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The atmosphere backstage is stifling.
It’s two hours before Cypher go up on stage and everyone is feeling the pressure. Sound engineers are running around, managers are panicking, stylists with their palettes and makeup brushes rush in and out of rooms. And, in the middle of all that chaos, Jeongguk is frozen. It’s his first day and he’s already late because he has no idea where to go.
Taehyung’s phone is switched off and he forgot to ask for Jimin’s number so, Jeongguk is just. Standing there. When Seokjin asked him if he wanted this job and Jeongguk agreed, he didn’t expect to be lost on his very first day.
“Uh… are you lost?” Someone asks from behind Jeongguk and he turns, only to meet a smiling Jimin. Jeongguk’s heart screams in relief.
“Oh thank God I met you. I’m definitely lost.”
Jimin laughs and throws an arm around Jeongguk’s shoulders. “Come on, we were waiting for you.”
Jeongguk sighs, follows Jimin into a room. When Jeongguk walks in, he’s almost surprised. Three vanity tables, side-by-side, large white mirrors with large bulbs by the side. The room smells like perfume, glitter in the air from all the fallout of the brushes and Jeongguk can hear Jimin’s gentle fussing coming from behind him. Only one of the tables is occupied, a shock of red hair visible and a hunched figure. That’s probably Jung Hoseok, the international superstar whose makeup Jeongguk has to do today.
It’s Jeongguk’s first time doing someone else’s makeup professionally (apparently, coloring Taehyung’s face when he was drunk and half-dead didn’t count) and that, too, it was Jung Hoseok. Singer, rapper, songwriter, producer and three-time Grammy nominee with his bandmates, Kim Namjoon and Min Yoongi who were equally celebrated as Hoseok. Cypher was huge in so many ways. It brought Korean pop into the mainstream but also showed that the industry wasn’t just a bed of roses. That even Koreans could do hip-hop and change the world. And Jeongguk is going to do his makeup.
Hopefully, he doesn’t fuck it up.
“Hyung, let me introduce you to someone!” Jimin says, in a sing-song voice, tugging Jeongguk forward who nearly stumbles.
It’s almost so dramatic when the chair turns and Jeongguk is met with the most striking pair of eyes ever. Jung Hoseok is stunning but Jeongguk already knew that. He’s seen the magazine spreads (TIME's, Dispatch, Paper, Vogue) and Hoseok is always the center with his intense, model-like pose, but seeing it in person is very different. Jeongguk’s first thought is he takes very good care of his skin. It’s nearly perfect, seems like he has an intense skincare routine, something Jimin had already mentioned before he’d passed down the torch to Jeongguk.
Hoseok looks up from his phone, blinks. Jeongguk can almost hear his heart pounding with how loud it is. Holy shit, I’m Jung Hoseok's makeup artist, I think I might cry- Jeongguk has only seen Hoseok in person once. Cypher’s Seoul concert. Their energy, charisma, costumes, makeup, sets, everything was absolutely stunning and perfect. Namjoon’s diction, Hoseok’s adlibs, Yoongi's tone. Perfect. It was love at first sight. That’s why when Seokjin asked him, he’d agreed without hesitation. He’ll get paid to do makeup and even meet the idols he loves. The saying goes, never meet your idols in person, but Jeongguk has a feeling that it doesn’t apply to Cypher.
“Oh, and this is…?” Hoseok asks, trailing off.
“Jeon Jeongguk. He’ll take over Sooyoung-noona's job.”
One of Jeongguk’s main fears was Hoseok being rude. Jimin had assured him multiple times that there was no one on Cypher’s level that were as humble and kind-hearted as them but still. The worry was still there. However, Hoseok gives Jeongguk a warm smile, even gets out of his chair to greet Jeongguk.
“The new makeup artist. It’s great to meet you, I’m Hoseok.”
Jeongguk quashes the urge to say he knows who he is very well and instead, shakes his hand. Hoseok’s grip is tight and hand, warm. Hoseok asks Jeongguk if he’s ready, a kind twinkle in his eye and Jeongguk nods.
“You’re in good hands now,” Jimin says, patting his shoulder. “Hyung will take care of you.”
Jeongguk says goodbye to Jimin, albeit with a grain of salt because he’s nervous about being in the same room as the Jung Hoseok. Hoseok’s expression is kind, lets Jeongguk take his time to lay out all his stuff on the table. Jeongguk’s hands almost shake as he reaches up to apply primer. Hoseok’s eyes fall shut, almost immediately and he hums under his breath. From there, Jeongguk continues his work quietly and applies the foundation before Hoseok speaks again.
