Archive of Our Own

“Daddy!”

“Daddy look!”

Jimin stifles a groan into his hand as he shifts over to look out the small window.

“What is it baby?” He runs his fingers through his daughter’s dark hair, thinking about how she was in desperate need of a haircut once they got back home. She fervently points out of the window, sticking her nose directly into the glass.

A small whisper escapes from her lips fogging up the window-pane, “That’s my suitcase.” Her hand lays flat against the glass pane as she follows the workers outside with the entirety of her tiny body. Once they disappear out of view, she whirls around in her seat to face Jimin with a sparkle in her eyes, “Daddy that was my suitcase!”

A soft smile makes its way onto Jimin’s face as he laughs adoringly at his daughter’s amazement. He leans in close and beckons her back to the airplane window, carefully explaining everything the workers are doing outside. She hangs onto every word that leaves Jimin’s mouth, interrupting when she has a pressing concern. Of course, he always answers.

Jimin concludes his explanation and gives her a pinch on her cheek to which she squeals and smushes herself into the farthest corner of her seat. He looks at her fondly and reaches over to tickle her belly, causing her to let out another squeal of delight.

He hears a scoff to his left and turns at the sound, watching as an elderly woman shakes her head in disapproval at him and keeps walking. He looks down at his hands, it’s not something he isn’t used to. Being a single dad at the ripe age of twenty-three does garner some scoffs and dirty looks from people in everyday life. Jimin likes to think he’s used to it (he’s not). Blames it on how he looks young for his age, probably getting mistaken for an inexperienced eighteen year old who made a mistake during a one night stand. At one point that did ring true. A foolish, drunken mistake.

He turns to look at the little girl seated next to him, swinging her legs while pretending (Jimin knew she was pretending because though she was insanely smart for her age, Haneul liked looking at the pictures more than reading) to read the safety instructions clutched between her hands.

As if feeling her father’s gaze on her, she diverts her attention from the booklet and places it back in it’s spot before grabbing one of his fingers.

“Daddy?”

“Yeah sweetheart?”

“I love you.”

Jimin’s face lights up at Haneul’s words and he pulls her onto his lap, tickling her belly. “You little weasel, trying to wiggle your way into my heart.” He continues to tickle her side, savoring moments like these before she grows out of her goofy phase. “I love you too angel.” She lets out a giggle before clambering out of his arms and back into her seat by the window.

Jimin watches as she peers out, observing the movements of every person out there. He is so lucky. Over time Haneul has wormed her way into Jimin’s heart and made a home there. Sure, he made a mistake in his teenage years. But now, as he gazes at his daughter- who is playing with the rings on his fingers again- he is overcome with strong feelings of love and adoration. Haneul is truly the best thing to have happened to him.

They had traveled back to Jimin’s family home in Busan for Haneul’s fourth birthday, a pleasant surprise for Jimin’s parents. They always love when Haneul comes to visit, spoiling her with gifts and sweets almost every time. Jimin doesn’t mind. He finds it charming how well his parents and Haneul get along with each other, silently thanking his parents for giving him a small break from parenting. They’re seated on a flight back to Seoul, the concluding flight of Hanuel’s first roundtrip on an airplane; hence her giddy excitement.

Jimin jumps as the voice of the flight attendant rings across the cabin as she recites her rehearsed speech about safety precautions. Jimin reaches over to fasten Haneul’s seat belt when a different, deep voice catches his attention.

“Is this seat taken?”

Jimin isn’t one to be rendered speechless, but when he’s face to face with a striking man, his breath gets caught in his throat. He holds eye contact, trying his hardest not to gape because holy shit if this isn’t the most handsome man he has ever seen in his life.

“I- uh,” Jimin’s cheeks turn a bright shade of crimson as the man- is he wearing a damn suit - arches an eyebrow at him.

“No. No the seat is empty. Yeah nobody is sitting there. So you can uh, yeah.” Jimin turns away from the man as he smacks a hand over his face, startling the little girl next to him.

“Thank you.” The man sits down in the (thank god) aisle seat of the plane, sliding his briefcase underneath it.

Haneul pries Jimin’s hand off of his face and lets out a chortle at Jimin’s tomato-red face. Hell, even his ears are turning red. She leans over Jimin’s hunched body to peek at the new addition to their row.

“Who are you?”

The man’s head seems to whip around at the speed of light upon hearing her question. His eyes soften.

“My name is Taehyung.” He smiles at her and gives her a small wave of his hand. “Who are you?”

Haneul grins, “My name is Park Haneul.” She closes her mouth briefly before opening it again, “Its nice to meet you Taehyungie.”

A blush creeps itself onto Taehyung’s cheeks at the nickname as he watches Haneul curl into Jimin’s side. He’s about to answer back before Haneul jumps forward again.

“Why did you make my dad all red in the face?”

Jimin lets out a startled yelp as he (gently) slaps a hand over Haneul’s mouth, pushing her back into her seat. He turns toward the man, Taehyung, and forces himself to maintain eye contact with the now smirking male.

“Oh I did? I hadn’t noticed.” He keeps his eyes locked with Jimin’s as Jimin panics to find the right words. He can’t exactly deny the fact that he was red in the face considering the fact that he still is red in the face.

Luckily the cabin lights dim and Jimin takes the chance to break eye contact with the devilishly attractive man. Thankfully, Haneul curls back into his side leaving Jimin to wonder how he’s going to survive this flight.

