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Taehyung was 6 when their family tradition of staying in Jeju for a week every summer vacation started. He barely understood what that meant but was still overjoyed when his mom started packing his swim wears and a lot of other island essentials.
The ride barely pass through him except for a few dizziness and motion sickness on the way which was aided with sleep and (day)dreams about the paradise that awaits him that when they finally, finally arrived, he didn’t gave his parents time to fix their things and pulled them out to officially start the summer vacation.
It was after when he was trying to catch the waves for constantly washing his pile of royal sand and during going back to their cabin filling his dad’s sand prints with his tinny little ones that he heard the screechy sound of laughter coming not so far from their couple-of-steps-away cabin.
It was a really small boy — smaller than him — with chubby cheeks and big round eyes that was giggling and was looking at him from the hammock he was sitting at. When the little stranger won’t seem to stop the sound of happiness he was releasing, Taehyung looked up again only to meet the same pare of round eyes that kind of reminds him of that one deer character he watched before, Bambi. Oh, and that’s when he actually realized that Bambi was,,, laughing at him?
“Why are you laughing?” It was his small voice that covered up for the embarrassment he was not able to understand as a little 6 year-old with cheeks slowly blooming baby pink.
“Your fwoaties(floaties) has taiw(tail) and it’s moving!”
The voice coming from bambi was tiny and weird because aside from the accent, the lisp made it unusually small, and the giggle that followed is what made Taehyung release his own giggle sporting a cute little smile while shaking the mermaid tail of the little floaties around his body.
“Tae, thewe(there) awe(are) baby crabs here! Come here!”
Ah, there it is again, that voice, the weird way Jeongguk releases every word mixing with the lisps Taehyung kind of expects to hear everytime but also surprises him every now and then, too.
Taehyung’s now 10 and is currently in awe with every bit of what summer offers him—although he’s sure this was what he clearly has in mind when he thinks of summer, but yeah, he loves summer.
“Tae, come quickly! They’re dispewsing(dispersing) in the sand!”
The whinny tone gave him the audacity to walk in an even slower pace that he was able to watch how the excitement on Jeongguk’s face was beautifully accentuated by the setting sun and its reflection from the wide ocean. The sand beneath the boy’s feet suddenly looks golden. Taehyung has good eyes for beautiful things, his dad once told him, in fact he gravitates toward them.
They’ve been playing every summer in that same place in that same hour everytime for 4 years now but never had he seen the scenery in front of him before. The view in front of him right now is picturesque.
The next year, Taehyung’s family decided to go earlier than usual but is planning to stay longer. So needless to say, the little boy had to fill his 2 full days with collecting shells, purpose he’s not sure either, untill his favorite cabin neighbor finally arrives.
“What’s that?” The shriek Teahyung released was ungodly that even his shocked heart was shocked again when he did that.
It was Jeongguk’s shocked—with the shrieking that unfolded, of course— face that surprised him when he looked up while sitting on the sand.
Woah, that voice was a bit different, plus he got rid of the lisp? Was what Taehyung’s mind is bugged with that made him stare at the boy in front of him.
“Tae? do i have a fish on my face?”
“What? Why would you have that?” with his infamous forehead crease, he asked that, barely understanding why Jeongguk asked him the random question.
“Because you were staring” The giggle that followed before the boy sat in front of him to help him pile whatever shell he collected made Taehyung smile. There it is, the voice with that mixed accent—he learned from his class when his teacher said the pronunciation may differ due to the fact that the tongue is not accustomed to that kind of word— he secretly found cute.
When he was 14 and is now well aware of how easily he can find his summer partner in crime through social media that he not so subtly asks for the last name of the boy he was currently burying in the sand.
“Come to think of it, we never knew each other’s full name”
Maybe that was too obvious, he thought, when Jeongguk looked at him funny.
“I’m not giving you my last name, Tae”
“But then,” he pouted and stopped gathering sand around, “we’ve been friends for years now.”
“You’we(you’re) so obvious” There’s that sound again. He cant believe Jeongguk is still lisping, not that he minded (he secretly loves it, remember?) of course.
“I’m not gonna look you up on facebook, Kooks, I promise”
“Okay buy you have to win rock, paper scissors three consecutive times”
Ah, that voice, that same lisping accent laced with what Taehyung recognizes as teasing through out their years of summer friendship. The scowl Taehyung sported that was followed by a pout was what made the smaller one buried in the sand giggle. Needless to say, Taehyung went back to their cabin with no new information acquired but he seemed to have forgotten that thanks to the squeaky giggle the boy with him is making.
“Here, I made you this.” Taehyung brings out a thin black string that looks like it was weaved together but is still thin and wraps it around the smaller boys wrist.
“Woah, what’s this for?” Oh, the voice sounds oddly different for Taehyung.
“We do random stuff in the art club. High school’s fun! I made some for Mom and Dad too and my friends, and i have mine as well, look!” He beamed and if his already crescent eyes didn’t grew smaller from smiling, he could’ve seen Jeongguk’s stunned face staring intently at him.
Taehyung’s now 16 almost 17 and is halfway through highschool. Just then he realized that Jeongguk and him never really disclosed their age to each other, though he is sure Jeongguk is younger judging by the height and face and oh my god is he just experiencing his puberty voice changing now? This explains why the accent and lisp sounds different!
“Hey, Kooks, you never told me your age” He casually said while they step out of the smaller boy’s cabin. He picked him up, yes.
“For honorifics and all, you know.” Jeongguk just shook his head at him while chuckling. Okay, they agreed to not talk about things that may disclose things like that but this one’s a harmless question.
“Hmp, I know you’re probably younger than me. It’s okay if you don’t call me hyung, you’re lucky you’re really cute.” The pout was an overkill for Jeongguk, only if he didn’t just realize what Taehyung had called him he probably would’ve squished the life out of the taller boy’s face.
“Cute is for babies and animals. I’m not cute.” He retaliated but the reaction from Taehyung just made his cheeks flush if not more from being called cute.
“Oh you are, you’re like a little baby bunny” It was just to tease the smaller boy although the overbite and chubby cheeks really resemble that of a bunny, now that Taehyung sees Jeongguk actually blushing from that— maybe from embarrassment, Taehyung thinks— he decides right that moment that yes, Jeongguk is cute, alright.
