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"Oh, God, Tae, he's staring at you." Jimin squeezes on his shoulder as he slowly pushes him down, trying so hard whispering to his best friend's ear as he assists in stretching his body.
Taehyung grunts, leveling his upper body to the floor with his legs apart. Ah, that was a good stretch. The moment he relaxes, he asks, "who?"
Now, Jimin rolls his eyes. Taehyung knows who he is referring to. He just isn't paying attention to their conversation but he still answers anyway, "our new instructor, dummy. Jeon Jeongguk."
Oh. Taehyung turns his head to where Jeongguk is standing but the moment he does, the instructor easily looks away. Not to any of the dancers. He looks at the farthest corner of the room.
"Nah. I bet he's thinking about making me suffer today." Taehyung continues to stretch his arms as he recalls Jeongguk reprimanding him for messing up their choreo yesterday just because of one little misstep.
Maybe, Jeongguk just wants to make him suffer because the dancer made an embarrassing mistake. Back then, Taehyung's partner was sick which left him with no partner for that day. Jeongguk offered to be his partner for a contemporary session. It was supposed to be one good session considering Taehyung is such an accurate dancer who never messes up since he can memorize the steps with only a short period. It’s just that Jeongguk smelled so nice and Taehyung was so fucking distracted with his scent and touch that he stomped his foot. Hard.
Jung Hoseok, their choreographer, laughed hysterically because that was the only time Jeongguk lost his composure, seeing that he doesn't normally show any reaction and just minding his own business most of the time. The poor instructor was on his knees, tending to his poor foot, a series of curses let out in a single breath. The dancer swore it was an accident and he couldn't even confess what got him distracted. All because of Jeongguk.
Of course, the instructor was quite pissed off at Taehyung, and ever since then, it's his mission to make the dancer suffer every single day.
Taehyung's been called out for the smallest mistakes that even their dance captain, Jung Hoseok, slips past. It's not a coincidence that he's being watched for the smallest movements since the instructor wants to piss him off with that smug look on his face. Taehyung is also the only one who can argue with him since the rest of the dancers are too scared to defy him.
"Or maybe he wants an excuse to be with you longer," Jimin observes how the instructor has eyes for Taehyung that his best friend misses ever since the day he was introduced to everyone in the studio. The other man could only roll his eyes in disbelief.
It was not even that long ago when Hoseok introduced an instructor, it’s only for a couple of months because Hoseok can’t teach all of the members at once.
They are a professional team of dancers in a small studio owned by Hoseok under a huge entertainment company. Some of them are trained to be idols, some of them are backup dancers, some are aspiring choreographers and some are in it for the fame.
In Taehyung and Jimin's case, they dance for a living. It is their passion. They are the longest members and they've known Hoseok for a while back when the studio was still newly built. At first, they had a few members in the studio but as years go by, more members are training in the studio until such time that it takes too much for the three of them to handle which is the reason why Hoseok hires Jeon Jeongguk, a friend from college, to have classes with some of the students including Taehyung and Jimin.
At first, Taehyung thought that he was a nice guy, and seemed soft despite all of the hidden muscles he has under his baggy shirt and pants. Well, that proved him wrong when it only took his face to bring such a distaste in Taehyung's day.
Taehyung glares at Jeongguk when the latter smiles devilishly at him. Oh, thinking about making him suffer later after everyone's shift, Taehyung guesses.
---
"Taehyung"
The said man turns around instantly and just before he can truly face the one who is calling him, he is being pulled into a kiss, a deep and intense kiss from none other than Jeon Jeongguk.
It's already 9 pm and they are the only ones in the studio, silent and only their lewd noises can be heard within these four soundproof walls. Taehyung grips on his biceps, loving the curves under his palm, squeezing a little, moaning into Jeongguk's mouth as he takes him deeper until the other guy lifts him from the ground and crashes against the cold full body mirror that is being used for practice.
"Fuck, Jeongguk. Fuck, we need to practice." Taehyung weakly protests but his body is telling him otherwise, grinding against Jeongguk's body, seeking friction down to his poor neglected cock.
The instructor hums before placing one last kiss and places him down to the ground.
