Work Text:
There’s an art to a ‘some’.
Or so, Jeongguk says.
But Jeongguk says a lot of things.
Seokjin was ready to start dating again and wanted advice on the current dating scene. Naturally, he went to Jeongguk, the maknae that kept everyone somewhat young by keeping them in the loop about trendy things. And he figured that Jeongguk would know since he had a lot more dating experience than Seokjin did.
Jeongguk puffed up like a little bird, happy that his hyung was coming to him for advice.
To quote what Jeongguk said verbatim, “You were in one relationship for like three years hyung, and you didn’t date afterwards for a long time. But even before then you didn’t really try to find potential partners either because people came to you. There are lots of dating apps and so many people to meet. So you have to understand the subtle art of being in a some.”
“The what now?” Seokjin had squinted.
Jeongguk had only sighed, pursed his lips, and shook his head like a fond parent trying to teach their child something new. He patted Seokjin’s shoulder encouragingly, “You have a lot to learn, young one.”
——
Seokjin has been seeing Yoongi for around two months. He’s not sure if he’s doing a good job at the whole some thing, even with the eager advice of Jeongguk. But so far, things between Yoongi have been great.
They have a lot in common and their conversations flow well. When they lapse into silence, it’s comfortable. No awkwardness, no sense of urgency to fill in the quiet gaps. Just enjoying each other’s company. And Seokjin loves that. He wants someone that will make him feel comfortable, and not like he’s performing or having to put on an act.
Seokjin’s not much of a betting man but there are three things in life where he would bet all his cards in: his sparkling charm, that Taehyung really did lose his second favorite fuzzy sweater, and that he really, really likes Yoongi.
Seokjin loves physical intimacy. Whether it was a good hug or holding hands, he was all for it. But he’ll also admit he’s been a little thirsty for Yoongi. Okay, maybe a lot.
It just so happened that Jeongguk had told him a very handy phrase that would make sure Seokjin was no longer parched.
The result was that Seokjin didn’t expect he’d be eating so much ramyun in a short amount of time.
1-
They met up for coffee after they had separate dinner plans and they’ve been talking for hours. It’s already 11 pm by the time Seokjin manages to check his phone and he swallows down his trepidation.
(“Just be casual about it hyung. It’ll only work if you play it cool.” Jeongguk’s voice whispers into his head).
The tip of Yoongi’s nose and knuckles are still pink and Seokjin wants to burst.
He has never done this before and gives himself at least seven pep talks when they finally step out of the cafe. Yoongi would head to the subway while Seokjin would take the ten minute walk home.
So it’s now or never.
“So you want to have ramyun at my place?”
He did it. Okay, that was smooth. Keep cool. This is it—
Yoongi looks up at Seokjin and his expression doesn’t change.
Seokjin keeps his smile frozen in place and thinks that’s...good? Is this a bad thing? Does he not want to sleep with him? That’s fine, he’s totally cool with that too but like, why is Yoongi looking at him like that?
While all these thoughts are rapidly firing through Seokjin’s mind, Yoongi smiles and says, “Sure. I was actually getting kind of hungry and I love eating ramyun. What kind do you usually eat?”
What.
“Oh, uh, you know the regular Shin ramyun?” Seokjin fumbles.
Yoongi nods seriously, “A classic. I’ve actually been trying out this new one where the noodles are made out of sweet potatoes and it’s not bad, pretty chewy actually. I forget the brand name though. I like to add different ingredients to mix it up and—“
Seokjin momentarily stops listening. Wait, what? He wanted sexy times not to actually eat.
But Seokjin nods along, agreeing with Yoongi but still lost in his own thoughts. Maybe Yoongi’s joking? Yoongi does tend to have a dry type of humor. Is he rejecting him in some roundabout way? Maybe he’s playing coy?
It’s fine, Seokjin’s still got this.
So Seokjin leads the way back to his apartment, a little nervous with Yoongi coming over for the first time.
Seokjin flicks on the lights to his home and as casually as possible, “Welcome. Please get comfortable.”
Yoongi shuffles into the space.
“Thank you for having me,” he murmurs with more formality than he usually would.
