right Jungkook?”

“Yeah Tae,” Jungkook replied without thinking, eyes closed.

Those were the last words spoken before they both fell asleep, breathing the same air and sharing the same heat.

Little did Jungkook know, none of them would be having fun the next day.

 ***

Jungkook woke up to warmth. Such an amazing warmth that he hadn’t felt in a long time. The last time he had felt this warm was on the last night he had with Kang Jiyeon before she left him for another man. Technically she was already with this man since she had been cheating for months but that didn’t stop the craving Jungkook felt for the warmth her body used to radiate onto his. He finally felt it again.

For a moment Jungkook thought she was actually there with him. He thought it was her that his arms were wrapped around. He thought is was her arms that were wrapped around his waist. He thought it was her hair that his face was buried in. He thought it was her face that was smushed into his neck.

Jungkook’s eyes snapped open and he was immediately aware of the red and the smell of his own shampoo. That didn’t make sense. Jiyeon always mentioned how ‘bad and cheap’ it smelt and she always insisted on bringing and using her own expensive shampoo (and in Jungkook’s opinion: not worth it) in his bathroom. Jungkook always hated the smell. It was something similar to rotten milk left outside in the scorching sun for an extra week. Not that he’d ever smelt that before. He’s pretty sure it was actually coconut but close enough, right?

Imagine how he had to deal with that stench for almost 2 years and he must say, it’s one of the many things Jungkook didn’t miss about her. Fortunately, Jungkook wasn’t smelling it, he was smelling, again, his own shampoo. On someone else’s hair.

That’s right. Taehyung. The memories of the previous day replaced the thought of Jiyeon (not that they were completely thrown away, just tucked away in the back). Instead he was shocked by what was going on right now. Jungkook and Taehyung were cuddling. He could feel that their legs were tangled together under the duvet and he could feel the little puffs of air against his clavicle. Jungkook stayed so still that he could have looked dead to others’ eyes.

After a while, when the shock had calmed down, Jungkook shifted a bit, careful not to wake the sleeping man, but kept his arms around him. Taehyung’s head was now on the pillow rather than on Jungkook and luckily this gave Jungkook the chance to look at his face properly, up close. As creepy as it may seem, Jungkook stared for ages taking in the beautiful man’s features.

Taehyung had the prettiest eyelashes, so long and wispy but his brows were the complete opposite, hard and bold. His skin was so smooth looking and Jungkook had to force himself not to reach out and just feel it. Jungkook also noticed the most adorable beauty spots, one on the very tip of his nose that would be great for booping. One on the area of his lower lashes under his right eye that gave off such a charming vibe. And one tiny one on his bottom lip. Oh his lips. The most plushest, softest looking lips Jungkook had ever seen. They were pink and full, much fuller than Jungkook’s own and Jungkook just wanted to lean in and-

RING RING

The blaring alarm coming from his phone startled him, making him, as well as Taehyung jump. Watching Taehyung wake up in his arms, had been ethereal to Jungkook.

Taehyung jumped but still had his eyes closed and Jungkook could only stare, just like he had been doing anyway. Taehyung pushed himself on his elbow then rubbed one eye (the one with the mole, as Jungkook had found out) and he just looked so adorable. That was until he opened his eyes. And he screamed.

“What? Oh no, what?” Jungkook panicked as he sat up and pushed himself further away from the mermaid.

Taehyung clutched his chest then spoke, “You scared me!”

“Wow that doesn’t hurt at all.”

“Not like that, just, I didn’t expect you to be looking at me like that. It’ll take me a while to get used to waking up next to someone else.” Taehyung seemed more calm now, luckily.

“You slept alone in the ocean?” Jungkook asked as curiosity filled him and he’ll admit, that had never happened before straight after waking up.

“I mean I’ve slept next to partners before but at the moment, even though I’m not at home right now, I sleep alone. Although I do have Yoongi hyung in the other room and he sleeps alone too.” Taehyung said and Jungkook listened intently. He took notice in the word ‘partners’ and was happy to find Taehyung didn’t mention just one gender, not that it mattered to him or was any of his business.

Fuck it.

“Partners?”

Taehyung looked slightly addled but he still answered. “Yeah, you know? Humans say wife and husband, girlfriend and boyfriend, significant other, soulmate, whatever you want to call it.”

“So you’ve had girlfriends before?” Jungkook would have been lying if he said he was disappointed in himself for letting such a personal question slip. He needed to know okay?

“I did when I was younger but as I got older,” Taehyung paused. “I guess my preferences changed...” Taehyung seemed to be blushing as he looked down and Jungkook could only clear his throat awkwardly.

But that didn’t last long when Taehyung’s head shot up and with the most mischievous smirk on his face.

“What about you Jungkook? Have you had any partners?”

Jungkook was horrified. How could Taehyung be so straight forward leaving Jungkook to have mental shutdowns every single time?

“I’ve had a fair few,” is what he finally said.

“Girlfriends or boyfriends?” Taehyung asked, still smiling and leaning forward, getting more and more into Jungkook’s personal space.

“Well, um both,” Jungkook stuttered. He didn’t understand why he got so shy since he never felt shy about his sexuality before but something about Taehyung asking made him feel unsettled.

“How about now?”

“I’m not dating anyone right now, actually broke things off with her a few months ago.” Jungkook spoke and Taehyung seemed to be waiting for him to carry on. So he did. “Um, she cheated. Had been cheating for about 9 months? How would I know though? It could have been for the whole 2 years we were together. You know, I knew she never really loved me. I just had the feeling. She never said anything nice to me, never gave me any compliments. Not that I need compliments every hour of everyday but you know? She could have paid at least some attention to me, I mean that’s what boyfriends and girlfriends do. The only time she ever ‘liked’ me, if I can even call it that, was during sex. Then straight after she would just fall asleep and leave the next morning saying she has things to do. It’s just that, she was so mean! How did I ever fall in love with such a monster? She did horrible, horrible things. Even if they were minor, they were horrible. She never came to watch me and Jimin hyung dance yet I always went to her stupid poetry shows. They were so fucking boring. Literally sucked the life out of me, but I still went. I showed her so much support, I cared for her, I loved her so much and she just didn’t feel the same about me, no matter how many times she said it. It’s like-“

Silence. Taehyung was just staring at him with wide eyes obviously not having expected all that to tumble out of Jungkook’s mouth, neither had Jungkook for fuck’s sake.

Jungkook jumped out of the bed. He literally jumped, stumbling and falling to the carpet. Taehyung still staring at him looking like his eyes were going to burst out.

“Shit, I’m so sorry,” Jungkook hurried to get out and with that he ran straight into the ensuite bathroom, slamming the door behind him.

‘Why the hell did I just do that?’ he thought, sitting down on the toilet seat. To Jungkook that had been one of his most embarrassing moments in his entire life. This even beat ‘The poop accident’ that happened in year 7 when he was about 12 years old.

Jungkook had gone to the theme park with the rest of his class as an end of year trip and let’s just say he should have never held it in that morning since as soon as the roller coaster-that he and basically the rest of the class had gotten on-went past the loopty-loop and he screamed his lungs out, he just couldn’t stop that poop from letting loose right into his boxers. However, we’re not supposed to talk about what happened after (everyone running off the ride as soon as it ended, and no one staying with him for the rest of the day and no one sitting next to him on the coach on the way back to school).

Jungkook gave himself a few more minutes to think about what just happened, then he started to wash up, brushing his teeth, washing his face and having a quick 5 minutes shower.

He took a second to inhale then exhale again letting all the embarrassment go away, then he twisted the door knob and went back into the room, expecting to see Taehyung up and possibly changed.

However, Taehyung was sitting in the exact same spot Jungkook had left him in and Jungkook slapped his own forehead, all the embarrassment coming straight back again.

“Um, Taehyung?” he reluctantly asked, watching as Taehyung turned to face him, looking weirdly calmer than before. “I’m going to go to my classes and I’ll be back at around 2:30 in the afternoon. I left a blue toothbrush for you in the bathroom, feel free to make yourself at home. When I come back we’ll go shopping.” Jungkook said this, all the while changing into more presentable clothes (i.e: black jeans and a black t shirt and his black leather jacket) and putting on his lapis necklace.

“Ok Jungkook,” Taehyung replied, smiling a big toothy grin. “I’ll watch lots of TV and wait patiently for you!”

Jungkook smiled back letting out a breath he definitely knew he had been holding then he made his way out of the room, listening to Taehyung jumping along behind him. Jungkook smiled harder at that.

As he stood next to the front door he decided to say one last thing. Just in case.

“Taehyung, please don’t open the door if someone knocks. There’s been a few robberies in the neighbourhood recently where the robbers knock on the door to ask for something then end up getting into the house and so on. Just don’t answer any knocking, please?”

“Sure Jungkook!” Taehyung nodded, enthusiastically. And before Jungkook knew it there were arms wrapped around his shoulders and a face in his neck. He slowly raised his arms to go around Taehyung’s waist while trying to steady his heart beat. “Have a fun time Jungkook!”

“Thanks, I’ll try,” Jungkook said pulling away. “Bye Tae.” Jungkook waved and quickly slipped through the door not waiting to hear Taehyung reply.

Was it weird that he couldn’t wait to get home, even though he wasn’t even at university yet?

Today was going to be a long day.

 ***

Jungkook was taking ages. An incredibly long time. Taehyung had said he would be patient but who could blame him for feeling bored?

He was sat on the soft sofa, watching some show that he wasn’t even paying attention to. He looked above the TV at the digital clock, which read 12:51. It had already been almost 4 hours and Taehyung had absolutely nothing to do. So he switched off the TV and he got up.

Taehyung has always wanted to try human food so what did he do? You guessed it. He padded along to the kitchen and opened up the first cupboard he saw. Inside he found a bottle of a red substance, and it wasn’t blood. It was a lot thicker and Taehyung was curious so he picked it up. The front had a label on it reading ‘Heinz Tomato Ketchup’ and Taehyung just got more and more curious so he flipped open the cap only to find a small hole. Peering as closely as he could, inside the hole, he squeezed the bottle. Bad idea. The liquid squirted out, all over his face and t-shirt and the only thing he could do was drop the bottle, stumbling back.

“Oh great!”

Taehyung did the best he could, cleaning up without getting water anywhere near his legs and then he remembered his (Jungkook’s) t-shirt was a mess so he went back to the bedroom, pulling open a drawer. The t-shirts that were neatly folded on top were boring and either white or black so Taehyung dug deeper but was definitely not expecting to find a little book.

Taehyung pulled his hand out as if he had been burnt and his mind was just going through so many thoughts.

“I’m sure he wouldn’t mind,” Taehyung said, glancing at Flubber. “Do you know what this is?”

Flubber got closer to the glass and looked at Taehyung with big eyes.

“if you’re talking about the maroon leather book, it’s a photo book and I’m pretty sure Jungkook keeps lots of old photographs in it.” Flubber replied.

“He won’t mind me looking through it, right? I’m just so curious, after all that he let slip in the morning.” but Flubber only turned and went back to his hideaway, probably going to sleep.

You see, at home, Yoongi spent the most time with Flubber since Taehyung was always busy out and about looking for fun things to do. So it was only normal for the fish to pick up on more of his traits rather than any of Taehyung’s. One of them being sleeping. Sleeping a lot.

Taehyung did miss Yoongi though. It had only been 2 days and he already missed his hyung. But back to the problem at hand.

Speaking of hands, Taehyung slowly moved his hand towards the drawer before speeding up, reaching straight for the book. It was really old from what he could tell, the leather all scratched up but still soft to touch.

