Chapter Text
Beep.
He lets out a sob. The room is cold, sterile. Beep. The machine continues its job, oblivious to the pain tainting the room. Beep.
He should have realized sooner.
Beep.
Memories run through his mind; their first date, first kiss. His first real, deep love.
Beep.
“Please..”
---
“Message from Namjoon!”
“Yes, yes,” Hoseok sighs at his computer yelling out at him, wishing there was an easier way to ignore messages without muting the whole system. “Okay computer, open message from Namjoon.”
“Hey Hoseok, just a reminder that the annual event with the deaf and mute association is coming up. You’re invited to come speak again, if you like.”
Hoseok snorts and opens up the chat client to type a reply.
You want me to speak to the deaf and mute? Amazing.
“You know what I mean. It’s just formalities, the only real requirement to attend is knowing tap code, which I know you can use. I’ll find someone to sign on the side for you. ”
Tap code is similar to Morse code, with each letter corresponding to a different sequence: you tap it on the receiving person’s hand or arm to communicate when it is otherwise not possible - it’s one of the only ways that Hoseok can communicate with the deaf or mute. He can, of course, verbally speak with other blind people, but when it comes to people who can’t hear or speak to him, tap code is his main way to converse, since he’s never taken the time to learn sign language - he can’t see it, after all. Most people don’t appreciate him trying to feel their hands while they are signing.
I guess so, tap code can be a pain though. It’s for like, a good cause and stuff right? Did they fundraise this year?
“Yes, of course! They raised a good amount, I think. I’m not in charge of the numbers, just the event… which is where you come in! You just have to inspire the crowd like always - they like to see people who are successful despite their disability. ”
Hey, don’t call it a disability. Just because my eyes don’t work doesn’t mean I can’t see.
“Right sorry, I keep forgetting! But you’re coming, right? It’s on Saturday. ”
Will you pick me up? And can Taehyung come?
“Fine, and yes, I’ll add his name. ”
:)
Namjoon finally dealt with, Hoseok reopens his work. He's in the middle of his next novel and really wanted to pump out at least another three thousand words before the end of the day. He cracks his knuckles; “Alexa, play Fake Love”.
Time to get to work.
---
Yoongi is a bit anxious. He didn’t particularly want to attend this event, but Namjoon was so damn persuasive. The government already covered his housing, but he said he’d write a recommendation and get his studio rental covered, too. Well played.
He looks around, taking in the people nearby. Everyone was given embossed name tags, stating both their names and whether they were blind, deaf, or otherwise, in braille and in writing. His own boldly read, “Min Yoongi - Mute”. Yoongi was impressed with the detail, considering the whole thing was basically a glorified party for contributors to the community.
It was too bad these events were always so… touchy. It isn’t really Yoongi’s thing, even though he knows it’s necessary. He prefers to sign when he can. Tap code is tedious and long, and maybe if it were more similar to sign language… but being an unpopular form of communication, it’s hardly evolved past letters.
“Yoongi!” Namjoon, with his nice tux and slicked hair, runs over with a wave. Yoongi half-heartedly returns it. “I’m so glad you could make it!”
Sure, the man says that, even though he’d literally bribed him to come here and present. At least he didn’t need to make his presentation long. Yoongi is a piano teacher for god's sake, he doesn’t have that much to talk about. He’s dreading that part of the evening - this many people looking at him isn’t good for his anxiety.
‘Where’s the bar?’ Yoongi signs. He wants a drink under his belt before he has to go up and try not to fumble his KSL in front of a hundred people. Namjoon just laughs, guiding him by the waist towards the far side of the room.
“You’ll be one of ten presenters tonight,” Namjoon talks in his ear, and the man, always observant, notices the tension in his shoulders. “Don’t be nervous, everyone here is happy for your success.”
Yoongi isn’t sure how being a children’s piano teacher is successful, or why other people would possibly care, but he keeps it to himself. He’s a functioning member of society, at least. It’s enough to warrant a government grant (thanks to the man leading him, of course. Dammit).
“If you can come backstage five minutes before we start, that would be great.”
He nods at the taller man, pursing his lips and giving an ‘ok’. Namjoon skips away, greeting people as he goes. Yoongi takes a deep breath and orders a glass of wine, trying not to drink it too quickly.
---
‘--and of course, teaching children music, mute and blind alike, leads to a more successful future. I’m grateful to have such a wonderful opportunity to help shape the growth of the next generation, thank you for continuously allowing me to do so.’
