Chapter Text
Taehyung doesn't necessarily expect much from life. His dreams are average, his goals hardly a challenge and his future keeps looking duller as the days pass. Some could argue he is not really living with the way he carries himself but Taehyung can’t find a single part of him that cares.
It’s been years since he has admitted defeat. He has made peace with just living out an average life. He will finish school, work, maybe find someone to keep him company, (maybe he will just get a pet) and then he will die of old age. Or some critical disease will end things quicker. Either way, the end is all the same.
It’s a morbid philosophy, one that he doesn't share with any of his friend— by friends he means Hoseok, Namjoon and Jungkook but even that’s a stretch. He doesn't talk to Namjoon much these days and ignoring Hoseok is getting easier, Taehyung hasn't even seen him in three weeks. By definition, Jungkook is probably his only friend right now and sharing his views with him would only put a strain in their friendship.
Sometimes Jungkook likes to believe he can solve everything and because of that, there was a time that Taehyung thought Jungkook could fix him. But that believe was based on delusion. If Jungkook ever knew how Taehyung felt, no doubt he would try to help and the truth is, Taehyung doesn't want help.
He is okay just waiting for the years to go by. He will put effort in being normal but he is no longer going to go out of his way to achieve something he doesn't even deserve in the first place. The past eight years have taught him that.
Which is why as he reads over the last email he received from an acquaintance, he is not surprised with the situations he has found himself in.
Taehyung is in his last semester of college. After five long years, he is finally going to close this chapter of his life. However, unlike the previous years, Taehyung can no longer afford to live in the dorms. His scholarship used to cover eighty percent of the expenses but due to a recent increase in students and the new minimum wage in the country, that number has gone down to sixty percent. Not to mention as a part time student he wasn't receiving much anyways.
Taehyung still needs to buy two overpriced textbooks and pay for one of his classes. School has already started but he was given his last year’s dorm for a month until a transfer student comes to claim the room. He only has three weeks left and Taehyung honestly thought he had it solved since he and two other students from his program had made plans to move to a small house just half an hour away from campus.
The email he just received is from one of said students. Apparently, they don’t need him anymore. They have someone else willing to split rent with them and that person is more ‘reliable’ so they are sure he will ‘understand’ why he is a better pick than Taehyung.
It’s not like this had been Taehyung’s plan in the first place. It’s not like Taehyung had been the one to talk to the landlord as well as to secure the place with his credit. He can’t even fight for that place since there is no way he can afford rent by himself and there is even less of a chance he can find someone willing to split rent at this time.
Taehyung closes his eyes, takes a deep breath and decides to forget about this until he is done his eight hour shift at the diner.
-o-
The cherry on top to all his problems comes a week later with an assignment from his only elective class.
Taehyung is majoring in computer programming and that has been his sole focus for the past five years. It’s his last semester and he has finally allowed himself an elective that doesn't necessarily connect with his major; the photography of people. Who knew that would be his downfall.
Taehyung has no idea how photography works. He loves the idea of taking beautiful pictures, specially of people, but he has never photographed anyone or much less owned a decent camera. He knows how to take a selfie but he doubts that will do much help. This class had been a nice dream and Taehyung had been so ready to just learn and enjoy every second of what was suppose to be an easy class.
Turns out, it’s not that easy. Also, his professor is reviewed to be the hardest marker out there and if Taehyung wants to maintain his GPA he needs an eighty or higher. It’s been two weeks of class and he has already failed to submit one assignment in regards to understanding a camera and now that the next assignment has been assigned, Taehyung might have a heart attack.
He needs a model, a person, a friend— the professor had said. He needs someone he is close to. Someone he has history with. More than half of the assignments will now depend on that. That’s why half the class had been more than excited. Who doesn't have a girlfriend or boyfriend they can photograph? Or a friend or a family member?
What is Taehyung suppose to do now? He can count his ‘friends’ in one hand. His siblings live miles away as well as any other family member he has. To make matters worse there are rumours that the person they pick is going to have to be their permanent model for the rest of the semester since the assignments seem to be connected.
Taehyung is going to be homeless in two weeks if he doesn't find somewhere to stay so paying someone to do it is out of the question. He is struggling with money as it is. Not to mention that asking any random person wont do because it’s important to show his connection with the model through his pictures— whatever that means. Taehyung is screwed. Completely. There is no point in even wasting more time thinking about it. He was screwed the moment the professor even thought of this assignment.
“Taehyung!”
Taehyung sighs from his spot before he pushes all his worries away and tries to find the energy to form an honest smile for Jungkook. Once he feels relaxed, Taehyung turns towards the direction of his friend’s voice. “Hey!”
Jungkook jogs the remaining distance between them. He has two cups in his hands, one of which he gives to Taehyung the moment they finish their greetings. Taehyung thanks him and congratulates him on his latest victory for the volleyball team as he takes a zip from his favourite hot chocolate.