Seokjin moves to turn on the heater in the freezing apartment. “Sorry, it’s really cold right now but it should heat up quickly. I’ll boil some barley tea I made earlier in the meantime?” He gestures towards his electric kettle. They just had tea but this was the first thing that popped to Seokjin’s mind. He doesn’t know what’s going on but he may as well make sure they don’t freeze to death. Yoongi nods and Seokjin turns it on.
Yoongi looks around the apartment curiously as he takes a seat on the sofa. He sits properly, with his posture strangely upright and both his hands neatly folded onto his lap. Seokjin thinks this is the first time that he’s ever seen Yoongi not slouching. He wonders how tall Yoongi actually is if he doesn’t slouch. He tries to hide a grin but Yoongi’s sharp eyes notice and blinks at him, “What’s funny?”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you sit up straight.”
“Haha very funny.”
“I am, thank you.”
Yoongi grins back, but it turns a touch nervous as he says, “But yeah I guess I’m just nervous if I’m being honest.” And he stops sitting up straight and starts slouching again. “Besides, sitting up like that hurts my back.”
Seokjin doesn’t comment on the nervous part yet but rolls his eyes, “If you had good posture, it wouldn’t hurt.”
He pours out the hot tea into two mugs and hands one to Yoongi, who mutters a small thank you.
They take small sips and Seokjin would usually savor these comfortable silences but right now he’s feeling too nervous, but he decides to go for it anyways.
“So what are you nervous about?”
“It’s the first time I’m in your home.” Yoongi says, looking up into Seokjin’s eyes. They’re really close, their knees barely brushing together and Yoongi parts his lips.
Bingo. So Yoongi did know what Seokjin was talking about and he was just playing coy. Seokjin’s impressed and he’s about to say something decidedly sexy to get the party started—
“So do you want me to help you with the ramyun?”
What.
“What?”
“Do you want me to help you?” Yoongi places the mug onto the coffee table.
“Huh?”
“So no?” Yoongi pouts at him just a little.
“Yes!” Seokjin blurts out, anything to stop the pout.
“Okay,” Yoongi smiles and Seokjin is both charmed and confused. His ears are burning and he’s not sure what’s going on but Yoongi is looking at him expectantly, so Seokjin gets up on autopilot.
He heads back to the kitchen and goes to the cupboard where he keeps his Shin ramyun. Yoongi follows behind and then Seokjin asks, “Two?”
Yoongi nods in affirmation, “Two.”
While they wait for the pot of water to boil, they start talking about other things again and Seokjin’s flare of embarrassment goes back to simmering. He pushes it to the back of his mind.
“Is it alright if we speak informally?” Seokjin keeps his hands busy and wipes down the counter.
Yoongi nods, “Oh yes, of course. Please speak informally to me.”
Before Seokjin puts in the noodles he asks Yoongi, “Do you like eggs in your ramyun?”
Yoongi’s face lights up but he still speaks formally, “Yeah I do. I like one in mine.”
“I thought we just agreed to speak informally,” Seokjin gently teases.
Yoongi looks nervous and mumbles, “I um, sorry. I’m not as comfortable with it yet. But I will.”
“There’s no pressure.” Seokjin hums. “But yes, an egg for me too.”
He brings out two eggs and asks him, “How do you like your eggs?”
“I like to have the egg gently poach. Just enough so that the yolk is still a bit runny. You?”
Seokjin puts a hand to his heart, “Ah Yoongi, you’re stealing my heart. Just the way I like it.”
Yoongi softly nudges him and his smile grows wider, more gummy. Seokjin’s favorite.
By the time they’re eating ramyun together over the steaming pot, Seokjin forgets about his embarrassment and thinks that ramyun always tastes infinitely better when it’s being shared.
2-
“Want to have ramyun at my place?” Seokjin tries again.
“When I say I want to eat ramyun with you, it means something else…” he trails off, leaving the rest of the implication hang in the air.
There’s no way Yoongi can’t get this now. Seokjin has suggestively wiggled his eyebrows, has been flirtier than usual, and is using his best ‘come hither’ voice.
But all he gets in return is a mildly confused (albeit adorable) Yoongi who asks, “Oh...did you want something like udon then?”
Seokjin can’t help it and he bursts out into laughter. This is too ridiculous but so, so cute. And he’s horribly endeared.