He opened it up and the first picture was of, by the looks of it, a family consisting of a mother, father, an older son and another son but a toddler.

“This must be Jungkook and his family.” Taehyung said and on closer inspection of the toddler’s face, Taehyung noticed the huge doe like eyes similar to Jungkook’s. Taehyung cooed and carried on flipping through coming across loads of photographs of Jungkook from when he was a toddler to awkward puberty phases and to now, the present.

But the picture that caught Taehyung’s attention the most was of Jungkook (looking relatively the same to now) with one arm around a pretty girl and a plastic cup in the other hand.

The picture was quite dark with only fluorescent lights, spotlighting the girl and Jungkook. The girl was beautiful. She had long, almost waist length, black hair and really pretty facial features. But something about her made her look somewhat bratty and Taehyung couldn’t tell whether it was the fact that she was looking at Jungkook disgustedly or the fact that her body was turned away from him, looking like she was trying to pull away. All the while, Jungkook looked happy, genuinely smiling at the girl.

Taehyung took the book and went up to Flubber’s tank.

“Who’s this?” Taehyung asked watching as the fish swam towards the glass. “Is it by any chance that girl Jungkook was talking about?”

“that’s the one. Kang Jiyeon. she was a right fish hole, i’ll tell you that.”

Taehyung nodded, not wanting to intrude further than he already had, he placed the book back where he found it and changed his t-shirt into a grey one. Then he went back to the living room and flopped down on the sofa, huffing.

Taehyung felt bad for Jungkook, but he promised himself not to ask anything or think about it anymore and he would wait for Jungkook to tell him when he was ready.

Hours and hours passed as Taehyung just watched TV, snacking on some ‘Skittles’ that Jungkook had left for him. They were actually pretty good considering they were just tiny balls of sugar, flavour and colour. Not only were the sweets good, the TV shows were actually getting better too. Taehyung particularly enjoyed the crime shows where police officers chased criminals since they made him sit on the edge of his seat and his heart pound.

After hours, Taehyung looked up at the clock, just removing his eyes from the screen for a second, to see it was 2:47pm and Taehyung suddenly lost all focus from the TV. Jungkook said he’d be back by 2:30 so where was-

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of keys jingling outside the flat door and he couldn’t help but make a beeline towards it. As soon as he got there he was almost hit in the face with the door because there was Jungkook in the middle of pushing it open. But he didn’t looks happy.

Instead Jungkook screamed, jumping backwards, eyes blown wide.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you!” Taehyung said, rushing towards Jungkook and stroking the side of his upper arm, unsurprised by the toned muscles he could feel.

“Jesus, were you waiting at the door this whole time?” Jungkook questioned looking absolutely shell shocked. At that Taehyung lost the feeling of guiltiness and he stepped back, crossing his arms over his chest.

“You’re not that special, I was actually watching TV,” Taehyung said trying not to pout because Jungkook didn’t seem as excited to see him as he was to see Jungkook. With that, he turned around and stalked back into the living room and crashed down on the sofa, arms still crossed.

Taehyung could hear shuffling as Jungkook took off his shoes and settled before coming over to where Taehyung was, gently sitting down next to him but keeping a fair distance.

“So what have you been doing while I was gone?”

“Told you already, I watched TV,” Taehyung said rather plainly, staring at the TV and his arms still (still) folded over his chest.

“Did you eat anything?”

“Sweets.”

“It seems to me, you’re a bit unhappy.”

“I’m not.”

“I think you are.”

“I said I’m not.”

Taehyung felt the sofa shift as Jungkook moved closer and he felt himself going tense at the feeling of Jungkook’s arm touching his.

“Why are you pissed at me?”

“I’m fine.”

“Taehyung, you’re pouting and you’re hardly talking which doesn’t seem like you.”

“You said you’d be home at 2:30! It’s already 3 o’clock!” Taehyung burst out then he turned his head to face Jungkook. But he was surprised to find that his face was only a small distance away. Anything that he wanted to shout about to Jungkook was immediately gone and all he could do was stare into his deep brown eyes.

“You missed me?” Jungkook said in a suggestive tone, smirking.

“I did not miss you,” Taehyung almost shouted. “I’m just excited to go grocery shopping!”

The smirk was wiped of Jungkook’s face and Taehyung was honestly kind of disappointed at how quickly he seemed to give up.

“Oh, is it?” Jungkook questioned, moving away a bit from Taehyung. “Ok then, we’ll get going. You can wear any of my shoes, there’s lots to choose from.” And he got up heading towards the front door where the shoe shelf was.

Taehyung followed and was shocked to find that there was well over 20 pairs of shoes each one with its own unique style and type.

When Jungkook left him to decide he looked through the different shoes but the ones that caught his attention was a pair of white trainers that had red and black details on the sides with gold letters spelling ‘loved’ on top.

“These,” Taehyung said picking them up to show Jungkook.

“Oh, Gucci? That’s the first one you decide to wear? Fair enough, I’ve only actually worn them once. You can keep them.”

Jungkook gave him some white material and told him to put them on underneath saying they were called socks so Taehyung happily sat down on the floor and tugged them on followed by the shoes themselves. He then stood up taking a look in the huge mirror that was stuck onto the wall.

“Wow, these look so nice,” Taehyung spoke his thoughts aloud, turning to Jungkook to see his reaction.

“You look like a lazy gamer on top because of your clothes and a high paid fashion model on bottom because of your shoes,” Jungkook chuckled. “Although with that face you could be a model regardless of what you’re wearing.”

Jungkook seemed to face a moment of realisation because of what he just said but somehow still played it cool by bending down to retrieve a pair of black boots, swiftly putting them on.

“Jeon Jungkook, did you just call me good looking?” Taehyung teased and carried on when Jungkook didn’t answer. “I know exactly what a model is, we have them too so don’t you play the silent game with me!”

Jungkook huffed then looked up from doing his laces. “Fine, yes you’re good looking, I bet you know that anyway.” Taehyung smiled at Jungkook’s flustered response and started to get closer to him. “If we’re done here, let’s go.” But before Jungkook could turn to pull the door open Taehyung decided to take his face into his hands and squeeze his big cheeks that definitely didn’t match the strong, masculine body he was sporting.

“You’re so cute, Jungkook,” Taehyung said, cooing and shaking Jungkook’s head from side to side.

“No I’m not,” Jungkook mumbled, pulling away and opening the front door. “Let’s go.”

 ***

Jungkook let Taehyung out, before locking the door and making his way to the lift. What? The 6th floor is a lot of stairs, okay?

Once outside Jungkook led Taehyung to his car which (surprise, surprise) was black and shiny. Technically they could easily walk to the shop but it would be difficult to carry everything back so he opened the passenger seat door and signalled for the mermaid to get in, which he did.

Then he made his way to the other side and slipped inside, immediately putting on his seatbelt, watching in his peripheral as Taehyung seemed to copy his actions. This made him somewhat proud but he tried his very best to not make it too obvious, even if he did turn his head and smile at Taehyung before turning back and starting to drive.

The drive consisted mostly of Jungkook blasting his favourite songs to introduce to Taehyung, starting with his guilty pleasure 5 Seconds Of Summer.

“This is an Australian boyband that I have recently fallen in love with,” Jungkook said, cranking up the volume as Talk Fast began to play.

“So they must have a cool accent right?” Taehyung asked, bobbing his head along.

“Yep, do mermaids from different parts of the ocean have different accents too?”

“Yeah but they’re pretty similar to your guys’ accents, I mean my accent is pretty much the same as yours.” Taehyung said as he looked out of the window, taking in his surroundings. “Mermaids from different parts of the ocean speak different languages too.”

The rest of the short ride was mostly just Jungkook singing at the top of his lungs and Taehyung laughing, enjoying the way his voice would crack sometimes due to how loud he went.

Something Jungkook noticed was that Taehyung could sing. Really well. Once he got the hang of a certain song’s chorus he would sing along with Jungkook and Jungkook couldn’t help but ogle and realise that he was falling. He was falling deep into the ocean that was Taehyung. But he decided to save that thought for another day.

Once they got to the supermarket Jungkook showed Taehyung simple things like putting a coin in to get a trolley and how the door slid open automatically, just because he wanted him to have the best knowledge and experience for his first time grocery shopping.

They had been busy picking up things such as milk for cereal in the morning and yoghurt (Jungkook planned to make Taehyung a special fruit and yoghurt combo later) when Jungkook noticed a group of girls-probably around the age of 17 or 18-chattering amongst themselves while stealing quick glances at Taehyung. For some reason that didn’t sit well with him.

Now Jungkook’s not really the jealous type (cue the time he got jealous of a fish) but he didn’t know what else to do except for walk over to Taehyung, who was pushing the trolley, and placing an arm around his waist.

“What are you doing?” Taehyung asked looking down at Jungkook’s hand, quite shocked.

“Just guiding you the right way,” Jungkook said nonchalantly, acting as if it was the most normal thing. He started pushing Taehyung towards the next aisle but before disappearing around the corner completely, he turned back to see that the girls were all staring at them with eyes and mouths wide open. But as soon as they noticed Jungkook glaring they all simultaneously turned to each other, giggling.

‘What was that all about?’ Jungkook thought but pushed it to the back of his mind as he quickly followed Taehyung. He was glad to have gotten the girls away from Taehyung.

Somehow they had made it to the sweets/confectionary aisle and Taehyung was immediately rushing around to different shelves, checking everything out.

Jungkook will be honest. He’s never really had a sweet tooth, only a few different sweets took his fancy. Jungkook enjoyed eating small sweets like Skittles or Starbursts as well as gummies like Haribos and he thought chocolate was overrated. But that didn’t stop him from taking everything Taehyung picked up and harshly throwing them into the trolley before Taehyung could say anything.

As long as Taehyung was having a fun time, Jungkook was happy.

He lied.

Jungkook watched as two boys, around his age, stalked over to Taehyung and him, looking as if they owned the place.

“Hi beautiful,” one of them spoke up, looking straight at Taehyung. “I’m Junsoo.”

“Oh hello, my name is Taehyung,” the mermaid replied, oblivious to the fact that this guy was flirting with him. “Are you Jungkook’s friend?” he carried on, glancing over at him.

“Who?” Junsoo laughed.

Jungkook will be honest.

“What are you doing with a guy like this, when you could be with me and Minwoo here?”

He was this close to squaring up.

“This is Jungkook, my friend!” Taehyung said pointing at him, smiling and unaware of Jungkook’s glare and dangerous stare at the other two men. “He’s really nice actually so I don’t mind.”

“Do you think we’re handsome?” the other guy, Minwoo, spoke next.

“Look, I don’t know what the fuck you two want, but if I were you I’d back off.” Jungkook threatened, stepping forward a bit, almost in the strangers’ personal spaces. They were taller than Jungkook but had hardly any muscles while Jungkook’s biceps were very prominent as he flexed subtly, intimidatingly.

“Oh yes! Very handsome, I like your hair,” Taehyung said from behind Jungkook, pointing at Junsoo’s orange hair. “It’s similar to mine.” Jungkook almost face palmed because Taehyung really had no idea what was happening. And it’s not like Taehyung was dumb, he was terribly clever actually, but mermaids were the kindest creatures out there so he doubted things like this happened in the ocean.

“You hear that Jungkookie?” Minwoo teased. “He thinks we’re handsome so maybe you should back off.”

“Sorry mate but I’ll say it again. Fuck off.” Jungkook almost growled.