True, they have to practice because the competition is only a few weeks away and they have a lot to cover and polish.
Who would’ve thought that after 5 months of practicing together, they would end up more than just a dance partner, their practices took flight even in between their bedsheets, skin on skin in an unchoreographed dance.
5 months ago
Hoseok called Taehyung and Jeongguk over in his office. Back then, he signed them up in a dance competition together as a duo, believing they are so perfect with each other, filling up their gaps.
“But why him out of all people? I can do it with Jimin. With anyone but please, not him” Jeongguk begged, finger pointed accusingly at Taehyung who could only bark another reply against him.
They were not so perfect back then, not in sync with each other. Always bickering, always fighting, always glaring at each other. Of course, Hoseok had to pair them up. It was the only way so that they could make up with their differences and learn from each other.
Hoseok only pulled a serious face, silently watching the two of them bicker again as he loudly taps his finger on the table. Taehyung noticed the incessant tapping so he immediately bit his tongue and made himself small. Same went with Jeongguk when he realized that everything went eerily silent with Taehyung and when he turned to Hoseok, he went silent and lowered his eyes at ground level. Both of them knew they should never anger their dance captain. He never shouted in anger, not in a million years. He would just stare with that towering stance, that power he holds. That even two of his troublemakers would be like a puppy at his feet. That is Jung Hoseok.
At this time, Hoseok’s decision was final and irrevocable. They'll be competing in Seoul for a dance competition, bringing their studio's name. No buts, no disputes, nothing. If he heard another word, well, they wouldn’t dare to imagine.
Soon after that, they avoided each other like a plague during team practices. They stopped bickering and as much as possible, they moved away from each other. More than 10 meters is enough, probably.
And when the actual practice happened, just the two of them in the same room, without everyone else, well, it’s embarrassing to say that both of them felt extremely awkward with each other.
“Look, “ Jeongguk started, seeming to give up with the long silence they are having. Taehyung looked at him, expressionless as always, waiting for the instructor to say what he wanted to say. “Let’s just focus on picking the song first.“
Jeongguk wanted to win.
Taehyung was as competitive as him.
And for the first time, they were finally on the same page.
---
3 months ago
Taehyung took a break from their practice after what seemed like hours. They improved a lot. Sometimes, Taehyung watched himself in the mirror just to see his expression, just to see the emotions that add to their masterpiece. He didn’t even execute his emotions freely, unlike Jeongguk who was firm and bold with everything.
Hoseok already told him that he may be one of the best dancers he knew but there was only a tiny piece missing and that was his feelings. He needed to express himself better.
In the middle of blanking out, something bit his neck or maybe, someone .
Taehyung jumped as he yelped, hands flying to his neck as he turned around to see Jeongguk laughing at him. “See? You can make that expression, too.”
Right now, Taehyung was blushing up to his ears as he glared at the smug looking instructor in front of him. “What are you doing?”
“Just letting you know that you can make erotic expressions, too.” Jeongguk moved closer, step by step, invading the other dancer’s space until all they could hear was their own breathing. With a voice so low, Jeongguk swiped his thumb against Taehyung’s lips, “so fucking erotic.”
Taehyung didn’t know what the hell Jeongguk saw in him to make such an expression. Lust.
“G-guk” he whined when the instructor pecked on his lips. The nickname fell easily on his tongue after spending time with him within these months. “Kiss me properly”
And who was Jeon Jeongguk to ignore that? He then surged forward to kiss him properly this time, both smiling into the kiss. Taehyung could feel. Taehyung was not expressionless, not when Jeongguk knew how to push his buttons every single time.
Taehyung already had his first kiss. It was on highschool with the most popular girl in school. It was weird, sloppy. There’s saliva everywhere and he didn’t even like it for a second. It was a little dare their friends made and of course, Taehyung was also popular with the girls back then so when that girl walked towards him for a kiss, right in front of everyone.
Well, it was a mess after that. The memory of his first kiss was ruined. He dreamt about having his first kiss with the one he really loves. So by the time, the girl’s tongue started to wander inside his mouth with little to no experience, he immediately pushed her away. Maybe a little too hard that the girl dropped to the floor.
