Work Text:
1.
"What did I do wrong to be tormented like this?"
Jimin wailed in frustration, hands forcefully hovered to his face as a tear nearly fell off his eye.
He's breaking down, for the hundredth time this semester of college year.
The reminders on his phone screen did no help at all in reliving some stress rather added more fuel to the fire.
TO DO ASAP:
- CHARCOAL RENDER - DEADLINE 5PM
- DESIGN PLAN - DEADLINE 5PM
- STRUCTURE ANALYSIS - TOMORROW 12NN
- FLOOR PLAN - THU 12NN
- RESIDENTIAL SECTIONS - THU 5PM
- GEOMETRY WORKSHEETS - FRI 1PM
- PEN RENDER - FRI 5PM
Jimin is too tired to even comprehend all the things on the screen that is needed to be passed this week.
He breaks down yet again.
College for him is a little too hard, a little too hectic, and a little too stressful. Scratch that— a lot hard, hectic and stressful that Jimin doesn't know how to survive for the following years ahead.
Entering college was like entering a calculus class looking at the alien language of numbers scribbled on the whiteboard not understanding anything about the subject. It was too new for Jimin to comprehend what on earth he has put himself into.
It was fine before all hell breaks loose. It was fine before all major subject professors connived with each other to make them pass all plates, all design and all plans at the same week at the same time. It was fine before Jimin thought architecture was for him and his skills in arts and the motivation of learning it can help him survive but right now all he realized that drawing is really hard and he was just mediocre, he was not good enough and the passion he had before is slowly depleting along with his dreams that seems too far away to be reached right now.
So everyday Jimin strived harder than he did before. In everything he does, he exerts a lot of extra effort. There was no time for failures, no time for rest, no time for social life not even a time to take care of himself.
Everyday was like survival of the fittest. It's like balancing in a tight rope, every second a trigger for breakdowns. It's tough, it's draining him physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially.
Despite the frustrations, the stress and exhaustion, Jimin still does what is being required. He had been working on plates after plates nonstop and right now there's no time for rest.
"Please help me survive this week and the following weeks after." Jimin prays and sighs at the tracing papers glaring at him to be finished.
It doesn't help that this day will be so long because of his graphics class as his phone reminded him.
SCHEDULE:
AG 1 - GRAPHICS: 1PM-8PM
Who in the world makes a class that long?
It doesn't help either that the structure analysis was by group and life decided to make it a little too hard for him to even breathe.
"Jimin, my laptop suddenly shutted down and until now it's not functioning. The file for our analysis was there. I'm so sorry."
And Jimin was so close to go berserk right there, right now. But he was composed even at the verge of screaming and crying. He forced a smile.
"I'll resend you my part of the material. We can compile our parts and just add the parts that were lost. We still have time." Jimin tries to be convincing, good thing his groupmate agreed on his preposition and thanked him.
Can this day get any better?
His next class scheduled 1pm to 8pm started, he managed to pass the two plates for his major subjects on time. There was a new plate to be done and the class was extended until quarter to nine in the evening.
It was a long day. It's was too much for Jimin to take. He's really exhausted, add the fact that he's also alone, hungry and probably on the brink of passing out right here on the sidewalk on his way to his apartment few meters away from the university.
The only thing that's been better on this long day is Jungkook, his childhood friend and roommate, texting him.
Brat Jjk
U still at uni? Go home safely
8:00pm
Brat Jjk
I cooked us dinner go home alreadyyyy
8:31pm
And Jimin's phone buzzed again. It wasn't Jungkook who texted this time.
Taetae
How are u chim? U good?
9:05pm
And Jimin smiled. Taehyung always remembers him, even if they don't see each other quite often now and talk every now and then like before. Despite not being on the same department, Taehyung still remembers him.
Jimin thought it could have been better if Taehyung was here right now.
He bitterly smiled.
Jimin
I'm tired of everything :(
9:06pm
I wish you were here, Jimin was about to type but he restrained himself.
Taetae
Look ahead :)
9:06pm
And Jimin tears his gaze off his phone and looked in front of him. There he was, Taehyung few meters across, walking closer to him until he was in close proximity.
His box smile greeted him and Jimin tries not to let the waterworks break loose. It's been weeks since they haven't seen each other again. Taehyung changed a little. He looked more handsome, more refined and taller. But one thing that didn't change is how he'll be there for Jimin especially in his hard times.
Maybe this day could get a little bit better now.
