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It started in 2017.
Well, at least, that's when they started noticing the more intentional displays of affection. Taehyung noticed it first since he’s an avid observer when it comes to all things involving his soulmate. Jimin and Namjoon had always been close. They experienced a lot of similar insecurities and managed to grow through them, often leaning on each other for understanding and encouragement to be better. It’s really not a surprise that they’re so close, but something has definitely changed.
Namjoon was more willing to indulge in skinship with Jimin. It started out with hand holding. They were all playing around on v live in front of the hotel waiting for the car to pick them up so they could go to dinner. Namjoon and Jimin were just standing in their little circle smiling at them while...holding hands. Nobody said anything. If it had been anybody us there may have been a few teasing jabs made, but they all know of Namjoon’s awkwardness involving affection and physical intimacy and they were not about to ruin that by teasing him.
They were at a fan sign and gathering in front of the tables to take some last minute pictures for their fans. Namjoon had taken Jimin by the hand and guided him to the front. Obviously their fans immediately started to coo and tease them, which only encouraged Jimin to koala hold Namjoon for the rest of their photo op. Their leader was more shy than embarrassed, and it was a nice change. Namjoon was becoming more comfortable in his skin, and they were all so relieved to see it.
Hand holding eventually turned into cuddling. They would find Namjoon and Jimin sitting down next to each other in interviews with Jimin leaning on Namjoon’s shoulder with his hands possessively placed on his thighs. At home they would do the same, except Jimin may through a leg over Namjoon’s lap as they huddled in close to whisper and giggle.
Jin didn’t know what to make of it. Taehyung just liked how happy his soulmate and leader were. He liked how at ease they seemed to be, and didn’t really see any problem with it. Jin, a skeptic by nature, was skeptical.
“I don’t know Tae-ah. I think there’s something more going on, which is fine, but I just wish they’d tell us, you know?”
Taehyung didn’t think anything was going on. Jungkook was on his side, while the rest of their hyungs agreed with Jin.
They all agreed to let them be and keep an eye on them for additional gossiping content. Jin had created a group chat with all five of them to collect evidence about the true nature of Jimin and Namjoon’s relationship. The group chat was harmless, and mainly involved a lot of fond exacerbation and amused frustration over Namjoon and Jimin being oblivious.
Eventually it became accepted as the new normal. Their fans on social media were compiling all the videos, gifs, and pictures of Namjoon and Jimin’s easy affection. There had been more than one frustrated tweet demanding that the two just date and put them all out of their misery. And Taehyung can kind of see it. After a year of their affections growing and their easy intimacy with one another, things had definitely escalated.
One day, Jimin was leaving for his own personal solo shoot. He had just found his jacket and bag in the kitchen when he walked right back out to the lounge area where Namjoon was relaxing on the couch. He bent down to press a kiss to Namjoons cheek and murmured a goodbye before waving to everyone else as he left.
If Taehyung wasn’t so stunned by the kiss he would have laughed at Hobi and Yoongi’s owl eyes as they stare at Namjoon, who seemed to not be bothered as he bopped his head to whatever song he was listening too.
When the three of them collect their bearings they blow up the group chat with their recent discovery. Jin and Jungkook only believe them since Taehyung confirmed what happened. Taehyung and Jungkook had to admit that something in their beloved members' relationship had changed.
The hand holding, the cuddling, the Possessive Thigh grab, and kissing eventually became accepted and normal. Namjoon and Jimin never once gave any explanation to the nature of their relationship, so the members let it be. It was obviously something private and they didn’t feel as though they needed to intrude on it with their own thoughts and opinions. They kept those for the group chat.
Years passed and they would find incredible success in the western market and go on to be the highest grossing kpop group. It was while they were in America that Taehyung found out more about Jimin and Namjoons' interesting dynamic. They had shared a beer (which meant Taehyung took a sip, cringed, and passed it over to Jimin).
“Namjoon hyung is stressed,” Taehyung remarks softly as they stare out into the hazy LA sky. The fog and light pollution make it impossible to see any stars in the sky, but the moon is full and round bathing them in her light.