The first few minutes after the plane takes off are silent as Jimin debates whether or not to strike up a conversation. He glances over at Taehyung, noting how the man has glasses perched on his nose, obviously doing some boring office work type shit on a tablet. Jimin has no interest in boring office work type shit. Instead he closes his eyes and relishes in the few moments of silence while they last.

“She’s cute.”

Jimin cracks one eye open. “Huh?”

Taehyung looks up from his work, motioning at the sleeping girl beside Jimin. “Haneul.”

Jimin shifts at this, never really sure what to say when someone compliments his daughter. He makes a mental note to google it once they land back in Seoul.

“Ah, thank you.” He drops his head in a mini bow, immediately regretting it once Taehyung lets out a deep chuckle at the action. They fall into an easy conversation after that, Taehyung asking how old she is and Jimin telling a short recap of their week in Busan for her birthday. Taehyung listens intently, seeming to have forgotten about his boring office work type shit he was previously attending to.

The conversation flows effortlessly between them, Jimin learns that Taehyung has a soft spot for kids, having babysat his little siblings from a young age. Jimin doesn’t ask if he wants kids of his own. There aren’t any awkward silences between the two as they softly speak fo each other in the dull lighting of the airplane cabin. The conversation ebbs and flows so easily, in fact, Jimin sort of feels like they’ve known each other for years.

“Jimin, if you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?”

Jimin gulps, dreading this question. He considers lying to the man in order to prevent any judgement, but pushes the idea down. Who cares if he’s young, Jimin knows he’s a good father and Haneul thinks so too and really that’s all that matters.

So he sets his jaw and responds, “Twenty-three.”

Taehyung’s eyes widen in the dim lights, “Oh we’re the same age then.”

Now Jimin’s eyes widen. “You’re kidding.”

Taehyung laughs and shakes his head. Jimin rakes his eyes over the suit clad man who exudes an aura of class and sophistication. He glances down at his own sweater and ripped jeans with a grimace.

“Hey, hey none of that.” Jimin tilts his head up at the feeling of Taehyung’s warm (and large) hand pressing into his shoulder. “This suit is just for work, technically I’m still on a business trip, even if it is my flight home.” Taehyung lets his hand linger on Jimin’s shoulder for a little too long to be considered just friendly, before pulling away. Jimin shivers at the loss of warmth.

“Business trip? Where do you work?”

“Kim Enterprises.”

Jimin nods. Kim Enterprises. That sounds awfully familiar. The name is like an itch he can’t scratch, present in his mind, but he doesn’t know from where. Kim Enterprises. Kim Enterprises. Kim-

“Oh my.” Jimin’s eyes widen for the second time this flight. “You’re Kim Taehyung aren’t you?”

Taehyung nods, face unsurprised at Jimin’s epiphany, as if he was waiting for Jimin to make the connection on his own.

Jimin scoffs and smacks his hand against Taehyung’s shoulder, uncaring about if the action is too familiar for the situation. “What the hell are you doing in economy class?”

Taehyung shifts uncomfortably in his seat, as he reaches up to scratch the back of his neck.

“I uh-,” he clears his throat, “I gave up my seat in business class. There was this old man who couldn’t walk this far back on the plane so I just... got up.” He shrugs it off, eyes tilting up in a questioning look at Jimin’s permanent state of shock.

“I think I just fell in love with you.” Jimin blurts with a laugh, looking over at Taehyung to see his reaction. Jimin bursts out in another fit of laughter at Taehyung’s now-shocked face. “Relax I’m joking. I promise I don’t fall in love before the first date.” He leans back into his seat before realizing what he insinuated. “Not! That I’m asking you to take me out on a date. Not at all what I’m insinuating. Unless you want to? No! No you don’t that’s fine just like ignore everything I said.”

He flushes and turns away from Taehyung, refusing to look the other man in the eye. God, count on Jimin for ruining his only chance to socialize outside of his “Kinder-dads” groupchat. Hoseok will have his head. He doesn’t bother starting up another conversation with Taehyung, deciding to leave the man to his work. He shuts his eyes and tries to sneak in a nap when he feels Haneul shift beside him, jolting him out of his sleepy state.

He brings a hand up to her head, combing through her dark locks. “You okay baby?” She nods, reaching up to pat Jimin on the cheek.

“I’m wide awake now daddy, you can go back to sleep. I can see your raccoon eyes even though every single light is off in the airplane.” Jimin swears he hears Taehyung snort at the comment, but he’s too tired to care.

He caresses Haneul’s cheek softly before mumbling a small “okay baby” and letting sleep take over his exhausted body.

At twenty-three years old it is a miracle that Kim Taehyung, the sexy and desirable CEO of Kim Enterprises, is single. But Taehyung doesn’t date. Everyone in Seoul knows of this fact. It isn’t that Taehyung doesn’t want to date, more the idea that a relationship takes too much time; something he is severely lacking in. Hookups and one night stands were just more convenient for him.

But as he looks over at the man seated beside him, all soft edges, his heart starts to beat just a little bit faster. In the few minutes of conversation they had, Taehyung knew Jimin isn’t someone he wants to lose touch with. It was easy to talk to him. Jimin wasn’t interested in Taehyung’s money or power, he just wanted to know who Taehyung is as a person. It was a breath of fresh air.

His whole life Taehyung has been accustomed to being reduced to just his tangible possessions. He’s used as an object in the company, a source of wealth and income for the business rather than a valuable person in it.