"Wanna hug?" Taehyung offers, his arms wide open calling for him and Jimin couldn't hold his tears any longer.
All Jimin could see through his tears is Taehyung's concerned eyes while his best friend wrapped him in his arms. His warmth was comforting, his voice was calming— Taehyung himself was home to Jimin enough to make him bawl out all the anger, frustrations, and all the things that's been holding him back for the past few months. Jimin finally breaks free from suffocating himself.
"You've done great, Chim. You can breathe now." Taehyung soothingly assures him still keeping him tightly in him arms.
"When things get hard, I'm here. I'm always here, don't ever forget."
2.
It was one of those nights that Jimin spends his whole 24 hours in school just drawing.
Socializing who, self-care who. Jimin only knows that he should finish the plates piling up in his reminders and maybe relearn how to draw because this program taught him that he's good for nothing and drawing doesn't only mean holding a pen, hope for the drawing makes itself and that's it.
It doesn't help that those around him were beyond his drawing prowess, they were really good, they were far better than Jimin. The thought really shoves him that he should try harder and that he should be better at least be par with everyone's level.
Jimin only groaned in frustration as he glanced at the mess he had made out of graphite and charcoal. Shadows were unrefined. Line strokes were too rough. There's no technique applied to it. Jimin sure sucks at it. Jungkook could even do better if he's here, he thought.
And speaking of the brat, Jungkook haven't even seen him today.
His wristwatch reminded him of the time and it was already 8 in the evening. It's still early for Jimin to go home so he practiced the medium a bit more, wanting to have a good progress, and a great output to come out of it.
Then he remembered Taehyung's eyes. He started to draw again.
Jimin remembers how it looked back at him every time, intimidating but soft, dark and deep that makes Jimin drawn to look at him even more and those long eyelashes that softens Taehyung's piercing eyes. Everything was ethereal and Jimin doesn't look like he gave it some justice on his sketchpad. He wailed yet again.
He tried even more until the exhaustion and pain on his wrist starts to wallow him to rest, his eyes slowly gets droopy until he heard his pencil fell off the table and finally, his body gave up on him.
He dozed off.
Jimin woke up with the rustling of papers and the warmth of jacket hugging his shoulders. A deep and soft chuckle made him fully awake as his blurry eyes focused to someone really familiar that Jimin knew already just because of a fond tiny giggle on his side.
"Good morning, Jiminie." The latter continued to chuckle as he rubs off some charcoal powder on Jimin's cheeks.
With eyes still blurry, he looked at his watched and groaned, "It's already 9, Tae."
"I know. That's why Jungkook had been texting me nonstop to check if you're still alive. Good thing I have late classes today." he added while Jimin rub the remnants of sleep on his face. It's worse that he decided to sleep beside the container with charcoal powder and Taehyung can't stop laughing while helping him get the mess off his cheeks.
Taehyung also helped him gather the mess scattered on the table and filled them inside Jimin's backpack.
"Nice practice you got here by the way," Taehyung suddenly blurted, grinning as he looked at the sketches done a while ago and Jimin’s face flushed in the darkest of pink and snatched them off Taehyung's grip then forcefully shove all the sketches of Taehyung's face inside his bag.
"Shut up." he glared at Taehyung and the other had the audacity to laugh harder.
"But they were pretty. Thank you for making me look good," Taehyung fondly says as he waits for Jimin to finish up, looking at him genuinely in awe. Jimin fondly smiled as he feels warmer on the cheeks and on his chest. Taehyung was pretty himself, he was just making justice out of it.
Taehyung just laughed at Jimin's face getting redder with every compliment he throws but Jimin immediately dismissed his words and grabbed Taehyung's hand when he wrapped everything up and they both left the drafting room together.
"By the way," Tae tells in the midst of their walk home and Jimin hums in response.
"Why did you stay up late here? I remembered your schedule was until 3pm." Jimin internally smiled on the thought that Taehyung memorized his schedule when he just recently told him that.
"I've been practicing lately. I feel that I'm way out of everyone's league. I feel left behind, they're way too ahead of me." he nonchalantly retorts not minding the intensity of how those words actually feel like and shrugged into his jacket as he feels the night breeze colder tonight.
Jimin halted when he saw Tae stopped walking. He looked back at his best friend who was looking at him with those soft, caring gazes, concern all written on his face.
"I want to tell you don't ever think like that but I'm in no position to know what you're feeling." he started, eyes still darted directly at Jimin making him listen to whatever Taehyung wanted to say.