“It was an easy game, I wish you could have been there.” Jungkook says with a smile as they both start moving towards the school’s library.
“I had to pick up a shift, I’m sorry. I’ll make it for the next one.” Jungkook nods at this but Taehyung can tell he doesn't really believe him. With good reason.
“You've been working a lot these days! Still have those two jobs?” Three jobs actually. Taehyung works at a convenience store, a diner and on the weekends he cleans gyms. Taehyung shrugs to avoid having to openly lie to Jungkook. “Will you be okay with all the school work? Two jobs is a lot, you barely had time in the summer to see me.”
“I’ll manage.” Taehyung says, “If it gets too hard I’ll quit the diner. The tips aren't that great any ways.”
Jungkook laughs, patting his shoulder as they continue their walk. On Wednesday’s Taehyung has two classes, the photography one he had this morning and a computer programming one he has in the evening. Because of this, Taehyung cant work Wednesday’s. Instead in between his classes he goes to the library and works on his homework and readings. Jungkook has a similar schedule so he joins him for a few hours.
They usually just spend the first hour talking. Jungkook always has a lot to say and Taehyung doesn't mind just listening. He Jungkook tries to bring up Namjoon and Hoseok a lot and he lets him, refusing to say much about them. Jungkook looks disappointed when he doesn't ask about them or when he doesn't agree to meet up with them and sometimes Jungkook actually asks if anything is wrong or if they have wronged him in any way. Taehyung just tells him he is too busy to try and visit them and that it really hasn't been that long since he has seen them.
Taehyung also asks about Kim Seokjin to distract Jungkook.
Jungkook used to avoid talking about him because he felt like Taehyung deserved better than to listen to him rant about the boy he cheated with. Taehyung has long since forgiven him for what happened so he doesn't really have any hard feelings for Seokjin. Life’s too short anyways, If Seokjin makes Jungkook happy, who is he to judge that?
Except Seokjin doesn't make Jungkook all that happy. They fight too much. They talk too little. Since his uncle’s wedding a few months ago when Jungkook and Seokjin patched up their relationship things haven’t been all that great. They are still seeing each other, which is more than anyone had expected. But Jungkook always looks so exhausted after seeing Seokjin and it’s not like their meet ups include anything but sex.
But Jungkook loves him. That’s why he puts up with everything. Jungkook has loved Seokjin for years now and Taehyung doesn't need to know Seokjin to know the elder returns his feelings. Yet happiness can’t seem to find them and Taehyung wonders if it’s just because they are just so stupid.
“Jin said he would show me how to play the piano.” Jungkook is saying, “I’m thinking of taking a music class next semester. That would help, no?”
Taehyung nods, thinking of a conversation he once had with Namjoon.
“His brother plays the piano so he has always wanted to learn. Yoongi would never teach him though.”
“Someone else could teach him.”
“It wouldn't be the same.” Namjoon adds sadly.
“What about the guitar?” Taehyung suggests, the memory leaving a bitter taste.
Jungkook frowns slightly but then his face breaks out into a smile. “Hyung can play the guitar, too!” Taehyung smiles at his excitement. “Oh! Speaking of the arts, how is that photography class going?”
Taehyung’s smile almost falls but he quickly catches himself. “Uh, great actually.” He says, looking away.
“The department gave you a camera, right? You are going to take pictures of me, right?”
It crosses his mind then, asking Jungkook to be his model. It’s his only option anyways. Jungkook is his closest friend. Jungkook would be delighted to do it, especially if it meant helping Taehyung out. Jungkook and him have a great relationship that would look beautifully displayed through pictures. Jungkook wouldn't say no. He should ask him. Why hasn't he asked him yet?
“Actually—“
Jungkook’s phone rings cutting Taehyung off just as they reach the library. He answers it quickly, talking for a few seconds, looking a little confused. “Are you sure?” He says and Taehyung can vaguely hear the voice of the other person. “Yeah, I can help.” Jungkook says, “Erin, don’t worry, I’ll go.” He says his goodbyes then and hangs up with a sigh. “Sorry Tae, Erin just called to tell me the gym instructor is sick and they need me to run and help with a first year class.”
“Oh,” Taehyung says, “yeah, uh, go ahead.”
Jungkook smiles at him, “I’ll make it up to you!” And then he is gone and Taehyung is left standing outside the library, thinking of the stupidity he was about to do.
Of course Jungkook would say yes to modeling for him but why would Taehyung even ask that from him? Why would he ask Jungkook —captain of the volleyball and soccer team, part time dance teacher, member of the student body, mathematics and biology major, psychology minor, honour roles student— to give some of his time to Taehyung for some pictures?
Taehyung will just find a way to do the assignment so at least he gets marks for trying. He has bigger problems anyways.
-o-
The thing about Fridays is that it’s the busiest day of the week for Taehyung. Two early classes for his major and then he has a shift at the convenience store before he works the late diner shift. He barely has half an hour in between all those things and he can never afford being late for anything. Usually he manages just fine but now...