That was it.
Taehyung never saw Jeongguk again after that summer when he was 16. The cabin next to them was occupied by another group of people. He thought it was just that year, but another one came and then another one and the cabin continued to be occupied by unfamiliar faces.
Taehyung wanted to tell him about the arrogant boy in his class who irks him to bones and maybe hate on them with Jeongguk because that’s more fun than hating alone, but he had to hate the boy alone because no weird lisping accent Jeongguk that summer.
He graduated high school with honors and was excited to tell Jeongguk that and that he got in to his dream university, but the kid that’s supposed to be next door is not there again. Not even a trace.
He kind of want to maybe send him a letter or chat him or text maybe to ask why’s he not coming anymore or tell him all the stories instead, but he doesn’t even know how to.
The next summer vacation was cut short and he needs to go back to university earlier than the other students because he’s now a student body representative. He wanted to treat Jeongguk the tattoo they’ve always wanted to have for that, but he guesses the trip was a whole bummer plus the boy’s not even there again.
After the sophomore summer break, he got the tattoo he wanted. His parents was shocked but that’s all. He also have someone he can consider as his university bestfriend now, his name’s Jimin and he’s smaller and moves a lot. Has a high-pitched voice and laughs a lot. Summer when he was younger is just a bit like a dream, a distant memory now for him.
He was not able to take a summer break the next year. Projects and homeworks are pilling up not to mention the summer classes. Oh, did he tell that he has been living in dorms since day one? Truly its a different life now from when he was younger.
It’s the first of september and also the first day of fall semester for Taehyung and his friend Jimin as seniors.
“Jimin, seriously, we don’t even need caffeine it’s literally the first day. Reduce the intake of poison when you can.”
“Oh please, leaf lover, let a man live.” The smaller guy pulled his coat closer to his body and happily bee lines to the direction of the famous coffee shop that resides just beside their building.
“Besides, we have a lot of time before our first subjects so calm down because this will probably be the chillest we can be now that we’re on our last year.” That much is true, but Taehyung is not about to admit that and gets persuaded to chill. He pulled his scarf to cover his mouth as his nose starts to redden.
Jimin pushes the door open for them and like everytime they do that, the heavenly aroma of coffee and sweets worked like hypnosis and calmed them. Like always, he just lets his friend stand on the line and he goes around looking for available booth. When he found one beside a window, he immediately sat down and busied himself with his phone.
Apparently the line is a bit longer that day maybe that after scrolling and getting bored, Jimin’s still not the one on the counter yet. He watches as a man passes by their table holding a slice of blueberry cheesecake that his stomach decided that he wants one too. Was that a new one on the menu? He doesn’t want to stand at the end of the line so he decided to just go straight up to Jimin, who is about to order, and make him buy.
A meter away or so from Jimin and that’s how he saw it.
The guy behind the counter looks awfully familiar that if he’s going to refer on his distant memories, the man is like a dream in flesh for him. He stopped for a moment to examine—
“Good day, what’s your order?”
Taehyung’s brain felt like an earthquake just happened inside his head. That was it. The voice was lower but has the faintest accent and lisp he could remember.
But the guy looks taller and the physique is different. The skin of the arms that the uniform allows to show is covered in black curves. Same goes for some parts of his neck that shows. Bold and thin, darker and lighter.
“Oh, I think I want a Jeongguk smile” He hears Jimin shamelessly flirt and would’ve laughed at what he did but his mind goes blank as his eyes rake the man behind the counter.
Jeongguk? Did Jimin say Jeongguk? He stepped closer and indeed, the name tag says ‘Jeongguk’. His chest is thumping, the guy is oddly familiar.
He was so busy thinking that he hardly comprehended how quickly the guy dismissed Jimin with a glare and a rather rude scowl as he offers his hand to point out that the next person in line can just take Jimin’s place and order.
“My, I didn’t know they serve attitude here too” Taehyung knew what the fuck is happening but is too busy comprehending the chubby cheeks that the man named Jeongguk is so similar to the Jeongguk with the same accent and lisps he knew back then. Skin, just more artsy. Hair, just longer.
“Well i’m brewing it just for you” the girl behind Jimin on the line gasps a little louder at that before she even utter her order.
And Taehyung? Heart beating a little too fast for recognizing an oddly familiar face, mind going a bit hazy for registering that oddly familiar voice.
He was rooted there half a meter away from Jimin and the counter but is just listening and not doing anything. What is happening? He can’t stop staring at the guy.
His dad once told him that Taehyung naturally gravitates toward beautiful things. The guy behind that counter, face accentuated with the lighting of the cafe, skin filled with beautiful lines, ears pierced with silver rings that sparkles when hit with light, is surely Jeongguk and is beautiful.
“I don’t think I ordered YOUR attitude either” oh god Jimin is raising his voice just (almost) beside him but he’s not doing anything. They’re even gaining attention, Taehyung’s not sure he’s hydrated enough for something like that early in the morning.
“Tell you what, you kind of did running your mouth—“
“What the hell is your—“ Taehyung snaps realizing finally, finally what’s happening.
“Hey, hey, Jimin, calm down” He approaches his friend tapping his shoulder because they are definitely gaining attention now.
“Hey, Jeongguk, help hyung inside, i’ll handle this.” A man appears from the door that looks like where they bake and stack their ingredients and tapped Jeongguk’s shoulder offering a small smile that definitely reaches his eyes before glancing at him and Jimin.
Just like that, the very flesh of his summer memories disappeared [again] in front of him— is a bit dramatic because he literally just went behind a door, but it was what Taehyung was thinking.
“I’m sorry for that, he’s just a bit worked up and has been covering someone else’s shift so he’s cranky, as you can see.” It was warm. The guy with the nameplate ‘Hoseok’ is.
“No, no, we’re sorry for—“
“How about anything you guys like? It’s on the house” and who is he and Jimin to refuse a smile that big?
It’s been days and it was freaking bothering Taehyung. That guy was definitely his cabin neighbor Jeongguk. But just at how the guy stared at him and Jimin, he was sure Jeongguk saw him, it doesn’t look like he remembers him.