"You're progressing in your own pace, don't try to chase them and hurt yourself in the process. Be you. You're better in your own way. You're doing well after all the years you've spend doing arts. Progress is still progress even if it took you too long. The point that you moved further that where you started its still growth so don't ever belittle yourself."
Jimin feel warmth spreading on his chest as he gazes up to Tae, he never knew he needed those words so much right now. And the fact that there's still someone that believes in him no matter how he never sees his worth, Jimin is really grateful. Jimin will always be grateful for Taehyung to still be on his side.
"You've come this far, Chim. I've seen you grow. I believe that you can do everything you want to reach so don't burden yourself too much. You're doing far better now."
And Jimin feels reassured even more, his heavy heart became lighter than before. All Jimin could do is hug Tae, make him feel warm like how he made Jimin’s heart felt like.
"Thank you, Taetae."
"Always," Tae fondly smiled and held a little longer.
"Let's have dinner! Jungkook said he'll third wheel Jin hyung and Yoongi hyung's date tonight." Tae suddenly bawled slowly untangled himself from the hug but soon engulfed Jimin's tiny hand into his big hand. Jimin was thankful that his face was already red because it's cold.
"What can we eat in your apartment? The fridge is emptied by Jin hyung and Namjoon hyung yesterday. The doctor decided to teach the music major how to cook for his date today." Tae shrugs, as if inwardly cringing at the thought of the possible catastrophe in the 3 Kims' apartment last night.
But the thought of Namjoon hyung, Tae's cousin, learning to cook just for his boyfriend Hoseok is too endearing. Jimin smiles.
"Your brother must've been very stressed until now." Tae groaned in response and Jimin giggles, he was right.
"He ended up scolding everyone even when I was studying." he rolled his eyes while he threw more tantrums.
"Anyways, what do we have for dinner?"
"Instant noodles?" And Tae violently shakes his head, opposition in full offense.
"That's the only thing in my apartment plus it's easy to cook." Jimin counters but Taehyung still disagrees.
"Now I know why Jungkook wanted to eat outside right now. We're not having instant noodles tonight and even tomorrow or the following days, okay? We will eat proper meal this time." Jimin pouted as Taehyung dragged him along to the nearest 24/7 convenience store and bought lots of ingredients for their dinner.
"When did you even learn how to cook?"
Jimin comments soon as they crashed his kitchen with Taehyung cooking. He settled on the island counter few inches away from Tae with his face resting on his palm as he glanced nothing but Tae's back still busying cooking, apron cutely hugging his lean figure. Jimin is endeared.
"Jin hyung will scold me if we don't eat proper meal, I think that's why." he briefly turns to see Jimin and went back to cooking again.
"Jin hyung will probably burn all our noodles when he happened to visit me anytime soon."
"He'll get some packs but he sure will."
Tae laughed as he looked at Jimin again, pink apron on full display, one hand holding a spatula and the other holding the handle of the pan. The sight is so domestic Jimin tries not to show his flustered cheeks.
"Though call me sometimes. We can eat dinner together if you want."
And Jimin smiles, maybe he'll call Taehyung every time from now on.
3.
In a span of 4 months, Jimin barely made any friends. He had casual ones but not those who would stick around.
He's actually friendly.
His friends consist of Taehyung, Taehyung's family, their boyfriends and Jungkook. He had also gained few new friends, Taemin, Jongin and Sungwoon from the university party but all of them are from different departments. Right now, all of them are busy. At this point maybe he was so focused on his academics that he didn't have any life to live except from drawing and sleeping.
But that didn't stop Jimin to go out of his apartment to unwind a little. This was the only time he's free of any plates and any academic related things. It's finally his time to live freely.
Jimin decided to go for a walk on the park for fresh air, stroll around the city and watch the movie he was dreading to see. Jungkook was supposed to join him but something came up with his class.
Now Jimin is alone like most of the time. He walks leisurely to the cinemas as he enjoys the sight around him. He's been bounded from apartment to university every day and a change of scenery does help to calm him.
Jimin was pull off from his reverie when his phone vibrated from his pocket, a message popping up from his screen.
Taetae
Where are u
11:00am
Looks like someone is not busy right now.
Going somewhere
Btw u don't have any class rn?
11:00am
Taetae
Where???????
None :))))
11:01am
Gonna watch something somewhere
11:02am
Taetae
With who???
11:02am
Whyd u ask?????
11:02am
Me
Myself
I
11:03am
Taetae
Thought jungkook is with u
What cinema??