At that Jungkook felt a hand on the back of his shoulder, knowing immediately that it was Taehyung.

“Are you okay Jungkook?” Taehyung asked poking his head around to look at Jungkook’s face.

“Hey Taehyung do you do three ways?” Junsoo asked, ignoring Jungkook who was very quickly losing his temper. He stepped around Jungkook seemingly not frightened at all. “Threesomes?”

Jungkook turned around and followed with his eyes as Junsoo got closer to a very confused looking Taehyung and to be honest, he would believe it if someone told him that there was smoke coming out of his ears and nose.

“What?” Taehyung chuckled, forgetting everything that was happening.

“Playing dumb are we?” Junsoo carried on. “Maybe this will help.” Jungkook’s feet were momentarily stuck to the ground as he watched Junsoo bring a hand up and spank Taehyung’s butt, hard. But then that imaginary glue was gone and Jungkook saw red.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Jungkook shouted pushing the guy down to the ground with ease, ready to throw a hard punch. “That’s fucking sexual harassment. He never said you could touch him like that and yet you did.”

“It’s a joke man, get off him,” Jungkook heard Minwoo say, obviously terrified.

“This guy thinks he can take me?” Junsoo laughed. “Taehyung loved it and you’re just jealous. We’ll see how you feel when I take him to bed and-“

Jungkook couldn’t help it. Before Junsoo could finish his sentence he already had his mouth shut by a punch in the right cheek from a very angry Jungkook.

“I think you should stop now Jungkook, let’s go,” he heard Taehyung say sounding really worried. And Jungkook was going to listen but during that short moment of being calm with his defence down, due to the mermaid’s voice, he felt a sharp pain in his left rib as he was kicked off Junsoo, probably by his little minion.

The pain was too much, excruciating even, so Jungkook could only lay on the ground clutching his side, groaning. But he could also see Junsoo standing up.

“Did you hear that little Jungkookie? Taehyung said to stop,” Junsoo said and he started towards Taehyung who was stood still, staring at Jungkook. People were also starting to crowd around in the small space of the aisle and he knew some had gone to get a member of staff or security.

“Let’s go Tae,” the man said and at that moment Jungkook felt fear fly through him because Taehyung looked angry. Really angry.

“Don’t call me that,” he spoke calmly which scared Jungkook even more. He sat up, the pain having subdued a bit, and didn’t bother standing since he knew Taehyung had this under control judging by his face and voice.

“Should I call you babe instead?” Junsoo smirked reaching out for Taehyung’s waist. Jungkook hated the guy and the fact that he felt no shame made it worse.

His arm was wrapped around Taehyung’s waist for a millisecond before it was yanked away followed by a punch to his stomach by Taehyung. But it wasn’t a normal punch because soon Junsoo was flying through the air into the shelf of gummy bears.

Jungkook could hear gasps and saw the looks of shock plastered on strangers’ faces. He watched as Minwoo looked at Taehyung, almost on the verge of tears, and ran over to Junsoo, picking his up and placing an arm around his shoulder.

Jungkook stood and made his way towards Taehyung smiling fondly but Taehyung was walking away, more specifically, he was walking to the two monsters.

“That should have taught you two a lesson,” he spoke calmly. “I think you guys should leave now.”

Without another word the two men stumbled away and most likely left the shop, leaving the fallen packs of sweets behind.

Jungkook was slightly taken aback when Taehyung turned to face the other customers and gave them a look, causing them all the power walk away, going back to their shopping while letting out a breath and fixing the front of his hair.

(It was so hot.)

“Jungkook, are you okay?” Taehyung rushed over reaching out and rubbing his rib. “I really appreciate you helping me but please never do that again! You got yourself hurt!”

(Taehyung was hot.)

“Jungkook!”

(And Taehyung was beautiful.)

“Hello? Jungkook! Did that kick do something to your ears?”

(Jungkook was falling.)

“I’m falling.”

“What? You’re falling? Do you need to see doctors?”

Jungkook snapped out of his haze (which was just staring at the beautiful person in front of him) and was quick to deny.

“No, I mean, I’m fine- it’s just- let’s go,” Jungkook stuttered pulling Taehyung by the wrist towards the trolley.

Taehyung didn’t question anything else. They payed for all the food and made their way back to the flat. They then had an early night, eating dinner and going to bed.

However Jungkook didn’t fall asleep until late at night/early in the morning even when he could hear Taehyung’s steady breathing beside him.

All he could think about was a certain mermaid. The mermaid that had ruby red hair, smooth caramel skin, brown eyes that held galaxies, cute little moles, a perfect nose, long slender fingers, long thin legs, a deep but calming voice-

Jungkook could go on for hours.

Oh no.

 ***

Taehyung was awoken by the morning light hitting his. Great. They had forgotten to close the curtains last night so now he was awake way too early. But Taehyung was one of those people where once he was awake, he was awake.

Taehyung rubbed his eyes and slowly woke up properly, when he felt something on his waist and stomach. He looked down and there resting on his tummy was Jungkook’s hand and come to think of it he could feel Jungkook’s chest pressed tight against his back too. Taehyung liked it. He felt somewhat warm and protected.

But he couldn’t stay like this forever so he reluctantly got up, carefully slipping out of Jungkook’s arms as to not wake him up, and he drew the curtains as silently as possible. He didn’t want Jungkook to wake up like he had.

He caught a glimpse of Flubber swimming around in his tank so he made his way over to him. After all, the only reason Jungkook wanted him here was to help his fish, right?

“Morning Flubber,” he started, dipping his hand in to stroke his friend. “Now, a little fishy tells me that you’re feeling down?”

“maybe,” Flubber replied, leaning into Taehyung’s hand.

“Do you want to tell me what’s going on?”

“this is embarrassing to say but i guess i can trust you. i’ve been feeling really lonely and on top of all that i miss home. Yoongi sent me to look after Jimin, not Jungkook. i feel guilty for doing the wrong job and obviously there’s nothing i can do about it since i can’t just stroll out of this tank and make my way to Jimin’s house.”

“Awwwhhh Flubbie! Look, there’s nothing to feel guilty about, it’s not like you did this on purpose.” Taehyung replied, continuing to stroke the poor fish. “After I tell Jungkook I’m sure you can go and stay with Jimin and he can get you a friend to stay with you. Plus, I can take you to go and visit home!”

“i wish it were that easy but Jimin didn’t want me. the day he found me he gave me to Jungkook and ran away. whenever he comes over he never looks at me or anything; he completely ignores me!”

“Don’t worry Flubber, I’m sure we’ll find a reason, he must have a reason.” Taehyung said frowning. But all Flubber did was swim away from his touch, heading to his hideout.

Taehyung understood what Jungkook meant because Flubber really wasn’t acting like himself and it just reinforced the fact that maybe the fish really was upset.

“Tae?” he heard a grumble behind him. It was Jungkook starting to sit up in bed, hair a complete bird’s nest and pout evident on his lips. “What are you doing?”

“Oh you’re awake? I was just talking to Flubber.” Taehyung replied going back to sit on the edge of the bed. “Turns out he feels really lonely and guilty for not doing his job and he misses home.”

At that Jungkook seemed to wake up a bit more as he clicked his fingers.

“Of course! How did I not know?”

“No there’s no way you could have known, don’t beat yourself up about it. But I think this Jimin hyung of yours needs to keep Flubber, I mean the whole reason he’s here is for Jimin.”

“But that night we found Flubber, Jimin was acting so strange, as if he knew he was for him but he didn’t want anything to do with him.” Jungkook said scratching his head, seemingly deep in thought. Taehyung found this extremely cute.

“I think you should introduce me to Jimin,” Taehyung said sitting up completely straight watching as Jungkook stiffened.

“I mean, yeah sure but please don’t kill him, I’m sure he meant no harm!” Jungkook quickly pleaded.

“Jungkook!” Taehyung exclaimed. “I’m not going to kill him, I just want to talk. Plus I’ve kind of gotten the hang of my super strength on land.”

“Ok,” Jungkook chuckled, swinging his legs out of bed. “Luckily for you I don’t have any classes today, and I’m pretty sure Jimin only has one today and that’s after lunch. I’ll text him and let him know. Why don’t you go wash up?”

The morning went by swiftly, Jungkook fed Flubber and then also fed the both of them with a special breakfast of yoghurt and fruits. Taehyung loved it. The sweet taste of the strawberries and banana blended so well with the slight sour taste of the yoghurt. Taehyung really loved it. But what he loved even more was watching Jungkook actually making it and putting it all together. He must say, the sight of a shirtless Jungkook’s back was quite appealing (and domestic) and he may or may not want to keep seeing it forever. But he’ll save that thought for later.

Before Taehyung knew it, he and Jungkook were sitting at a small table in a coffee, each with a drink in front of them. Jungkook decided to buy Taehyung a hot chocolate saying something like ‘you need to try this amazing drink’ and Taehyung must admit, it was really yummy. They had been busy chatting about what sorts of things Taehyung does in the ocean for fun (keeping it quiet so others wouldn’t hear) when there was a ringing from the entrance, signalling someone had come in, catching Taehyung’s attention.

He watched as quite a small man walked in with confidence in his stride to match his outgoing pink, fluffy looking hair. As soon as he spotted Jungkook he made his way over sitting opposite the two and immediately greeting Taehyung with a “Hi, I’m Jimin.” As he spoke Taehyung also noticed that the man had a really cute face with huge lips and squishy cheeks, not to mention his high pitched voice.

They made small talk, getting to know each other a bit and Taehyung found out that Jimin and Jungkook has been best friends for years and they danced and sometimes sang together. It was really interesting to learn about Jimin but even more interesting to hear more about Jungkook.

“Ok hyung, let’s get straight to the point here,” Jungkook cut in after only 10 minutes of Taehyung and Jimin talking; to emphasise how quick that went, Jimin’s drink hadn’t even arrived yet. “Taehyung is a mermaid.”

Jimin’s eyes snapped to Taehyung as he visibly tensed in his seat, clasping and unclasping his hands every so often.

“Wow! Really?” Jimin said, the shock having disappeared and replaced with nervous chuckling. “That’s really cool, never really met one of those! I’m really shocked right now, really!”

“Hyung,” Jungkook warned. “You have a habit of saying ‘really’ when you’re lying.”

“No, really! I mean seriously! Um, I think I need to get to class now.” Jimin stuttered as he started to stand up only to be kicked under the table by Jungkook, sending him back to his seat.

“Why have you never told me you dated a mermaid?” Jungkook questioned, living for the immediate blush creeping up Jimin’s pudgy cheeks.

“I never dated a mermaid!” Jimin laughed holding two hands out in front of him, trying to convince them. He slowly put them down when Jungkook and Taehyung stayed silent, waiting for the truth. “Ok fine, I knew a mermaid, but I promise we weren’t dating! Maybe we liked each other but we weren’t dating. But what’s this got to do with anything?”

“Jimin, I’m here to speak to you on behalf of my fish friend Flubber,” Taehyung started only to be interrupted by Jungkook.

“Steve,” he said and Jimin’s face filled with recognition so he continued.

“Yoongi hyung actually sent Flubber to take care of you but you didn’t keep him, why’s that?”

Jimin somehow turned even more pink, blending almost perfectly with his hair as he asked, “He did?”

“Yeah, Yoongi hyung can be a bit protective so I hope that’s ok with you.”

“Well this might sound crazy,” Jimin said leaning more closer to the other two. “but I always had a feeling this was Yoongi’s doing! I didn’t keep Steve because he reminded me too much of Yoongi.” Jimin’s whole stance seemed to deflate a bit but that didn’t stop Taehyung from continuing.