Their leader seemed to be far more stressed out while in the states, and he figured it was because of the language barrier. He felt the pressures of his role as their leader more burdensome during their time here.
“I know. He doesn’t need to be. We finally found a translator that understands us and is good at his job. Hopefully this time around is more enjoyable for him. He’s earned it,” Jimin huffs out. He takes another gulp of the alcoholic beverage.
“Did you know about him crying while writing lyrics for the album?”
“Mm. Those days and nights were hard for him. He’d usually end up in my bed needing a cuddle.”
“He couldn’t have picked a better person,” Taehyung can’t help but tease.
Jimin snorts out a laugh. “It’s hard for him. Hyung craves a relationship and I think he’s sad he’s not able to be in one right now.”
“Why not?” Taehyung asks, trying to contain his surprise at the fact that Namjoon and Jimin genuinely aren’t in a romantic relationship.
“I mean, could you maintain a relationship with all the traveling we do? We can barely manage friendships with people who are non-idols.”
Jimin has a point. Their demanding schedule makes it hard for them. Most days he feels he can barely take care of himself, so how could he ever be expected to take care of another person?
“It must be different though if you desire that? Like, I don’t know, if you do have a grasp of things and you still can’t even try to date someone? It must make hyung feel lonely.” Taehyung may be okay with his singleness, but he knows not every member is. It’s a sacrifice they all make for the sake of their group because of the respect and love they have for one another.
“Hyung will find love. He’s too handsome and charming not to make someone absolutely smitten over him. Just ask Jungkook.” Jimin replies softly.
Taehyung giggles. “We’re never going to let Jungkook live that down, are we?”
“Oh, hell no. It’s the one thing we have.”
They burst into giggles and the conversation turns lighter.
Later that night Taehyung reports back that Jimin and Namjoon are definitely not in a relationship, and the responses are both horrified and exasperated by them.
Comeback is approaching, which means their anxiety is skyrocketing. They all fear that their careers are going to tank with every new release because they keep raising the bar for themselves and they don’t ever want to disappoint their fans. The only approval they truly care about is the approval and acceptance of their fans.
Interviews begin to happen. They get a few great ones, but a lot of them involve people who are just there for clout. The questions are all the same and they can sense that the people interviewing them don’t actually want to be there. Every time Namjoon seems to lose his patience or get upset, Jimins hand gently rests on his thigh and squeezes it gently. It’s the perfect amount of reassurance his leader needs to regain control and to be as polite and respectful as he can, while also throwing a little shade in the mix.
Once they’re in the safety of their dressing room they are not surprised to find Jimin sitting on Namjoons lap and combing his fingers through the purple hair. Namjoons eyes are closed as Jimin does so, and it’s an endearing sight to see.
“Jimin, let’s get you changed,” a stylist says.
Jimin stands up and turns to press a chaste kiss to Namjoon’s cheek before following his stylist. It’s the first time Jimins ever kissed Namjoon in such a public setting.
“Yah, are you guys dating, or what?” Jin demands.
“Hyung!” Hobi and Jungkook snap back at Jin.
Namjoons eyes open and crinkle in confusion. “What? Why do you ask?”
“Jimin just kissed you!” Jin remarks loudly.
“Oh, please hyung, yell louder so the whole building knows,” Yoongi replies blandly.
“He always kisses my cheek though,” Namjoon looks even more confused as his eyes resemble that of a puppy. His bottom lip juts out a bit.
“Hyung,” Taehyung says tentatively, “I don’t really think it’s any of our business, don’t you?”
“People are going to talk if they keep pulling this stuff out in public. Gossip leads to rumors which can hurt their reputation,” Jin says seriously. “I’d rather clear the air and make us a little uncomfortable than to have secrets.” He turns to Namjoon, “Are you and Jimin dating?”
Namjoon looks even more confused.
“Aish, hyung.” Jimin chastises as he comes back in. “You’re really making a fuss out of something that doesn’t concern you. If we were dating do you really believe we’d keep it a secret? Namjoon, of all people, can’t keep a secret to save his life.”