Taehyung’s professor had emailed him, saying he forgot his textbook in class. They have a project due next week and if Taehyung doesn't work on it over the weekend, he wont get it done in time. He got the email on his break at the convenience store. As soon as he is done his shift he has to rush back to school, find his professors office, get his book and then rush straight to the diner. If it all works well Taehyung will probably just be five minutes late.
But of course things were never meant to go well. Not for him.
Taehyung leaves the convenience store ten minutes late because of a rowdy customer. He then misses a stop on his bus because it was way too crowded and he couldn't get out. It takes more than ten minutes to track his professor. He takes his text book after five minutes of hearing his professor lecture him about irresponsibility. Taehyung is now running fifteen minutes late and to top it off—
He bumps into Park Jimin.
At first he doesn't know it’s Jimin and Jimin must not know it’s him because he apologizes wholeheartedly as Taehyung collects his textbook and lunch he was carrying in a paper bag. Taehyung apologizes as well, cursing himself for being such an idiot and then he looks up and meets Jimin’s eyes.
Jimin’s expression changes instantly. The small smile and sheepish look he has disappears as an annoyed look takes place on his features.
Taehyung stutters when he attempts another apology and Jimin’s eyes narrow. “It’s you.” He says and Taehyung bites his lip as the discomfort settles in his stomach.
“Hi, uh, sorry. I, I wasn't looking—“
“Clearly.” Jimin mumbles and just like that he is walking away.
It takes two minutes for Taehyung to collect himself. There are too many thoughts rushing through his mind right now. So many memories he keeps buried away. There are words Taehyung wishes he could speak and for a second he thinks about following after Jimin.
But it would all be fruitless. Taehyung breathes in deeply and runs to catch his bus. He makes it to the diner at 7:27 and gets in a lot of trouble.
The rest of his day just drags on after that and Taehyung can’t help but think of Jimin a few times. Jimin and his stupid smile that he directs to everyone but him. Jimin, the kindest person everyone has ever met— yet Taehyung has never really experienced his kindness, has he?
Jimin, to Taehyung, is mostly still just a myth because the Jimin he knows is nothing like the Jimin he is told about. Jimin, as far as he knows, is a very private person, easily angered and hurt. He is Taehyung’s age, if not a little older. He is gorgeous and his cold personality gives him this sort of unattainable air. He is good at everything. He is talented, smart, hardworking—
He is a lot of things Taehyung isn't and for some reason that thought bother him for the rest of the night. That and the question that circles at the back of his head; what was Jimin even doing at Taehyung’s school?
-o-
Jungkook is sleeping with one arm under the pillow and the other awkwardly twisted almost completely under his body. How he got into that position is quite endearing since Seokjin knows well how much he moves during the night— but he has to stop those thoughts before they settle in his mind. Thinking about Jungkook being endearing is never a smart move, not with the way it makes his body feel.
Seokjin sighs, taking one last glance at the boy he is leaving deep asleep before he grabs his jacket and walks out of the room.
They chose a hotel this time. They have been going to Seokjin’s apartment the last few times but things started getting too domestic, bringing out this discomfort in Seokjin that made him moody enough for Jungkook to be just as affected. Not to mention Yoongi is dealing with a lot of pressure from work and is spending most nights in Seokjin’s apartment stealing his alcohol— Yoongi and Jungkook running into each other would be a terrible idea. So after explaining briefly this concern and Jungkook biting his lip, holding back his anger for more than a few reasons, they agreed on a hotel.
They talked about what hotels imply once, as rare as them actually talking about anything concerning their relationship sounds. Hotels imply things that leave their love looking cheap and temporary. Meeting up, paying a few hundreds to fuck for the night and then part ways... it’s a joke. But it’s necessary, Seokjin had argued, it’s the only way they can spend time together. Jungkook had wanted to argue back with ‘it’s the only way you will spend time with me,’ Seokjin could tell but chose to act oblivious.
Because it’s not like they don’t know, it’s not like everyone doesn't know, that their relationship is the way it is because of Seokjin.
Seokjin leaves the hotel with a weird feeling in his gut, like always. He walks a bit to a coffee shop nearby and after drinking his small Americano he calls an Uber. Half way home his phone rings and Seokjin answers it with a sigh.
“You don’t have eggs.” Says Yoongi before Seokjin gets a chance to say ‘hello’.
“I’m going grocery shopping tonight.”
Yoongi grunts, “can’t you pick some up on the way back?”
Seokjin rolls his eyes even though Yoongi can’t see, “can’t you go to the convenience store that’s right in front of my apartment?”
“Be home soon.” Yoongi orders and then hangs up. Seokjin sighs once again, knowing well Yoongi won’t be getting anything.