Taehyung startles at the feeling of a warm breath against his neck. Jimin had curled himself into Taehyung’s side, lodging his face into the side of Taehyung’s neck. Taehyung held Jimin’s head as he shifted to make the man more comfortable.

He chose to ignore the way his heart skipped a beat at their proximity.

“Psst.”

“Taehyungie.”

Taehyung’s ears perk up at the sound of Haneul’s voice and catches her whispering across Jimin to catch his attention. A smile graces his lips as he pretends not to hear the girl’s voice and “busies” himself in his work. He hears a grunt before feeling a small tug on his sleeve.

Haneul is perched on Jimin’s lap, the latter having wrapped his arms around her subconsciously. Taehyung tries not to coo at the action. Even in his sleep Jimin is a responsible father.

“Whatcha doing?” Haneul leans against Taehyung’s arm and points at Taehyung’s tablet. He shrugs and puts it away, carefully turning toward the girl and bopping her nose.

“I think the question is what are you doing peanut? Clambering all over your dad like that while he’s sleeping.”

Haneul pouts and crosses her arms over her chest, sticking her tongue out at Taehyung for extra emphasis. He lets out a soft laugh before opening his arms, beckoning her into them.

“C’mere lemme show you.” She grins and climbs into Taehyung’s lap. He unlocks his tablet and shows her some of the documents already open. She watches everything with intent, nodding along as though she actually understands everything about investments and stocks that Taehyung is feeding her. For all he knows, she actually does understand.

After a few moments she lets out a huff and turns around in Taehyung’s lap. “That is so boring.” He lets out another laugh at the comment and tucks his work away for the second time this flight.

“I know it is peanut. What do you suggest we do instead?” Hanuel raises her eyebrows at the question, a very serious expression suddenly taking over her features.

Her face brightens after a few moments.

“Taetae do you have somebody that you kiss on the mouth?” Taehyung chokes.

“Haneul... what?”

“Well the thing is that the only people that come over are Hobi and Yoongi oppa, but I think they love each other in a special way. They kiss on the mouth. And I see the way that daddy looks at them a lot and well I’ve never seen him kiss someone on the mouth.” At this point Haneul is distractedly playing with Taehyung’s tie, her voice becoming smaller the more the talks.

Taehyung tries not to be floored by the four year old’s intellect. Hanuel was extremely smart for her age. Taehyung can’t help but peek over at Jimin’s sleeping form, commending him silently for his good parenting.

He can’t help the question that leave his lips next, “What about your mother?”

Haneul’s face falls at the question and she busies herself with Taehyung’s tie.

“I don’t have a mom.” Haneul looks up at Taehyung with her bottom lip jutting out in a pout. “It’s always been just me and daddy. And sometimes Hobi and Yoongi.”

Taehyung’s heart drops at the new information. His respect for Jimin has risen tenfold. For an eighteen year old to take responsibility of a child and ensure they grow up to be as brilliant as Haneul; that’s a feat even Taehyung doesn’t think he can do.

Taehyung takes Haneul’s small hands in his and gently ruffles her hair.

“No Hanuel, I don’t have someone I kiss on the mouth.” He opts to answer her earlier question instead of dampening the mood by commenting on her mother. She gasps at his confession and quickly reaches up to whisper something in his ear. Taehyung leans forward slightly to make it easier for her.

“Maybe you and my dad can start kissing on the mouth!” She pulls away with a sparkle in her eyes and Taehyung can’t help the blush that spreads across his face at the comment.

He pokes her side causing her to giggle, “We’ll see peanut.”

He and Haneul get along well for a twenty-three year old and a four year old, Taehyung blames it on his adoration for kids. They talk about all sorts of things and when the animated conversation lulls as Haneul grows sleepy, Taehyung pulls her into his chest and tells her to go to sleep.

As he combs his fingers through her hair he can’t help but think about her comment from earlier.

Maybe you and my dad can start kissing on the mouth!

Jimin wakes up about 30 minutes later to a soft hand nudging him awake. He blinks away the sleep in his eyes before stretching out the stiffness in his neck.

“Daddy the plane landed!” Haneul jumps onto his lap, latching her arms around his neck.

“Oh good for it.”

He hears a laugh at his words and turns to find Taehyung’s hand resting on his shoulder. The man looks down at Jimin from his standing position in the aisle.

“C’mon I got your bag down for you, we’ve landed in Seoul.”

Jimin nods with a yawn and rises from his seat, Haneul squeaking in surprise as she tightens her grip around his neck.

“Did you sleep well?” Taehyung questions, hauling Jimin’s duffel over his shoulder as they walk down the aisles of the plane. Jimin nods a thank you to the flight attendant as they pass, hurriedly trying to catch up with Taehyung’s long strides.

“I- yeah actually I did.” He adjusts Haneul’s position on his hip, “Please, you don’t need to carry my luggage, I can manage.”

Taehyung glances behind him to lock eyes with Jimin, raising an eyebrow.

“No offense love, but your hands seem a little full at the moment.” Jimin ignores the flush creeping up his cheeks at the term of endearment and bites his lip in embarrassment. Never in a million years did he expect the Kim Taehyung to be calling him affectionate names. Guess a lot can happen in an hour.

“I suppose you’re right.” Haneul buries her head into Jimin’s neck with a dramatic exclamation of how tired she is from the long flight. Taehyung chuckles at this, commenting on how Haneul slept for most of the flight. She apparently takes offense to this comment, wriggling around in Jimin’s arms to glare at the back of Taehyung’s head.