Yoongi stands in front of the well-dressed crowd waiting for the person audibly translating his signs to finish, keeping his face as pleasant as possible. There’s a small, polite round of applause and he walks off, Namjoon flashing a thumbs up and big smile from the side of the stage before running on himself.
“Thank you for that, Yoongi! We always appreciate your efforts to teach our children.” Namjoon is a great presenter, he has the voice for it. In another life, Yoongi wonders if the younger man might have done something with it, like a radio announcer or something. He wonders what his own voice would sound like. He hopes it’d have a deep and cool tone, similar to what Namjoon has.
“--final presenter, the wonderfully successful author is back again this year, please welcome Jung Hoseok to the stage!”
There are a few loud shouts in the audience as a tall, handsome man is led on stage. Yoongi doesn’t need to be told, he can tell from the way his eyes never seem to wander or focus on objects that the man is blind.
“I’m always honored to make it to your events, Namjoon. I see everyone here can relate - oh wait, no. I can’t see actually - I’m blind!”
There’s laughter amongst the crowd and Yoongi resists the urge to roll his eyes. It wasn’t like that was a particularly original line, and this guy was an author?
“In all seriousness though, it’s important for each of us to all realize our own potential. When I lost my vision, it was a struggle, and if it wasn’t for the help of a few friends along the way-” a whoop comes from somewhere in the sea of people. “-then I wouldn’t be where I am today.
“The most important thing is having a support system, and knowing who you can rely on and… ‘look’ up to.” A charming smirk follows his pun, and despite that, Yoongi is pretty sure this is the first speech he’s actually paid attention to the whole event. “I didn’t let being blind stop me from creating the stories in my mind, from building a universe and rich characters. And nobody here - or anywhere - should ever feel like they need to give up what they want to do because something makes it a little more difficult for them.
“I strongly believe that we can do anything we set our mind to with a little hard work, and I’m pleased to be able to help inspire people to do just that, every day. Namjoon here is trying really hard, and I want to thank him again for inviting us all here today. Keep doing what you’re doing, we in the community really appreciate it.”
He starts clapping and the room enthusiastically joins in. Yoongi finds himself smiling as Namjoon jumps up beside the author on stage and gives him a tight hug. A couple of the other presenters from the evening run back out to join in on what quickly became a large group hug, giving approving claps on the host’s back with large smiles. Yoongi keeps his eyes on the author though; he’s laughing, smile somehow mimicking a heart. He can’t see the others around him, but still reaches out to pull them closer. He gives off a kind, approachable vibe. It’s entrancing.
“Okay everyone, the buffet is out, please eat to your heart’s content,” Namjoon takes the microphone back for his final announcement, with a gesture to the tables at the back of the room. “This is to celebrate everyone’s hard work and contribution, so enjoy your evening!”
The group is coming off stage and Yoongi is still staring - and part of him thinks it’s fine, because Hoseok is blind, he can’t actually see him observing him, even if the act of staring itself is a little rude.
Someone runs up to the author, and Yoongi would usually find the newcomer’s silver hair interesting, except that he can’t seem to tear his eyes away from Hoseok, somehow completely commanding his attention even though his speech was long over.
“Hey,” Namjoon’s voice startles Yoongi out of his thoughts. “You did great today.”
Yoongi gives him a smile; ‘You too.’ His eyes wander back to the author, who’s talking amicably with the silver-haired boy. They must be close.
“He’s great, isn’t he?” Namjoon asks, and Yoongi realizes just how obvious he’s being to any sighted person. He nods shyly. “I’ve known him for a while, I’m glad he was able to come back this year. He really likes doing things for the community. His books are great too, he’s got amazing insight. You’d probably really enjoy them.”
They both stand in silence, observing the pair that was now across the room, heading to the buffet table; “Did you want me to introduce you?”
Yoongi freezes, heart skipping a beat, but the taller doesn’t wait for his answer, instead pulling him through the crowd and towards the handsome man he’s had his gaze fixed on for the last five minutes. His friend notices them first, throwing a smile towards Namjoon. Yoongi checks his nametag to see… “Kim Taehyung”. Just the name. He’s like Namjoon, then. Fully functional.
“Namjoon, hey!” Taehyung pulls Hoseok to face them. The silver-haired boy examines Yoongi carefully, eyes flicking to his nametag. “Oh, you were a presenter, right?”
Yoongi nods, he’s unsure if the kid knows sign language or not. Namjoon has a habit of signing things as he talks in case someone can’t hear him, even when unnecessary, but Taehyung doesn’t seem to do the same.
“Hoseok, this is Yoongi,” Namjoon smirks. “He’s non-verbal, but he was really looking forward to meeting you.”