Seokjin’s Uber drops him of right in front of his building. He crosses the street towards the convenience store and heads straight for the eggs. If he is buying then at least that means Yoongi will cook. He grabs some bread and apples on his way to the check out and when he arrives to stand in line his phone rings again.
Seokjin always checks the caller ID, disliking any type of surprises. His first thought is to ignore the call and because he is next in line, he does so. He pays for his stuff, letting the phone ring on the counter and by the time his receipt is printed the phone has stopped ringing. When he walks out the store and crosses the street it rings again and this time he answers.
“Yeah?”
“Hyung,” Jungkook says, and no matter how tired he sounds Jungkook can hear the relief in his tone.
“Good morning.” Seokjin says, entering his building and going towards the mail boxes.
“‘Morning. I uh, forgot to ask you something.” Seokjin hums and Jungkook continues, “next week is my moms birthday. She, she wants to have dinner. With us?”
Seokjin sucks in a breath. He grabs his mail and locks his mail box as silence settles in the call. After a few seconds he finally responds. “With us?” He asks but he is sure Jungkook hears the actual question; ‘with me?’
“Yeah, I mentioned we uh, met up during the wedding and well...” he trails of and Seokjin already knows what he is implying.
“You told her we are dating?” Seokjin asks, going up the stairs to his apartment.
“Not exactly, but I am sure she suspects.” His heart beat seems to be picking up speed and Seokjin can’t quite decide if it’s from the stairs or the conversation.
Are we dating? Seokjin asks himself once he finally reaches his floor. He bites his lip due to his nerves, he feels unsure of this conversation. There is this fear that’s threatening to take over his mind and probably ruin everything with Jungkook but god, he can’t do that. Not after everything. He is the oldest one here— he shouldn't be the stepping stone in this relationship. “Okay.” Seokjin says, reaching for his keys to unlock the door. “Yeah, okay. So birthday dinner?”
Jungkook doesn't reply immediately and Seokjin hates to think it’s probably because he is shocked with his response. He bites his lip as he patiently waits for Jungkook to say something and when he finally does he is glad his tone is no different. “I rather we do lunch. Dinner is going to probably be with her boyfriend and yeah, you don’t have to deal with that.” Right. His mom is dating someone, Seokjin thinks as he finally gets the door open. “Is Wednesday okay? Around noon?”
Seokjin hums, thinking of his schedule as Yoongi steps out of the kitchen. He walks straight to Seokjin and takes the bag of groceries from him before Seokjin can even take off his shoes. “Wednesday is fine.” Seokjin replies, “should I bring anything? A present?” Yoongi raises an eyebrow at him before he notices the phone. He says nothing as he turns back towards the kitchen.
On the line, Jungkook is quite for a second and Seokjin starts to panic, thinking he might have said something to offend him. “You don’t have to, hyung.” He finally says cautiously and Seokjin clearly hears the strain and silent ‘you would do that?’ and for some reason that leaves his heart feeling a little cold.
Seokjin leaves his jacket hanging near the door on the coat rack and proceeds to walk towards the kitchen. “Okay. She likes flowers, right?” He muses instead of asking why Jungkook sounds so vulnerable. Why getting a present for his mom, something that’s so simple and caring, would ever be a bother to him. How bad have I hurt you? Seokjin thinks, how badly do you think of me?
“Sunflowers.”
“Sunflowers.” Seokjin confirms, noticing Yoongi’s attention shifting towards him. Seokjin mentally prays that the conversation ends before he accidentally triggers Yoongi’s anger. “Anything else?”
“Uhm, no. I’m checking out of the hotel room right now.” Jungkook says though it wasn't really what Seokjin was asking.
“Okay,” he says because he can’t think of anything else. “I’ll see you Wednesday?”
“Tomorrow?” Jungkook immediately says, “my place?”
Seokjin sighs, “your place?” Jungkook lives with Namjoon and he knows Hoseok spends a lot of time there. Last time he bumped into Namjoon things had been extremely awkward between them, they had barely spoken a word. Which wasn't worse than the last time he had seen Hoseok— they almost got into a fist fight. “I don’t want to run into Namjoon or Hoseok.”
Yoongi stops whisking the eggs for a second, his back tensing as Jungkook replies; “they won’t be around. Promise.”
It’s a bad idea. Seokjin has been avoiding going to Jungkook’s place for more reasons than his house-mates. “Come to my place instead.” Yoongi immediately turns to him to glare so Seokjin adds; “Yoongi won’t be around.”
Jungkook makes a small sound that Seokjin can’t decipher before he says “okay.”
The tone of his voice has Seokjin’s heart clenching painfully. He swallows back an apology —for what, he is not too sure— and makes a pleased sounds before he chirps “great. See you tomorrow.” He hangs up before Jungkook can respond.
It’s silent in the kitchen for a whole minute before Yoongi breaks it with a snort. “Still fucking with my brother, I see.” He has gone back to cooking the eggs and Seokjin himself is reaching for the apples he bought to cut them in pieces.