“So, Jeongguk- uh, um- can I call you that?”
Jeongguk feels a flush crawl up his cheeks. He likes the way Hoseok says his name. It’s soft, subdued. “Of course, Hoseok-ssi. I don’t mind.”
“Ah, I’m glad. And, by the way, call me hyung. You’re part of the family now. No formalities allowed.”
“Except with Seokjin-ssi, you mean?” Jeongguk can’t resist the urge to giggle, as he moves on to concealer. Hoseok’s lips twitch with hidden amusement.
“Seokjin-hyung will bite your head off for informalities. So, yeah. Except him.”
“Hm.” Jeongguk finishes up with the concealer. He’s finally gotten to his favorite part. The eyes. Jimin asked him to do something bold for the first performance so, Jeongguk knows what he’s going to do.
“Okay, hyung. I’m going to do your eyes now.”
“Be careful, don’t stab my eyes out.” It makes Jeongguk laugh. Jeongguk likes laughing.
Hoseok nods, lets Jeongguk tip his head back gently. Hoseok has beautiful eyes and Jeongguk’s makeup accentuating them, he can only imagine how much of a stunner Hoseok is going to look on stage. Jeongguk thinks back to Cypher’s concert. That was the first time the three of them had worn makeup on stage. We’re idols just as much as we are hip-hop artists, it’s not something we’re ashamed of, Kim Namjoon had said in a interview that had taken place not much after the concert.
Soon enough, they all became famous for wearing bold looks, unashamed and unabashedly themselves. That’s what Jeongguk has to live up to.
“Jeongguk?”
Jeongguk realizes he’s stopped working and sheepishly apologizes, going back to work immediately. He swipes pink eyeshadow across Hoseok's eyelids, then below. It’s simple, sweet but gorgeous. Just like Hoseok. Hoseok is surprisingly still throughout the whole process and when Jeongguk is done, he dusts his hands and steps back.
“Just the kohl and mascara is left, hyung.”
Hoseok sighs. “I hate this part. Come on, let’s get it over with.”
Jeongguk was underestimating how intimidating it would be. It was fine earlier when Hoseok had his eyes closed but now, with his sharp stare fixated on Jeongguk, he almost panics.
“Look up for me, hyung?” Jeongguk mutters, lining his eyes with kohl. When Jeongguk hears screaming coming from the outside, something about where is Hoseok?! Jeongguk hurries up the process and applies the mascara successfully without stabbing the Jung Hoseok in the eye. All in a days work.
“All right, let’s take a look, shall we?” Hoseok says, spinning his chair around to look in the mirror. Jeongguk nearly bites down his nails in the suspense but Hoseok grins. Widely.
“Well done, Jeongguk.” Hoseok giggles, leaning forward as his eyes meet with Jeongguk’s in the mirror. Jeongguk’s heart skips a beat. “You made me look good.”
“No, I think that one’s all you, hyung.” Jeongguk can barely stop himself as those words spill from his mouth but he clears his throat, turns away before Hoseok has a chance to reply. Luckily, he doesn’t because Jimin bursts in through the door, beads of sweat on his forehead.
“Come on, hyung. It’s almost time.”
Waiting for Cypher to go on stage is nerve-wracking. Hoseok thanks Jeongguk once again for making him look good, barely waiting to hear Jeongguk protest and deny it before he goes and stands with Kim Namjoon and Min Yoongi, who look like they’re going to take the world by the storm.
“Five minutes!” Seokjin calls out. “Everyone ready?”
The three nod, taking their respective positions on the stage. Jeongguk can hear the screams of the fans and how loud they actually are when you’re standing backstage. In the audience, Jeongguk had been one of those voices so he couldn’t tell. He doesn’t realize he’s pacing before Jimin stops him, a hand on his shoulder.
“Looks like you’re going to go up on stage.”
“Feels like it.” Jeongguk says, letting his head drop. “I’m nervous, I don’t know why.”
Jimin chuckles, shakes his head like he’s experienced this before. “Don’t worry. You’ll get used to someday. Come on. Let’s watch the hyungs from the big screen.”