“It’s not my fault you were teaching me about storks the whole time.”

“That would be stocks peanut.” She lets out another exasperated groan at this, mumbling something about how that’s what she said, before nuzzling back into the crook of Jimin’s neck. He raises a brow in confusion.

“Oh? Did you two become friends while I was asleep?” Taehyung looks over his shoulder at Jimin, smirking at him. Jimin swears that smirk will be the death of him.

“Oh we sure did. She told me loads of stuff that were certainly not about stocks or storks.” Jimin blanches and jogs to catch up with Taehyung.

“What did she tell you?” He hisses, nudging Taehyung’s back with his elbow. He sees Taehyung’s shoulder shake with a laugh and groans. “Tell me!” Taehyung laughs again, walking backwards to turn and face Jimin.

“No I don’t think I will.”

He turns back around and starts walking faster ahead of Jimin. Jimin sighs and picks up his pace to catch up with the frustrating man. He spends the next few moments trying to step on the back on Taehyung’s shoes as payback. He stops once Taehyung sends him a look and threatens to hide his luggage somewhere in Incheon Airport.

They exit the terminal a short while later and Jimin sets Haneul down on the ground in preparation to say goodbye to Taehyung. He is hesitant about it, stupidly enough. He had only met the guy an hour ago, yet something about him drew Jimin in. This supposedly stoic, young CEO of Kim Enterprises had not only entertained him in a conversation during the flight, but had given up his seat in business class for the elderly. He is one of the few people who didn’t show any judgement about Jimin’s life.

Jimin couldn’t help but want to know more about the man that stands before him, as selfish as it sounds. His hands are starting to sweat. He rubs them on his jeans, the movement catching Taehyung’s eye.

Jimin exhales. “Well-“

“No.”

“Excuse me?”

“None of that. Give me your phone.”

Jimin gawks at Taehyung’s outstretched hand, looking between it and Taehyung’s (still handsome) face.

“I still have your luggage so give me your phone or you’re never seeing it again.”

Jimin nods and rushes to place his phone in Taehyung’s (still large) hand. Jimin can’t help but notice that his phone looks minuscule in Taehyung’s hand as said man types something into it.

“Here.” Taehyung hands him back his luggage along with his phone (which, by the way, does not look minuscule in Jimin’s hands).

Jimin unlocks his phone to see what Taehyung did.

to: tae the loml
hey ;)

Jimin flushes again at the contact name Taehyung set for himself. He swallows, his throat suddenly dry. “Taehyung-ah why did you flirt with yourself on my phone?”

Taehyung laughs as he moves to walk away from Jimin and Haneul.

“I mean I do have to schedule that first date at some point don’t I?”

A date. A date with Taehyung. This time Jimin doesn’t try to hide the blush that creeps onto his cheeks.

“Bye Taehyungie-oppa! See you next time we’re in the sky!” Haneul yells across the airport, drawing in the attention of passerbys.

As Taehyung chuckles and waves back with a goofy grin on his face, Jimin thinks that for the first time he really, really doesn’t care about the several eyes trained on him.

“Bye Haneul! See you in the skies peanut!”

Jimin is panicking. He has tried on literally every piece of clothing in his closet and yet he still hasn’t decided on an outfit.

“Hyung help.” Jimin collapses onto his bed where Hoseok is entertaining Haneul. He pauses whatever video they’re watching together to look up at Jimin.

“Jimin honestly you look good in everything you own.” He covers Haneul’s ears before continuing, “But if you’re asking, wear your black skinnies, they make your ass look like the eighth wonder of the world.”

Jimin rolls his eyes as he moves over to dig through the pile of clothes on the ground. Hell, he doesn’t even know where he’s going. What if he shows up in jeans and a sweater and is obviously underdressed? What if Taehyung takes him to one of those expensive restaurants where they serve like 6 meals? He shivers at the thought.

Taehyung hadn’t disclosed any information about their date; much to Jimin’s chagrin. He hates surprises, so when his conversation with Taehyung looked like this?

from: tae the loml
hey u free this saturday?

from: tae the loml
im taking u on a date
duh
i’ll pick u up at 7pm ;)

from: tae the loml
see u then !!
<3

He despises it. Jimin groans in frustration. “Seriously hyung how could he not give me any clues about it?” He throws on his sweater, letting it hang off his shoulders.

Hoseok shrugs in response as Haneul lets out a scoff, “Dad. You’re being too loud.” She whines from Hoseok’s lap and motions at the laptop in front of them.

Hoseok stifles a laugh at Jimin’s shocked face before patting Haneul’s head with an exclamation of “you go girl!” Jimin shakes his head at the two of them, accepting his defeat.

Hoseok is Jimin’s best friend. He has been a strong presence in Jimin’s life since Haneul was born, one of the only people who stuck by his side during the whole thing. He had held an eighteen year old Jimin in his arms as he consoled the crying boy upon hearing the news. Hell, he had immediately offered up his own home when Jimin told him his parents kicked him out. Obviously, he and his parents eventually made up; hence his trip to Busan just last week. They grew to love Haneul as much as he did.

Now, Jimin and Hoseok were inseparable. Basically brothers. Hoseok comes over to Jimin’s apartment on the regular, murmuring something about how he misses Haneul. While that is probably true, Jimin knows Hoseok misses him just as much. Occasionally he brings his boyfriend Yoongi and the two of them had claimed their permanent spot in Jimin’s life.