“I’m not fucking with him.” Seokjin says with a sigh, “are you acknowledging my relationship?”
Yoongi snorts, “relationship? Is that what we are calling it now?” It stings, hearing those words but Seokjin chooses to keep quiet to let Yoongi voice out his annoyance with the situation. “Did you guys patch things up? Are we all forgiven? Do you think it’s going to work this time around?”
There is something in Yoongi’s tone, sinister, bitter and smug. It forces Seokjin’s mind to project memories he tries to keep buried in the past.
Seokjin rejecting a kids advances. Seokjin trying so hard to be Jungkook’s friend. Seokjin watching Jungkook with someone else. Seokjin ruining Jungkook with a kiss. Attraction. Tension. Fear. Pain. Confusion. Alcohol and then— Yoongi beneath him panting. Jungkook slamming his fists against the wall. The look of disgust Jungkook had pierced him with.
“I’m going to teach him the piano.” Seokjin says pushing those memories aside, his words perfectly calculated to get a specific reaction from Yoongi.
Silence follows his statement and Seokjin dares to glance towards Yoongi’s direction to see said boy’s head down and fists clenched tightly. “No.” Yoongi says after a bit, his voice sounding both hurt and angry. “No, you are fucking not.”
It’s sickening, how Seokjin can’t stop himself from wanting to cause pain in Yoongi. But he started it, Seokjin thinks as he says; “I think it’s my decision—“
“I didn't teach you so you could teach him.”
“I can do what I want—“
“No!” Yoongi snaps, “goddammit, no. Music is mine.” Yoongi hisses, looking at Seokjin with wide eyes that remind him so much of Jungkook’s eyes when he found out Seokjin had fooled around with his bother. “He fucking has everything else. He took everything else from me. Let me have this.” Yoongi swallows, “you wanna fuck him? Fine. Marry him? Fine. Do whatever you want. I’m sorry I said anything.” Yoongi says because of course he understands why Seokjin is acting this way. They've known each other for more than a decade; they've been friends for years. “Just not the piano.”
Seokjin says nothing to that and Yoongi must take his silence as a positive answer. He goes back to making his eggs and Seokjin goes back cutting the apples.
They don’t talk through breakfast. Yoongi leaves right after and Seokjin barely finds the energy to make it to bed to sleep the pulsing pain he feels in his heart away.
-o-
The first time Seokjin met Jungkook was at Yoongi’s poetry competition, a few months after Seokjin’s 16th birthday.
By some miracle Yoongi had made it through the finals of a three month competition and Seokjin alongside Jimin and Namjoon had skipped school to drive down to the small town that was hosting the finals with the believe that Yoongi would definitely win and receive the thousand dollar first place reward.
Seokjin had tolerated Namjoon and Jimin’s gross flirting in the long two hour drive just for Yoongi. And it had all been worth it when they arrived to see Yoongi’s wide gummy surprised smile when he caught sight of them. But that smile had quickly faded when Yoongi’s mother arrived shortly after.
At first Seokjin had no idea who the woman was but Yoongi had spat out ‘mother’ as a greeting and a quick glance over enabled Seokjin from noticing the few similarities they shared in their facial structure.
Yoongi’s mother had been very polite. Namjoon had introduced himself first and Jimin and Seokjin has both chirped in their names without much thought. They were shocked at first since they all knew Yoongi’s mother didn't live in the country, or so Yoongi had said (something about work). But it became obvious that Yoongi had lied when the conversation escalated quickly to something none of them were prepared for.
“What are you doing here?”
“I told your father I wanted to see you. You haven’t visited in a while. Didn't he tell you?”
“I told him I didn't want to see you.”
“Yoongi, we just want to support you.”
“You can leave.”
“Hyung.” Jimin had interrupted looking scandalized and Seokjin is glad because he himself couldn't believe Yoongi was being this disrespectful to his mother.
Yoongi had frowned then, looking a little upset at making Jimin upset. Before he could say anything however, another voice broke through the silence shocking Seokjin so much he nearly snapped his neck turning towards the voice.
“Hyung.” Said a little kid hiding behind Yoongi’s mother. He looked so small, no wonder Seokjin hadn't noticed him. Suddenly the whole ‘we’ made sense.
“You brought him?” Yoongi hissed looking beyond angry and Seokjin watched with shock as the kid flinched stepped back looking ready to cry.
“Yoongi-ah! Don’t yell at your brother like that.”
Brother!? Seokjin wanted to yell and by the looks of both Jimin and Namjoon’s expressions they probably felt the same way. Seokjin actually found the strength to turn towards Yoongi, ready to question him without regret before he could say any other rude and out of line comment, however, before he could get a word out the competition was starting and Yoongi was walking away.
Yoongi’s mother had smiled tightly at them and excused herself before dragging a now silently sobbing kid towards the seating area. Seokjin had stared at Namjoon and Jimin with disbelief before they all silently agreed to leave this conversation for later.