He was really upset that he didn’t even bother helping her up and just left her there, ashamed of herself, rejected by the one and only Kim Taehyung. It’s traumatic for him to the point he was never intimate with any of his lovers. No kiss, no-touch, hugs were an exception tho. He loved cuddles.
Which is why he didn’t last in a relationship. The fire was already dead before it started to burn. There was no love for him. The only thing he let himself love is through dancing. He has been dancing since high school and then through college, even after college, he became a professional dancer in Hoseok’s studio.
He easily memorized choreographies with one look. Graceful as he swept through the floors as if he was light as if he was flying. His gestures are soft despite having a solid expression on his face, his actions speak the opposite.
His second kiss was different. It was with Jeon Jeongguk, the guy he hated the most.
It started with bickering, of course, and that was 4 and a half months ago. Taehyung just couldn't do intimate touches with him in the form of dance. He would slightly jump if Jeongguk ever touches his skin as if his touch burned him. The expressions on his face are a little too expressive, not even with passion. Instead, his face looked as if he was displeased with the touch. A couple of weeks or so, they did their choreography in sync with each other but their emotions were different. It’s burning with pitiful anger.
“Don’t grip on my waist too tight, Jeon” Taehyung seethed, executing the next step with ease despite the mighty hold of Jeongguk. He rants for the nth time, really pushing on his buttons, trying to anger him even more so that Jeongguk would quit.
Unfortunately, that never happened.
The instructor was an overachiever. He was furious, yes. Oh, how he wanted to leave that practice room and scream. He clenched his jaw tightly until he saw Taehyung mockingly smirked at him as if he knew he had an upper hand.
He wanted to win the competition which is why he let Taehyung loosen up by touching him everywhere, for him to get used to his touches, bruising him up with his grip and mouth.
It was sudden. Only took a few seconds for Taehyung to realize that Jeongguk is kissing him. Maybe out of frustration because the dancer couldn't stop nagging at him and whining. Or maybe the original plan was just to kiss Taehyung to shut up but of course, ended up having other thoughts since they couldn't get to experience this the next time around.
The kiss made Taehyung silent. It made him focus on one thing and that is Jeon's tongue inside of him. It was different from his first kiss. Way too different. He liked this better. Even if the one who kissed him was someone he didn't get along well. Or is it? Or maybe Taehyung was just as sexually frustrated with him. Who knows?
But all he did know was that Taehyung kissed back with the same passion as Jeongguk.
---
After their heated kiss, everything seemed to fall right into place. Taehyung and Jeongguk synced well in their choreography as they knew where to touch and to feel. Taehyung let Jeongguk guide him and other times, the instructor taught him to listen to the song and act the way it is, a love song between two lovers.
They were so good together, Taehyung couldn't believe it that Hoseok was actually right. Their practices finished early since there was less bicker and more about making out in between breaks. Their love for dancing took flight for hours and when it's time to go home, instead of taking the night bus, they would walk side by side, talking for more, bonding for more.
They were not lovers. Not yet. But they do act like one when they are alone.
On normal days, they would pretend to be strangers who take side glances on each other when they thought no one was looking. Hoseok definitely knew but he never pointed that out. He liked this better than they were bickering.
Hoseok didn't ban his trainees to date each other, he just wanted them to be careful, that's all since some of them were trained to be idols. For Taehyung and Jeongguk, he definitely didn't have anything against them.
Just one problem, though.
"Hoseok hyung" Jimin whined as he came to him for comfort, "I think I see Taetae and Jeongguk sneaking out again."
Ah, not again, Hoseok thought.
The only problem for Hoseok was that he didn't know how to separate the duo now that they couldn't seem to get enough of each other.
---
7 days ago
They were not dating and yet they woke up next to each other every single day. Sometimes, they were naked under the covers.
Still, they had taken precautions by going to the studio separately for no reason at all.
They didn't question why for a few couple of months, they were into hiding as if whatever they were doing is forbidden. Taehyung secretly liked it and Jeongguk did, too. It made them think as if they have their own world. Of course, they never said they enjoyed the other's company.
But they did look forward to their after practices, alone in the studio.