“I get that you might be a bit sad but so is Flubber. He really has been feeling upset lately, as Jungkook has told me and one of the reasons is because he’s supposed to be with you.”

“I see,” Jimin said looking really defeated.

“I hate to ask this, but would it be possible for you to keep Flubber?” Taehyung asked carefully, not wanting to come off as demanding.

Jimin looked up and said, “I don’t know, I think I’ll need time to think about this. I’ve spent ages trying to stay away from any type of fish or any other marine animals just because I miss Yoongi.”

Taehyung perked up at that. “I know! I can go and talk to Yoongi for you! And while I’m at it I’ll take Flubber too so he can go home and come back feeling better and refreshed.”

“You would really do that?” Jimin asked, sitting up straight, the ghost of a smile appearing at his lips. “Thank you so much, Taehyung!”

“It’s my pleasure! I’m pretty sure Yoongi hyung misses you too though because he hasn’t had a partner since he went back home.” Taehyung replied, really excited.

“Really?” Jimin was smiling now, his cheeks turning pink again. “I need to get to class now but thank you so much! It was great to meet you Taehyung!”

In a matter of minutes Jimin was done hugging both Taehyung and Jungkook and then he was gone.

Taehyung sipped his drink smiling softly only to be able to feel the eyes on the side of his face. Jungkook had been really quiet. So he turned to meet the other man’s eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Taehyung asked, taking in the almost pout on Jungkook’s mouth.

“Are you really going back?”

Taehyung chuckled. “I’ve been here for less than a week and you’re already attached?”

“No.” Jungkook said looking away and avoiding Taehyung’s eyes. “It’s just, you haven’t finished your bucket list.”

“Jungkook I’ll come back, you don’t need to worry about my bucket list,” Taehyung laughed enjoying how awkward Jungkook was being.

“What’s next on your bucket list anyway?” Jungkook question, an inquisitive look appearing on his face. Taehyung wanted to reach out and squish his cheeks again but that wouldn’t have been very appropriate for the situation.

“I really want to visit an aquarium!” Taehyung exclaimed, looking up at the lights and clutching his hands to his chest, daydreaming about all those fish he’d see. “I heard humans keep fish in huge tanks that you can walk through without getting wet. I’m just so amazed by that, I must see it!”

“That’s not too bad actually, I can easily get tickets for the both of us to visit one day.” Jungkook said, loving the way Taehyung eyes lit up even more. “But for now let’s go back home and have lunch?” Jungkook stood up and Taehyung followed his actions of pushing the straw chairs back under the table.

As they walked back towards Jungkook’s flat-which wasn’t too far away-Jungkook seemed to be trying to say something but struggling to get the words out, until they were already inside the flat complex when he finally settled on, “About yesterday, how are you feeling?”

Taehyung smiled softly understanding that Jungkook had been worried, he completely understands because he would have been worried too if it were the other way round.

“I’m fine, how are you? You were the one who actually got hurt!”

“Tae, you could have gotten hurt too, sometimes people can get emotionally hurt by things like what that bastard did to you! He had no fucking right.”

They were walking out of the lift now towards Jungkook’s grey front door and Taehyung had no reply. He could only smile (fondly) at Jungkook. The first thing Taehyung’s mind told him to do was hug Jungkook, so he did exactly that.

Except Jungkook was walking in front of him so the hug turned out to be more of a back hug.

Actually it turned out to be Taehyung’s face getting squished into Jungkook’s nape, causing the two to trip and bash into the door, which then caused loud laughter to be spilt from both of their mouths, still in the awkward back hug position.

That was only until Jungkook turned around, still leaning on the door. There was no shock or awkwardness when Jungkook pulled Taehyung towards him by the waist, hugging him tight. All Taehyung could do was wrap his arms around his neck and hug back just as tightly, as they both giggled, still not over the fact that they managed to trip that bad.

The moment was great and Taehyung loved the sudden skin ship. The moment was great.

But that ‘great’ moment was broken when the door behind Jungkook burst open, causing the two to topple over, Jungkook falling backwards and hitting the carpet and Taehyung falling straight on top.

This just got a bit interesting.

 ***

Jungkook came from an amazing family. His parents were really rich but they were always humble about it. They weren’t like those rich families you read about in books or the ones you see on TV. They weren’t the snobbish type who never loved each other and only cared about reputation. Quite the opposite actually.

Jungkook grew up surrounded by love and support from both his parents and his older brother which most people would find unbelievable considering the amount of income they earned. Most people would believe that Jungkook probably had to fish for love, spend his time alone or lash out for attention. But in reality, when he was young his mother would wake him every morning with breakfast, his father would take him out whenever he wanted and they would have a family dinner every other evening.

Jungkook’s brother, Junghyun, was always an amazing big brother and he still was to this day. They would do brotherly things like play video games until 3am.

Jungkook’s father was stern but still could be fun. He had taken Jungkook fishing more times than he could count and was always there when he needed to talk.

Jungkook’s mother was the best mother he could ask for. She was sweet and kind and on top of it all she was powerful and successful. Jungkook looked up to her the most.

But right now, Jungkook was looking up to her. Literally. He was looking up at her from where he was on the floor, with another man on top of him.

When Taehyung and him had first fallen into the hallway of his flat they had been stuck staring into one another’s eyes, caught in a daze until the moment was cut by an intruding cough.

Jungkook broke he eye contact and looked up to see none other than his mum’s face upside down, staring at the boys with intrigue in her eyes.

Oh great! Jungkook forgot it was Tuesday, the day that his mum always stopped by to see how he was doing and to add to that, she knew the passcode to the flat.

“Mum!” Jungkook shouted, quickly standing up, leaving Taehyung sprawled out on the carpet. “Didn’t expect to see you here!”

“Yes I can see that,” Mrs Jeon chuckled but Jungkook could tell she was suspicious. “Why don’t you help this young man up and introduce him to me?”

Jungkook was quick to bend down and quite literally pick Taehyung up to a standing position, looking hot and flustered.

“Um, mum, this is Taehyung,” Jungkook stuttered, then decided to add on, “my, um, my friend!”

“Your friend? I see,” she said sticking out her hand. “Nice to meet you Taehyung, you can call me Mrs Jeon. I’m Jungkook’s mother.”

When Taehyung didn’t reciprocate the handshake Jungkook nudged him softly with his elbow, hoping he could hear the ‘WE SPOKE ABOUT THIS, SHAKE HANDS!’ To his luck Taehyung seemed to remember and nervously shook her hand back.

“Hello, nice to meet you,” he replied and Jungkook immediately smiled, which he’s sure his mum caught.

She smiled then turned back to Jungkook, before walking into the living room, the two boys following behind her, forgetting to remove their shoes.

“Jungkook, is that not your shoes?” she asked looking down at Taehyung’s feet. “I remember buying you those for your birthday.”

Jungkook was stuck. The only thing he could think of was, “Taehyung’s new to here and he doesn’t really have money or clothes so I lend him things to wear everyday.” In a way he was telling the truth, just missing that small detail.

“That’s nice of you,” she smiled sitting down on the sofa, all proper. “You must really like him to be this generous, I assume he’s living here too?”

Jungkook spluttered, almost missing the seat he was aiming to sit on. But luckily he made it, feeling Taehyung plop down right beside him. “I mean, yeah?”

“Jungkook’s been really nice to me and I appreciate all his hard work. I must say, he’s a lovely creature that you have made!” Taehyung laughed, the awkwardness seemingly gone.

Mrs Jeon chuckled and Jungkook was happy to see that it was genuine and she was looking at Taehyung with actual joy. Their conversation carried on and Jungkook thought it was fine to excuse himself.

“I’ll go and make lunch; just thought I’d make pasta or something,” he said while standing up.

“Wow, so Taehyung being here has actually gotten you to eat more? Fabulous!” Mrs Jeon looked back at Taehyung, yet again smiling, her white teeth on display behind her blood red lips. She was a vampire after all. “I do hope you’ve been drinking enough of, you know?”

“Taehyung actually knows I’m a vampire, so you don’t need to hint,” Jungkook laughed. “And yes I have been drinking enough blood, don’t you worry.”

Jungkook left the two as they carried on talking to one another (talking meaning looking through Jungkook’s baby photos on Mrs Jeon’s phone) and padded over to the kitchen, letting out a relieved breath. He was happy that his mum got along with Taehyung, though he didn’t know why he felt so happy. He had a feeling it was to do with the fact that Jiyeon hated his mum and vice versa.

Jungkook finished cooking the simple meal and got to dishing up three plates when he heard footsteps behind him. Peering over his shoulder, he was pleased to see Taehyung wondering in.

“I made special spaghetti with chilli sardines,” Jungkook smiled finishing up and turning to Taehyung.

“Ooo I love sardines! Thank you!” Taehyung exclaimed getting closer to Jungkook. “About before, I’m sorry for falling on top of you.”

Jungkook felt as his smile got wider and wider and without saying another word he rushed forward, hugging Taehyung tight, just like they had been doing before being interrupted.

He could feel Taehyung stiffen ever so slightly before raising his arms to hug back.

“What’s this hug for?” he asked and Jungkook could sense how flustered Taehyung was.

“Just me saying sorry for not being able to hug you properly earlier,” he replied, getting that bit closer to Taehyung, smelling his hair and feeling his face squished into his neck.

They pulled back a tiny bit but stayed in each other’s personal space and Jungkook just couldn’t help lifting his hands up and cupping Taehyung’s face. He didn’t understand whether it was because someone that wasn’t Jimin or Hoseok actually got on with his mum or if it was because he had just gotten too close to Taehyung over the past few days or if it was because Taehyung was just plain beautiful. But he really wanted to kiss him, then and there.

“You’re so beautiful, Taehyung,” Jungkook spoke, almost whispering. The air was so thick, filled with tension and it was only getting thicker. “Literally, the most beautiful person, or mermaid in your case, that I have ever met.”

“Why thank you Jungkook, you’re not so bad yourself,” Taehyung replied cheekily and after seeing Jungkook pout he added on, “I’m joking, you’re beautiful too!”

“Not as beautiful as you,” Jungkook insisted, rubbing his thumb against Taehyung’s cheek. It was back to silence as the two just stared into one another’s eyes and Jungkook found himself feeling more content after only a few day than he had felt a few months back after 2 years. Just being able to stand in the same place and breathe the same air as Taehyung made him feel calm and collected. Then, “Is it okay if I kiss you now?”

Satisfied with the colour rising up Taehyung’s cheeks, Jungkook began to lean in. “Depends,” whispered Taehyung, leaning in as well. “Are you going to kiss me?”

They were centimetres away, Taehyung’s eyes were closed and Jungkook could practically feel Taehyung breath on his lips, when the clearing of a throat snapped them out of it, sending the both of them flying away from each other.

“So is lunch ready?” Mrs Jeon sniggered.

“Oh um, yeah it’s here yeah,” Jungkook responded hating how flustered he sounded, even to himself.

The rest of the day went by, after having a lovely lunch with Jungkook’s mum, filled with tension and overall awkwardness on a level it had never been between the two.

Taehyung and Jungkook spent their time together, hardly talking, mostly Jungkook working on his laptop and Taehyung entertaining himself. But the event from earlier never left any of their thoughts or any of their mouths for that matter. They had been so close to kissing and Jungkook wasn’t sure if he was ever going to get that chance again.

But Jungkook still wanted to do it.