“What’s so funny?” Yoongi asks while scrunching up his nose, trying to get in on the joke.
“How did you read my mind?” Seokjin teases, finding Yoongi’s hand and interlacing his fingers with Yoongi’s cold ones.
“A lucky guess,” Yoongi shrugs at him playfully, half-confident and half-sweet.
“I know a good udon place nearby. Might be a bit of a line though, if you’re okay with that?” Seokjin asks.
“Udon, udon, udon,” Yoongi excitedly chants.
Seokjin’s cheeks hurt from smiling so much, but he really wouldn’t have it any other way.
3-
It’s a week later when Yoongi asks him.
Yoongi seems to hesitate as they step out of the cafe, like he’s trying to gather the courage to say something.
It’s frigid and Seokjin doesn’t have an extra heat pack for his hands but Seokjin waits and pretends to check his phone.
“So do you want to have ramyun at my place, hyung?” Yoongi asks, averting eye contact, looking down at his feet.
A million thoughts run through Seokjin’s head but he tries to squish them all down. This probably means actual ramyun, considering their track record.
But the thing that really sticks to his mind is the fact that Yoongi finally called him hyung. Finally spoke informally to him.
“I’d love to,” Seokjin agrees happily.
Seokjin is rewarded with a Yoongi that blooms a little more color at the top of his already cold red cheeks. Seokjin thinks that cute round cheeks are a hazard to his health.
Yoongi leads the way back to his little studio. Seokjin steps into Yoongi’s home and it feels cozy. Cozy despite the artful clutter in his home. Scattered papers and books everywhere but the kitchen is surprisingly tidy.
“So this is my home,” Yoongi gestures in a half-aborted wave.
“I like it..it’s very you.”
Yoongi wrinkles his nose at him and there’s laughter in his eyes as he says, “You’re just trying to be polite. I know it’s messy. I should have cleaned up before I invited you, sorry.” But the effect is slightly dampened when he scratches the back of his hand, like he’s feeling self-conscious.
“No, I like it like this. I get to see more of you.”
Yoongi’s eyes flick up at Seokjin.
Seokjin lightens the mood, “Besides, I can see if we’re really compatible you know? If I find your collection of rubber duckies in your room, it might be a deal breaker for me.”
It works and Yoongi puts his hand down and has a mildly concerned and confused expression when he asks, “Rubber duckies? Is there a story to that?”
“Nah, not really. But if I think about it now, might kind of freak me out. They have really soulless eyes. I’d hate for them to watch me when I sleep.” He shudders a little, thinking of small, black, beady eyes watching him steadily as he slumbers.
“I’m going to have dreams about rubber duckies, thanks.” Yoongi laughs, his teeth on display.
“You’re welcome,” Seokjin joins in.
Yoongi starts moving, seemingly remembering something. He heads to the fridge.
Seokjin follows, leaning against a counter.
Yoongi goes through the fridge and thrusts up a fistful of packaged string cheese.
“Do you like cheese by the way?”
Seokjin raises an eyebrow, “You know I love cheese. We went to that pizza place and I ordered extra cheese.”
Yoongi closes the fridge door and also brings out a leftover onion, mushrooms, kimchi, and green onions. Seokjin takes the kimchi and onion from his hands.
“Ah, sorry. I meant do you like to put cheese in your ramyun?”
Yoongi takes out a cutting board and starts rolling up his sleeves.
Seokjin sets the kimchi and onion next to the cutting board. “Mm not usually, but when I’m in the mood I do.”
“Single slice of cheese?”
“Yeah.”
Yoongi starts washing his hands. “Okay, so you know how at the chicken-jjim places they sprinkle cheese on top?”
“Yeah?”
Yoongi grabs a pot and fills it with water, turning the stove to medium heat.
“Well I figured, why can’t I do the same thing? Instead of using a single slice of cheese? If it’s sprinkled on using that type of cheese, it’ll have more of that stringy factor and be more fun to mix in.”
Seokjin folds his arms, thinking. “Hmm I honestly never thought about that.”
“That’s why I was asking if you were okay with cheese in your ramyun.”