He’s only seen the guy for the first time less than ten minutes ago, but okay - Namjoon is really going to be that way. Hoseok takes the initiative and sticks out his hand, full smile on his face; “Hi! It’s nice to meet you!”
Yoongi hesitantly takes it, trying to suppress the shivers that run up his spine. He’s staring into his face, and though his eyes aren’t focused on him, he still feels a little lightheaded from the interaction. He realizes belatedly that yes, he will have to touch this handsome stranger in order to talk to him beyond a handshake. Tap code really is the worst.
“I’m Taehyung!” a voice chirps beside Yoongi, who’d momentarily forgotten his surroundings. Right , there’s another person present. “My sign language sucks, so please go slowly if you use it.”
“His tap code is no good either,” Hoseok’s laugh rings out, and Yoongi swiftly releases his hand. “He’s spoiled because it’s so easy for me to just talk verbally to him.”
“Hey…” Taehyung pouts. “Don’t be mean! You don’t even know sign language!”
“Right, because I can’t actually see it.”
“Excuses.”
Yoongi lets out a laugh. His laughter is mostly just a lot of breath and not a lot of noise, but Hoseok picks up on it regardless, turning in his direction.
“Are you laughing?” he chimes. “That’s cute.”
Yoongi feels his face heat up, and he’s infinitely thankful that Hoseok can’t see his embarrassed expression, though he’s not unaware of Namjoon smirking at him.
“Man, that food looks so good,” Taehyung is focused on the buffet table. “Can you smell it? Catered food is the best.”
Taehyung guides Hoseok to the table, grabbing plates for each of them and placing the other’s hands on the guide tags underneath each of the fancy dishes. Namjoon excuses himself quietly, leaving the pianist to trail behind them. He’s unsure if he’s meant to follow or leave.
“Hey Yoongi,” Hoseok turns around, hands searching for him. “Where are you? Did he leave?”
Yoongi gently places his palm on the author’s outstretched arm.
“Oh, there you are,” Hoseok puts his hand over Yoongi’s, and it’s much too warm for his sanity, he wonders if the other can sense their chemistry or if it’s just him. “You’re a piano teacher, right?”
‘Yes,’ he taps out, with a nod for Taehyung, who’s watching them curiously.
“That’s so cool! I’ve always thought it would be neat to play an instrument!”
Yoongi isn’t sure how to respond, though he can relate. His parents had never approved of the arts, preferring more practical outlets. He wonders if it was the same for the other, before realizing that he must have had some support, seeing as he had ended up becoming an author.
They put the conversation on pause as they fill up their plates with food, various meats and fancy vegetables, Hoseok telling Taehyung what he wants. Yoongi realizes that he’s a sighted guide for the blind man, though they seem to have known each other for a while. He wants to ask but isn’t sure how to go about it, especially with a plate of food in his hands, effectively and ironically muting him.
Taehyung leads them to a table, sitting himself beside his friend without much thought. Hoseok immediately starts the conversation again as Yoongi sits down opposite them.
“So, Namjoon mentioned you really wanted to meet me? Are you a fan of my novels?”
Well fuck, of course he would eventually ask about that. He wants to tell him that Namjoon was really just teasing him, but he can’t very well reach across the table to tap out an answer. Taehyung notices his dilemma.
“You can just sign things out and I’ll tell Hoseok what you said.”
“That won’t really be much faster.” Hoseok laughs. “Seriously - it won’t. He’s so slow.”
“Literally nothing is slower than tap code,” Taehyung rolls his eyes. “Besides, you’re across the table from him. How’s he supposed to reach?”
Hoseok’s mouth falls into an O-shape, realizing the problem. Yoongi understands the logistics, though a part of him is sad he no longer has an excuse to touch the striking man.
‘Namjoon was just teasing me,’ Yoongi signs, and Taehyung stares wide-eyed at the movement, looking deeply concerned.
“Shoot, sorry, can you do that again? Slower?” he says, causing Hoseok to burst into a fit of laughter. Yoongi is captivated by the amount of pure joy that radiates off his being, it’s infectious and he feels a smile tug at his own lips. “Stop laughing! He already knows I’m bad at it!”
Yoongi slows down his movements this time, simplifying his words.
‘He was teasing me’.
“Tease…? Oh!” Taehyung gets it this time. “Namjoon was just teasing him!”
“Ohh,” Hoseok nods. “So you haven’t read my books then?”
Yoongi shakes his head to spare Taehyung the effort.
“He said no.”
“That’s too bad! I guess I’m not as famous as Namjoon makes me out to be!”