Jungkook wanted to kiss Taehyung, so bad.

 ***

The next day Taehyung started to get ready, ready meaning he did what he did every morning since first coming here. He ate breakfast with Jungkook in front of him, as the other drank his cow blood and they chatted even though both of them were dreading what was happening later today. Taehyung was going back home for a while.

“I have classes later today,” Jungkook reminded as their conversation ended.

“Yeah, I’ll go home after breakfast so we can say our goodbyes without you being late,” replied Taehyung.

“Do you really have to go?”

Taehyung chuckled, “Yes Jungkook but I told you already, I’ll be back before you know it! You can’t get rid of me that easily.”

“That’s the thing, I don’t want to get rid of you, not today, not ever,” came Jungkook’s reply as he blushed, looking down at his hands. Taehyung found how he looked and what he said awfully cute and normally he would have thought to never say it aloud but,

“You’re so cute Jungkookie.”

“No I’m not,” Jungkook bashfully replied as his cheeks got even redder. But Taehyung found it frightening how quickly the shyness disappeared being replaced with mischief in his eyes and a smirk on his lips. “I told you already, you’re the cute one here!”

“I actually can’t with you,” Taehyung laughed as he finished up his cereal. He must admit, human food was really good. They weren’t scallops or freshly caught squid, but they were good and Taehyung was going to miss them while he was gone.

The morning was gone far too quickly and before Taehyung knew it he and Jungkook were at the beach, the spot where Jungkook had first summoned him. As they were walking through the sandy area they were pleased to find little to no people present since it was the middle of the week in the morning so most people were in school or work. They were able to make their way through the beach without getting the usual stares but Taehyung hated the silence that they were in for the whole walk; to add to that it wasn’t the most bright day, the sun was being hugged by the clouds as if to be guarding it from seeing the two being separated.

“Well, I guess this is you,” Jungkook spoke first, shuffling from foot to foot as Taehyung started removing his Gucci shoes.

“Don’t be so dramatic, I already told you I’m coming back,” Taehyung muttered, also sounding somewhat upset at the idea of leaving Jungkook.

“I’m not even upset about you leaving, it’s just, you’re taking Steve with you!” Jungkook spoke, almost shouting to make it seem like he was telling the truth, even though they both knew he wasn’t. Taehyung looked at him pointedly. “Okay maybe I am a bit upset.”

“I know you are. You’re going to miss me, just admit it,” Taehyung smirked as he removed Jungkook’s navy blue top that he had borrowed. He hadn’t really expected a reply.

“I’ll miss you.”

Taehyung’s head snapped up, locking his eyes with Jungkook’s as the other just stared, no awkwardness on his face, proving to Taehyung that he was telling the truth; Jungkook was actually going to miss him, the revelation made his heart flutter which was an odd feeling.

“I’ll miss you too if I’m being honest,” Taehyung admitted. “I never really did thank you for all you’ve done. For letting me stay with you, lending me clothes and shoes, feeding me food, just everything!”

“Don’t get sappy, like you said you’ll be coming back so there’s no point thanking me now,” Jungkook chuckled, setting the bowl, carrying Flubber, down on the pebbles.

The two stood there smiling at each other for what could have been hours but Taehyung had to go.

“Well, I guess I’ll get going now,” he said, already walking backwards towards where the tide was crashing in. “I’ll get in and you can just let Flubber in and he’ll follow me.”

Taehyung kept his eyes on Jungkook’s as the other stood where he was, the bowl at his feet, looking as if he was having a deep conversation with himself in his own brain. Taehyung was about to turn around and start removing the trousers too when all of a sudden Jungkook sped towards him, power walking the few steps separating them, causing Taehyung to freeze in place, eyes still never leaving the other’s now more determined ones.

It felt like time froze as he was pulled in towards the vampire, bought right into the other’s personal space as he bought up his hands to Jungkook’s shoulders, to steady himself. The slightly cold hand placed at his hip left heat even if it wasn’t supposed to and finally Taehyung saw sparks fly as warm, soft lips were pressed to his.

Taehyung momentarily had his eyes open in shock, but a second later his eyes were pressed shut and his lips were moving along with Jungkook’s as he bought one hand up to caress the younger’s cheek.

Jungkook pulled away and the both of them took a second before opening their eyes to stare just like they always did. Except this time the spark was visible and strong enough for Jungkook to pull Taehyung in again, even closer, by pulling at his hips and letting his hand rest at the small of the mermaid’s back. Before they knew it, they were kissing again, this time more fervently.

Taehyung pulled away, placing one final peck at Jungkook’s top lip, loving the way he seemed to chase after his lips, eyes still closed, as Taehyung took a step back.

“Now I really don’t want you to go,” Jungkook pouted with his glossy, red lips. With that he stepped forward again and bought the mermaid into a tight hug.

“See you later Jungkook,” Taehyung replied reluctantly, as he turned around in the other’s arms and started removing the rest of his clothing and stepping into the cool saltwater, tail appearing leaving a glow of blue.

Taehyung lay there, much like their second meeting, with his elbows resting in the rocks and waited for Jungkook to bring over Flubber, chuckling at how the vampire was dragging his feet along the rocks.

“Bye Steve, see you soon,” Jungkook said as he carefully poured the goldfish in, right beside the mermaid and Taehyung felt himself fall more as he noticed how the vampire was all wet up to his knees but still didn’t care. But then he knelt down in front of Taehyung and the mermaid knew he was a goner when his face was taken into the vampire’s hands and a peck was left on his lips. “Bye Taehyung, I’ll miss you, come back soon please!”

Taehyung lifted one hand up to rest on top of Jungkook’s and smiled gently, taking in his last look (for a while) at the vampire’s face. “You’re so cute Jungkookie,” he laughed, kissing the other’s thumb.

“No I’m not!” Jungkook blushed and it was the final thing Taehyung heard before turning around and speeding back home, a goldfish hot on his tail.

 ***

Jungkook groaned as he let himself into the flat. He had just finished up dance with Hoseok and Jimin so all his energy had been drained completely. To add to the exhaustion, Taehyung had been gone for about 4 and a half months now.

It just didn’t make sense to Jungkook. How did he manage to get so attached to a guy he had known for only about a week? Jungkook missed Taehyung so much it seemed unreal. Everyday he got caught in memories because of the tiniest things.

Yesterday Jungkook had just sat down on the sofa only to remember how Taehyung had been dangling off of it.

A few weeks back Jungkook had gone food shopping only to come across Gummy Bears bringing back the terrible memory of the harassers; even though it was safe to say Jungkook didn’t need to worry about them anymore.

He saw them once. The both of them walking on campus, pressed against each other, looking like they were ready to cause more trouble. They were a fair distance away from Jungkook but one little bit of eye contact had the two boys looking like deers caught in headlights, scurrying away as fast as they could, leaving Jungkook with a feeling of pride but he was also feeling proud. Of Taehyung. Because Taehyung had been the one to scare them like that and oh how Jungkook hoped it stopped them or at least made them rethink before pulling something like what they did again.

Jungkook chucked off his boots before carefully placing them on the shoe rack, right beside Taehyung’s trainers. Taehyung really loved them, wore them everywhere they went. Smiling fondly, Jungkook remembered how the mermaid didn’t wear them normally but rather just slipped his feet in, leaving the back parts to fold under his feet because “It’s just uncomfortable to have your feet restricted like that all day!”

Jungkook was snapped out of the thought by knocking coming from right behind him, at the front door. Who could be knocking this late in the evening?

“Oh my god,” Jungkook said aloud. “Taehyung?” and he spun around quicker than a spinning top, yanking the door open only to be faced by satan himself. Or in this case, herself.

“Jiyeon?” he snapped. “What the fuck are you here for?”

“Now, now Jungkook,” Jiyeon smirked and Jungkook had never found her to look this ugly before. “I don’t think that that’s the right way to speak to a guest.”

“I don’t fucking care what you think! How fucking dare you show your face to me again?” Jungkook was very quickly losing his temper.

“Shut the fuck up Jungkook, who the fuck do you think you’re speaking to?” she spoke too loudly and suddenly Jungkook felt very small, started worrying about if neighbours could hear. “Step the fuck away and let me in.”

Before Jungkook could reply he was pushed away to the side and could only watch as Jiyeon entered as if she owned the place and for some reason Jungkook just couldn’t help it. He couldn’t shout at her and tell her to get out, he could only watch, feeling smaller and smaller with each passing second.

“Get me a raspberry iced tea or something would you?” she muttered, plopping down on Jungkook’s sofa and switching on the television.

“I don’t have any more of those, got rid of them the moment you left,” Jungkook spat and immediately regretted it as he watched her stand up and walk towards him.

“Speak to me like that again, I fucking dare you!”

Jungkook almost doubled in on himself.

“That’s what I thought,” Jiyeon hissed, walking back towards her spot on the sofa. It had always been ‘her spot’ even though the title was long gone. Jungkook would come home to her on that seat some days with her in a good mood with a bottle of raspberry iced tea but most days in a horrible mood, a bottle of beer clasped in her hand and cigarette in the other. But that spot wasn’t her’s anymore, it was Taehyung’s. Jungkook wasn’t going to stand for it.

“I think you should leave.”

“Oh, so little curious Jungkook is gone?” she chuckled acting as if nothing odd was happening and forgetting how angry she had just gotten. “You’re not going to ask why I’m here?”

“I don’t really want to know.”

“Well I’ll tell you anyway,” she snapped. “My boyfriend and I had an argument so I’m staying here for a few days.”

Jungkook stood still, completely shocked. “Wha- what makes you think you can?” Jungkook asked hating how his voice broke. “This is my flat and you have no right to just walk in here and claim you’re staying here. And even if you asked nicely I wouldn’t let you, not after everything you’ve done.”

“You’re so funny Jungkook,” she laughed, actually laughed, acting as if this was a situation where she was allowed to laugh. Even as Jungkook glared, she carried on laughing. “I’m staying here whether you like it or not and you know it.”

Then she stood up, kicking off her heels and made her way to Jungkook’s bedroom. Jungkook will never forgive himself for letting this girl get to him. He never did understand how she was able to make herself at home in his brain. She was the boss with any situation and even with all this anger flaring in Jungkook he couldn’t do anything about it.

“I’m not going to cry,” Jungkook sighed, going over to the storage cupboard for an extra blanket. There was no way in hell he was sleeping next to her.

As Jungkook lay on the sofa that night he couldn’t stop the thoughts flooding his head. Even while being that exhausted and drained it took him hours to fall asleep and even then he was restless and sweaty. It didn’t help that he was awoken to the sound of club-like music coming from his room, bass boosted and all. Glancing up at the clock, he groaned. It was 8:30am. He didn’t even have classes until later in the afternoon.

Reluctantly, Jungkook stood up, scratching his head, and padded towards his room.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

“I’m getting ready what does it look like I’m doing?” Jiyeon replied while packing on what Jungkook knew was foundation. “Girls have to wake up early especially if they want to be as pretty as me.”

“You do realise you’re basically calling yourself naturally ugly since you have to wake up this early to put on makeup.” Jungkook said but he disagreed with himself. He hated to admit it but putting Jiyeon’s character aside, she was one of the most beautiful girls he had ever met, even when she wasn’t wearing makeup. “It’s so bloody early, why are you playing music this loud?” Jungkook rubbed his eyes.

But Jiyeon didn’t reply as she carried on putting on her makeup which confused Jungkook because how the hell did she have all this with her?