Jeongguk doesn’t believe in magic but when he sees Hoseok, Namjoon and Yoongi up on the stage, he thinks he might just change his mind. The crowd is wild, almost feral and they’re feeding off the energy. Namjoon had always been Jeongguk’s bias, stunning and articulate as he controls the crowd with just a few words and the movements of his hands. Jeongguk can say he successfully swoons. A flash of white and Yoongi takes the spotlight, his lyrics inherently sexual, critical and Jimin laughs when Jeongguk buries his face in his hands as he hears Yoongi rap. He sounds angry, harsh, hot and Jeongguk just can’t move his eyes off the screen.
Jeongguk’s heart truly stutters when it’s Hoseok’s turn. Hoseok’s flow has always captured Jeongguk’s attention but now, seeing it with this raw energy and enthusiasm as he hypes up the crowd, keeps them on their toes all while rapping without a hitch. Jeongguk's jaw drops, Hoseok’s red mic in his hand as he turns to the camera and winks.
“They’re so good, aren’t they?” Jimin sighs, burying himself further into the couch. Jeongguk doesn’t know what to say except the fact that he might have a bias wrecker now.
“This dinner is well-deserved. Eat up before Namjoon decides he wants to give a speech.” Seokjin says, hurriedly shoving some rice into his mouth as he eyes Namjoon carefully. Jeongguk stifles his laughter, seeing Jimin do the same from the corner of his eye. Taehyung is pressed up into Jeongguk’s side, texting his mystery man aka Redacted.
“Hey, Tae,” Jeongguk asks. “How is Redacted doing?”
“He’s stellar, babe.” Taehyung says, eyes not once lifting from the phone. When Jeongguk tries to see who it is, he gets a smack in the middle of his eyebrows. “Stop trying to get me to expose my man.”
“Ugh,” Jeongguk gags. “Whatever.”
“Jeongguk, you realize if I tell you, I’ll literally get sued.”
Jeongguk wiggles his eyebrows. “He someone famous?”
A flush crawls up Taehyung’s cheeks. Bingo, Jeongguk thinks, pinching his best friend’s side. “No comment.” Jeongguk turns away by the time but if he was looking, he’d see Taehyung’s eyes flit over to a certain table with a certain bandmate of Cypher.
“Okay, guys. Speech.” Namjoon says, making Seokjin groan. Regardless of Seokjin being a party pooper (to which Seokjin replies, “Bitch, I am the party), everyone is excited for Namjoon-hyung's speech, especially Hoseok, who cheers and claps his hands. Namjoon rolls his eyes while Yoongi stifles a laugh.
It’s very obvious that they’ve been together a long time. Hoseok’s eyes glint with hidden amusement and masked pride as he listens to Namjoon give his speech. The makeup is still there, the bold pink glinting and Jeongguk can't help feeling proud of himself. In those dim lights, Hoseok looks really pretty. That doesn’t have much to do with the makeup itself but… just Hoseok himself.
“Ggukie,” Jimin says, cautiously. “More kimbap?”
“Sounds good,” Jeongguk says, not missing the look Jimin is giving him. He just chooses to ignore it.
The rest of dinner goes well, Jeongguk stuffs himself with something that isn’t instant ramen for fuck's sake and he throws a few more subtle glances down Hoseok’s way. When Jeongguk gets home, he doesn’t feel an impending sense of doom tomorrow. He does his homework, feels a bit less lonely when Jimin calls and goes to bed thinking about Hoseok.
When Jeongguk’s phone pings for the seventh time that night, it’s not Jimin crying about Seokjin’s shoulders thankfully. Instead, it’s a notification from Vlive.
J-Hope is live!
Jeongguk isn’t one to keep up with lives because studies just take up too much of his time. Anytime his favorite idols go live, he’s either studying or doing his laundry or googling new makeup looks. He just doesn’t have the time. Jeongguk glances back down at his math homework and a wave of nausea overtakes him. Not studying for one night isn’t going to kill him. Plus, Jeongguk is curious what Hoseok is like on camera.
He clicks on the notification.
When it opens, Hoseok is staring at the camera so intently, Jeongguk is almost taken aback. Hoseok is barefaced but that’s all Jeongguk can see of him right now, he’s so close. When Hoseok moves to lean back into the chair, Jeongguk notices he’s in his studio. It’s very… Hoseok, Jeongguk can only think of.
“Oh, so many views! Thank you for joining everyone!” Hoseok says, clapping as he says those words. Jeongguk never really understood the hype behind lives but now, he gets it. You get to see an idol and it feels like a one-on-one experience. Sounds cool.
“I’ll answer your questions in a minute but first, let me apologize.” Jeongguk blinks in confusion, when Hoseok says that. “It’s been a while since I’ve been live. Namjoon keeps yelling at me for that but I’ve been working on… something so, all my time just goes in that.”