Later that night, they did the same routine without any distractions (hint: making out). They focused to their heart's content as the competition drew near.
And Taehyung, dear Taehyung secretly wished the competition didn't come. He didn't know why but he had this feeling and he didn't like it. The fact that once the competition is done, they'll be gone as well. No more after practices, no more sneaking out during breaks. They wouldn't have a reason to. In the end, everything will be gone.
"What do you think about Paris?" Jeongguk blurted out suddenly as they lay side by side on the floor.
To be honest, Taehyung slightly didn't understand the question and he just shrugged, "it's cool, I guess. Why?"
It was a long silence and Taehyung just waited for him to say anything other than staring at the ceiling as if thinking deeply about what to say but ended up saying "nothing, Tae."
The next day, Jeongguk was not around the studio which was very unusual and Taehyung looked for him everywhere until he came up to Hoseok and the instructor told him something that made his world shatter.
"Oh, you didn't know? I thought Jeongguk told you last night" Hoseok scratched the back of his head as if contemplating whether he should spill or not but Taehyung didn't have the patience.
"No, tell me."
"He's filing his requirements right now because he'll be flying to Paris a week after the competition."
Taehyung didn't know what to feel. He thought that after these months, they had a connection. They certainly did. They were getting close to each other and then, Jeongguk decided to go away. Tears were threatening to fall from his eyes but he was not going to show Hoseok how this affected him so much. "When will he be back?"
"I don't know, Tae. I don't know."
---
Call Taehyung sensitive but the next day, he didn't show up at practice. Jimin called to check up on him because things like this were kind of pretty rare for Taehyung. The only time he was not around was because of the time he had a chicken pox and he was not allowed to go out unless it's safe.
"Hey, Tae? Why are you not here?" Jimin was worried. His best friend sounded weak through the phone and it got Hoseok worried as well when he stood beside the dancer for an update on Taehyung. "The competition is only less than a week. Are you sure you're okay?"
Taehyung was lying down on his bed with his one hand on his phone, curling into himself. He didn't feel like going in for practice and he didn't give a fuck that the competition is only a few days away. "I'm fine, Jimin. I just need to rest today. That's all."
There was a long silence at the end of the line. Taehyung could hear some of the background noises of his co-dancers tapping their feet and chanting numbers but then Jimin's voice came back again, "Jeongguk's here and he's looking for you."
Taehyung's heart stopped for a bit. He bit his lip as he clenched at the pain on his chest. Tears are threatening to fall and his voice was almost wavering when he said he didn't care. He ended their call quickly before he could hear that annoying instructor's voice on the other line. He used to hate Jeon Jeongguk but now, it felt different.
---
“What took you so long, Guk? I thought you’re going to tell Taehyung about Paris?” Hoseok was upset and yelled at Jeongguk right after he closed the door to his office. Everything was supposed to be fine but the problem was, Taehyung didn’t hear the news from Jeongguk. He heard it from Hoseok instead which made the latter feel bad about the situation.
Hoseok had no choice but to spill because Taehyung was his friend too and he couldn’t stand to keep it a secret and Taehyung would definitely know when he lied.
Jeongguk was just as frustrated, hands flying to his hair as if ripping it apart. Now, he’s going to lose his partner, the competition. He’s going to lose Taehyung. “I don’t know, hyung! Maybe I’m scared of what he would think of me when I tell him. We just got close, Hyung. That was the closest we’ve been and I couldn’t even tell him about Paris because I- I don’t want to ruin the moment we had that night.”
“You are so fucking stupid. I did not pair the both of you for anything. You two are the best pair that I envisioned in my studio. Despite your never-ending bickering, you get along in the form of dance and that, Jeon Jeongguk, is beautiful. I couldn’t think of anyone else who is a better duo than the two of you.” Hoseok confessed, patting on the other’s shoulder as a form of assurance that he’s always proud of them. “Now, go to him and fix this, Jeon. I need both of you in this competition.”
“Yes sir” Jeongguk easily complied and slipped out of the room.
The trip to Taehyung’s apartment ws something Jeongguk already knew by then. He came to his apartment a lot as Taehyung came to his. On his hand was a small pack of strawberries that Taehyung loved as a peace offering.