Watching this girl act so normal, so casual, after everything they’d been through made something snap in Jungkook. It just came so suddenly like when you rip a plaster off a cut fast to lower the amount of pain.

“What the fuck, Jiyeon,” he shouted causing her to finally look up at him from the mirror. “Do you realise how fucking crazy this is?”

“Why the fuck are you shouting?” she (ironically) shouted back. “Can’t you just do me this one favour?”

“Wow,” Jungkook glowered. “Just wow! Why would I help you after you cheated on me for years? You’re crazy and manipulating and I’ve quite frankly had enough.”

“Seriously Jungkook, shut up,” she spat back obviously with a lacking of being able to back herself up.

“Oh shut up Jungkook, shut the fuck up Jungkook,” he mocked. “That’s all you ever say! You didn’t even deny the fact that I said years and not months as you had told me. So basically what you’re telling me is you actually were cheating on me for those 2 years and not 6 months?”

Jiyeon scoffed, opening her mouth ready to speak but was stopped by the sound of the doorbell going off.

“I’ll go answer it,” Jiyeon said as she shot up from her seat and fixed her t-shirt. Only then did Jungkook realise that it was his own t-shirt. The audacity.

“No you fucking won’t, don’t dodge what I just asked! You literally have no right.” But Jiyeon was already strutting towards the front door with her bare legs on show.

Jungkook stood in his room staring at the door Jiyeon had just left through. “Fucking bitch.” he spoke, turning to Flubber’s tank and obviously not finding him there. Then it clicked. “Taehyung?” Jungkook exclaimed and he was already running, following Jiyeon to the door. But obviously it had already been opened and Jungkook was stuck behind Jiyeon staring at the person at the door.

“Jungkook, why the fuck is there a naked man at your door?” Jiyeon whispered. But Jungkook didn’t answer, couldn’t answer. All he could do was stare at the beautiful man. “And why the fuck is he carrying half an empty coke bottle with a fish inside?”

“Taehyung.” was all Jungkook said as he stared in awe.

 ***

Taehyung had spent the longest time back at home. He just wanted everything to be perfect with Flubber and it was safe to say everything was sorted. Flubber got to spend time at home with some old friends and he got to refresh and start new. Yoongi got to be flustered as Taehyung told him everything about Jimin and how it was such a coincidence they had met. Taehyung also got to be flustered as Yoongi teased him about a certain vampire.

“We’ll get going now,” Taehyung said bringing his hyung in for an embrace. “Remember to be there when you can!”

“I’ll remember Tae. You’ll probably feel my presence since we’re so close so make sure to come and get me,” Yoongi replied leaving a small kiss in Taehyung’s hair. “Don’t tell Jimin that I’m going to be visiting. I want it to be a surprise.”

“What? Really? What am I supposed to tell him then? He won’t take Flubber.”

“Just tell him that I got it sorted or something,” Yoongi smiled then quickly added on, “tell him I miss him too.” And Yoongi was gone, zooming away back to the house. Taehyung and Flubber were left in the vast ocean, laughing.

By the time they got to land it was quite dark, probably early in the morning and Taehyung was pleased with his timing since now he didn’t need to worry about clothes. However they had one problem and it was how they were going to get to Jungkook’s flat without Flubber suffocating to death.

Taehyung carefully got out of the water and said, “Stay here, I’ll go find something to carry you in.”

Taehyung wandered around for a long time that the sun was already rising, until he found something that could work. A huge plastic bottle that he broke the top of.

They wasted no more time and Taehyung rushed to get to the flat. He missed Jungkook like crazy and he just couldn’t wait to see him again. He imagined the smile on his face was probably brighter than the sun right now and he couldn’t stop it. That was until the door to Jungkook’s flat was pulled open and Taehyung felt the smile on his face drop in an instant. He even heard Flubber gasp melodramatically.

“What the fuck,” said the woman at the door as she eyed him up and down, looking so disgusted that Taehyung wanted to cover himself up then and there or even just run away. What hurt more though was the fact that the girl was someone he recognised; he recognised her from a picture he had seen months back. It was Jiyeon. Jungkook’s ex-girlfriend.

After that everything was drowned out and he couldn’t hear anything that left her mouth as she spoke to Jungkook who was now behind her, looking like a blown up Pufferfish.

But that only lasted a short amount of time because soon Jungkook was rushing over, almost pushing the girl in his haste to get to Taehyung, and (tried) kissing the living daylights out of him. As much as Taehyung wanted to, he couldn’t kiss back and soon Jungkook was pulling back looking so hurt that Taehyung felt it in his own heart.

“Ew Jungkook,” Jiyeon said, breaking the moment. “What the fuck are you doing kissing a hobo?”

Jungkook sighed. “Not now Jiyeon. Please.”

Jungkook took Flubber in one hand from Taehyung and grinned at the fish. “Long time no see, mate.” Then he took Taehyung’s hand with his his free one and dragged the dazed mermaid inside, straight to his room.

Taehyung was quickly dressed in Jungkook’s clothes but he was still stood still not having said a word because there on Jungkook’s desk was a whole lot of products that he was sure were Jiyeon’s.

“Jungkook, what the fuck are you doing?” Jiyeon spoke as she walked into the room and Taehyung thought about how he really didn’t want to hate her.

“Jiyeon, he’s not a hobo, he’s just-“

“You have to explain to me what’s going on. Like why were you kissing a guy this ugly? Why are you dressing and helping said ugly g-“

“Shut up,” Taehyung heard Jungkook bellow. He sounded so angry. “Don’t you fucking dare call him ugly.” He walked up to Jiyeon, towering over her and Taehyung thought she was scared. He thought wrong.

“You better lower your tone of voice right now Jungkook,” hissed Jiyeon. “I hope you know who exactly you’re talking to.”

Taehyung was even more shocked to find Jungkook looking a lot smaller than he had before, his eyed filled with fear and anger all mixed into one.

Taehyung hated her. And that wasn’t an easy thought coming from a mermaid. Kang Jiyeon was the first person Taehyung had ever truly hated.

“Since you’re not going to answer me, I’ll ask Taehyung, was it?” Jiyeon turned to look at Taehyung, staring straight into his eyes with a level of such intensity that he felt like he was going to snap in half any minute. “What is a hobo like you doing here?”

“He’s not a fucking-“

Then it happened. It just happened so fast. In a blink of an eye, Jiyeon was turning back and placing her hands on his chest, pushing him back causing the vampire to go stumbling back a few steps. And he just let it happen, bringing his hands to clasp at his front and looking down to his feet; Jungkook was in a way submitting to Jiyeon even though they all knew he could have easily pushed her back, with twice the force. Jiyeon didn’t seem to care.

“Don’t push him.”

“Excuse me?” Jiyeon snapped her eyes to Taehyung, stalking towards him.

“I said don’t push Jungkook, that’s not what a girlfriend is supposed to do,” Taehyung mumbled. He caught a glimpse of Jungkook, slowly raising his head.

“And who are you to tell me what to and what not to do?”

“I’m not saying that- I’m just giving, I don’t know, advice?” Taehyung stuttered but tried his very best to maintain eye contact with her. “It’s just that I don’t think it’s fair for you to be pushing him around like that, physically and emotionally.”

“Look, I don’t know who you are or why Jungkook’s helping you but I do know that he’s probably just helping you because he feels sorry for you.” Jiyeon declared harshly and Taehyung felt something in him drop, eyes momentarily darting to Jungkook then back again. “He sees you as a helpless, less-privileged, ugly soul that needs help to survive and I hate to break it to you, but he doesn’t like you. I mean look at you and look at me.” She scoffed. “Think about it. We look completely different. I have white, bright skin while yours is dark and tan. My limbs are the perfect length while yours are long and lanky looking. And your hair, don’t even get me started on the hair. Who even dyes their hair red anymore, nowadays? So tacky.”

Taehyung felt the back of his eyes sting as tears gathered in them, waiting to spill out.

“I bet you think Jungkook here is going to be your little boyfriend or something. Wake the fuck up. What would he want to do with a poor little hobo like you? I’m here because he’s going to be mine again, I’m not having it with you here.”

His gaze turned towards Jungkook who looked just as upset as he himself felt, the anger completely gone. Jungkook slowly walked towards him dismissing the fact that Jiyeon was still there.

“Tae, don’t listen to her. I promise you-“

“I think I should leave.” Taehyung whispered, not trusting himself to speak out loud just in case he started sobbing; he was already walking away.

“Tae wait, no please don’t go,” Jungkook reached forward trying to stop him but Taehyung decided to just shrug him off. Within seconds Taehyung was out that door heading back home. This was going to be the last time he’d ever step foot on land again.

He should have listened to Yoongi.

Taehyung wasn’t ready to face the human world. He was never going to be.

 ***

Jungkook stood completely still, staring at the spot that was now void of Taehyung. The tears came quite quickly, leaving tickling tracks on his cheeks that were most probably red by now. His back was to Jiyeon but he could sense the cocky grin she most definitely had on her lips and he could feel her eyes stabbing into his back.

“He’s gone now Jungkook, just let him be gone.” she spoke. She actually had the audacity to speak.

“Get out.”

“Shut the f-“

“Shut the fuck up, Jungkook?” Jungkook asked turning around to face her. “Should I shut the fuck up?” Jungkook felt the anger rise through him, and it was was a type of anger he’d never felt before in his entire life. “I won’t shut the fuck up!” He was shouting now. “I’ve had enough of you and your stupid tricks. I want you to leave and get the fuck out of my house, get the fuck out of my life!” What type of anger was this? “You don’t even realise what you just did!” This was anger mixed with some other emotion.

“Jungkook I-“ Jiyeon tried to interrupt but not this time.

“No! You know what’s funny? I spent about a week with that man. A week! And I have never cared for someone as much as I do for him. I spent 2 fucking years with you and the shit you gave me in those 2 years could never compare to everything he gave me in 7 days, so don’t you fucking dare go compare yourself to him, make yourself out to be so much better than him. Because let me tell you something, you can never be as good of a person as he is. Never.”

“You don’t know who the fuck you’re speaking to, Jungkook,” Jiyeon spoke face full of fury, annoying Jungkook even more since she didn’t look guilty at all. “You better-“

“Shut the fuck up Jiyeon!” Jungkook shouted. He shouted so loud that he was sure everyone in the entire building was woken up. He shouted so loud that the walls definitely shook. Jungkook was satisfied by the way Jiyeon stepped back slightly, never having seen this side of him. “You’re not even feeling a tad bit guilty.” Jungkook was starting to quieten down now, his voice was wavering so much he felt like he was slowly breaking down. What was this emotion? “You literally are psychotic! Those 2 years were torture for me and I didn’t even realise. You never loved me, never cared for me and now that I am feeling so much for someone other than you, you feel the need to come back into my life. You’re never going to be allowed back in my life, I’m telling you right here, right now. So please! Just please get out. I’m begging you. Please.” Jungkook was a sobbing mess at this point. His vision was blurry but something he did catch was the sparkling in Jiyeon’s eyes as, she too, was crying.

Jiyeon was quick to pack all her things.

This emotion Jungkook was feeling was love. Possibly love, maybe like. But it was there and it was strong.

Tripping over a discarded t-shirt on the floor, Jiyeon scurried out of the room and left the house without another word, leaving Jungkook to cry his heart out.

He cried and he cried for what could have been hours, voice gone hoarse and throat aching. Above all he was being judged by a goldfish that was probably telling him to ‘do something and fix this!’ So he did.