“Why don’t you stop spacing out on me when we eat lunch, Kim Taehyung”
“Hey, Jimin, yes your seatmate is hitting on you? Oh my god!” He fakes the shock but Jimin just threw a fry(single fries) on him while chuckling at how ridiculous Taehyung was saying.
“You are so lame, that is so not what we’re talking about!” he laughs and made Taehyung laugh at that too.
“Anyways, what’s gotten the always calm Taehyung this bothered?”
“Remember the kid i told you before?” He leans in a bit and bites his lower lip as he confesses ignoring the food in front of them.
“Who? The one you used to play with during summer?” Jimin’s eyes went a little unfocused but asked him that, anyways.
“That coffee shop boy with tattoos is definitely him” Taehyung’s not gonna admit but his insides tingle at the thought of how Jeongguk is a pretty boy with pretty tattoos.
“What? You mean that?” Jimin points behind Taehyung where the cafeteria door reveals a guy in a black hoody, and black backpack. Hair disheveled, face void of anything, bee lining to a table.
“Yes! He goes to our Uni?”
“Maybe. He works at that cafe inside campus, so,,” Jimin just shrugs but dropped his judgement upon seeing how Taehyung’s not about to stop looking at the guy.
“Based on what you’ve been saying, summer Jeongguk is hella cute. That coffee shop Jeongguk is hella rude.”
“I know, I know i’m kind of shocked too. I mean anyone would’ve found you hitting on them weird but to go off like that was a bit...”
And Taehyung observes how ‘Jeongguk’ sits beside a guy that looks soft, like a kitten. He observes how the guy smiles at him and how Jeongguk returns the smile with his,,,, oh my god his overbite’s still evident. Realizing, Taehyung can’t stop his heart from fluttering a little at the cuteness. That is totally Jeongguk. Chubby cheeks, overbite, bambi eyes.
“And you never wanna admit that you do have a crush on him? Stop staring, Tae”
Well, no one really asked if he did have a crush on that guy, so,,
Jimin’s soundy giggle made him roll his eyes as distraction hoping his friend in front of him won’t notice the heat that creeps on his cheeks.
“Okay, how do i tell someone i like that i really like them?”
“Why don’t you breathe first, pretty thing” Jimin blurted without looking at him, busy with his laptop, typing.
Taehyung marathoned his way back to his shared dorm room with Jimin when he accidentally collided with Jeongguk that fine day. He fell butt first, of course, and when he saw who he bumped in with, he panicked so hard he naruto ran even before the guy grumble a word.
“Now tell me who made lazy Taehyung run like this”
Taehyung is still fascinated with how Jimin actually looks so intimidating when he sits cross legs sporting his thick-rimmed glasses he often wears when they’re not out.
“I’ve been seeing them around lately and i saw them jogging on the field once and i kid you not when I say i’ve never seen anyone that good-looking when they literally have sticky sweat all over their body.”
“Hm-mm”
“And then there’s this one time that I saw him helping a girl who he bumped with, i think the girl was faking her limp because i just saw her smirk when she noticed my crush is THAT good-looking”
“Sounds like something you would definitely do, too”
“Shut up! Anyway, lately i’ve been seeing him around really often, uh, remember when I told you i’ll have lunch outside campus but then you said you couldn’t come with? he was on that diner we usually go to.”
“Oh my god, Taehyung, just say you’re stalking him and go” he knew he was that obvious not because his cheeks are all red now, but because Jimin actually caught up, he wishes his room mate would stop smirking.
“Lately they’ve been, uh, with someone too. Tall guy with fascinating dimples, really handsome. Like they really walk down the hallway together all the time, I think they’re taking units on our department.”
“Jealousy don’t usually look good on people, I can’t believe you look hella cute, red cheeks and all, when you’re jealous”
“Min, shut up!”
Jimin just raised his hands in surrender, making Taehyung blush more of how obvious he’s been if not more.
“I don’t think i’ve seen them smile like that to anyone other than dimple one. I mean, they’re always cute when smiling as far as i remember, but the overbite definitely looked more cute when they laugh for dimple dude.”
“Taehyung, oh my, sweet Taehyung,,,”
By this time, Jimin has this fond look for him as if saying his secret is safe, but Taehyung can’t help but feel embarrassed because he’s actually gushing shamelessly over someone he even admitted he stalked.
“Don’t look at me like that, oh my god, this is so embarrassing!”
“Shut up, big baby, just tell me when do you wanna do this and we’ll visit him at the coffee shop”
With a knowing smile, right, how could his bestfriend not know who he was talking about?
That’s how Taehyung found himself standing one person away from the coffee shop counter. He can only thank the gods that there‘s no one else after him and Jimin on the line.
He finally had the guts to try and talk to that beautiful thing behind the counter— after careful observation of their work schedule— he even brought Jimin for moral support.
“Good day! Are you ready to—“
“Now, now, i see you remember me, but!— don’t frown please, I want to apologize so my friend here is gonna order for us instead” he wanted to thank Jimin for being a ball of blabber during this kind of time, really.
“Hi, uhm, can i have one, uh, strawberry frappe with double extra whip cream and one—“
“Taehyung?”
Taehyung was so busy calming his nerves that he ended up having a staring contest with the menu in front of him he didn’t notice how Jeongguk stared at him carefully half-listening, trying to figure out if the familiar (pretty) face spurting his drink is someone he knew when he had that sense of familiarity hit him hard as hell.
He heard him, he knows. His name. That voice. Wow. The voice uttered his name. He was calling him.
“—and one cappuccino with 2 shots of espresso, Jeongguk, yes.” When taehyung finally looked up the funny thing in his stomach seemed to go bat shit crazy they’re trying to get out of there through his ears, they’re corrupting his brain, he thinks.
It was a staring contest, only now it’s Taehyung with Jeongguk and not with the menu.
Jimin, who’s enjoying the scene, wishes he brought a camcorder with him because, according to him, Taehyung, who gravitates toward beautiful things looks like he’s finally seeing the most beautiful scenery in the whole world he’s legit about to cry. While Jeongguk, the most beautiful scenery, looks like he was in a deep daze, like in an intense dream, his eyes are sparkling. Taehyung’s right about him having Bambi eyes.
They both look like air was punched out of their lungs it was too much to watch them.