Seokjin remembers not paying attention to any part of the competition, his mind too occupied with the thought that Yoongi had been lying about his family all this time. He even caught himself glancing towards the woman and child that probably didn't deserve such cold treatment from his friend.
When the competition ended, Yoongi coming in third place, Yoongi texted them to meet in the parking lot. There, Yoongi basically forced them out the town in the speed of light. He refused to say anything throughout the drive, in fact, Yoongi never gave any of them an explanation until a year and a half later.
The second time Seokjin met Jungkook (properly, this time) was when Yoongi went to the hospital for a mild ear surgery.
It had been a stressful month for both Yoongi and Seokjin. Obviously Yoongi had been suffering the most since physical pain had been a part of his hardships with that terrible ear infection. But Seokjin had suffered too.
Close to graduating high school, Seokjin had been applying to universities back and forward. He had been extremely stressed with the amount of school work not to mention his job was taking part in many changes and the management team was driving Seokjin up the wall.
In fact, the three days Seokjin spent in the hospital keeping Yoongi company, had been the most relaxing days for him, regardless of the worry he felt for Yoongi.
It was on the third day of his visits -a few hours before Yoongi was discharged- that Seokjin ran into Jungkook as the kid was coming out of Yoongi’s room.
“Who the hell are you?” Seokjin asked, raising an eyebrow as the boy’s eyes widened with fear as he gulped. Still, the kid said nothing and Seokjin crossed his arms, “do I need to call the police? This is a private room, only friends and family are allowed.“
“I’m family.” The kid interrupted and Seokjin caught the exact moment he realized he spoke without really thinking. “I mean—I— sorry, yeah, I...“
“...you're his bother.” Seokjin ended, finally recognizing the kid. The kid looked shocked at first but he nodded, biting his lip, looking so lost. “What’s your name?” Seokjin asked, curiously.
“Jungkook.” The kid said.
“Did you get to talk to Yoongi?” Seokjin asked after a moment of silence. Jungkook took a few seconds before he answered by shaking his head ‘no’. “Do you want to come inside with me?”
“He doesn't want to talk to me.” Jungkook said and Seokjin nearly winced at the pain those words carried.
“If you want I can try to reason with him...”
“No.” Jungkook said. “Thank you.” And just like that he was walking away and Seokjin had to hold back a snort because that is definitely something Yoongi would do.
He told Yoongi all about his encounter with Jungkook once they were in Yoongi’s room later that day and Yoongi finally opened up about him after some nagging.
“He is the reason my parents divorced.” Yoongi explained, his hands formed into fists. “He is nothing but an annoying brat. He is so fucking spoiled. He cried all the time.”
“He is what, ten?” Seokjin joked and Yoongi rolled his eyes.
“Twelve, I think. Doesn't matter, he is a brat. Dad wouldn't be such a drunk if he hadn't been born.” Yoongi had mumbled. “He once told me he didn't think Jungkook was his.”
“Your mom cheated? Is that why they divorced?”
Yoongi snorted, “god, no. My dad would just say that cause Jungkook was bad at everything. It took forever to potty train him. My dad refused to believe such a failure was his own blood.”
That’s mean, Seokjin thought, but Yoongi was still dozed up in pain medication and the last thing Seokjin wanted to do was upset his friend over something so trivial.
Yoongi talked a bit more about his mom and dad but he didn't say anything else about Jungkook for the rest of the night. The next times the conversation would rise Seokjin would always let Yoongi just rant, he never offered much of an input but he could tell that talking about it helped Yoongi with coping with it. It was always just about his parents, however. Yoongi always refused to say much about Jungkook, treating him as an unbearable topic and always saying nothing but mean and rude things towards him.
Till this day Seokjin wonders if Jungkook turning up to be Namjoon’s roommate is karma for the years Yoongi spent bad mouthing him.
“I thought his name sounded familiar.” Namjoon told Seokjin after explaining why Yoongi was refusing to talk to him. “He was the only candidate that offered first and last payments. I should have asked about his family but... do you think hyung will forgive me?”
“Namjoon,” Seokjin said, feeling a headache coming, “Yoongi is being a baby. How were you suppose to know that was his brother if he never talks about him with you.”
Namjoon hummed, “Jungkook didn't even know I was friends with him.”
Seokjin nodded, “Yoongi will get over it.”
“Highly unlikely.” Said a new voice and Seokjin nearly felt his heart reach his throat in surprise.
That was the third time Seokjin met Jungkook. Seokjin was twenty one and by what he had gathered from Namjoon, Jungkook was seventeen, a fresh High school graduate that would be assisting the same university they were enrolled in.
Jungkook no longer looked like the kid Seokjin remembered. Four years had gone by since that time at the hospital, of that he was sure, but Seokjin couldn't bring himself to understand how Jungkook had managed to change so much.