11:03am
Jimin was about to reply but Tae was still typing.
Taetae
I'll watch it with u
11:04am
And Jimin is thankful that Taehyung is not right here to see him smiling widely like an idiot.
xx cinema
I'll buy us tix
11:04am
Tho u will pay me later :P
11:05am
Taetae
:(
Fine
11:05am
Taetae
On my way
11:06am
Taetae
Wait for me
11:07am
Jimin smiled, even if Taehyung wouldn't mention it, he will wait for him.
Of course i will
11:07am
Taetae
:)
11:07am
Taehyung's simple words does something to Jimin's heart to erratically beat until now.
If Jimin thinks about it, compared to him, Taehyung has a lot of friends. Primary school friends, high school friends, middle school friends, college friends, neighbors, neighbors' friends, family friends and actually a lot more friends that Jimin couldn't imagine know Taehyung have accumulated that much friends.
But despite of knowing and having a lot of friends, even before, no matter what happens whether other of his friends need Taehyung, when Jimin needs him the most, Taehyung will there for him always. The thought that Tae can spend his free time as he pleases but decided to join him instead, makes wonders on Jimin's heart once again.
4.
Taehyung is a lot smarter than Jimin.
That's a fact that Jimin wanted to emphasize because people think otherwise all the time.
Taehyung should have been with Jimin in architecture department right now if he hadn't got the scholarship granted only to those who took that difficult exam that few only manage to pass. That's why Taehyung went to engineering department to use his scholarship and thankfully their department was near the architecture department building.
He also remembered Taehyung helping him especially in math even way back in high school until they graduate, his best friend became his personal math tutor.
And the fact that Jimin forgot about math subjects in architecture without Taehyung beside him is a lot stressful.
"Submission of all worksheet are until 5pm. Class dismiss."
And his professor left after the announcement, tormenting not only Jimin but all of his classmates as well.
The papers full of geometry word problems feels so heavy in Jimin's hands right now. He's not even halfway of finishing all of them. There were a lot of topics and Jimin doesn't know where to even start.
How the hell will I survive this?
Despite not wanting to burden Taehyung of his academic loads especially he is facing way more difficult math, Jimin leaves no choice but to call reinforcement.
:(((((((
10:30am
And his phone immediately vibrated. He never knew Taehyung would reply back that fast.
Taetae
U good?
10:30am
Need ur help :((((
U still have classes?
10:31am
Taetae
Calculus already done at 10
What can i help :)))
10:31am
Im still not finished with geometry pls spare my life ㅠㅠㅠ
10:32am
Taetae
Need help now?
10:32am
Yeeep if u r free
U still in uni?
10:33am
Taetae
As in like right now???
Im at the pc room rn ㅋㅋㅋㅋ
10:34am
Worksheet submission til 5pm :(((
Back with playing games again huh kekekkeke
10:34am
Taetae
I remembered someone telling me not to procrastinate hmmmmmm
10:34am
hjskakjsjdjxnckd ITS A SCAM
10:35am
Taetae
Kekekekekekeke
Okay im out
10:36am
Taetae
Omw
U still at architecture bldg?
10:38am
Yeeeep room a-101
Thanks a lot :")))))))))))
10:38am
Taetae
U owe me lunch tho :P
10:38am
No prob, we'll eat a feast kekekeke
10:40am
Tho im sorry if im a burden to u
10:41am
Taetae
U r never a burden to me chim
I'll help u whatever that keeps troubling u i'm always here willing to help u no matter what
10:42am
5.
At all the nights that Jimin wasn't supposed to sleep on, his body decided to give up on him on this day. The day before the hell of finals week breaks loose and the day of his plate submission.
Jimin cursed under his breath preventing to wake up a passed out Jungkook on his study table.
It's quite a blessing that Jimin woke up around 2 in the midnight than not at all after he passed out on his plates and revision. He wiped his face in frustration, trying to stay awake as he set up his materials and quickly messages Tae about his frustrations.
Fck i fell asleep on my design plate
2:03am
And Jimin wasn't expecting Taehyung to reply at this ungodly hour.
Taetae
U still have time
U can do ittttt
2:03am
The encouragement made Jimin sober and awake. He still have time at least.
Taetae
Can i call?
2:04am
Before Jimin can even reply, Taehyung was already calling and he accepts it, immediately greeting his bestfriend with a whine.
"I fucked up. The hell week still haven't started but I've messed it up already." Tae's deep low chuckle was endearing to listen through the phone, maybe this night wasn't as bad.