“Well, i think Taehyung-ssi will appreciate you’re obvious admiration if you start making his double extra whip now, Jeonggukie” malicious cough from a really handsome man finally, finally caught their attention now and both are tomato faces.
“Stop calling me that” it’s Jeongguk’s turn to cough from the childish (cute) nickname that made him and Taehyung blush a deeper shade of pink.
“THAT was hella cheesy, you guys are straight out of a romantic movie i swear, oh my god i dig it.”
If Jimin’s still babbling about what just happened when they settle on a booth until their drinks arrived, UNTIL Jeongguk—still so flustered he can’t even look at Taehyung for a whole second— served two slices of blueberry cheesecake announcing that it’s on the house as an apology for being rude the last time and for—
“Uhm, I just wanna give Taehyung something, yea.”,
Taehyung didn’t notice all of that and most certainly not the way Jimin slipped a tissue with his number to Jeongguk before they decided to call it a day.
“Taehyung, sweetie, i did not give summer boy your number for you to ignore and disrespect me like this.”
Taehyung rolled out of the sheets when Jimin plopped on his bed facing him with this amused expression. They’re basking on the limited free time they have as students with loads of projects before exams.
“I knew it was you! and yes thank you for the service i’ll ask Jeongguk if he can give you bright smile barista’s number” Taehyung smirked knowing what exactly Jimin’s about to say.
“This is why we are soulmates! Anyway, I know you wanna talk about Jeongguk so while i’m still here get disgustingly cute and blabber that butterflies out now”
Oh god was he that obvious?
“You know it tickles me pink when you look like you’re about to burst from the mere mention of summer boy”
“Shut up you were totally batting your eyelashes towards bright smile barista!” Taehyung defended in attempt to make Jimin flush.
“My man’s name is Hoseok, i’m the only one who gets to call him cute nicknames”
Jimin scoots closer to cuddle the still blushing Taehyung who cuddled back, he puts his phone on the bed side table.
“you’re calling my man ‘summer boy’ so i get to call your man names, too”
“Oh you’re man you say?” Taehyung’s not sure if the tickles from Jimin made him blush or the remark made.
“Now tell me about your man, stop texting him for a second”
“So i just found out that Jeongguk’s 2 years younger”
“Oh so he’s baby— oh my god stop blushing it’s just a word!”
“and he’s a sophomore music major”
“seriously, stop blushing Tae, you’re swooned, gosh”
“He has a friend called Yoongi that looks like a cat, and the tall man is his diaper friend named Namjoon”
“A friend you say,”
“Jimin I’m gonna squish you so hard you won’t be able to breathe”
“Continue with your biography of most beautiful scenery, Tae, don’t let my beauty distract you”
“and he greets me cutely, he asks me how i’ve been everytime, and he sends me random funny things and cute pictures sometimes,”
Taehyung takes his phone back from the bedside table and shows Jimin his receipts of the actual thing and can’t help but blush at how Jimin reads the things Jeongguk sent him out loud.
“if you ever get conscious about someone actually reading your mind when you’re thinking about something you wanna burry deep just scream mentally and look for the one who suddenly flinches or jumps in the room. Hope your thoughts are safe today, Taehyungie-hyungie—“
“— that is so random i’m gonna try it—wor-worshessertire-wor—what even is this, why’d he send you hella random word? Is this english?” Taehyung just giggles, hell if he knew what’s worcheshtersire, too. (worcestershire)
“wow, where’d he get such beautiful duck, is that his?—“
Not even a millisecond when his phone did a sound indicating a message, Taehyung snatched it from Jimin, preventing his bestfriend from reading the message.
“Is it Jeongguk? What’d he say?— oh my gosh what are you blushing for! show me!”
When Taehyung looked at him, Jimin’s sure this is the most flustered Taehyung has been for their entire time being together.
“He asked me if I want to go see a movie with him this weekend”
Jeongguk picked him up in front of the dorms at 2 that sunday. Taehyung saw him leaning on his car wearing ripped jeans, converse, and a thick-looking, comfie hoodie. He looks so laid back and beautiful at the same time, Taehyung was flustered. He thanked the gods silently because he thought he was underdressed with his stripes shirt underneath a red bummer jacket with his good ol’ scarf and his jeans paired with his favorite chucks.
“Hi, isn’t it too early for a movie?”
“I thought maybe you’d want to go play around lotte world first since i remember hyungie loves those kind of things?”
If Jeongguk wasn’t stepping on the brake, Taehyung hugging him during a red light all of a sudden out of excitement would’ve earned him a ticket. He’s freaking blushing and he’s glad the giggling pretty thing on the shotgun seat is flabbergasted enough over theme parks for him to notice.
Taehyung wasn’t even aware how the time had past after those breath hitching rides they had. The shooting games where Jeongguk won him a weird-looking bunny head that he’s hugging all through out. The cotton candy they shared without even noticing how girls were flustered when they saw him being fed by a tattoo-covered hand, black hoodie aesthetic guy. All of it went so fast yet he managed to engrave all the details in his memory.
The way his cheeks burn now that he realizes it was almost as if they were on a date a while ago at lotte world.
“Hyung— hey, are you okay? We can ditch the movies if you feel tired now, hyung?” Ah, yes that voice, no lisp and not exactly small but Taehyung thinks he likes this version better.
He stared back at Jeongguk’s worried face, the red light seemed brighter as it reflects in his always sparkling doe eyes. Wow.
“Hyung, you’re face is red, are you okay? Hyung?”
“No-uhm, yeah, i mean, —have I ever told you you’re so beautiful?”
Taehyung wished he had a knife to stab him right then, right there, or to just have the ground swallow him alive because man, that was fucking embarrassing he can see how Jeongguk is as flustered and as shocked as he is with what he just said.
“Says someone as gorgeous as you?”
Oh. OH.
Thanks to the car honking rather violently behind them, Taehyung didn’t have to cry his embarrassment out.
The movie was amazing, although Taehyung can’t help but steal glances from time to time because Jeongguk enjoying seems to be a greater view and because he feels as if Jeongguk is stealing glances of him, too.
They went for dinner afterwards and it’s when Taehyung realizes he’s probably the most dumb thing in the world because,
“Hey, Jeongguk, I actually don’t know your last name yet?” He can’t decipher whether the boy enjoying his ramen in front of him is as astonished of the realization or he just wants to laugh at such a random question.