“Look Jiminie, just wear a sweater and those skinnies. Trust me, whenever Yoongi takes me on surprise dates it’s never to formal restaurants. Even if it is, you look hot as hell in whatever you put on, so wear whatever you can be confident in.” Jimin sends a grateful smile in Hoseok’s direction, some tension leaving his shoulders at the elder’s advice.

“Also you know it’s 6:50 right?” Hoseok’s voice rings throughout the room and Jimin lets out a quiet expletive at the information. He rushes into the bathroom to dab some concealer below his eyes and decides he looks presentable enough. He speeds back into his room just as his phone buzzes.

“Hyung how do I look?” Jimin does a quick spin for Hoseok, biting his lip in nervousness.

“Tasty. Absolutely delectable.”

Jimin throws a shirt at him. He checks Taehyung’s text and almost yells when he sees the man is waiting outside. Jimin leans over to give Haneul a kiss on her forehead, thanks Hoseok for babysitting, and zooms out of the apartment. His hands shake with anticipation as he locks the door because he’s going on his first serious date in almost four years. He walks over to greet Taehyung, breathing a sigh of relief upon seeing the other man’s casual attire.

“Hi.” He breathes, smiling at Taehyung.

“Hi love.” Taehyung opens the door for Jimin before pulling out of Jimin’s apartment complex.

“So” Jimin starts, “Where exactly are you taking me?”

Taehyung smirks, still looking at the road ahead, “You’ll see.”

“An amusement park.” Jimin looks up at the bright lights before him, nose twitching at the scent of fresh kettle corn and cotton candy.

“Yeah? I hope that’s okay with you? If not we can-“

“I love it.” Jimin whirls around to face Taehyung, a wide smile on his face, “I absolutely adore amusement parks.”

Taehyung’s shoulders sag in relief as he steps forward to grab Jimin’s hand.

“Then let’s get started.”

Jimin’s eyes sparkle in delight as he takes in all the stalls, gift shops, and rides around them. It has been forever since he had last been to an amusement park or fair, and he wonders how Taehyung knew of his secret love for them.

“You know it’s been years since I’ve been to an amusement park.” He grips Taehyung’s hand tighter as they wind through the crowds of people and stand in line for the teacup ride.

“Did you go often?”

“Yeah. I used to be a big adrenaline junkie as a teenager.” Jimin cackles at this, taking in his soft appearance now compared to the leather jackets and tight ripped jeans of his youth. Guess that’s what becoming a parent does to a person. “I used to go on rollercoasters for the thrill of it, the way it made me feel I guess.”

Taehyung raises an eyebrow at this. “How it made you feel?”

“Alive. It made me feel alive. Like I was flying in the sky. Let me forget about all my responsibilities for a minute. Like I was living my life instead of just surviving it.” Jimin sighs and rocks on his feet, biting his lip.

“That’s-“

“Weird right? God, sorry for dampening the mood like that I-“

“No that’s actually really cool. It’s the little things in life that make it worth living. Thank you for sharing that with me.” Jimin grips onto Taehyung’s hand even tighter, blaming his red cheeks on the cold breeze.

“Oh my god. Are you Kim Taehyung?”

Taehyung pales. He knows that people see him as some sort of celebrity, for reasons unbeknownst to him, but he didn’t think people would bother him on an outing like this. Taehyung’s eyes dart up from Jimin’s as he stares at the girl standing in front of them.

He pulls Jimin behind him, as a small crowd begins to form around them.

“Jimin,” he pulls lightly on Jimin’s hand, “run.” Taehyung takes off at the speed of light, pulling Jimin behind him as he weaves through crowds of people. Jimin is surprisingly fast for his short stature, easily keeping up with Taehyung as they dodge the oncoming traffic of people. Jimin lets out a laugh as the two of them blaze a trail through the amusement park. Taehyung pulls them into a small alleyway behind one of the gift shops, letting go of Jimin’s hand to bring his own up to his hair.

He pants against the wall, looking absolutely delicious, if Jimin does say so himself.

“I’m so sorry Jimin I didn’t even think that people would recognize me here I-“

Jimin interrupts him with a bark of laughter.

“Are you kidding? That was the most fun I’ve had in ages.” He leans his head against the cool wall behind him, cracking open his eyes to make eye contact with Taehyung. “Adrenaline junkie remember?” He winks at the other man, swiping at the sweat on his forehead.

“God you’re amazing.”

Jimin’s eyes fly open at Taehyung’s words, eyebrows shooting up to his hairline. Taehyung looks away and a sly grin makes its way onto Jimin’s lips when he sees the faint blush dusting Taehyung’s cheeks.

“You’re too cute.” Jimin reconnects their hands and pulls Taehyung out of the alleyway. “Come on I think I saw a ferris wheel we can hideout on.”

When they reach the ferris wheel, it is well past sunset and the amusement park was lit up with strings of lights. It is rather romantic, Jimin thinks. He spares a glance in Taehyung’s direction, the two of them having slipped into a comfortable silence as they walk to the ferris wheel. Jimin tightens his grip on Taehyung’s hand and causes the man to turn in his direction. Jimin immediately breaks eye contact and turns beet red.

“You’re blushing.” Taehyung comments with a snicker.

“Am not! It’s just... cold outside.” Jimin fakes a shiver and uses the excuse to sidle up closer to Taehyung. He frowns when Taehyung unclasps their hands. Jimin’s about to scoot away before he feels Taehyung wrap an arm around his waist and pull him closer. Jimin’s flush only gets redder and he’s sure he could pass off as a tomato should he situate himself in the produce aisle of the supermarket.