First of all, he was tall. Even though Seokjin was seating he could tell that Jungkook would no longer need to look up to keep eye contact with him. Second of all, he was no longer skinny with baby fat cheeks. Jungkook, unlike Yoongi, had a well defined body. He was wearing a tank top so Seokjin could clearly see arms that had quite easily spent months in a gym, not to mention his skin carried a nice tan that implied Jungkook took advantage of their hot summer for outdoor activities.
The third thing he noticed was how much and how little he looked like Yoongi. It was kind of scary so Seokjin pushed those thoughts away, he could think about that some other day.
“You shouldn't listen in on people’s conversations.” Namjoon had scolded and Seokjin had been surprised in the way Jungkook reacted. He had smiled and nodded as if Namjoon's words were some inside joke and well, the kid was definitely like nothing Seokjin remembered. “You've grown, Jungkook.” Seokjin found himself saying.
Jungkook seemed to be confused at first, he stared at Seokjin for a while before finally replying, “I’m sorry, do I know you?”
Seokjin, ever the confident and fearless person, smiled widely “we go way back, I was always there when Yoongi was being an ass.” He said hoping the slight jab at Yoongi would be somewhat of an ice breaker. When he noticed Jungkook crack a small smile he added, “I don’t think I ever told you my name, though. I’m Kim Seokjin. Everyone’s favourite Hyung. “
“Not mine.” Namjoon mumbled just as Jungkook let out a small laugh. Seokjin hit Namjoon though he mirrored his smile and that was that.
Seokjin and Jungkook's story began that day.
-o-
“Why can’t you watch where you are going?” Are the first words Taehyung hears directed to him on Monday morning.
This time he doesn’t drop his lunch when he collides with Jimin. Also, this time it hurts a lot more since it seems they had both been speed walking.
“You weren’t exactly paying attention, either.” Are the words that leave Taehyung’s mouth before his brain could actually process the situation.
Taehyung bites his lips as Jimin eyes narrow and he snorts in response. “Whatever.”
It’s Monday morning, it’s cloudy and Taehyung hasn’t had anything to eat yet. His body is practically begging to start a fight. “Sorry.” He says instead, “excuse me.”
He takes a few steps away, cursing his day one more time when he hears Jimin let out a small “wait.” Taehyung turns annoyed. “Can I ask you something?”
Great. Park Jimin wants to ask him something. Has hell frozen over? This can’t be anything good. Taehyung hums regardless of the panic settling in his body and moves to stand closer to Jimin.
“It’s about Jungkook.” Jimin is saying and Taehyung’s heart drops. “Why do you have that face?” Jimin says, “it’s nothing bad.”
Taehyung has no explanation for that so he simple rolls his eyes and swallows back his nerves. “What about Jungkook?”
“He... it’s actually about Seokjin.” Jimin says instead, “Hyung wants things to work out.” Taehyung blinks at him and nods, stretching out the ‘okay’ he responds with. Jimin bites his lip a few times before he says the next few words; “he, I think he is going to ask Jungkook to live with him.”
It takes Taehyung a few seconds to let that information sink in. “What!?” He blurts alarmed. “Are they even dating?”
Jimin frowns and then glares at Taehyung making it clear he said something wrong. “Doesn’t Jungkook talk to you? Maybe I shouldn’t discuss this with you.”
“We talk.” Taehyung says quickly, eager to defend his friendship though he is not really sure if Jimin is attacking it. “It’s just that... I don’t think Jungkook is on the same page as Seokjin.”
Jimin’s eyes narrow and Taehyung would gulp if he wasn’t used to such a look, “what do you mean? Has he been playing with hyung’s feelings—“
“No!” Taehyung interrupts, a little irritated at Jimin’s assumptions, “it’s not like that. I mean, I think Jungkook thinks Seokjin is not that into him.”
“You’re kidding me.”
“I mean he knows, obviously, that there is like, sexual attraction?” Taehyung says trying to explain things in a way that will get Jimin to stop glaring at him, “but, I mean, does Seokjin even like him? Will things be different this time? Like, he says he does but he doesn’t show it. It’s like history repeating itself all over again. They’ve been seeing each other for months now and Jungkook can’t even bring himself to call Seokjin his boyfriend without having a mental break down.”
“What the fuck would you know?” Jimin snaps and Taehyung sees red because who the hell is Park Jimin to tell him that as if he has any right- as if he knows anything about Taehyung.
“Know about what? Love? Feelings? About Jungkook and Seokjin?” Taehyung rebukes, “I think I know a fair bit considering my history with Jungkook.”
“It’s not my fault he cheated.” Jimin throws back even though Taehyung had never blamed him for it. “Isn’t this your own fault for dating someone who clearly had feelings for someone else?”