Jeongguk keeps an eye on the comments. Mostly, all of them are positive and supportive. There are a few rude ones asking for the other members and Jeongguk finds himself praying Hoseok didn’t see any of those. Hoseok rests his hand on one hand, glancing at the camera. Jeongguk gets nervous for some reason even though he knows Hoseok can’t see him. Hoseok is really… really pretty, Jeongguk finds himself thinking as Hoseok reads out a particular comment and laughs, head nodding along.
Of course he’s pretty, he’s an idol but Hoseok has that kind of draw to him, one that makes you think that you can tell him all your secrets. When Hoseok reads out some of the comments and gives his own opinion about it, Jeongguk notes his kind tone and big smile. It’s heartwarming to know that it’s not a façade.
“My…” Hoseok trails off, eyes squinting to read. “Makeup look of today was nice?”
Jeongguk’s heart skips a beat. Holy fuck, he’s talking about the makeup look I did! Jeongguk is kind of expecting Hoseok to refuse and talk about how shitty and overly nervous the new makeup artist is. Jeongguk knows Hoseok isn’t a harsh person but he just can’t help but think that. What comes next really shocks him.
“Wasn’t it?! I thought so, too. The new makeup artist is really nice and he makes me look pretty! I’m looking forward to working with him. I know I’m known for subtle looks but I hope you’ll accept me with bold ones, too. Oh, speaking of makeup looks…”
Jeongguk doesn’t catch what Hoseok says next because he’s busy panicking. Hoseok liked the look. His risk paid off! Jeongguk slumps back into the chair, staring at Hoseok’s heart smile. Jeongguk will only have to do better so he doesn’t disappoint Hoseok.
“…can’t talk about what I’m working on. I’ll be killed by Seokjin-hyung! Brutally! But, I’ll get to tell you someday, I hope. Don’t worry, I won’t let you down!” Hoseok says, grinning and giving the camera a thumbs up. Jeongguk finds himself blushing and he turns off his phone.
I should do my homework, like the responsible student I am. Jeongguk thinks, nodding to himself like that’s going to help. He glances at his phone, then his math homework. Ah, just one more minute, Jeongguk lies to himself as he turns the phone back on.
“Dating? Hm.” Hoseok pauses for a second. “I’m not going to lie, having a partner sounds amazing. But, I’m waiting for the right person. Sadly, they haven’t come along yet.”
Hoseok takes a deep breath, goes back to reading the comments. “How will I know if I have found them? Oh, easy! The bells! You hear bells when you find your soulmate. And, that’s how I’ll know. I think. It’s very silly to think about all these things but it sounds like fun, doesn’t it?”
Jeongguk sighs. He’s feeling very strange right now.
“Oh, yeah. I didn’t think anyone would notice!” Hoseok says, sheepishly and buries his face in his hands. He giggles and Jeongguk’s heart does a thing. “Yes, I did kick Yoongi during the performan- hyung, I’m really sorry! If you’re watching this, I love you and I’m sorry for kicking you!”
Hoseok makes a finger heart at the camera.
“Anyway, I’m nervous about the next concert. We’ve worked really hard- did you know Namjoon picked up the choreo faster than I did?! He’s doing so well! That’s why I’m worried.” Hoseok sighs. “If it doesn’t go well, we’re going to be upset. But, whatever, we have our ARMY with us! I’m worrying for nothing, right?”
Jeongguk had read an article once. Why are Cypher so popular? Which was honestly a dumb question. But, out of curiosity, Jeongguk had still read it. Aside from making good music, they’re also very connected with the fans. They’re honest and open, making them feel more like real people. You can see yourself in them and their flaws. That’s why they’re so popular. They’re real people with real emotions and they're not afraid to show it.
Jeongguk thinks back to that article now. No other idol would’ve ever admitted they were nervous about a concert but Hoseok places enough trust in fans to tell them that. Hoseok is saying something but Jeongguk is more focused on Hoseok’s face. His smile, his nose, his scrunched up eye smile when he grins.
Jeongguk coughs. “I, uh, have…. math homework.” He says to no one in particular and turns off his phone. He has a long day at uni tomorrow.
“What would you like today?”
“Oh,” Hoseok says, in a sing-song voice. He lets his eyes trail across the eyeshadow palettes Jeongguk has sprawled on the table. “What about red? You know, like my mic.”