“Better?” Taehyung cocks his head to the side and Jimin thinks he looks like a puppy.

Cute. Jimin thinks and grins up at Taehyung with a small nod of his head.

“Oh. Uh t-thanks.” Taehyung turns away abruptly with an awkward cough and Jimin realizes he definitely spoke his last thought out loud.

“Aw. Is Taehyungie shy?” Jimin teases as he prods Taehyung’s side with his finger.

“That. I’m not-“ Taehyung sighs and gives up on an excuse with a shake of his head. “I’m just not used to being complimented. Like genuinely.” Taehyung tenses and shoots Jimin a wary look.

Jimin softens and reaches up to place his hand on Taehyung’s chin, turning the slightly taller male’s head in Jimin’s direction.

“Well it’s true.”

“What is?”

“You’re cute. Absolutely adorable in fact. Babies have nothing on you. I would know, I have one at home.” Jimin pats his cheek and lets his hand drop from Taehyung’s reddening face.

“Aw babe are you blushing?” Jimin coos and leans forward to try and catch Taehyung’s eyes. Taehyung’s flush gets deeper at the pet name and he clears his throat, again.

“It’s... It’s just cold.” His voice cracks and he visibly flinches. Jimin doesn’t mean to laugh, truly he doesn’t, but he can’t help the giggle that spills out of his mouth as he laughs at Taehyung’s embarrassment.

“Whatever you say.”

The ferris wheel might’ve been the greatest idea Jimin had the whole night. The two of them climb into the small carriage and sit across from each other. Their knees brush together as the ferris wheel jolts awake. The view is, to say the least, beautiful.

The amusement park is situated right on the edge of a small beach, gracing Jimin’s eyes with a breathtaking sight of the city skyline shining above peaceful waves. Their carriage stops at the top and Jimin quickly snaps a picture of the view before tucking away his phone.

“The view is gorgeous isn’t it?” Jimin breathes as he leans against the side of the small compartment. He closes his eyes as the crisp autumn breeze ruffles his hair. The wind makes him think about birds. Specifically, how he wishes he was one. Ever since Jimin was young he had always dreamed of being reborn as a bird. Hell, he didn’t even know if that was possible.

He was envious of their freedom, their will to soar in the skies and see things like this any day of the year. Birds could fly away from trouble, taking to the skies in an attempt to escape. It was something Jimin wished he could do.

The one time he tried taking to the skies to escape, he was eight and jumped out of a tree. His mother was furious when she found him nursing a broken arm under the large oak in their front yard. Jimin chuckles softly at the memory. He watches the waves lap against the shore as the cool breeze sifts through his dirty blonde hair again. He feels at peace. He always has, in the skies.

Not that he’s been up high often enough to get used to it. In a way he’s thankful that being up high is a rarity in his life. Makes these feelings all the more special. Like what Hoseok had once said when he had shown up to Jimin’s apartment drunk out of his mind.

(“Yoongi and I had a fight.” Hoseok announces as he waltzes into Jimin’s apartment and collapses on the couch. “About something absolutely pointless. The dishes. Jimin we fought about dishes and investing in a dishwasher.” Hoseok lets out a dry laugh as Jimin sits next to him and pulls Hoseok’s head into his lap. Jimin combs his fingers through Hoseok’s hair as the distraught man lets everything out.

“I just- god now I really get what you mean when you talk about.. fuck what was it? Jimin what’s that, that fucking thing that flies? Fuck it’s a bird. Yeah birds. I get that man I really do.

Like no offense but every time I said I understood what you were talking about I did but like I actually did not at all. How they’re so free all the time. Fuck birds. They don’t even have dishwashers. Don’t they like vomit for food or some shit? Ew. That’s worse nevermind I’m not jealous of their lack of dishes.

But yeah Jimin, bro, totally understand. Those rare moments that you get to see birds or feel like a bird, man cherish those. When you really feel content with your life because god knows when that’ll happen again. Seriously, you never know when you’ll fight with your husband about dishwashers. Fuck I’m not married to Yoongi yet am I? This night just got worse.

Anyways, you know, it’s good it doesn’t happen often right? Makes sure that you remember all the times you felt happy, content, and peaceful more than the times you felt fucking shitty over fighting with your boyfriend over buying a stupid fucking dishwasher.

Fuck Jimin I need to go home.

Also I want to propose.” And Jimin promptly flicks Hoseok’s head, gives him a glass, or three, of cold water, and drives him back to his and Yoongi’s apartment. It’s when he gets back home and is cuddling with Haneul on the couch that he realizes that Hoseok is actually a really wise drunk.)

Jimin shakes his head as he realizes he’s really not making any sense and his date is probably bored and his date has also not answered his question about the view, so Jimin turns away from the dark sea beneath him and faces Taehyung.

Jimin startles as he meets Taehyung’s eyes.

“Yeah, it’s gorgeous.” Taehyung murmurs, his gaze still trained on Jimin. Jimin’s cheeks tint red once again and he’s beginning to think about dressing up as a tomato for Halloween this year when the meaning of Taehyung’s words settles on the man like a ton of bricks.

“Uh,” Taehyung diverts his stare to various focal points of the carriage before settling on the view Jimin was taking in just a moment before. “Yeah.”