After all, Taehyung is here to make everything better again.
"You still can make it now. When is your first class?"
"8 am and I'm passing this plate first thing in the morning. The professor wouldn't give any extensions." Jimin internally cried when he remembered how terror his professor is in his design subject.
"You can do it, Chim. I'll stay up with you," and his heart flutters at Taehyung's words once again.
"Don't you have a 7 am class later? Why are you even awake at this hour?" Jimin belated added as he remembered.
"Don't worry, I have enough sleep a while ago. I usually do my revision at midnight." Tae reassures him, the rustling of books and pen scribbling on paper audible to Jimin's ear are enough proof.
"And you'll stay up until you have your morning class?" Jimin asks again, concerned.
"Depends? Though I'm sure I'll make you awake until you finish your plate."
And Jimin can’t wipe away the smile that stretches on his face.
"Thanks, Taetae."
Jimin sets the call on loud speaker so that he can still hear Taehyung who's now flipping his book and humming some tune he once heard somewhere. Jimin also started to sprawl the tracing paper on his drafting table, grabbed some pencils and pens, and other materials needed for the plate.
He tied his gray fringe away from his sight with a rubber band and started sketching while Tae was quiet at the background. It was a comforting silence that Jimin knows there will always be Taehyung by his side no matter what time it is, no matter how busy there both are.
"You know we're just a room apart and you can just come here, Tae." Jimin suddenly blurts out while he's still engulfed with his plate.
"As much as I'd love to be with you right now, Jiminie, I wouldn't want you to be interrupted. Remember the last time we were pulling an all-nighter before midterms week?" Jimin fondly smiled at the memory few weeks ago.
"We end up watching My Hero Academia season 1 to 3 and didn't finish any requirements so point taken, Mr. Kim."
And they both laugh at how the memory of Taehyung badly wanting to cosplay Todoroki on comic con since he still got red hair at that time.
So Jimin just nods and grinned at how Taehyung is so considerate despite him not being here physically.
"Are you already starting your draft? You're quiet out there." Tae asks soon as the silence filled the line.
"Yes, mom. I'm just thinking of how I'm gonna plot this out on the cross sections. Everything needs to be scaled, goddamn it." Frustration arises when Jimin realized how everything should be measure and he doesn't have enough time to be that accurate.
"I know you can do it, Chim." And Jimin hums in response, restraining himself to smile despite his brain short circuiting.
"Now what are you doing there? I guess you're surrounded by tons of hardbound again." Jimin replied as he hears Tae turning the pages of a book.
"Yeah right. Namjoon hyung gave me his reviewer on calculus and I have this books on hydraulics and all stuffs that you're likely to throw away than read."
Jimin giggles. "Touché,"
Tae kept his words and made sure that Jimin never falls asleep again by telling stories or sometimes questions the daily things he found troubling that Jimin starts wondering too or just talks about the dogs and cats he passed by on his way to class or asks Jimin about anything, his struggles and all that he have kept while both still have time to do their academic requirements.
When they seem to get immersed on the things they do, Taehyung just hums again or Jimin sings carelessly while he feels the exhaustion and pain on his back and hands. Until finally Jimin finishes his cross sections, perspective and floor plan, then he realized that the light is already illuminating the sky outside.
Jimin gazed at his phone to see the time. It's already 5 o' clock in the morning.
"What the hell. It's morning already." Jimin tells as he drawn the blinds to see the sky in its muted tones. Tae chuckles as Jimin audibly hears his footsteps on the line.
"Good morning, Chim." he greeted and Jimin yawns.
"Good morning to you too, Tae." Jimin greeted back, a smile still plastered on his face.
"I bought some coffee, I'm already outside."
Jimin, despite the shock, hurriedly reached for the door and was greeted with a soft sleepy Taehyung nestled with his hoodie and denim jacket, eyeglasses perched loosely on the tip of his nose bridge and a cup holder on one hand.
What a good morning Jimin really had.
"I didn't hear you go out," Jimin retorts as he let Taehyung inside his apartment, the 3 hour call still on the line.
"I guess you were so into drawing that you didn't notice. I left around 4:30." Jimin only hums as Taehyung hands him his caramel macchiato.
And Jimin notices, "You don't even drink coffee, Tae."
"Who said I ordered coffee for myself?" his boxy smile appeared then he shows his cup of hot chocolate.