“I’m Jeon Jeongguk, nice to meet you, Kim Taehyung” so Jeon Jeongguk.
During the ride home to Taehyung’s dorm, he can’t help but stare at the peaking inks from the black sleeves. Is it too early to ask for their meaning?
Their drive was so comfortable with music on Jeongguk’s stereo, the boy driving hums with the songs playing from time to time. So comfortable that Taehyung feels like he needs to get closer—he’s not sure if physically or emotionally or both— to Jeongguk right at that moment, his chest is thumping hard at the thought.
He pulls up in front of the dorm’s gate. Jimin looks like he just went out to get something from a convenience store when they spotted him walking to the dorm’s gate as well.
“Seeing as you both can’t do anything about your cheeks’ flare, i take it the first date went quite well”
“It wasn’t a date”
“Yes, it did”
Oh
Jimin’s teasing smirk just went a little more mischievous at how they have contradicting answers. He just hummed and left just like that leaving Taehyung hyperventilating at what just happened.
“It was a date?”
“I mean, if you want it to be, hyung?” Jeongguk is an inch or two taller (wow he was way smaller before), but that wasn’t the case when his voice went softer saying that, shifting a bit.
“Okay, uh, yeah, i had so much fun,,,, in our date” he can see that Jeongguk is fumbling at what they’re doing too, looking at anything except his eyes.
“Jeongguk?”
Before the younger even had the time to answer, Taehyung planted a soft peck on his right cheek. It happened so fast he himself was shocked.
“Uhm, uh, i, — i love the date today, uh, yea, good night, and drive safe”
“Yeah. yeah. Good night, hyungie”
He was so scared with what he did, but the way Jeongguk looked at him before saying goodbye made him dream about it all night instead.
Just like that, it was as if they’ve been friends since forever, as if they weren’t separated. It was easy for Taehyung to know all of things about Jeongguk. It was easy for Jeongguk to navigate through Taehyung’s likes and dislikes.
The season was smoothly shifting from fall to winter and so as the pile of works Taehyung, a senior, is having. Professors aren’t sly for giving them deadlines that forces them to do overtimes rather roughly shifting to pulling all-nighters almost all the time.
Everything is smoothly shifting even the way Jeongguk walks him to class everytime he has the time to carrying his things for him and having dinner together regularly.
The subtle touches, the lingering caresses, the voice that makes him crazy sometimes, all of Jeongguk is smoothly shifting closer and closer to him, to his already throbbing heart.
He even had Jimin spell it out for him because despite the things smoothly shifting from comfortable to intimate, Taehyung is having a hard time deciphering why is he over the moon everytime Jeongguk is around.
“Taehyung, hunny, we all know you’re hella smart so please stop being stupid and say you like Jeongguk and then go” hearing that plus the stoic voice of his bestfriend made him realize it.
“Oh my god I like Jeongguk so much. Jimin, I like Jeongguk so much? Yes!”
—
Taehyung met the dimpled guy, Namjoon, when he was waiting for Jeongguk’s shift at the coffee shop to end. He was kind and polite, and really smart, and is Jeongguk’s childhood friend, that much is what he learned. Namjoon, a graduate student, looked like he has a lot of secret to spill but Jeongguk looked like he was going to cry if the guy did so, so he just left them with a fond smile for them on his lips.
He even met the cute-looking guy. The one that oddly resembles an untouchable cat, Yoongi. He’s a really good friend and a graduate student currently on his masters on music, according to Jeongguk. He’s extremely attractive up close, Taehyung thinks.
Taehyung was introduced to the two more people from the cafe, too. Aside from the all-smile Hoseok, he met Seokjin, the owner and the one who makes all the sweets. He remembers how Jimin nagged at him for being the thirdwheel all the time so he has to make up to him.
“Hey, uhm, Hoseok-hyung can I get your number?” He knew that came out weird from the way the guy looked at him but there’s no going back now.
“Sure, but you need to set me up with someone as payment” Hoseok beamed with a giggle that made Taehyung gasp because that is exactly what he’s gonna do!
“Do you remember that one i’m always with?” He asks as Hoseok hands him his frappe and he can’t help but notice the blush forming on the guys cheeks, oh my god!
“The pretty-looking one?” Oh god he likes Jimin, too!
“Yes! So please give me your number so I can relay” he beams back and as he hands his phone to Hoseok from the other side of the counter, he felt a hand softly rests on his back making him shiver a little.
“Hey, careful with your frappe” yes, that voice that makes his brain freeze for a while. Jeongguk puts his frappe down the counter for him as he exchanges number with Hoseok. All of this, while Jeongguk’s left hand still rests on the small of his back.
“Jeonggukie, you still have an hour before your shift ends. You can stare at Taehyung all you want after that” it was Seokjin who faked a cough giving them a knowing smile.
Hoseok just laughs.
Taehyung waits for Jeongguk to finish his shift patiently admiring the boy work diligently forcing an awkward smile he can ever muster. He chuckles at how cute Jeongguk is. His overbite inevitably showing, long hair covering his eyes a little, folded uniform sleeves showing the curves of the ink around.
Ah, what a scenery.
Han river is not the best when the weather requires you to wear a scarf on top of your jacket, but here they are sitting on a bench near it. Cold breeze hitting them, Jeongguk shifting closer—if that’s even possible since their shoulders are now glued— for body heat. Taehyung is not yet used to Jeongguk holding his hand like that, but he seems to be enjoying looking at their intertwined fingers.
Exams are killing Taehyung and Jeongguk’s always tired given that he’s been staying at the studio for his exams plus his work, so when they get the time like that one, they make the most out of it.
“When did you get your first tattoo?” He asked as he caress the fine ink using his left hand refusing to let go of their clasped hands.
“Hm? I was 15 when i decided to have this” Jeongguk faces his side a little and uses his free hand to guide Taehyung’s forefinger to the emoji-looking tattoo on his ring finger.
“This is so weird, why’d you have it?”
“It’s coz it looks weird like you said” he chuckles and navigates Taehyung’s hand to the crown on his forefinger,
“This one’s during summer before my 16th birthday”
and Taehyung thinks that’s his cue. He let’s an air pass by them before asking him that question he’s been itching to ask,
“Why’d you stop coming to Jeju for summer?”