A fond smile graces Jimin’s mouth as he notes that Taehyung’s cheeks are equally as red as his own. The silence that settles between them is calming. Jimin doesn’t know if maybe it’s just the Taehyung Effect™, but the man seems to radiate comfort from his core. Jimin looks. Really looks, at the man before him.

Taehyung’s soft curls are a mop on his head, small wisps of dark black hair reaching down to curl over his forehead. On anyone else the hairstyle would look messy and unkempt, but Taehyung wears the look with a sense of class and, and something Jimin can’t put his finger on.

Taehyung is wearing a mocha brown pea coat over a pair of loose black slacks and a tight fitting black turtleneck. It’s simple but Jimin’s mouth still goes dry. He studies the man’s features, barely glancing at Taehyung’s side profile before determining that the man himself was sculpted by a higher power and had been dropped down on Earth as Kim Taehyung, CEO of Kim Enterprises.

Jimin comes to the consensus that Taehyung feels like taking a sip of hot chocolate on the first snow of the winter season and relishing in the warmth that seeps through your body. Yeah, that’s Taehyung. How Jimin landed himself a date with him is beyond him.

Taehyung’s voice breaks him out of his daze.

“Have you noticed all our firsts have been high?”

“What do you mean high? I dunno about you, but I haven’t been under the influence in-“

“No silly. I mean like, above ground, in the sky.”

Jimin mulls over this thought.

“Think about it. Our first meeting was on a plane, our first date is on a ferris wheel, and our first physical interaction was-“

“Wait what? What physical interaction?” Jimin worries his bottom lip at Taehyung’s comment. He doesn’t remember them holding hands or anything before tonight.

“Oh.” Taehyung’s eyes widen as his hand creeps up to rub the nape of his neck. “Well on the flight you kind of. Fell asleep on me. Like head on shoulder type of falling asleep.”

Jimin’s jaw drops and embarrassment courses through his veins.

“Shit.” He murmurs, pressing into his eyes with the heel of his hand.

Taehyung laughs. “It’s fine, really. It was actually kinda really cute, actually.”

Jimin’s head whips up as a groan escapes from his lips. “No it was fucking not. God, that’s so embarrassing. Did I drool on you? Oh my- did you hear me snoring?”

Taehyung snorts at this, “Jimin relax, it was like for ten minutes.” (It was actually thirty minutes but Taehyung thinks if Jimin’s cheeks got any redder he would turn into a gobstopper.)

“And if it makes you feel better, you don’t snore or drool in your sleep.” Taehyung states with finality.

Jimin purses his lips together and leans against his hand, turning away from Taehyung to look at the view. He lets out a breath.

“Can I-“ Taehyung’s voice cuts through the growing silence. Jimin glances in his direction.

“Jimin can I kiss you?”

Jimin’s eyes widen at the request. Yes. He wants to say yes with all his heart, but the words that leave his lips are far from it.

“I uh- I’m sorry but I don’t kiss on the first date.” Taehyung gives a tight nod before looking down at his feet and for the first time that night an awkward silence fills up the space. It’s not that Jimin doesn’t want to kiss him, but there’s a loud, grating voice in the back of his mind that’s telling him Taehyung deserves better than a teen dad who can barely score a date on a regular work day.

So he gives a bullshit excuse about how he doesn’t kiss on the first date because he knows he’s already well past the talking stage, and a kiss would probably propel Jimin into the Uncharted Territory of Love and Feelings that he hasn’t dealt with since... well since never really. He wasn’t in love with Haneul’s mother when she was born, and all his past relationships had been summer flings with men and women who had nothing better to do.

So to say Jimin was terrified of feelings wouldn’t be far from the truth. He tries to focus on other things because for fucks sake he’s on a date right now.

Taehyung coughs. “I’m sorry.” Jimin faces him from his side of the carriage. “Sorry for asking you... that. I didn’t mean to be offensive and I wasn’t trying to-“ Jimin stops listening at that point because as he follows the movement of Taehyung’s lips his mind begins to wander. Because even if Jimin is terrified of feelings, it’s only because he’s never actually dealt with them before. Jimin is terrified because it’s something unknown. And Jimin hates surprises.

But as he watches Taehyung’s tongue dart out to wet his lips as he continues talking, Jimin starts to wonder if love is something as terrifying as he makes it out to be.

After all, Hoseok is the biggest wimp he knows and the redhead is hopelessly in love with Yoongi. He even keeps a ring in his pocket at all times, just in case the opportunity presents itself. Jimin’s mind travels back to birds. Maybe the reason Jimin can’t be free is because he’s been keeping his feelings and emotions on such a tight leash his whole life. Maybe the reason he isn’t free is because he’s never tried to be. Maybe he just needed someone like Taehyung to finally say “Jimin wake up and feel the wind beneath your wings” for Jimin to realize that he’s been holding himself back too much to truly feel free.

Jimin wets his own lips as he thinks and thinks. He thinks for about three seconds before his gaze falls back to Taehyung’s lips and have they always been that pink?

“-again I just wanted to apologize.”

“Taehyung shut up.”

“I- oh. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to- am I being annoying? God this is the worst date you’ve probably been on I’m just- I’m not good at these things and I just-“ When Jimin leans across the small gap and presses his mouth square against Taehyung’s he blames it on the jolt of the carriage pushing him forward as the ferris wheel comes to life. Taehyung freezes beneath him and Jimin pulls away breathing like he’s just finished a marathon.