He comfortably make his way into the living room and draped on Jimin's couch swiftly avoiding the art materials scattered on the floor.
"How's your design plate? Did you finish it?" Tae asks as he glanced at the mess sprawled everywhere.
"Finished it with ample of time left. Thanks to you, Taehyungie." Jimin complies and he sat next to him.
Tae placed his hot chocolate on the coffee table and rests his head on Jimin’s shoulder. Jimin tries not to make it a big of a deal.
"Who said it's for free? You need to let me have my nap here in return." Tae complains jokingly. Jimin just rolled his eyes but adjusted himself into a comfortable position and cards his fingers on Tae's hair. He missed times like this.
"You have classes at 7, Tae." Jimin reminded him, but Tae, snuggled into Jimin’s neck and he fights not to audibly squirm in surprise. Taehyung's breath fanning warmly and softly on his sensitive neck doesn't help either.
"Give me an hour, Jimin-ah."
Jimin, even at times like this, managed to be unbothered and had the audacity to hum in reply and sets his alarm. Like his hands had its mind of his own, he massages Tae's nape and laced his fingers into the latter’s hair again.
"You're cute with your hair tied up by the way." Taehyung suddenly comments and before Jimin could throw a fit, Tae already passed out.
It's a good thing since Jimin cannot even hide his red face on Tae— sadly he heard someone snickered. The brat's head peeking out of the doorframe as he takes pictures of them.
"I'm gonna send this to Jin hyung."
+ 1
The dreadful days are temporarily over. No plates to do, no more math problems to stress over, no academic things to be bothered about. It's time to finally enjoy the whole day doing nothing— but that isn't the plan.
It's already Christmas break and everyone's going to spend the holidays back in their hometowns.
"Hyung aren't you gonna go home to Busan?" Jungkook asks as he packed his bag for his trip back home later.
They were supposed to go back together but Jungkook's mom wanted him to come home already. Jimin's bag was already packed but he decided he'll spend some time here in Seoul at least.
"Maybe tomorrow, I still have to buy everyone presents." Jimin retorts as he finds comfort on the younger's bed.
"And spend some time with your soulmate, amirite?" Jungkook teases and Jimin is on the verge of yanking Jungkook's long hair but settled in a less violent attack only throwing him a pillow on his face.
"Shut up!" He just left the younger in his room laughing while Jimin went back to his room to find peace.
Jimin did told Taehyung to come over his apartment soon as the other said they're not coming home for Christmas because his parents are in abroad, Namjoon is going back to Ilsan and Jin had plans with Yoongi before Christmas leaving Tae on his own on the following days.
That alone made him contact his mom and postpone his trip back to Busan today.
Eomma i'll go home tomorrow. Miss u see you soonest and stay warm
6:13pm
Eomma
Have a safe trip tomorrow. Love u
6:16pm
Soon as the brat left after some few teasing and a bear hug, Jimin decorated his place with Christmas decorations and fairy lights, and filled up his fridge.
Jimin didn't specifically told Taehyung an exact time so his best friend barged in when Jimin was in the midst of cooking their dinner.
"Jungkook's not home?" Taehyung asks soon as he doesn't hear any noise from the younger.
"He went home earlier, his mother missed him so much already." Jimin comments as he placed down the dishes neatly on the island counter where Taehyung is waiting.
"Why did you stay when both of you always go home together?"
"Do you wanna make me go home already?" Jimin acted hurt but laughs it out quickly, "But anyways I just wanted to spend the day with you before I go back."
Taehyung was left awestruck, fork halted on mid-air as he looked at Jimin.
Jimin dismissed the hanging feeling when he saw Taehyung's eyes wanting to ask something, so he diverted his attention and slipped into some Christmas songs on his bluetooth speaker to get rid of the silence then Jimin poured wine on their glasses.
"Cheers to surviving the semester." Jimin toasts as they both engulf themselves with their dinner.
They were casually talking about life as usual and Taehyung brought up that his hyung's drunken mouth spill his love sickness not long ago and he still cringes at the memory.
"I swear, he told me how Yoongi hyung resembles a lot of a cat and even called him 'lil meow meow', what the hell was that?"
Jimin laughed violently throwing his head up as Taehyung shivers in horror.
The mood lighten up after a bottle and half until Jimin thinks both of them became light headed but not that drunk, a little tipsy, a little bolder Jimin and a little honest Taehyung.
The Christmas songs on this speaker was replaced by Jimin's playlist.