Jeongguk looks shocked but recovers immediately. Taehyung figures the other boy’s been anticipating him to ask that.
“Eomma and Appa divorced that year so we can’t really go”
“It’s okay if you don’t tell me” Taehyung says immediately.
“It’s not like i’m still affected, it’s okay. We all saw it coming since they’ve been fighting for as long as I can remember.”
Jeongguk looks at their hand, he’s playing with Taehyung’s softly, gently.
“Eomma moved out of the house immediately so I was left with appa. We moved out to a new house later on when he remarried and then when I was 18, I heard that eomma remarried someone, too.”
God even if Taehyung is sure Jeongguk doesn’t look affected at all, if that happened to him he’s sure that would’ve hurt him big time. For someone who is family-centered, Taehyung can’t imagine the pain.
He unclasped their hands only to lean on Jeongguk’s shoulder and to hug his torso. Jeongguk has no choice but to wrap his arm around the boy’s shoulder, although he can’t help but giggle at the sudden comfort.
“Hey, it’s okay, really, are you still comfortable?” Jeongguk asks him but he just pouted, embarrassed to even look up to the younger’s face because he just realized their position allows Jeongguk to feel his wildly thumping heart.
“Yes, continue please”
“When I turned 19, i moved out and went here to Seoul for college and planned to take multiple part-time jobs so I can pay a decent apartment but appa insisted on buying me one instead so i didn’t argue”
“That’s so nice to hear”
“Hm-mm, eomma bought me my car recently, too. She even cried when she gave me the key” The chuckle Jeongguk made sounds so beautiful as always for a second Taehyung was lost on the sound.
“If she haven’t seen you since she moved out and then saw you sporting the emo aesthetic, beautiful tattoos and all, she’d really be shocked to the point that she’ll cry, you know”
“Did you cry when you unexpectedly saw me?” Taehyung can feel Jeongguk’s lips on his hair as he talks and he decided he wants that kind of intimacy.
“Well yes I did because I didn’t expect you to be so rude” he answered with teasing tone only for Jeongguk to giggle a little as he plants a soft peck on the older’s hair.
“That was such a bad day and Jimin-hyung was the last straw i’m still so sorry, im not always a bad guy i swear”
When did Jeongguk’s voice got this low and where did the lisp and accent go? Taehyung wonders as he enjoys the vibration of Jeongguk’s body everytime he giggles.
“Hm-mm”
“Yoongi-hyung is my step brother. He’s the son of my mother’s present husband”
“I’m so glad everyone’s cool with everything” Taehyung looks up resting his chin on the boy’s shoulder only to meet Jeongguk’s piercing gaze anticipating his.
Did he ever had the chance to stare at Jeongguk up this close? Taehyung feels like his rib cage is going to break with how hard his heart is thumping.
Jeongguk is no better though, returning the intensity of Taehyung’s gaze only for it to backfire because he isn’t sure how long he can hold it. He was overwhelmed as well.
He was so sure, he decided to just fuck it and plant just one small peck on Taehyung’s lips. He knew Taehyung knew he glanced at his lips and the other not moving is his cue, only for him to sneeze and startle the both of them.
Taehyung giggled upon realizing. The cold breeze sucks at Han river.
The first time they kissed came with a huge vibe of de javu.
It was Sunday, meaning the coffee shop’s close and it’s their last day in dorms for winter break so they’re playing games with Jimin in their room. They only have two controllers so Taehyung and Jeongguk take turns.
It was like the usual, Jimin’s being a sore loser , Jeongguk being unexpectedly competitive, and Taehyung in their middle enjoying the warmth both of them provides aside from the heat from his bed where they are sitting.
“Just let me win once and i’ll give you Taehyung’s favorite hoodie”
“Jimin, what?”
“That’s tempting, but I purposely borrowed a shirt of him and never returned, so thank you” Jeongguk smirks as Jimin puffs exaggeratedly before slumping back on the bed.
“Playing with couples suck” Jimin scoffs,
“We’re not a couple”
“It sure does”
What?
This time Taehyung looked at Jeongguk as confused as Jimin on the other side of the bed. Jeongguk seems to be shaken up a bit with what he said, too.
“So i’ll go buy something at the convenience store i’ll buy you guys food, a lot of it, so it might take a while” Jimin hums teasingly when he recovered while he wears his coat and shoes before dashing out.
“Tae” when did his voice sounded so attractive like that just now is what Taehyung thinks.
Jeongguk stood up from the bed and pulled him up, too. Them standing feels more awkward now for Taehyung and he’s not sure where to look at, but Jeongguk just pulls him closer and like reflex, he snakes his arms around the younger’s neck. Jeongguk seems to know how to navigate his arms around Taehyung’s waist, too.
They were silent for a while. The only thing audible is Jeongguk’s deep breaths and Taehyung is sure the boy can pretty much hear his heart thumping like crazy from the absence of noise.
Oh my god, he can’t take it, his heart is bursting.
“Tae—“
“Gukkie, be my boyfriend”
Jeongguk pulled away a little to look at his face with this expression Taehyung can’t pick up. Oh goodness.
His heart is beating violently it’s like he’s gonna throw up. Did he fuck up?
“Does that mean we can call each other silly endearments now?”
Wow. Taehyung felt like a huge lump was lifted off his throat. He exhaled with giggle as he cups Jeongguk’s face.
“Whatever you want, baby” Jeongguk scrunched his nose smiling, arms tightening their grip on his waist, pulling him even closer.
Taehyung thinks he heard him mutter an almost inaudible ‘baby’ to practice.
“and that we can kiss each other now?”
Taehyung planned it to be just a touch of skin. To serve just as an answer to Jeongguk’s question. But the moment his lips touched the other’s, he can’t help but linger for a little while, to savor, to imprint the moment in his skin. It’s their first kiss. Though he realized he lingered a little longer than he planned because Jeongguk was able to bite his lips lightly and kiss him properly that when they pulled away he’s a little breathless.
“One more” and before he can even shift his hands to cup Jeongguk’s face properly, his boyfriend is kissing him again.
Oh his boyfriend. Taehyung’s heart can’t be fuller that moment.