When he rang to his door, Taehyung froze when he saw who was at his doorstep. Taehyung looked like he’d been crying a lot with his eyes red and watery, voice so husky that Jeongguk almost mistook as if he was sick. The latter couldn’t bear it. He immediately blurted out a ‘sorry’ the moment Taehyung let him in his apartment without a word.
“I’m still angry at you.” Taehyung pouted as he sat on his sofa, not looking at Jeongguk as he gestured for him to sit. He knew the moment he turned to look at him, he wouldn’t be angry anymore so no. Let him be stubborn for a moment.
“Sorry” Jeongguk repeated again.
“You know, I thought we’ve gotten close after these months. We have done a lot of shit together, Guk. We kissed, we fucked, we slept a lot, we shared a lot of secrets but you just didn’t tell me about Paris. I had to know from Hoseok hyung which is making me sad because Hoseok hyung knew it first.”
“I was about to tell you that night,” Jeongguk confessed silently. “But I am scared that you would push me away.”
Taehyung looked at him finally, and the deadass told him “I am pushing you away right now. And I’m seriously gonna hit you if you think something would ever change from the both of us because of this.”
Jeongguk was about to open his mouth but then he got interrupted by Taehyung. “After all, we’re just friends with benefits.”
Yeah. Friends with benefits.
“I am not angry about you leaving for Paris but I really wished you could’ve told me about it. I’m already happy for you, you could fulfill your dreams there, attending renowned workshops as an instructor.”
“Yeah” Jeonnguk chuckled, though it feels as if he faked it but Taehyung didn’t notice at all. “Aren’t you gonna miss me?”
Taehyung scoffed, playfully nudging him away, “me? At least I won’t have to see your ugly face.”
“But you love this ugly face” Jeongguk tackled him down to the couch, Taehyung shrieked, trying to get out of his hold as they go down together and somewhere in the middle, they caught themselves, kissing for hours until they fell asleep on the tiny couch, snuggling against each other.
---
“Taehyung's in a good mood today. I take it you already told him about Paris?” Hoseok sounded excited as he elbowed at Jeongguk with a suggestive look on his face. The dancer’s happiness was off the roof, smiling at everyone as if he didn’t take any leave yesterday.
Jeongguk looked over to Taehyung, smiled a little before he heaved a small sigh, “No. Not really”
“What do you mean?” Hoseok kind of stopped bugging Jeongguk just to look at him, confused.
“I mean, yeah he’s kinda happy for me that I am going to Paris to fulfill my dreams.”
“And?” Hoseok asked, wanting to know more of this cliffhanger Jeongguk made but the latter only shrugged, “that’s it” he said, making Hoseok a lot more disappointed than ever.
There’s that look on Hseok’s face that screamed ‘you’ve got to be kidding me’ and he waited for a little reaction from the other instructor. Any moment to tell him it was just a prank but unfortunately, it was not a prank at all. That was the only thing in his sad story.
“Coward” Hoseok ran off away from him and Jeongguk couldn’t agree more.
Yup, that’s him. A coward.
---
Present Day
Taehyung loves to dance in front of his audience, it’s nerve wracking but he loves the feeling of finishing a successful performance that he could finally breathe and maybe think about a nice little celebration after every performance with friends and a feast.
Backstage is pretty much a mess. That’s always how it is. The staff are running around to check if the intermission number is all set and perfect. The crowd is loud, even backstage, Taehyung can hear the cheers and the claps from the main stage. Hoseok is pretty much a professional and he tends to every participant from his studio from group performance, duo, to a single performance.
“You fine, Tae?” Hoseok asks him as he rubs on his back. That’s his job, caring for the members. He just nods as a response, unable to stay still because of how nervous he is and then there’s a hand holding him.
Jeongguk, who just finished doing his makeup from their very own make up stylist. “Hey, it’s gonna be okay, Tae”
No, it’s not. Taehyung wants to say.
Definitely he knows that after this, Jeongguk will still leave. Win or lose.
“What’s wrong?” Jeongguk probably noticed he’s staring at him for too long hence the reason why he cups his cheeks with both of his hands to check if he’s okay.