Seokjin rolls up his sleeves and begins to wash his hands too as Yoongi begins cutting the onions, mushrooms, and green onions.
“I’m game to try. I always like trying new things with you anyways.”
Seokjin doesn’t catch the shy smile that Yoongi has on his face.
“Okay, so what do you need help with?”
Yoongi waves both his hands, “It’s fine, you can just chill. It won’t take long anyways.”
“Nope. I’m helping. What do you need me to do?” Seokjin asks cheerily.
Yoongi caves in easily.
“Can you get the ramyun? They’re in the top left shelf. Pick whichever you want as long as it’s spicy. I think cheese only works when it’s with spicy ramyun.”
“Got it.” Seokjin opens the cabinet and is greeted with a fully stocked and very neatly aligned assortments of ramyun. He’s never seen some of these brands before. He kind of just gapes at it, counting out the different types (there are 9 brands and flavors, each with their own row of 5). Seokjin does the quick mental math in his head. That’s 45 packs.
“What the heck.”
“Hm, what?” Yoongi continues chopping the ingredients and setting them aside.
“You have 9 different brands and not one is Ottogi Jin ramyun??? Yoongi, I’m personally offended.”
“I’m going to be honest, it’s not my favorite. And those 9 brands up there have been through a rigorous taste testing process. Until another ramyun meets my standards,” he shrugs casually, “then they won’t be up there.”
“I can’t be your favorite though?”
Yoongi quips back, “Rigorous taste testing process.”
Seokjin exaggeratedly rolls his eyes at Yoongi so that he can see, but his ears start burning up.
He muses for a moment before bringing out two black Shins and placing them on the counter.
“The classic?”
“Figured I might want to be on the safe side if we’re already experimenting with stringy cheese, Chef.”
“Fair enough.” Yoongi rips open the ramyun packages to get the seasoning packets out and dumps them into the now simmering water.
“Can you start taking the cheese apart into little pieces?”
“Sure.” Seokjin does that over a little bowl and watches as Yoongi puts the onions and mushrooms in.
“Do you have a name for your creation?”
“Veggie cheese ramyun.”
“Who would have thought.”
“Me.”
Seokjin gives a good natured sigh.
Yoongi says placidly, “You have no one to blame but yourself.”
“I walked right into that one.”
“Mm.”
Once the veggies are cooking away, Yoongi puts in the dry ramyun. After a few minutes he deems it ready.
“Okay, time for cheese.”
Seokjin sprinkles them in there. Yoongi turns off the heat.
They both stare at the ramyun, watching as the cheese melt into the broth.
“It’s the moment of truth,” Yoongi says solemnly.
“We’ll see if it passes the test,” Seokjin echoes just as solemnly.
They both huddle over the ramyun and Yoongi carefully puts his chopsticks in, getting some veggies and the noodles. They hold their breath, watching to see if the cheese stretches.
It only stretches a little bit before it breaks and Yoongi takes a bite. Seokjin picks up a chopstick full.
It tastes good, the vegetables balancing out the richness of the ramyun. The cheese itself tastes good with the ramyun, nothing revolutionary. A little stringy but not quite the consistency they were hoping for.
“So what do you think?” Yoongi asks.
“It’s good, just not what I expected. Needs more stretchiness.”
“Agreed. Maybe I’ll have to buy the proper cheese for it. Maybe next time. And we should also move to the coffee table. Can you grab the kimchi?”
“Got it.”
They get comfortably seated at Yoongi’s well worn coffee table and dig in.
Seokjin has had more ramyun with Yoongi than he usually eats, but he’s not complaining. If anything, he can’t be happier.
4-
They were supposed to grab lunch today but Yoongi texted him earlier if they could reschedule because he was feeling bad.
Seokjin [10:40 am]
are you sick?
Yoongi [10:41 am]
no, just not feeling great. I’m sorry
Seokjin [10:41 am]
no worries, feel better yeah?
Yoongi [10:45 am]
thank you, sorry again
Seokjin puts down his phone. It might be a little bold, but he thinks it wouldn’t hurt. He puts on a coat and heads out to the grocery store.
It’s a few hours later when Seokjin sends out a text.