It took a while for Hoseok to pick up and Jungkook couldn’t blame him since it was still early in the morning. When the ringing abruptly stopped and was replaced by the sound of shuffling and a groggy “Hello?” Jungkook felt something like relief flood through him.

“Hyung.”

“Jungkook? What’s wrong?” he heard-Hoseok sounding much more alert and worried.

“Hyung, I need help,” Jungkook murmured.

“What? Of course! Where are you? At home?”

“Yeah, I’m at home.”

“I’ll be right over!” Hoseok said and Jungkook heard hurried shuffling as if he was sprinting out of bed.

“Wait no, it’s fine,” Jungkook quickly spoke. “I just need you to provide me with something. Again.”

Hoseok stopped moving and Jungkook waited patiently for his reply. “Yeah, what is it that you need?” Then probably to make Jungkook smile, added on, “I told you, the stock of weed is done.”

Jungkook chuckled softly. “Hyung, I promise I’ll pay you back again because they were expensive last time, but I need the same pearls again. Same colours as before, same size, they need to be perfect!”

“Jungkook I can get them for you, but you need to explain what’s going on,” Hoseok sighed. “You sounded so broken just a few minutes ago.”

“You wouldn’t believe me.”

“Try me.”

Jungkook let out a loud exhale. “I’m kinda in like with a mermaid.”

Hoseok was silent for ages, probably thinking about how crazy Jungkook was. Safe to say, his response shocked Jungkook just a little bit.

“Okay, and?”

“You don’t think I’m crazy?” Jungkook exclaimed.

“If vampires like you exist what’s going to stop me from believing in mermaids?” Hoseok sounded disappointed. “Anyway, carry on with this mermaid of yours.”

So Jungkook talked to Hoseok about everything from the day he and Taehyung first met that one night on the beach to Taehyung’s favourite sweets to the way his hair always smelt of fruits since he had insisted on buying that shampoo. They talked for about an hour and a half (Jungkook talked for about an hour and a half) until there was silence.

“Jungkook,” Hoseok broke the silence. “I think you really do like, like this guy judging by how much you just talked about him.”

“I think I’m going crazy!” Jungkook concluded. “I spend a week with this guy, then I don’t see him for months. How is it possible for me to feel so much for him already?”

“Feelings are a strange thing,” Hoseok advised. “Instead of calling yourself crazy, you should embrace these feelings because you never know how long you’ll have them for or if you’ll ever feel them again.”

“I guess...” Jungkook croaked out. “Did I tell you how handsome he is? He has the most beautiful, naturally red hair. And by red I don’t mean your average ginger, he literally has strawberry red hair!”

“Yeah, you’ve actually told me multiple times now,” Hoseok chuckled. “Anyway, I’ll come by later with the pearls.”

“You can get them by today?” Jungkook gasped. “Thank you so much hyung!”

“I’m a man of many talents,” Hosoek boasted. “Talk to you later, take care of yourself and don’t cry too much. I promise you’ll get him back after you explain everything, I’m sure of it.”

They said their goodbyes and Jungkook was once again left in the loneliness.

“I bet you hate me,” he spoke turning to Flubber who was now in his tank, staring at Jungkook from his usual spot near the glass. “I promise you, everything she said was a lie.”

Flubber rubbed up against the glass, swimming to the top as if to be ushering Jungkook over, which luckily he caught. Cautiously, he dipped his hand in the water and funnily enough, Flubber rubbed against his hand.

So that’s how Jungkook spent the rest of his morning. Stroking a goldfish while thinking about a mermaid he’d known for less than a month. A mermaid who’s face held so much pain after hearing about ‘Jungkook’s motives’ and who’s eyes held thick tear drops that most definitely did drop.

 ***

Yoongi was fuming judging by the way his arms wrapped protectively around Taehyung.

“I’ll kill him,” Yoongi roared. “I don’t fucking care if he knows Jimin, I’ll kill him with my own two hands.”

“No,” was all Taehyung said as he rubbed his head more into his brother’s chest.

He was feeling a little bit better but then again it had only been a few hours since he got back home and told Yoongi everything. Taehyung didn’t understand how Jiyeon was able to get to him with just a few words but she had and there was nothing Taehyung could do to take back those moments. They were forever engraved into his mind.

It could have been the actual words she had spat at him about his appearance, how she looked better than him and was apparently more of Jungkook’s type. It could have been just because he had walked in, in a moment that would have never ended well since she was Jungkook’s ex. Or it could have been the fact that she said she was going to get Jungkook back. Taehyung would never want to come between the two of them since Jungkook was obviously so in love with her and he couldn’t help but think that maybe he was just a rebound. Maybe Jungkook just wanted to kiss him because he couldn’t feel Jiyeon’s lips against his own for a few months and he needed something else to take his mind of that. Maybe it was-

“Tae, stop thinking so hard,” Yoongi whispered while combing his long fingers through Taehyung’s hair. “Stop thinking about it, if all that happened maybe he just isn’t the one. Don’t worry there are plenty more fish in the ocean, pun intended.”

Taehyung chuckled. Yoongi always did make him feel better when he was feeling down just the same way Taehyung made Yoongi feel better.

“I know,” Taehyung sniffed. “It’s just, I was so sure that he liked me too. He was so nice and sweet and caring and judging by that photo of the two of them I saw it wasn’t me that he liked. He only had eyes for Jiyeon.”

“Tae,” Yoongi suddenly spoke sitting up straight. “I know I said I would kill him for you but now that I think about it, you never told me what Jungkook said to you before you left.”

“That’s because he didn’t really say anything, I didn’t let him.”

“What?” Yoongi exclaimed, “the key to these sorts of things is talking, Tae. You should have let him tell his side because you never know, you might be seeing all of this wrong.”

Taehyung nodded as he continued listening to Yoongi’s advice since he probably did have a lot more experience. But their conversation was cut short by the loud echo of his name. Taehyung panicked, snapping his head to look straight at Yoongi.

“Hyung it’s him.”

Another call of his name.

“Tae you need to go!”

Another call this time louder as if Jungkook was shouting it.

“I don’t want to hyung, no I won’t go! I already said, I’m never going back.”

Jungkook called again and again and again, each time his voice breaking down more and more.

“Look, I know you don’t want to, but you need to. You’ll start coughing up blood soon!” Yoongi urged, pushing Taehyung up and towards the opening. But Taehyung was stubborn. He’d always been stubborn.

“No! I don’t want to. This is too much for me. Why is he calling me if he already has her?”

“I don’t know, you should go and listen to what he has to say. Tae please, this is too dangerous.”

Taehyung stared at his hyung feeling so betrayed when sudden pain shot up from his stomach to his throat forcing him to cough. His eyes widened at the sight of the red left floating amongst the normally crystal clear water. The look on Yoongi’s face would have been funny if it wasn’t for the situation.

“Taehyung, fucking go,” he demanded. “Go now!”

Taehyung clutched his stomach and started towards the surface, already feeling the tears pricking his eyes. He knew that once he stepped onto land the tears would fall, hell, they were probably already falling.

The callings of his name continued, each time forcing Taehyung to stop and cough out more blood. This was getting really dangerous because Taehyung was slowing down, the piercing pain in his stomach becoming too much to handle. Breathing out a sigh of relief at seeing the surface, Taehyung put his last bit of energy into swimming faster and soon he was toppling over into pebbles and small shells, coughing hard.

“Taehyung, oh my god,” he heard as Jungkook seemed to run towards him. “I can smell blood, why can I smell blood?”

“Why did you call me?” Taehyung choked out in between coughs.

“Fuck, you’re coughing up blood!” Jungkook shrieked. “Did I do this? Oh my god, let’s go!”

“No Jungkook, just tell me why you called me.”

“Tae,” Jungkook pleaded. “Jiyeon’s gone, I told her to fuck off. She’s gone for good.” Jungkook paused then continued after he realised Taehyung was listening. “I’m telling you, everything she said was a lie. First of all, I don’t think your helpless and I never have. I’m helping you with your bucket list because I want to, not because I feel sorry for you plus you helped me with Flubber. Everything she said about you and to you was bullshit,” Jungkook almost yelled and Taehyung could see the tears in his eyes through his own. Jungkook sat down, his trousers soaking wet at this point. “You’re not ugly, fuck we’ve been through this. You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever met Taehyung. The stuff she said about your body and hair, it’s all bullshit and I know for sure that she fucking knows it too. And on top of all of that you’re just such an amazing person and I think I’m falling for you.”

Taehyung’s eyes snapped to look into Jungkook’s - momentarily forgetting the pain in his stomach - whose eyes had a bit of shock in them. But that was quickly replaced with a look of certainty.

“No, I know I’m falling for you,” he whispered, kneeling to sit directly in front of the mermaid and bringing his hands to cup his nape. “I’m so sorry for everything you had to hear from her and I’m sorry for just letting it happen but I’m sure you know how scared I am of her. Well, how scared I was. She’s gone now Taehyung! Please come back with me?”

Taehyung stared into Jungkook’s pleading eyes, the deep brown eyes filled with so much raw emotion, the eyes that told so much truth and sincerity. The eyes of the person that Taehyung was falling in love with.

He nodded weakly and let Jungkook pull him in for a hug, the two of them still sitting in the shallow water of the salty sea.

“Thank you Taehyung,” Jungkook spoke into his neck. “I promise you won’t regret coming back.”

“You don’t need to promise anything because I know I won’t regret it,” Taehyung chuckled clutching his arms around Jungkook’s neck even tighter.

Jungkook pulled back to cup Taehyung’s face with his hands, causing him to feel pteropods in his stomach at the same time as his stomach doing summersaults.

“Let’s go,” Jungkook whispered, placing a small peck at his lips, leaving it to linger for a second or two. “I bought clothes with me,” he added, pointing back to the dry areas where Taehyung could see the same bag he had brought with him last time.

“Confident, weren’t you?” Taehyung laughed.

“Obviously, you couldn’t resist me.”

Then they were walking back to the flat, hand in hand, the only sound was the occasional car passing by or the seagulls flying overhead.

“I think I’m falling for you too,” Taehyung broke the silence, noticing the immediate colour rising to Jungkook’s cheeks. “What does that mean for us?”

“You are?” Jungkook spluttered. “Um, well, um.” A pause. They were still walking, arms swinging back and forth. “Taehyung?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you by any chance, um, want to be my um, my boyfriend? My partner?”

Taehyung suddenly stopped in his tracks, turning to face his entire body to the other man.

“Really?” A nod from Jungkook. “Of course!” Taehyung exclaimed jumping, once again, into Jungkook’s arms but this time he feels his feet lifting off from the ground and then there’s two grown men spinning around in circles, arms wrapped around each other and laughing on the middle of the pavement.

As soon as they managed to get home Jungkook let Taehyung into the flat first, shutting the door behind himself. They were standing in the corridor, staring into each other’s eyes with goofy smiles and giggles filling the air but as soon as the click of the door sound was heard, signifying they were officially alone, the goofiness was gone. There, in between the two of them, stood tension ready to be sliced using a knife. The sudden silence was deafening, the looks in their eyes turned hard and passionate rather than fun and excited.

Taehyung didn’t know what to do because what was he supposed to do after properly coming back to Jungkook’s home after months away? After their tiny fallout and makeup. He just didn’t-

“Fuck it,” Jungkook spoke, breaking the silence and Taehyung’s inner turmoil and suddenly all Taehyung could see was Jungkook, Jungkook, Jungkook as the other came stalking towards him, immediately grabbing the back of his neck.

Then they were kissing.