Taehyung snickers then returns his attention to Yoongi as he slowly signs out his question as simply as he can.
“What… are they about?”
“All sorts of things! I like writing about human interactions, so things of that nature. My latest novel, Blue Side, is a story about the lucid dreams of estranged lovers struggling to come to terms with their true selves.”
Yoongi finds himself nodding, the premise seems a lot softer than he imagined the man in front of him writing, imagining more of a thrilling tale than a love story.
They go back and forth like that over dinner, Yoongi signing to their translator and Hoseok answering verbally, Taehyung occasionally throwing his own prose in, along with the odd person stopping by to greet the table before they move onto other groups, making the rounds. Yoongi shares that he’s always loved piano, and that it was why he’d ended up teaching it. He learns that the pair met in high school - shortly after Hoseok had lost his eyesight. Taehyung is a year younger than Hoseok (and both are a few years younger than himself), but ended up in the same class since he’d lost a year of school learning how to adapt to suddenly being blind. Yoongi is curious as to how he’d lost his sight, but feels it’s rude to outright ask. The two seem to dance around the subject. It’s likely not a happy story, certainly not friendly dinner conversation.
There’s a brief, awkward moment when Taehyung excuses himself to go to the bathroom, halting their exchange as the remaining two sit in silence without their translator. Yoongi wants to keep talking. He finds the author to be interesting and funny, easy to carry a conversation with. Hoseok looks to be having a similar dilemma across from him, his fingers drumming on the surface of the table. The older quietly shifts himself around the table to sit beside the other so they can continue on their own.
“Thanks for sticking with me, I realize I’m not your ideal party buddy,” Hoseok says, noticing Yoongi’s presence beside him. Yoongi plays with Hoseok’s sleeve, the material smooth and silken, reminding him much of the person wearing it. “It’s pretty hard to talk to me, huh? I hope you’re not too frustrated.”
‘I’m not, you’re fine,’ Yoongi taps, hoping to convey his sincerity. ‘This is fun.’
“Thanks. I’m happy to hear that,” Hoseok breathes out a laugh. “You know, your tapping is so gentle. Some people tap really hard. Is this because you play the piano, or are you just a gentle soul?”
Yoongi’s shoulders shake with laughter. The line is so cheesy, something you’d rather read than hear out loud, yet he says it so easily.
‘I didn’t notice, should I tap harder?’
“Nah, keep doing it your way, I like it.”
Their little conversation ends there as Taehyung returns with cake, not commenting on the changed positions.
---
They’re relaxing, bellies full with dessert when Namjoon clears his throat from the microphone stand on the stage. A hush comes over the room as everyone turns to give him their attention.
“I hope everyone has been enjoying their evening so far!” There’s a short round of applause, which he waits to finish before continuing, his hands signing along as he speaks. “We are going to end our evening today with a bit of a tradition - a little dance for everyone to let loose and have fun.”
There’s a mixed reaction from the crowd, some people groaning, others laughing. There are a few cheers.
“That being said, are there any volunteers to start off the evening?”
The room falls silent, nobody raising their hands, everyone suddenly shy. Namjoon nods as if he expected it.
“Alright, well how about I nominate a few people then?” The room holds its breath, everyone collectively hoping that they aren’t called out. “Min Yoongi! Jung Hoseok! Get up here you guys!”
Yoongi’s heart drops to his stomach. He gives Hoseok a panicked look (that he later realizes he can't even see), who seems equally as surprised but less frightened. Taehyung is immediately at their side, ready to lead the blind man to the front, snickering violently. He realizes right then that Taehyung had definitely not gone to the bathroom when he’d left before, he knew this tradition was going to happen. He had planned their downfall. Yoongi gives him a dumbfounded look, but the devious man simply grabs their hands and leads both of them to the dance floor. Namjoon is still saying things; congratulating them for coming up, goading the audience into applause for the two on 'being so brave'.
“By the way - they’re both single, ladies!” Namjoon calls out when they’re at the front, and Yoongi turns three shades darker than he already is. There’s a few whoops and a whistle around them and Hoseok lets out a laugh, likely to cover his embarrassment rather than finding the remark truly funny.
“I mean, he’s not wrong I guess, I probably work too much to meet people,” Hoseok smiles, his face angled downward, as if he was trying to stare hard at the floor to hide his face. Yoongi doesn’t have a chance to respond before Taehyung pushes Hoseok forward. He latches his hand around Yoongi’s shoulders, leaving the pianist to fumble and grab his waist, stabilizing their stance. The author grabs his free hand, holding it outwards in something akin to a proper dance position. They’re impossibly close.