Seokjin [2:58 pm]
hey, feel free to say no but is it okay if I drop off something for you? let me know if you have time, no pressure
Yoongi [3:10 pm]
sure, i’m free right now. what are you dropping off?
Seokjin [3:12 pm]
food!
Yoongi [3:13 pm]
what
Seokjin [3:14 pm]
yes
Yoongi [3:15 pm]
did you make it...specifically for me..?
Seokjin [3:18 pm]
….maybe
Yoongi [3:18 pm]
you didn’t have to omg
Seokjin [3:25 pm]
i’m on my way!
Yoongi [3:31 pm]
wait ㅠ you really didn’t and don’t have to!!
hello?
I know you’re reading these...ok i guess i’ll see you soon and thank you ;;
When Yoongi swings open the door, he still looks surprised. As if he thought Seokjin was really joking about coming.
Seokjin holds out the bag to Yoongi, “For you.”
Yoongi takes it and peers inside, “I can’t believe you brought me food.”
“Seokjin’s special delivery.”
Yoongi gives him a wry grin.
“Now that it’s delivered, I’m going to go. So, feel better yeah? I hope you like it.” Seokjin gives him a reassuring smile and a tiny wave. He turns to leave when Yoongi grabs onto the back of his coat.
“Wait, don’t leave,” he immediately lets go of the coat, “If you’re not busy? Come inside and drink tea with me.”
Seokjin hesitates a beat too long so Yoongi grumpily adds, “You’re bringing in all the cold air.”
Seokjin can’t argue with that. “If you’re sure. I don’t mind.”
“Yes, please hurry. It’s really cold.”
Seokjin laughs at Yoongi’s put out expression.
“Is it okay if I eat this now? I’m actually kind of hungry again.”
“Yeah, go ahead.” Seokjin goes to settle into the couch.
“You made jook. What kind is this?” Yoongi says as he opens up the container. He moves the to the microwave.
“Chicken and vegetables. I seasoned the chicken and vegetables so you should try it before adding in any soy sauce.”
Yoongi starts the kettle for tea.
Seokjin adds playfully skeptical, “You do have soy sauce in this house right?”
Yoongi snorts at him, “Just because I eat a lot of ramyun and have a shelf full of it, doesn’t mean I neglect to eat and make other types of food.”
Seokjin deadpans, “What did you have for lunch?”
Yoongi opens his mouth and then closes it. He folds his arms over his chest hunching into himself, staring at the whirring microwave. “I had ramyun for lunch,” he mumbles.
Seokjin grins but doesn’t say anything.
Once the jook is done, Yoongi tries a bite, makes a pleased sound and puts in a dash of soy sauce.
“Yuja?” Yoongi asks, holding up a half empty jar of yuja mixture.
“Yeah.”
Yoongi gets two cups of yuja tea going and brings his jook over to the coffee table.
Yoongi chews carefully, “This is really good.”
“Glad you like it.” Seokjin takes a careful sip of the hot tea.
“Thank you.”
“Mm.”
They talk about their day and more often than not, they lapse into silence as Seokjin cradles his cup and Yoongi finishes up his jook.
Yoongi does the dishes and joins Seokjin on the couch, putting his feet up and places the warm cup against his thighs.
They stay like that for a few more minutes. Seokjin lets Yoongi have his space.
“I’m just feeling down.”
Seokjin takes another sip of his tea and moves his legs onto the sofa, mimicking Yoongi’s pose.
“I got a call from my mom and my dad’s been sick.”
Seokjin turns to face Yoongi and asks gently, “Is he okay?”
“Yeah, yeah. He’ll be fine. He went to the hospital because his coughing wasn’t getting better. He’s been dealing with a really bad cold for like a few weeks now.”
Yoongi chews on the corner of his lower lip, staring at his tea. “I was mad at her for only telling me now, when I could have come home and helped take care of him. She’s been so busy, having to take care of her parents too.” He huffs. “And she doesn’t complain, you know? But she sounded so tired. And I don’t know, I just got so frustrated with her not telling me. And I get it, she didn’t want to worry me. But I told her I could have been there. And she just goes, ‘We didn’t want to worry you. We don’t want our son having to take unnecessary days off to come home.’”
Seokjin smiles sadly to himself, relating to Yoongi’s words.