There is a second in which Jimin’s eyes widen a bit and this glint that looks awfully like regret makes itself known. But that second is quickly gone as Jimin’s features change and he curls his lips, making him look mildly irritated. All the while Taehyung feels like he was just stabbed and left for dead on the streets on the coldest winter. Clearly? It hadn’t been all that clear. Taehyung didn’t even know who Seokjin was until a few weeks into his relationship with Jungkook. Jimin’s comment is so unfair.
But that doesn’t excuse Taehyung’s following words. “Taking your anger out on me ended your last relationship so I would watch my tongue if I were you, Jimin-shi.”
The mood shifts instantly. Jimin displays his shock with his whole body before his anger takes over. “Fuck you.” Jimin says, pushing Taehyung with enough force that has Taehyung falling back.
Taehyung prepares himself for the pain that will come once he hits the floor however his expectations quickly prove to be a fraction of what he actually feels.
Pop.
“Shit,” Jimin says and Taehyung bites his lips hard to prevent himself from screaming that exact word. “Shit, shit, shit.” It’s his shoulder, Taehyung realizes once the initial shock of the situation is gone and he can pin point where exactly the pain is coming from. “Shit, Taehyung, shit, is it broken?”
His mind thinks ‘I hope, so I can fucking sue you for this shit’ but instead he says “no.” He gasps for air then before he is back to biting his lip to prevent himself from screaming.
“Fractured. Shit. Dislocated. Fuck. Can you get up?”
Tears are slowly escaping his eyes and Taehyung is trying to control his breathing as he feels Jimin’s arm curl around his waist. “What the fuck.” Taehyung gasps out as Jimin pulls him up.
“The school clinic is around here somewhere, right?”
“You dislocated my fucking shoulder!” Taehyung cries out, trying to push Jimin away.
“I didn’t fucking mean to! Who even lands on their shoulder like that!” He says and even though he sounds angry Taehyung can feel him shake and when he looks at him he can catch the guilt in his eyes. That or the pain has made Taehyung extremely delusional. “I didn’t even push you that hard.” Jimin adds.
Taehyung scoffs and looks around the hall they are in to try and distract himself from the pain. It’s empty. Of course it’s fucking empty. He hopes it wasn’t empty when Jimin pushed him, that way he at least has a witness and something good can come out of this.
“Do you know where the clinic is?”
“It fucking hurts.” Taehyung hisses, shutting his eyes tightly to think of the location of the clinic. “Fuck, I think the next building over, fuck.”
“Next building over.” Jimin repeats. “Okay. Okay, we can do this.”
“We? You’ve done fucking enough!” Taehyung snaps and Jimin flinches but doesn’t let go of his wait. Taehyung is starting to feel nauseous and can’t find the strength to push him away.
“Come on.” Jimin says and begins to drag him away. Taehyung has no option but to follow him, especially considering he blacks out a few times and barely remembers how he managed to make it all the way to the clinic.
Once there though he only lasts a minute before he passes out from the pain.
-o-
The first time Seokjin looks at Jungkook with interest is after said boy demands his attention.
“You know I am here, right?” Jungkook had said. “You know I’m not a child, right? Can you look at me, please?”
Seokjin had been dumbfound with such a blunt approach he had even found himself feeling small and embarrassed, something that is quite rare considering his high self esteem. “What?” He had asked with a nervous laugh but that had done nothing but irritated and fuel Jungkook.
Jungkook cornered him. He pressed him against the wall, hands on either side of his body keeping him caged in. “All this time, all these months I’ve been flirting with you, practically throwing myself at you and you won’t even look at me.”
Seokjin felt a hot flush through his body before he felt the shame. At first his mind reasoned it was because he was truly oblivious to Jungkook’s advances but then his thoughts switched and all he could think was ‘Yoongi’s little brother’. Seokjin pushed him then and said “stop.” Jungkook swallowed but he didn’t look away from Seokjin. A sign that he wasn’t backing down.
“Hyung.” Jungkook called out and the vulnerability in his voice had Seokjin’s heart beat quickening. “I like you.”
“I’m twenty three” Seokjin had said. “You just turned eighteen.”
“My age? Really? That’s what you want to argue about.”
“You are a kid.” Jungkook had glared so intensely Seokjin had retrieved those words. “You are young. You have so much more to life for and enjoy. I... I’m graduating soon. I’ll be getting a job and possibly leaving and— Jungkook.”
Jungkook had been walking away. He had reached for his jacket and was heading towards the door even though this was his house. “I won’t hear this bullshit.” Jungkook had said, looking back to face Seokjin. “I won’t let you belittle my feelings because of my age.” Jungkook had put his shoes on in silence and when he was done he looked up to meet Seokjin’s eyes again before saying, “if you don’t like me, just say it.” And then he had left.
Seokjin had spent the rest of the night just thinking and then a week later he had cornered Jungkook on campus and with whatever courage he could find, Seokjin had lied to Jungkook, his words cold and calculated.
“I am sorry, I can’t return your feelings.”