The close proximity gives Taehyung a small pitpat on his heart and he looks away, “I’m fine. W-we should get going. We’re up in 2 minutes.” He mumbles. He moves away, makes a small dash out of the room but then Jeongguk calls him one last time.
“Tae, I-
“Kim and Jeon, you’re up!” A staff calls them from the outside, rushing the both of them up on stage. Taehyung gives him an apologetic smile and grabs his wrist, “maybe later, Guk.”
The crowd is roaring louder the closer they get to the stage. The lights blinding them and their hearts are hammering out of their chest butas professional as they are, they do not show the creeping anxiety on their skin but instead, they look at each other’s eyes as they get lost to their song, their choreography and the steps they memorized over and over again. This time, what Taehyung feels is real. His eyes tell so much about what he feels. Just the same as how Jeongguk touches him so delicately like if he’s not being careful enough, it feels like the other would break within his touch.
Taehyung doesn’t want this to end. He doesn’t want to let this go as he sheds a tear the moment he closes his eyes on their last pose. Their most intimate pose of holding each other in their arms.
The reaction is gradual. Slow claps from the crowd until it gets louder and they got a standing ovation for how powerful their dancing felt like. Taehyung and Jeongguk breathe harder but once they get their response, they smile and bow to the crowd before going backstage.
The rush of adrenaline is still on them and Taehyung feels giddy, still.
There is this happy feeling bursting in Taehyung’s chest and then when he looks back at Jeongguk, the sad feeling creeps up again, swallowing all of his little burst of joy.
They’re lucky that they don’t have to wait for that long for the results since they are the last to perform. Maybe only 10 minutes of freshening up in their room and a little rest. Hoseok is so proud of the both of them that he gave them a big hug. Jimin is also done with his solo performance of a black swan.
In the end, Taehyung and Jeongguk, despite all of the challenges they have experienced for the past few months, they actually won first place in their category. The judges explain that they have really great chemistry with each other but Taehyung almost had to laugh because they didn’t get along that well in the first month but looking at it now, he thinks it was really stupid of him to hate Jeongguk. The guy was so fun to be with. Taehyung was so glad for the past months as he slowly learns about his personality. Though it was sad that Jeongguk will go away, he needs to be supportive as a good friend, too.
---
With a promise of a celebration in their favorite restaurant, everyone heads out after they changed into their casual clothes and removed their makeup.
Jeongguk and Taehyung purposely walk slower than the rest of them so that they’ll be a little behind than the others. It’s silent, Taehyung is only humming to himself to save himself from this awkwardness he feels.
“Tae” Jeongguk starts. The other guy hums in response, only walking straight ahead for them not to lose sight of their members ahead of them. “You already know my dream, right?”
Ah, yes. “The one you said months ago? You want to build a studio of your own and make a name for yourself in Paris. Yes, I remember.”
It was only that one night after they had sex on Jeongguk’s bed. They were laying side by side, listening to their dreams and where they wanted to go. Paris, Jeongguk mentioned it a few times in the past. He wanted to go to Paris and now, that dream will come true. Only a week left before he leaves Korea and he will never see Taehyung again.
“My dream changed.”
Taehyung stops walking and confronts him, confused. Eyebrows knitting together as he tries to make sense of what he is trying to say.
“I- I am thinking about us. About how we would struggle speaking in French because we are Koreans. We could- we could build a studio together from scratch. We would make a pretty good team. You, teaching little kids to dance and me teaching a dance class and- and at night, we could do slow dances together alone with our favorite song and- and -
“What are you trying to say Jeongguk?” Taehyung’s heart is beating rapidly. Faster and faster as he feels his cheeks burning at the sudden confession from the other guy.
Jeongguk grabs both of his hands tightly, smiles, “I really wanted to tell you to come with me. It might be hard for a couple of weeks as we are making a career out of dancing but we’ll get used to it. I- I don’t think I could ever go fulfilling my dreams, without fulfilling yours.”
Tears streaming down his face. “Jeongguk I-
“Will you come to Paris and figure out our lives together?”
Taehyung is happy, as he nods frantically, "yes yes yes YES!”