Yoongi continues, “She said ‘unnecessary days’. Like it would be a burden for me. Like work was more important to me than them.”
He takes another sip of tea before he continues.
“Like, let me take care of you for once. Please. I just want to take care of them.” Yoongi exhales softly. “Sorry this is stupid to get worked up about.”
“It’s not.” Seokjin softly replies. “I get it.”
Yoongi gives a tiny smile, “They’re so damn stubborn. No wonder where I got it from.”
He turns to face Seokjin fully, “Anyways, thanks for listening to me. And for bringing the food.”
“No problem for both.” Seokjin doesn’t think before he adds quickly, “You know, I’m here to talk anytime you need someone. Or not talk. I’m great as quiet company.”
“Thank you.”
“You know, you can rely on me too, hyung.”
Seokjin glances at him and thinks, ‘I can get used to this.’ It’s a quiet declaration that leaves him feeling warmer than the tea does.
5-
Seokjin and Yoongi have arms full of groceries when they get back to Seokjin’s apartment.
“I am very ready for homemade budae jjigae,” Seokjin whines. “I’m starving and this is heavy.” He unceremoniously dumps a large box of spam onto his floor.
Yoongi puts the rest of the grocery down onto the table and starts taking them out of their bags. “Spam was half off for a box. What am I going to do, say no? Not a chance.”
“You’re right. It was the smart thing to do.” Seokjin sighs and starts to help Yoongi unpack.
Yoongi rummages through a bag and fishes out a bag of Yakult jellies and tosses it to Seokjin, “Here. Some jelly to tide you over.”
Seokjin eagerly rips open the packaging, “When did you have the time to get this?”
“When you were running back to switch off the tofu pack, I saw the jellies and bought like four.”
Seokjin’s eyes widen in delight as he pops one into his mouth, “There are three more?”
Yoongi shrugs, “You said you love jellies, figured it wouldn’t hurt to buy more to keep you stocked.”
Seokjin swears this is how he’s going to fall in love with Yoongi.
As they get ready to prep the ingredients for the jjigae, Seokjin asks again, “Since I’ve never made this at home before, you’ll have to guide me through it.”
“I got you.”
Seokjin takes the black shin ramyun pack and takes out the noodles to set it to the side. He’s about to toss the rest of the it away when Yoongi says to him, “Wait hyung. Don’t toss out the seasoning packet.”
“Huh, why not?” Seokjin brings it out and places it next to the noodles.
“It’s for the soup base.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
Seokjin folds his arms, “Is this you somehow trying to sneak in more ramyun?”
“Oh my god, I don’t eat it that much. And it helps with the flavoring anyways.” Yoongi rolls his eyes.
“You are a certified ramyun fiend.”
“And you’re a jelly fiend,” Yoongi easily retorts back.
“It seems we’re at a standstill here.”
“Or you could, you know, get a start on cutting up those vegetables and spam while I make the soup base.”
Seokjin moves over to the cutting board, “Yes, Chef. That sounds better, Chef.”
“You’re ridiculous, hyung.”
“But you still like me.”
Yoongi is busy with mixing up the red pepper paste but Seokjin can hear all the fondness in the world when he says, “Yeah, I do.”
The budae jjigae does taste amazing which Yoongi credits to the ramyun seasoning packet. Seokjin insists they try making it again next time without it.
——
“Are you going to confess yet?” Taehyung asks, crunching loudly on radish kimchi.
Seokjin looks at them in mild horror, both at how he can see the kimchi moving around in Taehyung’s unabashed open munching and how perceptive they are on Seokjin’s current conundrum.
He’d rather deal with the former.
Seokjin exhales heavily, “Nope.”
“Why not?” Taehyung continues their chewing and then glances at their phone notification. “Jeonggukie’s going to be a little late by the way.”
“So why haven’t you?” Taehyung prods, leaning their full weight onto the table.
The view is comical if Seokjin was in a laughing mood.
Taehyung has a splatter of kimchi juice on the corner of their mouth, the Yugane bib haphazardly buttoned around their neck, hands propped under their chin. A stark contrast to Taehyung looking entirely too earnest and knowing. It’s that look they get when they’ve already figured out everything in their head. Seokjin thinks too many people underestimate Taehyung.