Taehyung blinks at him. Jimin’s about to open his mouth before Taehyung places his hand at the nape of Jimin’s neck and connects their lips together. It’s an innocent, chaste press of lips, but if Jimin said he didn’t get shivers, he’d be lying. They pull away as the ride comes to an end and Jimin’s legs wobble as he exits the carriage.

It’s obviously because he was seated for so long. Definitely not because of the kiss. For sure.

Taehyung intertwines their hands as they duck into a less populated path back to the parking lot.

“So,” Taehyung starts, and Jimin instinctively squeezes his hand tighter. “What made you change your mind?”

There’s a million things Jimin wants to say. He wants to tell Taehyung about how he’s never been in love; never looked at someone like they’re his world, never been looked at like that. But Jimin has also read that oversharing on the first date can lead to catastrophic results and though he knows his dynamic with Taehyung is special, Jimin still holds back. It’s a tale for another night.

So he brings his other hand up to clutch Taehyung’s arm and beams up at him. “I didn’t want to ruin our streak.”

Jimin lets out a bright laugh at the confusion that mars Taehyung’s features.

“I mean, all our firsts have been in the sky.” Jimin explains, “Couldn’t let our first kiss be on the ground. Lame.” Jimin finishes with an eye roll and grins at Taehyung’s widened eyes.

“So you’re saying there’s nothing wrong with kissing you again right now? Since it won’t be our first, right?”

Jimin stops walking and bites his lip to prevent the wide smile and dark blush that’s threatening to overtake his face. Taehyung pauses in front of him and takes Jimin’s chin in his (still large) hand.

“Jimin love,” Jimin stops trying to suppress the rosy tint of his cheeks, almost positive his face is permanently red after this night anyways. Taehyung brings his head closer to Jimin’s, his breath fanning out against Jimin’s lips, “Can I kiss you?”

And Jimin has to physically stop himself from leaning forward and closing the gap between them, instead giving a weak nod of approval and letting Taehyung connect their lips for the third time that night. Their mouths move against each other and Jimin can’t help but gasp when he feels Taehyung’s hands travel down the expanse of his back.

Taehyung takes this as a chance to deepen the kiss, pushing his tongue past Jimin’s lips to explore Jimin’s mouth. And Jimin can’t help but wonder where this man learned to kiss because, wow. Jimin pulls away first and leans his head against Taehyung’s chest.

“Wait.” Jimin mutters, burying his face into Taehyung’s chest. “Since uh, since you said all our firsts were in the sky, does that mean we have to have sex on an airplane? Because the mile high club is one I haven’t planned on joining and-“

Taehyung cuts him off with a kiss, laughing against Jimin’s mouth.

“Let’s get you home Jimin.”

Jimin nods against Taehyung and takes his hand again, letting him lead Jimin to the car.

When Taehyung parks outside Jimin’s apartment complex, Jimin is suddenly overcome with fear. What if Taehyung doesn’t want to see him again after this? Jimin doesn’t want the night to end.

“Jimin, I’ll text you later, yeah?” Jimin relaxes at this, chastising himself for having such little faith in Taehyung. He gives a nod and reaches for the door handle, before changing his mind and turning around in his seat.

“Would you actually want to come inside?” Jimin blurts before he can change his mind again, and looks up to meet Taehyung’s stare. He hurries to explain, “To like, say hi to Haneul or something, not to like. Well yeah.” Jimin plays with the hem of his sweater, nervously chewing on his bottom lip. Of course Taehyung won’t have time to do that, he’s the CEO of the biggest company in Seoul. Obviously he’s not going to drop everything fo-

“I’d love to.”

-nevermind. Jimin can’t help the smile that breaks out on his face.

It’s later when Jimin and Taehyung are both laying in Jimin’s bed with Haneul in between them (Jimin had had to convince Taehyung not to sleep on the couch after Jimin had also told him it was too late to drive all the way back to Gangnam and Taehyung could just stay the night.

“Jimin I don’t want to impose.”

“Nonsense, Haneul woke up from her slumber, something she does for nobody, mind you, just to ask if you could sleep over. No way am I letting her find out you slept on our couch when there is a perfectly good bed for us to share.”

And Taehyung had given a curt nod with wide eyes and Jimin briefly wonders if he’s moving too fast until Taehyung swoops in to give him a peck on his lips before moving toward Jimin’s bedroom. Jimin may or may not have run in circles around his coffee table silently screaming for a minute after.)

that Jimin breaks the comfortable silence for the first time that night.

“Hey Tae?”

Taehyung gives a soft grunt and cracks open his eyes to look at Jimin. Jimin has to stop himself from verbally cooing at the man’s sleepy expression.

“Wanna know something kinda funny?”

Taehyung gives a sound that Jimin thinks sounds like a yes.

“You know I chose the name Haneul right?” Taehyung is looking at Jimin with full interest now. “And I just thought it was funny because well, you told me about how all our firsts have been like up high in the air and like in the sky and stuff.” Jimin brings his hand up to slowly card his fingers through his daughter’s hair, noticing Taehyung following the movement with his eyes.

“I just think it’s funny because, well, Taehyung do you know what Haneul means?”

Taehyung gives a small shake of his head, and Jimin lets out a breathy laugh.

“The sky. Taehyung, Haneul means ‘the sky’.”

And Jimin settles back down under the covers with a soft “goodnight” and closes his eyes, blissfully unaware of the look of adoration Taehyung casts upon him before the man settles down on the other side of the bed. Jimin feels Taehyung’s hands find their way to his hair and lets sleep overtake him.

That night, Jimin dreams about birds.