Jimin immediately stood from the stool, already on his feet and very much in the mood drawn by the music. Jimin just dances there, swaying his hips and body, enjoying every beat resonating from the speakers as he sometimes mouthed the lyrics in between.
Taehyung stares in awe. Jimin doesn't miss the fondness in them. And Jimin reached out for him, tugging him off his seat when the music changed into something mellow.
The latter was surprised and Jimin giggled as he tries to convince Tae to dance with him. "C'mon, I think you're far better of a dancer than Jin hyung and Namjoon hyung."
"You think so?" Tae grinned and accepts Jimin's hands. He nods.
"I'm sorry Jin hyung and Namjoon hyung but my favorite Kim is Kim Taehyung." Jimin smiled until he can't see anything and added, "They can't convince me otherwise,"
Tae gets a little bit flustered as his deep chuckles resonates along the strumming of the guitar. It's music to Jimin's ears.
The younger gently placed his hand on Jimin’s waist and guided his tiny hands to his broad shoulders. Jimin couldn't hide the smile at the gesture. Taehyung knows what he is doing.
They danced, ignoring how sometimes Tae trips on Jimin's feet or how messy their attempt to twirl was. They were clumsy and a little tipsy but they are having fun on their tiny world filled with giggles and smiles. Taehyung doesn't miss the blush blooming on Jimin's cheeks and how warm his tiny hands on his shoulder and how this moment feels so calm and romantic. Tae fondly chuckled and held a little longer on Jimin.
Jimin closed his eyes for a while, enjoying the feeling of Taehyung's gentle hands on his waist, his warmth radiating from the proximity and soon as he opened his eyes, he doesn't miss how Taehyung was looking at him. The atmosphere become intimate for them as Taehyung leaned forward.
"I don't know if this is an attempt to seduce me or you're just being romantic."
Taehyung grits as he looked down at Jimin, his tongue grazing his plump pink lips. Jimin stared back at him, smile tugging on his lips and laced his fingers around Tae's tousled black hair.
"Both,"
The latter didn't fight himself to suppress a fit of laugh and cradled his arms on Jimin’s waist, pulling him closer to him.
"I can't believe you, Park Jimin."
And they both chuckled despite the tension around them and Jimin knows all too well that Tae wouldn't push him off their shared boundary without asking Jimin.
He sure is a gentleman, and Jimin loves him for that even more.
The night was so chill and warm at the same time with slow rhythmic beats and low bass filling the air that Jimin doesn't resist to sway with it. Tae doesn't intended it, but he locked his gaze at Jimin dancing seductively for his liking and in such close distance. Jimin felt like he was stared for too long and glanced back to the other, his eyes already telling him lots of things, dark, piercing, and wanting him. Jimin cocked his head to the side and arched an eyebrow at a dumbstruck Taehyung, grip on his waist seems to get tighter.
"You good, Taehyung?"
"I have to make things clear first," Taehyung drawls through heavy breathing and Jimin smirked.
"What are we?"
About time you ask.
"Do you like me?" Jimin quickly retorts and Taehyung was dumbstruck again.
"Why'd you answer a question with another questio— " he doesn't let Taehyung finish as he cuts him midway, words choked on his throat when Jimin leaned in closer until their noses touch.
"Do you like me?"
Jimin, repeats firmly, eyes trailed into Taehyung's own— dark probably implying something else but all Taehyung could only do is grunt in protest and Jimin is hiding his smile as he touch the growing fluffy mullet resting at Tae's nape.
"Can't understand you what you're saying, babe."
And Jimin hears Taehyung curse through his growl and Jimin giggled, enjoying pretty much how Taehyung is flustered and struggling right now.
"Fuck this," he growled, as he looked at Jimin in the eyes. "I do like you,"
And even if Jimin knows deep down his heart, he still can't help to get flustered when Taehyung actually gets honest.
"Since when?"
The latter didn't answer.
"Hmmmm... I'll guess," Taehyung raised his eyebrows.
Jimin leaned back getting all Taehyung's face in sight, red to his ear— endearingly cute and Jimin just wants to kiss him already.
"Love at first sight?"
And pretty sure Jimin was expecting him to be dismissed immediately instead Taehyung taunted him back, hands lacing on his tiny waist firmly, nails somewhat digging into his skin and eyes getting darker, more dangerous than before.
"Are you mocking my feelings?"
Jimin, shakes his head as he played with Taehyung's mullet. He suddenly feels more light headed.
"It's romantic... it's cute."