“Because things are going fine the way they are.”
“But you don’t like the uncertainty,” Taehyung states the unease on Seokjin’s mind.
“There’s no uncertainty,” Seokjin grabs for his water.
“Of course. You guys are clearly into each other but no one has made the next move, right? You hold hands, make time for each other. He even kissed you on the cheek.” Taehyung whispers the last part conspiratorially and raises their eyebrows because the ajumma comes to their table and starts mixing the ingredients on the grill pan.
Seokjin looks pained and sincerely regrets telling Taehyung about that part, “Please eat your food.”
“You’re afraid that if it isn’t said, it somehow won’t be real. Like it would still be easy for him to pull back and say ‘Hey, it’s been fun, but I’m done here’, or ‘I found someone else I’m interested in.’ So then you haven’t said anything because you’re scared. ”
“Are you enjoying this?” Seokjin bites back.
Taehyung pauses for a moment, looking very thoughtful, “Yup! It’s kind of refreshing to see you squirming.” They give him a happy, innocent smile and then starts scooping out the sizzling mixed fried rice.
Seokjin squints at them, unsure if they’re still joking.
Seokjin looks glumly at the spicy chicken and veggie fried rice. He was really excited to eat earlier but his appetite has abated a little. No, that’s a lie. His appetite is always there. He just wishes he can replace Taehyung with Jeongguk. Jeongguk would be more sympathetic. No, that’s a bigger lie. He’d rather have Jimin.
Taehyung eagerly digs in, blowing on the hot rice.
“Anyways, I think it’s cute how he didn’t get your ramyun line.”
“You didn’t know what it meant either until I told you.” Seokjin deadpans.
“Subtext! I understand subtext, Seokjin-ssi. And body language, I’m very good at that.” Taehyung smiles cheekily and wiggles their fingers at him.
Seokjin sighs.
“You should start eating, it’s really good. Oh, hey Jeonggukie!” Taehyung waves their hand at Jeongguk.
“Hey, sorry I’m late.” Jeongguk pulls out the chair next to Seokjin.
“Hey kid,” Seokjin gets up to hug him.
Taehyung starts without preamble, “Seokjinnie, tell him what you’ve told me about Yoongi-ssi.”
Jeongguk neatly puts on the bib and smoothes it out before grabbing his spoon. “What happened?” He immediately starts scooping rice into his bowl.
Seokjin doesn’t feel like getting vulnerable for a second time tonight during dinner, (he’ll tell him after they eat) so he tells him about the ramyun thing. Which, in retrospect, is a bad idea. But Seokjin’s not clairvoyant.
“Your stupid ramyun line didn’t work on Yoongi,” Seokjin grumbles and then clarifies, “Not that I really care. It’s just...it was slightly embarrassing.”
“It didn’t?” Jeongguk asks through a mouthful.
“No, he thinks it means actually eating. So we’ve been eating ramyun for the past couple weeks.”
Jeongguk starts hysterically laughing so hard that the rice comes out his mouth and nose, to Taehyung’s utter delight and Seokjin’s resigned disgust.
6-
They’ve just finished up eating dinner at Yoongi’s place and they’re about to watch the new episode of “Please Take Care of My Refrigerator” afterwards.
Yoongi finishes washing up the dishes as Seokjin puts away the rest of the banchan. Yoongi then heads to the bathroom while Seokjin puts a blanket over himself and settles into the sofa as he aimlessly flips through the channels.
When Seokjin sees Yoongi come out of the bathroom, he says, “It’s starting in 17 minutes and maybe I should grab some chips at GS25? I know we just ate but—.” Seokjin trails off as he looks at the shocked expression on Yoongi’s face, who’s currently staring at his phone.
“Oh my god,” Yoongi announces a little too calmly. An odd contrast to his choice of words. Seokjin’s not sure if it’s a good thing or a bad thing.
“Oh my god,” Yoongi repeats, and his pallor changes. Going to flushed pink and he looks slightly horrified and a lot embarrassed.
Seokjin swallows, “What? What’s happening? Did something happen?”
“‘Want to have ramyun at my place?’ means ‘Do you want to sleep with me?’ Oh my god.” Yoongi says again.