“You have to lead me, I don’t know where we’re going.”
Alarmed, Yoongi taps out over their clasped hands; ‘I don’t know what to do!’, desperately trying to communicate his dread - there’s only so much tap code can get across.
“It’s alright, nobody expects us to be perfect, just do your best.”
‘You seem comfortable.’
“I am.”
‘I would be too if I couldn’t see everyone staring.’
“For me, the only thing I need to focus on right now is the person in front of me. Right? Besides, I used to dance in school, it’s all muscle memory, who needs eyes?”
The music starts and Yoongi immediately trips over his own foot, Hoseok pulling him back up easily; “Slow down, it’s alright.”
He’s right, the music is leisurely, not quick. There’s no rush. He ignores the people he hears laughing somewhere behind him and focuses in on his partner.
“Step back with your right foot,” Hoseok instructs, Yoongi follows without complaint, the other mirroring him. “Great, now forward with your left.”
Again, Yoongi complies, and they fall into a rhythm, Hoseok giving little instructions so that Yoongi can properly lead them. He can feel himself relaxing - this is fun. Hoseok’s instructions are clear and easy to follow. He feels secure.
“There are other people dancing now, right?” Hoseok asks after a little while, tightening his grip on Yoongi’s shoulder. “The spotlight isn’t on us anymore?”
He looks around - and yes, he’s right. There are other people on the floor, now - a few pairs, and two bigger groups dancing in a circle. He sees Namjoon going from table to table, encouraging people to get up and join in. The rest of the room has quietly resumed their conversations.
‘There is no spotlight.’ Yoongi taps, hoping Hoseok will detect his sarcasm.
“I’ll take that as a yes then.”
They both laugh, and Yoongi is enjoying this more than he ever would have thought possible. Hoseok’s easy confidence somehow gives himself that little extra bit of poise he needs to ignore his surroundings. Sure, dancing together is probably harder than it should be, there’s lots of stepping on toes and moments filled with breathy laughter… but it’s enjoyable.
“You know…” Hoseok slides his hand down along Yoongi’s form, the two still swaying in time. His breath hitches, and he really doesn’t know what he’s getting at. “I feel like you’re really cute.”
Yoongi’s mouth gapes open. Hoseok drags his hand up to his face, and Yoongi tenses, nearly tripping. He loosens when he realizes that the author is trying to get a sense of what he looks like - cute? Does Hoseok think he looks - no, feels - cute?
“You feel thin and slouchy,” Hoseok says fondly, drawing a circle on his chin with his thumb before falling back to his shoulder and whispering; “Exactly my type.”
Yoongi feels his heart skip a beat, brain coming to a halt as he freezes. They stop dancing, Hoseok noticing his unease.
“Sorry I didn’t mean-” he begins, pulling away, but stops when Yoongi grabs his hand tap out a response.
‘You too.’
Hoseok swallows heavily. “I’m glad then.”
Yoongi wraps his arms around the other’s waist, pulling him closer this time. Their chests nearly touching. Was he being too bold?
A second later, the taller snakes his arm back around Yoongi’s shoulder, and he swears he can hear the younger’s heart beating fast. He wouldn’t be surprised if Hoseok could hear his own as well.
“Man..!” comes a voice, startling the two out of their trance. “I’m bored, I thought you two dancing together would be funnier.”
It’s Taehyung. Yoongi drops his hands, releasing his hold on Hoseok. They shyly step away from each other.
“You orchestrated the whole damn thing, didn’t you?” Hoseok says, mock annoyance in his tone as he faced his friend’s general direction (he was a little off). “I should have known it was a bad idea to let you come.”
“You invited me!”
“Something I’ll regret forever.” Hoseok shakes his head, facing back towards Yoongi, who allows him to grab his waist.
“We’re going to go eat another slice of cake now, you can be bored on your own,” Hoseok sticks out his tongue and turns in the completely wrong direction for the buffet table.
“Yoongi, help me, I don’t know where it is.”
Taehyung dissolves into laughter and takes his friend’s free arm; “Don’t worry, your knight in shining armor is here.”
“If you’re talking about yourself, you’re definitely the dragon.”
“Why do you hate me?”
Yoongi smiles at the duo, thinking he could definitely get used to having them around.
He asks Hoseok for his number when they’re seated again, discreetly using tap code on his thigh when Taehyung is distracted. The author seems delighted to give it to him.
Yoongi returns home that evening, collapsing on his bed with a smile still stretched across his face, happier than he’s ever been.