Taehyung clutched onto the front of Jungkook’s t-shirt as he happily kissed his boyfriend back, eyes tightly shut. He couldn’t help the relieved sigh escaping his mouth right into Jungkook’s and felt a spark at the small smile he felt rising on Jungkook’s lips. He felt as Jungkook’s hands slowly travelled down to grip at his waist and the slow kiss was starting to turn more fast paced.

Taehyung’s breath hitched ever so slightly when he felt Jungkook’s tongue slide into his mouth at the same time as being backed up until his back was touching what was probably the wall.

“Tae,” Jungkook whispered pulling back but staying close, letting Taehyung properly look at his face and his lips which were red and spit slick. “Do you want to...” He trailed off nodding towards the end of the corridor leading to the living room and eventually leading to Jungkook’s room. He was smiling, gently rubbing at Taehyung’s hip where he had slipped his hand under his t-shirt.

“Yes,” Taehyung replied, fisting at his hair and pulling Jungkook in closer, pressing their foreheads together. “Yes, I want to.”

The rest of their day was spent together as the two showered each other with love, fortunately not getting any noise complaints.

It’s safe to say Jungkook’s afternoon classes were forgotten and Taehyung didn’t feel any guilt at all, for being the reason.

 ***

It had been five days since Taehyung came back, five days since Jungkook got the most evil person out of his life and the most amazing person back into his life, five days since Jungkook got himself a beautiful boyfriend. Everything was going amazing since they were technically in their honeymoon phase.

Lazily, Jungkook scrolled through on his phone, looking for the best aquarium in the area to take Taehyung to, while the latter was washing up in the bathroom. He turned slightly on his side, catching Flubber’s eye. Flubber was still here since Taehyung apparently had a plan on how to get Jimin to keep Flubber, who was still contemplating keeping him or not.

“I need to know what Taehyung told Yoongi first,” Jimin had muttered over the phone, which was on loud speaker so Taehyung could hear too.

And of course Taehyung insisted on keeping it a secret much to the other man’s displeasure.

Jungkook smiled to himself, thinking about how Taehyung was easily able to cheer Jimin up, telling his hyung that this Yoongi guy apparently missed him. This had left Jungkook and Taehyung to listen to fits of coughing coming from the other end of the line then a 100% blushing Jimin’s reply of “Really?”

“Jungkook!” Taehyung yelled bursting through the bathroom door, his pink headband still pushing his hair back.

“What? What is it?” Jungkook questioned standing up quickly and rushing over to his boyfriend.

“We need to go to the beach. Now!” Taehyung shouted, running through the bedroom door. “Bring a set of extra clothes! Underpants and everything.”

Jungkook didn’t question as he quickly packed his bag with clothes. Luckily, he owned a lot more clothes than before since that one day when Jungkook’s mum came to visit, both hands filled with shopping bags of clothes.

“These are clothes of the newest styles, very popular amongst you youngsters and I know this because I got people to help me.” she had spoken all in one breath and Jungkook helped bring the bags to his room.

“Mum, what’s all this for? I have enough clothes.” Jungkook had questioned.

“They’re for when Taehyung comes back.” she had replied, sorting through the bags. “I tried to pick things that match quite a bit to your normal style but it is a bit different. Honestly Jungkook,” she said rising up and crossing her arms. “I still can’t believe you didn’t tell me he’s a mermaid.”

It had only been the first month of Taehyung’s little trip back home when all this had occurred, Jungkook’s mum having found out about the ‘secret’ after realising Flubber was gone. Obviously Jungkook had to explain everything.

“Tae, why do we need to go to the beach this late in the evening?” Jungkook asked, jogging over to Taehyung who was already waiting at the lift.

“Yoongi hyung’s here!” Taehyung replied, eagerly getting inside and smashing the button for the ground floor.

“Woah, you could tell he’s here?”

“Yep, I just got this weird feeling,” Taehyung said, hand coming up to rest at his chest. “He’s coming to see Jimin and that’s the reason I couldn’t tell him because Yoongi hyung wanted it to be a surprise.”

Jungkook looked out at the ocean and immediately realised that tonight seemed to me more of a bright night, the moon glowing causing the waves at shore to look magical. Then again that might be because actual magic did happen in the water. Because as Jungkook turned his head a little he noticed a naked figure standing on dry sand, seemingly having just gotten out of the water. Apparently, Taehyung saw him too because soon Jungkook was left standing there alone as Taehyung went dashing over to the man, encompassing him in a hug straight away. So Jungkook followed after.

“Jungkook, this is my Yoongi hyung,” Taehyung spoke, proudly pushing his hyung forward. “Hyung this is my, um my, boyfriend, Jungkook,” he spoke bashfully to Yoongi.

The man walked the small distance to get to Jungkook and Jungkook almost stepped back from being intimidated. He may be small but he did look hard. Something else Jungkook’s noticed was that he was a very similar height to Jimin causing him to immediately mentally approve of their relationship. Don’t judge.

“Nice to finally meet you,” Yoongi said sticking his hand out, surprising Jungkook just a bit since it seemed like he knew his human things. “I’ve heard lots about you from Taehyung. Lots,” he spoke the last word intimidatingly, knowingly and Jungkook was quick to take his hand in both his hands to shake quickly.

“Hyung let’s go! Jungkook got clothes for you.” Taehyung said excitedly while taking the bag and handing it to Yoongi.

“I can call Jimin. I’m sure he’s still awake.” Jungkook added, sliding his phone out of his pocket.

“No I don’t want to disturb him, didn’t he just have dance practice a few hours ago?” Yoongi was quick to answer and Jungkook was shocked to know that Yoongi seemed to know a lot about Jimin. They must have really liked each other.

“Actually,” Jungkook chuckled. “Dance was cancelled today. I should know since I’m in his dance team.”

Yoongi nodded as Jungkook tapped Jimin’s contact, his hyung picking up after only a few rings.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“Is there any way you could come to my house?” Jungkook asked.

“What? Now?”

“Yep, Taehyung and I need you,” he replied as the three of them started walking back to the flat, Yoongi having put some clothes on.

“If this is about Flubber, I already said. I need to know what Yoongi said.”

“Just trust me.” Jungkook pleaded. “Come over as quick as you can, okay? Okay. Bye,” he said quickly hanging up before Jimin could even answer.

The walk back was somewhat awkward for Jungkook since the two mermaids had so much to talk about while Jungkook felt like a tag along. The moment they stepped into the flat was even more awkward since Jungkook wasn’t entirely expecting a guest, meaning he had no time to tidy up before.

“Welcome to my flat,” Jungkook chuckled nervously, kicking a condom wrapper under the sofa, Yoongi giving him a pointed look obviously having noticed. “Jimin should be here any minute!”

Right on cue there was a bleeping outside, signalling that someone was entering the passcode and then there was shuffling around after the door clicked closed again.

“Jungkook, I swear this better be important,” they heard Jimin’s not very pleased voice. “You interrupted my binge watching of-“ Jimin was abruptly shut up after laying his eyes on Yoongi and Jungkook could see the sadness and happiness swimming in his eyes all at once.

“Me and Tae will leave you two to it then,” he spoke, pulling Taehyung in by the waist and dragging him towards the bedroom.

“Oh, I love this!” Taehyung exclaimed, clapping his hands together as Jungkook gently shut the door. “Love is such an adorable thing.”

“Yeah it is,” Jungkook replied, smiling goofily at the excited Taehyung sitting on his bed, even though it could technically be called ‘their bed’ now.

“Do you think they’ll hug? Kiss? Get married?”

“You’re getting a bit to ahead of yourself now,” Jungkook chuckled as he went over to lay down next to Taehyung. Jungkook wrapped his arms around the mermaid’s middle forcing him to lie down too. “Forget about them now. You’re beautiful.”

“Woah, that was straight forward,” Taehyung replied while turning and clinging onto him as they lay together. “But I guess I could say the same thing to you.” Taehyung brought one of his hands up to cup Jungkook’s cheek, stroking softly. Then he leaned in to place a small peck at his lips, letting it linger for a little. “You know one of the things on my bucket list was to kiss a human?”

“I’m not necessarily human but it still counts. Don’t want you going around kissing other people now do we?” Jungkook said, leaning in to kiss Taehyung again. “What else do you have on the list since we’ve completed two. I know we have to go to an aquarium, which I actually have entry tickets for tomorrow.”

“My last one is to sit on the beach and watch the stars and sea. I’m always inside the sea so I never get to see it like you guys do. I also never get to see the stars so I just really want to do that.” Taehyung replied, closing his eyes. “It’s the last thing but I might add more if I think of anything.”

“You want to go to the beach at night time is essentially what you’re saying?” Jungkook asked, moving a bit to stroke his boyfriend’s red hair.

“Yep,” Taehyung said peaking up at Jungkook’s face with one eye.

“Ok then,” Jungkook declared. “Let’s go now.”

“What? But we just came back from the beach.”

“So what? Let’s go.” Jungkook urged, pulling Taehyung up.

Taehyung laughed, trying his best to use all his weight to stay where he was standing on the floor, being careful not to use any mermaid strength. “I’m too tired, we’ll go tomorrow after our aquarium date.”

But Taehyung had no choice but to hold on tight when he was lifted up onto Jungkook’s back, letting out a squeal. Jungkook felt like he had achieved something great as he felt Taehyung cling tightly around his neck.

“Off we go!” Jungkook shouted, pulling the door open and heading out to the living room, only to abruptly stop. “Oh my god, are you guys being serious?”

They had been in Jungkook’s room for less than 15 minutes but there on the sofa was Jimin and Yoongi. Making out. Not even stopping to pull away after obviously hearing Jungkook’s voice.

“Seriously?” Jungkook exclaimed. “We didn’t need to see this.” Jungkook was shut up by Jimin’s middle finger that was given to him from behind Yoongi’s back. “Okay, wow. Me and Tae are off to the beach. Don’t do it on the sofa. Please. I sit there!”

“Oh my goddess,” Taehyung gushed. “You two are so cute!”

“Okay, that’s enough,” Jungkook sighed, already at the front door. “We’re going.”

Walking to the beach was fun but it was tiring, at least for Jungkook since he had a whole man on his back. Huffing, he gently set Taehyung down on the sand, only a few feet away from where the waves were coming in. He plopped down beside him, immediately putting his arm around his waist, bringing him in closer.

It was a beautiful night, the moon glistening and the stars twinkling, reflecting onto the dark sea perfectly. Though, Jungkook looked at it for a whole 5 seconds before turning to stare at the man beside him.

“Wow this is so beautiful,” Taehyung gawked. “I mean, I’ve seen it all before but tonight it just looks extra ethereal.”

Jungkook nodded, hardly listening as he continued to take in his boyfriend’s side profile. His perfectly chiselled jawline that was still rounded, his pretty long lashes and his full pouty lips. He didn’t even think before letting the words out. “You look ethereal.”

Taehyung snapped his head to face Jungkook, smiling and giggling softly. “Thanks?” Taehyung laughed, reaching forward and cupping Jungkook’s cheeks. “You’re so cute.”

Jungkook didn’t answer, didn’t want to answer, because all he wanted was to kiss Taehyung. Kiss him while the moon lit up his face almost as much as his smile did, kiss him while he stared at Jungkook with so much passion in his eyes. Kiss him while he had so much love in his eyes.

So he did.

One night Jungkook had been staring out at the sea, lonely and sad. That same night a person had crashed into him, faster than he had any time to react.

Taehyung had crashed into him.

But the love Jungkook felt for Taehyung had crashed into him faster than that. And Jungkook wouldn’t have had it any other way.