“Hey,” Namjoon pouts.
Jungkook giggles at that, sitting beside Namjoon and patting his shoulder gently.
Jin seems to lose steam. “Ah.”
Yoongi snorts, “You do know how to kick up a fuss over nothing, hyung.”
“The only reason Namjoon is able to keep a secret is if he’s completely oblivious,” Jimin adds.
“What? I’m not oblivious!” Namjoon snarks back. “Jiminnie is mean today.”
Jimin laughs. “Namjoon, Joonie hyung, you are so completely oblivious. I’ve been taking you out on dates for two years now. I hold your hand and kiss you. We cuddle and fall asleep together in each other’s beds. I sit in your lap while we watch movies and we tell each other ‘I love you’ every night before bed when we aren’t together. I’ve just been waiting for you to catch up. Looks like Jin hyung forced that though.”
Namjoon looks like an owl. “You’ve been taking me out on dates?” He sputters out.
Jimin giggles. “Yeah hyung. I literally ask you, ‘Hey hyung, can we go on a date?’ and you replied that you would without even correcting me so I thought at first you understood, but then quickly realized you are very oblivious about these sorts of things. It was cute. I knew eventually that big, smart brain of yours would catch up. I mean, army figured it out before you did, babe.”
Jimin sits in Namjoons lap and looks very fond. The entire thing is sweet and hilarious, and he knows his fond expression is matched with the others in the room watching Jimin and Namjoon.
“Oh…” Namjoon says softly. His cheeks redden and he ducks his head a bit. “I can’t believe you’re confessing to me in front of so many people.”
“Blame Jin hyung. He couldn’t keep his big mouth shut,” Jimin teases, before glaring at their eldest member.
Jin has the audacity to look sheepish as he sits down next to Yoongi. “Ah, hyung is sorry for that.”
“Namjoon hyung, you do realise that The Park Jimin just confessed to you and you haven’t even given him a reply, right?” Taehyung says, teasing his leader who is blushing a bright now.
“Hyung, nothing has to change, hm? I’m content with us doing what we’ve been doing and figuring things out later when we’re not so stressed,” Jimin says softly.
Namjoon seems to think about it, and the room is oddly quiet, as if knowing the silence will help Namjoon to process all that he’s been told.
“I think I would be a very stupid man if I turned down your confession.” Namjoon says resolutely. He looks up and looks very shy as he makes eye contact with Jimin. “You’ve been very patient and understanding of me these last couple of years. You...you understand me and love me for me, including all of my flaws and past mistakes. Wouldn’t it be stupid of me to turn down such a genuine expression of love?”
“You’re allowed to turn it down if you don’t feel the same.” Jimin speaks softly.
Namjoon leans back against the couch and stares at Jimin, “I’ve had a crush on you since Danger promotions. I’m very good at repressing feelings though.”
Taehyung notices that Jimin looks surprised by that response. It turns into a pleased expression. Jimins leans in a kisses Namjoon softly on the lips. Namjoon kisses back. Hobi begins hollering and Jungkook starts smacking Jimin and Namjoon on their arms as he’s sitting right beside them. The room gets loud with yells and cheers from both them and their staff.
Jin throws a napkin at their ends and chastises them to have some decency. Jimin pulls away with a smirk on his lips and Namjoon looks very entranced.
“Does anyone need to confess to me?” Hobi says. The boys all giggle and laugh. Jimin relaxes back into Namjoon’s hold and their day continues on as normal. It’s not that big of a change with Namjoon and Jimin being official now.
Comeback promotions are some of their most enjoyable ones now that they have a reliable and incredible translator to help Namjoon out. Namjoon and Jimin disappear during their off days to have some time alone and get used to them being a couple.
They’re hopelessly in love now that their feelings have been returned and it’s very sweet to watch firsthand.
Jungkook sits beside him after they finished filming and sighs. “I really hope it doesn’t take me six years to get together with my potential partner.”
Taehyung laughs as he’s drinking from his water bottle and chokes. Jungkook thumps him hard on the back, but he’s breathless from laughing.