“Sure, hyung.” Jeongguk says, giggling. “We can do red.”
If Hoseok looked gorgeous in pink, he looks even more gorgeous in red. Jeongguk goes out of his way to put some glitter on as well, Hoseok’s approval clear as he grins when he looks in the mirror. Their costume for this is just jeans and a black shirt but Hoseok… well, he looks good.
“What do you think?” Hoseok asks, twirling around in the chair.
“Looks pretty, hyung.” Jeongguk says, his tone conveys his sincerity.
Hoseok grins and suddenly, Jeongguk goes back to the live from last night. He’s so pretty, Jeongguk finds himself thinking.
“Hey, by the way,” Hoseok says, grabbing onto Jeongguk’s arm before he turns away. Jeongguk blushes hard when he feels sparks run up his arm. “There's this- uh… thing.”
“What thing, hyung?”
“An underground rap circuit. We’re performing and I’d really like if you could come.”
Jeongguk’s jaw drops. An underground rap circuit? That’s his goddamn dream. Why would Hoseok want him there, though? They’ve only known each other for a week.
“Oh. That sounds like a lot of fun. I’ll be there, hyung.”
“Holy fuck.” Is the only thing Jeongguk is capable of saying when he sees the club. There’s a huge line outside, probably having heard that Cypher is going to be playing today.
“JK! You look hot!” Seokjin attacks him with a bear hug and Jeongguk giggles, glad that Seokjin does not have him inappropriately chokehold. He’s put a lot of effort into his outfit; leather jacket, black jeans and some light makeup. The outfit didn’t take much effort, it was the time. This is the first time he spent nearly an hour thinking about what to wear to a dark ass club.
When he tells Jimin this, Jimin nudges him with an elbow and winks. “Trying to impress someone, Jeonggukkie?”
“Shut up, hyung.”
They get into the club easily and Jeongguk laughs, hearing the grumbles of the people in the line. The pulsing music has the ground under Jeongguk’s feet vibrating and even before he has a chance to go down the stairs, there’s a glass of alcohol being shoved into his hands. Jeongguk takes a sip, impatient to see Cypher perform. He doesn’t say it but he’s extra excited to see Hoseok.
“Ladies, gentlemen and others,” The host addresses, giving the crowd a moment to cheer. “We have a very special guest with us today.”
Jeongguk’s heart does a thing.
“Please welcome Cypher!”
The applause is deafening. When Yoongi, Hoseok and Namjoon get onto the stage, there’s only confidence and pride in their stride. They were here at rock bottom when they first began. This is where Cypher originated, in a dark club with barely any audience and now, here they are. They’ve made it. Jeongguk feels proud for an achievement that isn’t even his.
His eyes are immediately drawn to Hoseok. Before a concert, there always used to be a sense of unease on Hoseok’s face. Here, there’s nothing of that sort. When the crowd starts calling out their names, they begin.
It’s an unheard song and Namjoon starts first, then Yoongi. When it’s finally Hoseok’s turn, Jeongguk’s heart is leaping in his chest. There’s that energy about Hoseok again that’s drawing Jeongguk in. In the middle of his verse, when Hoseok’s eyes meet his and he grins, Jeongguk stops lying to himself. He likes Hoseok.
The next few days, they’re in Seoul. Olympic Stadium, to be exact. The concert is sold out, obviously, and Jeongguk is running helter-skelter, touching up Hoseok’s makeup often because it’s so light. Hoseok really likes to chat, Jeongguk discovers. Jeongguk tells him all about uni, the last year of his degree and Hoseok listens without interruptions. Jimin keeps looking at him from the corner of his eye, like Jeongguk is supposed to understand what that means.
Today, however, things are different.
“Don’t talk to Hoseok after he’s back from the stage, okay?” Jimin cautions Jeongguk. The stage is pulsing with the music and Jeongguk’s feeling the adrenaline coursing through him.
“He’s always thinking about the next steps and the choreography and everything- just don’t talk to him Ggukie. Got it?”
Jimin doesn’t wait for a confirmation and runs off, getting the next costumes ready. They’re black, Dior with leather harnesses and Jeongguk is so close to freaking out because he has absolutely no idea how to get Hoseok dressed in this. There’s no one else in sight- he can hear Seokjin screaming from a distant room and before he knows it, Hoseok is bursting through the door, his jacket off in his hand.
“Jeongguk, help me out?” He says, ruffling through the racks as if he’s forgotten Jeongguk has just been here once.