Tae's just kept his eyebrow raised and this time he lowered his head. It's now his time to tease Jimin and it did make him flustered at the sudden proximity. He sees Taehyung smirk. Cocky bastard.
"Do you like me?"
It was Taehyung's turn to ask this time and Jimin fondly smiled.
"I like you ever since senior high, I guess." Jimin didn't quite remember how it started but Taehyung did like him longer than him.
Jimin didn't missed how Tae was tainted into the darkest of pink. It's endearing, Jimin's heart flutters a bit faster. Tae languidly lowers his head as he processes what is happening right now, how Jimin's proximity flutters him and how this night reveals their feeling that have been kept (not really) for too long. It's been years and Taehyung can't exactly comprehend that this day would come. He's happy. Very much happy especially when he's been pinning for quite long already.
"You are making this so hard for me tonight, Jimin." Taehyung groans and Jimin giggles.
"Good to know, Taetae." Taehyung deeply growls at the back on his throat as he leans further, lips teasing to brush against Jimin’s own.
"You are a menace, Park Jimin."
But Jimin feels like Taehyung was the one being evil right now when he just lingers few centimeters away from his lips, breath fanning warmly on his face. And all Jimin wanted is to lean into the distance between them and taste Taehyung like he always wanted but right now he needs to make this proximity worthwhile.
"Don't worry, I’ll make it up to you." Jimin assures, tilting his head and admired how Taehyung's long lashes brush the top of his cheeks, the subtle freckles spreading across his nose and even the cute mole on his nose.
"Hmmm," Taehyung retorts eyes now darting on Jimin’s lips. Jimin licks his lips, a conscious response from the younger's action.
Taehyung found his arms grasping Jimin on his hips, slowly swaying with the sound, bass resonating to the bones and lyrics so euphonious, Jimin smiles as he sings along.
"And you need to know that you keep me up all night, all night."
It doesn't seem like Jimin was just singing as he intently stares back at Taehyung, hooking his arms on the other’s neck.
"Oh my heart hurts so good. I love you, Tae,"
Jimin leans in and Taehyung ducks his head to level Jimin’s height, his eyes so dark and hooded.
"So bad. . . so bad,"
And Jimin didn't miss how Taehyung smirked.
The tension have been heated, close and heavy as they stayed like that for a while. Tae does these small things like stroking his skin in an intimate, burning touch and Jimin tries his best not to call out his name.
"I swear this was supposed to be romantic." Jimin whines as Taehyung slips his hand underneath his sweater and Taehyung just chuckled deep sexy low voice verberating in his ears, patience already hanging on a tightrope.
"Not my fault, Jimin." Taehyung replies, gazing at how Jimin looks so frustrated and a beautiful mess. He smiles.
"J-just fucking kiss me already, Tae." Jimin pleads already on his tippy toes, begging and Taehyung was quick to comply as he dips his head down finally kissing him.
Jimin felt a warm feeling spreading across his chest when Taehyung's lip touched his. His heart swells with all the emotions Jimin have held whenever he's with Taehyung. He can say it was longing, tender and endearing. Full of adoration, emotions and fondness. Jimin have waited for this long enough.
Taehyung guides Jimin to open his mouth, licking his lips before lacing his tongue in and Jimin left a moan from the sensation. Jimin held Taehyung on his collar for support and the younger held him on his waist for him not to fall. Hands wandered everywhere it touches as Taehyung sucks Jimin’s bottom lip when Jimin pulled his hair.
Taehyung pulled out but Jimin chased his lips back, kissing him properly this time and Taehyung propped his head lower for Jimin to deepen it.
Taehyung smiles between the kiss and Jimin suddenly stopped to giggle and flutters his eyes open to see a very ethereal and fond gaze in Tae's eyes.
They both stared at each other, smile on their faces unable to be wiped. Their giggles filled the room again, fond and endearing and both lightheaded but still happy.
Taehyung kissed Jimin on his forehead before engulfing him in his arms like every time.
"Thank you for staying with me right now, Chim." And Jimin hugged him back.
"I'll be here for you too always, Taetae."
They fall in a comforting silence, both still wrapped in each other's arms as they watch the Christmas lights change. Then suddenly Jimin blurted.
"Though actually, this is my early birthday celebration for you since I'm still in Busan on the 30th."
"Then where's my gift?" Taehyung expectantly looked around and Jimin hits him on his arms.
"I'm here, what are you still expecting."
They laughed again and maybe they are really drunk but for them this is the best Christmas break they both have so far.