Taehyung thought it’s the longest winter break that ever happened but at the same time it’s as if he just blinked all through it. Christmas is as eventful as always, having the usual get-together in his grandparent’s house at Daegu.
Him and his old enough cousins are cooking and preparing the table for Christmas eve while the older people takes good care of the playing youngsters in the living room.
“Taehyung looks really blooming since break, don’t you guys think?”
Now that everyone’s attention is on him, even his parents are giggling at the obvious blush that his cousin’s remark gave him. His cousin purposely shouted that a little, he just knew.
“Stop it, Seojoon hyung” he whines that they only laugh at, even their grandparents found him cute at that moment. His parents were looking at each other with meaning while giggling. God, was he that obvious?
“I bet you thought of someone coz of that” it’s his Mina noona this time who bumped his shoulder playfully, oh so they’re not gonna let it go that fast.
“Oh his little brother told me his phone rings all the time. They seem to be persistent, i always see him on his phone too” now that his mother sold him out like that his cousins are never gonna let him hear the end of it.
“Mom!” He whines but his mother just laughs at his red face.
“To think that there’s someone clingier than our Taehyungie hm?” his Hyungsik hyung hugs him from the back so he’s cornered by everyone now.
“Okay, dear Taehyungie, we’ll let you go only if you’re gonna tell us everything” if its Yoona noona, either he says it himself or she’s digging it out like the skilled gossiper that she is.
So that Christmas eve, maybe Jeongguk felt the shiver because the grandparents-Kim household uttered his name endlessly.
On the 30th, Taehyung’s birthday, the celebration was just as eventful since they’re still at their grandparents’ house but now the only people involve are his cousins. They’re feasting over the leftovers from Christmas eve with couple of beers and the never ending boyfriend story he has.
Though the little drinking session ended quickly when his phone rang and based on the blush on his cheeks, his cousins figured its his boyfriend so they decided to call it a night and pushed Taehyung out so he can finally take the call.
So he’s now sitting in the hammock on the second floor’s veranda covered in comforter since it’s actually winter.
“Baby, hey, happy birthday, have i greeted you yet?” Why is his voice so husky and attractive? Is it because it’s over cellphone?
“Silly, Gukkie. This is probably the tenth time you said that” the boy on the other line just giggled. God he just giggled but why is Taehyung's heart bursting.
“How’s birthday boy’s day?”
“It’s the usual. They had to juice me the information about the infamous Jeon Jeongguk” he can hear a sharp gasp from the other line and Taehyung just had to chuckle at that.
“Now tell me what my baby’s been up to lately” Taehyung thinks he can hear Jeongguk murmuring the word ‘baby’ and he can’t help but get flustered if not more.
“Since i’ve been at dad’s this Christmas, i’m now at mom’s for new year.”
“With Yoongi-hyung? What’re you guys been up to?”
“Yea, i’m staying at yoongi-hyung’s room so now i’m bothering him with producing-related things” Taehyung loves how comfortable Jeongguk sounds, even laughing a little.
His birthday ended with them still talking on the phone until late but not until Yoongi actually interrupted them saying they need to tone it down or else they’ll get bored of each other’s voice. As if Taehyung will ever.
The spring courses started right away that means Jimin and Taehyung are back to the dorms and Jeongguk is back to the coffee shop. Although it’s still cold and outside’s still covered in snow, Taehyung and Jimin are now out to get their dose of coffee shop things before going to class.
It’s their last year now and after spring semester they’ll graduate so they’re actually making the full out of every second, especially Taehyung.
That’s why he’s in front of the coffee shop’s counter now staring at a certain boy’s back waiting for him to finish their orders. Since it’s still early not much of students are there so he’s kind of shameless doing his thing.
“Alright, here you go, baby” on cue, Hoseok fixing the cakes, and Seokjin who just came out of the kitchen with additional cake on his hand gasped dramatically after hearing what Jeongguk just called Taehyung.
Taehyung can’t help but smile and bite his lower lip at how Jeongguk caught up to what he just did and is now flustered as hell.
“Oh my god, who asked who?” Seokjin, who looks like an actual gossiper asked immediately.
“Min, who asked who?” Although Jimin and Hoseok are actually having a thing, Jimin who is standing beside Taehyung just laughed remembering how flustered the couple is when he caught them kissing that day after coming back from the convenience store.
“It’s me”
“No way, Taehyung! You did? What?” The scandalous voice that came from the very owner of the shop gained some of the present costumers’ attention but no one’s allowed to scold him so even Hoseok just laughed and went closer to Jeongguk.
“Jin-hyung you owe me 5000 won, I told you Taehyung’s the one asking” oh my god can they be any more scandalous? He can’t help but laugh a little they actually brought out cash in front of him and Jeongguk. His boyfriend looks so embarrassed and is pouting a little.
“I can’t believe it, Jeongguk looked like he was going to ask you out everytime he sees you, and he actually ended up being asked out instead.” Seokjin was teasing but Jeongguk can’t seem to help being embarrassed.
“Shut up, hyung, he beat me to it! I was going to!” Oh my god why is Jeongguk pouting so hard Taehyung is melting, they are gaining so much attention.
“Sure he did, Jeonggukie. Now Jimin, take Taehyung with you because he looks like he’s going to bite our Jeonggukie here, go go!” Jimin just giggled and pulled him out of the counter.
Months went by fast, but as slow as it can ever get.
Jeongguk learned that Taehyung is a pretty popular senior on the science department because he’s extremely smart and is extremely good-looking too. Taehyung never missed the girls and boys talking about the extremely talented sophomore music student who has been invited even by the theater department multiple times. He even heard they’ve been visiting him on the coffee shop.
During their free times they go on their little study dates at Jeongguk’s apartment though it sometimes just lead to intense make out session. Jeongguk can’t seem to stop people from confessing to Taehyung every now and then even though they blatantly hold hands and are disgustingly cute whenever and wherever they are together.
Taehyung once cried coming home to his apartment because he’s convinced one of his professors didn’t like his final paper, and Jeongguk just sang him to sleep that night.
The weather has been changing and spring is slowly making its way. Spring semester started and a lot of students are now back.