Seokjin’s synapses are firing at the speed of light and sending frantic messages to his brain to salvage the situation. The mini Seokjins in his mind are screaming at him, working at an overtime frenzy and—
“Uhhhhhh?”
Yoongi stares off into the corner of the room, “I was texting my friends about how we always eat ramyun together and they made some sly comments so I asked them to explain and…..now we’re here.” Yoongi gestures faintly.
Seokjin opens his mouth and closes it. Does the same thing again.
They start speaking at the same time.
“So all this time....”
“Yoongi—”
“I thought you meant real ramyun.”
“Hold on—”
“I have to disappear now.” Yoongi states as he sinks to the floor and buries his face in his hands.
“Yoongi.”
Yoongi’s voice comes out a little muffled from his hands, “I’m not going to kick you out because it’s not your fault I didn’t know. But I can’t leave because this is my home and I can’t just go hide in my bedroom while you’re here, that’s rude. This is going to be nightmare fuel when I can’t sleep at 2 am in the morning.”
Seokjin gets up from his seat and goes to sit on the ground in front of Yoongi.
“Can you stop hiding your face?” He asks.
“No.”
Seokjin can’t help but crack a smile at Yoongi’s stubbornness. “Will you let me explain?”
“What’s there to explain? I get it now. I’m just really embarrassed.”
Seokjin sighs, “No. There’s more to it than that.”
Yoongi doesn’t reply but Seokjin knows he’s listening intently, so he continues.
Seokjin gets flustered at what he has to say next and starts tugging at his ear, “I was getting um, dating advice from that dongseng I told you about, Jeongguk. And he told me about that line so the first two times I meant it...as what it was supposed to imply. But I honestly didn’t mind! I thought it was really endearing that you didn’t know and I’ve learned a lot about making ramyun more interesting.”
Yoongi’s shyly peeks through his hands and this gives Seokjin more courage to continue.
“I also want to make it really clear that there is absolutely no pressure whatsoever and that I’m not expecting anything.” He exhales, “I’ve been trying to properly ask you to be official but I’ve been really scared. I’m not very good with this whole “some” stuff, I’m sorry. Basically what I’m trying to ask you is if you’d like to be my boyfriend?” Seokjin’s last words come out as a weird mix of confusion and unsureness.
Yoongi’s still hiding behind his hands but Seokjin can see how his eyes are softly curving into half moons.
“You’re right, you really do suck at the some thing.”
Seokjin inhales sharply.
“But I’m very glad you suck at it. Because I’m not good either, considering I’ve been trying to ask you too.”
Seokjin breathes again.
“We’re boyfriends now,” Seokjin says it just to be extra sure.
Yoongi moves his hands from his faces and gives him a very endearing grin.
“I think so?” Yoongi pretends to give him a confused look but it’s ruined by his very gummy and happy smile.
Seokjin hides his face in his hands and whines, “Is this a push and pull thing? Don’t do this to me right after my heartfelt confession.”
Yoongi starts laughing and gently takes Seokjin’s hands away from his face and holds them in his own, “Couldn’t resist. Seeing you flustered is really cute.”
“I hope you’re happy,” Seokjin mumbles, willing to take all the embarrassment for Yoongi.
“Very.”
“So what now?”
Yoongi glances at his phone.
“We have 9 minutes left until the show starts. So let’s go grab some snacks and we can cuddle and watch and then maybe make out?”
“Yes and yes,” Seokjin says sweetly.
The next day-
Taehyung [5:21 pm]
friends~ what does it mean to “make tteok together”. Like does jiminie actually want to make rice cakes with me? he knows i can’t cook or bake? is this a bonding thing because if so i’ll risk everything
Seokjin [5:25 pm]
can you bring me the ones jimin makes
Taehyung [5:30 pm]
okay~ but what does it mean ㅠ
Next day-
Taehyung [10:32 am]
so update, that was not a tteok making session but we were definitely making something if u know what i mean~~~
Seokjin [10:33 am]
what do you mean??? so there’s no tteok?? I really wanted some
JK [11:04 am]
you two are hopeless
ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
Seokjin [11:06 am]
and how are things going with namjoon?
JK [11:07 am]
….