“Um, where is every- oh my god, why are you taking your pants off?!” Jeongguk squeaks, turning away. He can vaguely remember Jimin’s warning but then, Hoseok’s laughing and everything else is instantly out of his mind.
“I have another costume to wear, dude. Besides, Namjoon just ripped something so, everyone is out fixing that. You have to help me.”
“Are you decent?” Jeongguk mumbles.
“Yes, yes, I am. You gonna help or what?”
Jeongguk turns around, bashful smile on his face. He doesn’t look up to see Hoseok’s expression, just helps him adjust the harnesses and attach the chains to his belt. Hoseok is really fit, Jeongguk notices while doing this. He hopes the embarrassment is not quite as obvious on his face as he thinks.
“Hey, Jeongguk,” “Jimin tells me you’re a fan.”
“Uh…”
“Is that not true? Are you not…?” Hoseok sounds sheepish, almost apologetic and he looks cute with his lips curled into a pout. Jeongguk finds it imperative that he deny it almost immediately. He can’t take another second of Hoseok looking disappointed.
“Oh no, I am. Big fan. I saw you in Seoul a couple of years ago.”
“Woah, that’s… really?”
Hoseok looks surprised like Cypher isn’t the biggest Korean act on the planet. It’s a reminder of how humble they really are.
“Yeah, really. Best concert of my life. I mean- I’ve been to tons of concerts but yeah, none of those… were even close to beating you. Like, wow? I mean, wow. Seeing you on stage has been one the best experiences of my life- it’s just… I can’t explain it. It’s magical, you kn- “
It all flashes before Jeongguk’s eyes, the memories of being next to Taehyung, screaming the lyrics to every song. Jeongguk doesn’t remember feeling that kind of energy after the concert. Jeongguk snaps out of it immediately, gaze turning back to a wide-eyed Hoseok. Jeongguk feels an embarrassed flush crawl up his neck.
“Oh, sorry. I’m rambling.”
“I didn’t tell you to stop.” Hoseok says, pauses for a second. “Thanks. I really needed it. It’s our last concert before we announce the hiatus and- ugh, we’ve just been feeling really down. So, um, yeah. Thanks for the pep talk.”
Jeongguk freezes, takes in the smile Hoseok is giving him. Feeling his insides tumbling, Jeongguk opens his mouth to say something but decides against it.
“Hoseok!” Jimin calls out from the outside.
“Okay, okay, I have to go. Um, let’s talk later, yeah?” Hoseok says, patting Jeongguk’s shoulder.
Jeongguk wonders what talk later entails. He wonders if it’s worth dressing like a drug lord trying to hide in the shadows. Hoseok is inside the café, getting their drinks and Jeongguk is going to go in in a second because Hoseok is probably being mobbed right now-
“Thanks for waiting.” Hoseok comes into view, and Jeongguk thanks him for the drink. Hoseok looks gorgeous even in casual. It’s easy to forget he’s famous, Jeongguk thinks, leaning back against the wall when Hoseok’s eyes meet his.
“No worries, hyung. So, what did you want to talk to me about?”
“Let me take you out on a date.”
Jeongguk’s mind goes into override. “Wait- what?!”
“Not just because of the pep talk and praising but because… well, I like you.”
“You like me.” Jeongguk is going to be sick. He can’t believe this. This is a lie, I’m going to wake up any minute and I’m going to be dreaming- but Jeongguk can feel Hoseok’s heart racing under the expanse of his palm. He can feel Hoseok’s breath ghosting his face. Hoseok is so close.
“Um, yeah.”
“Singer, songwriter, Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist likes me?! I’m failing calculus!”
“Relax, Gguk. We all failed calculus in uni.” Jeongguk giggles, burying his face in his hands. Jung Hoseok likes me. “I want to take you out as Jung Hoseok, not J-Hope. You can totally say no- “
“Shut up, hyung.”
Jeongguk says. He’ll freak out about the fact that he just told Jung Hoseok to shut up but for now, Jeongguk settles to get on his tiptoes and kiss Hoseok on the cheek. They can’t go too far, they’re in public after all. But, still it feels nice to see Hoseok’s eyes widen in disbelief.
“So, is that a yes?”
“You tell me.” Jeongguk mumbles, pinching his hyung's cheek. “By the way, I know you’re not legally allowed to say but… who is Taehyung dating?”
Hoseok blinks. “Oh. Yoongi-hy… wait, what do you mean I’m not legally allowed to say?!”
“I knew it!”