It’s been tiring and equally frustrating for the both of them because they’ve been both busy. Taehyung doing his final project and is preparing for graduation, and Jeongguk staying over the school’s studio most of the time and if not, he’s in the coffee shop for his shifts.
They hardly see each other and Jeongguk can’t seem to take it anymore. He knows Taehyung is really busy but just one date he promised himself.
“By any chance, do you know if that class has gone out already?” He randomly asked a student pointing to what he knows as Taehyung’s current class according to his schedule.
“No, not yet. That class ends pass their schedule, usually.” The random boy answered politely before walking away but not before checking his get up, semi formal, hands with bouquet and all.
That’s how Taehyung saw him before he came running, charging towards his boyfriend.
“Jeonggukie!” He screamed in the hallway drawing attention.
Before Jeongguk can even turn his head to where the voice came from, familiar scent and familiar warmth embraced him. Taehyung hooked his arms on Jeongguk’s neck.
“Hi, shortcake” Jeongguk breathed on his lips that made him smile widely.
—
Even though they both are still as busy after their date to make up for the times they weren’t able to see each other, Taehyung feels completely warm because he knows that during Saturdays, Jeongguk’s pillow fort awaits him not to mention the bonus angelic voice lulling him to make up on his sleep deprivation with a cute goodnight kiss.
During Taehyung and Jimin’s graduation— which came bearing gifts because surprise! They both are graduating with Latin honors— Jeongguk met Taehyung’s parents.
Jeongguk expected that to happen—they knew of him through phone calls, but he never expected them to actually accept him right there and then that he actually cried which made Taehyung’s mom cry too.
Jimin’s murmuring something like it’s like they’re about to get married with that scene they pulled and Taehyung can’t help but tease him back with how the very Jung Hoseok is being interrogated by his father on some corner.
After a few post-graduate activities—fixing documents, moving out of dorms, job referrals, and whatnot, finally, finally the most awaited season is coming.
Finally, it’s summer.
Taehyung loves summer, that’s a given fact. He loves the purple-pink skies, the hot sand on his toes, the majestic ocean, the salty wind on his skin, and—
“You’re getting lost on your own thoughts, i wanna get lost on them too”
—the voice that only summer can give him.
Well, that was before.
Jeongguk hugs him from behind, arms on his waist caging him tight, chin resting on his right shoulder. He can feel his boyfriend kissing his nape repeatedly.
“Does it count if I’m getting lost thinking about you?” He retorts making both of them giggle at his cheesiness.
The salty air sticks on their skin as the silver waves wash over their feet burning on the hot sand. All while watching the beautiful sunset and its reflection on the blue waters.
He tilts his head to look at his boyfriend’s side profile and didn’t expect to get hit by a huge de javu.
Taehyung‘s eyes have always gravitated towards beautiful things, his Dad once told him.
Jeongguk’s face is beautifully accentuated by the setting sun, his skin golden, nose a little freckled, closed eyes letting his long lashes rest beautifully on his upper cheeks, lips red and a bit chapped. He plants a peck on the side of his boyfriend’s lips just because he can.
“What was that for?”
“It’s just coz you’re my baby” he shifts to fully face the boy, arms hooking around his neck. Not much people is there, maybe he can kiss Jeongguk now?
“Uh-huh, why does it seem like you’re my baby though” Jeongguk rubs their nose together while saying that. Breath fanning his lips, maybe that’s his cue, he’ll just kiss him, there are no kids around too—
“Taehyungie, Jeongguk-ah, you guys we still need to prepare for dinner!”
—and right on cue, his Yoona noona calls out to them giggling completely aware of what she interrupted.
Pouting and whining, they went back to the row of cabins where Taehyung’s family and relatives are staying. Of course, not after Jeongguk kissed him silly when his cousin is no longer looking.
—
It’s summer and Taehyung’s family summer vacation tradition continues. The same Jeju Island, and the same cabin they’ve been renting for years only now it resides one more person that used to be on the neighboring cabin.
“Jeonggukie, son, can you please help Tae with the watermelon, I think he sliced his arm off instead. He’s been on the kitchen for ages”
“okay, dad” he’s been calling Taehyung’s parents like they’re his too since last year’s graduation, but he still gets flustered everytime.
They’re out on the sand grilling food and is prepared with their tables connected to make it long.
Jeongguk made his way to their cabin’s kitchen and found Taehyung staring at the still whole watermelon with the knife on his hands.
“Babe, you’re supposed to cut the watermelon” he hugs the boy from his back before chuckling and peppering his cheeks with butterfly kisses.
“How though? It’s way bigger than the knife!” Taehyung whines, leaning back, resting his head on his boyfriend’s shoulder and letting go of the knife on the sink completely forgetting about his task before Jeongguk.
“Your skin’s tanned”
“Hm-mm” Jeongguk just looks at him straight in the eye before kissing his lips.
“and i love your speaking voice”
“Tan looks good on you, summer boy” Taehyung giggles, lips on Jeongguk’s tattooed part of neck.
“That so?”
“Yes, my heart is beating so fast just by looking at you”
“I can say the same to you”
“Well, my heart’s even saying ‘Jeongguk, Jeongguk’ every time it beats—“
“Aish, you guys stop flirting. Go back out there, i’ll handle the watermelon” it’s Hyungsik who caught them snuggly stealing kisses like that and pushed them out of the cabin.
Outside, everyone seems to be having fun especially the kids playing even though the sky’s beginning to be filled with stars.
Jeongguk never once left his side even when they decided to call it a night for the little children to have an early rest, even when they inform his parents they’ll take a walk out near the shore before bed.
Taehyung is now being hugged by Jeongguk. He’s staring at his boyfriend’s face being lit by the beautiful moon and its reflection from the wide water.
Arms around his waist, his own arms on the boy’s chest feeling the most beautiful thing beating on cue with his.
Taehyung slides his hands around Jeongguk’s nape, kissing him and then hugging him resting his head on the boy’s shoulder.
“I love you” he heard Jeongguk murmur. He heard it, and it’s not his first time hearing those words, it’s not their first time saying those to each other either, but it makes his heart burst just as much when they first did.
“I love you too” he answered without missing a beat. Jeongguk just tightens his hug and tickles his side a little and they both giggled.
Oh to be with Jeongguk not just every summer, but everyday until forever.