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They never say it explicitly, but it’s always been more than apparent from the pity in their eyes.
He’s a stray, a half breed. Black shaggy hair that curls up no matter how much they iron it out. Sharp overbite that makes him look more like a bunny hybrid than a dog hybrid. Not to mention the fact that he’s already too old to be adopted by any well-to-do household. He’s already been abandoned once so why should he expect to be given a second chance.
Yeah, Jungkook should probably give up on getting adopted again. His high hopes are only going to lead to his bitter demise. He vaguely remembers waking up one morning to a foreign environment. The dumpster park around him, giving him whiplash. He remembers how disoriented and heartbroken he’d been when it finally clicked that he’d been abandoned by his family, by his humans.
That was two years ago. The animal shelter has been his home ever since. There’s a roof above his head, a regular supply of food to his designated kennel, a good view of the TV in the hallway. It’s not a bad life. He doesn’t need a human to be happy. He’s fine the way he is.
At least that’s what he tells himself. Over and over and over. Hoping that the more he iterates it, the more likely it is that it will become true.
But then he meets Hoseok.
*********
“What about him?” The strange man asks, peering through the grill at Jungkook. “He looks so lonely, poor thing.”
Jungkook frowns. He’s not lonely. What is this man implying? He squints, rising from his corner to get a closer look at the stranger. The stranger has his back facing the door of the kennel. The man at the counter are talking about Jungkook as if he wasn’t there, as if he isn’t within earshot.
“He’s a little old, Professor, in his twenties.” Jungkook wants to cry. Why are they bringing notice to his flaws? Why don’t they want him to find a new home? Why are they being so cruel to him? “He’s a stray too. You don’t want him, Prof. Let me show you our new pup—he’s a golden retriever.”
“Is that why he still hasn’t been adopted?” The “Professor” asks. His voice is a little high pitched, airy, warm. But his words hurt—they wound Jungkook’s fragile spirit, crush any remaining hope he has left. But he continues to spy on them. The attendant nods slowly. He looks annoyed that his words are being brushed aside.
There’s a pause and Jungkook simply watches as the Professor rubs his chin and hums in contemplation. He moves closer to the fence, intrigued to see the man’s reaction. The view isn’t the best from his vantage point, so he pushes his head against the grills. He nearly stumbles and falls on his ass when the man turns around, before he flashes him a smile and stalks towards him.
Jungkook’s first impression of the stranger is that he looks gentle. His face is all sharp edges, long sloping nose, chiselled jawline, focused eyes—but there’s something about him that’s warm, soft, unthreatening. Wavy brown hair, parted along the middle, a little unruly, looking soft like fur. His smile is wide and bright. He looks sincere, kind. Jungkook’s dog senses will never betray him, this he knows for sure!
“Hey, little guy,” the man huffs as he drops to his knees before Jungkook’s kennel. He smiles, big and broad, lips pulling into a heart shape that makes him look even kinder than he did before. Jungkook looks up, ears perking, tail wagging as he flutters his eyelashes. He whines in acknowledgement, voice hoarse, breaking. How long has it been since someone has come up to him? How long has it been since someone has looked at him with anything other than pity or disgust?
“How do you feel about going to a new home?”
*********
The Professor’s name is Hoseok.
The first thing Hoseok does once he’s signed the paperwork is to take off Jungkook’s collar. “You don’t need this anymore,” Hoseok says, voice kind and tender, making Jungkook tear up. He’s worn a collar since before he can remember. When he used to have a home, it was adorned with plastic jewels and bows; and in the shelter, it was functional black leather with an attachment for a leash. He’s always been treated like a pet—an animal. Never as a human being. He isn’t used to this kind of affection from anyone. Life has taught him to expect the worst.
They take the bus to Hoseok’s apartment, the journey is a few hours. And in those few hours, they stand side by side, Hoseok looking up at Jungkook, eyes fluttering so prettily through his wire-rimmed glasses. The silence between them is comfortable. It’s been forever since someone has looked at Jungkook with a gaze so fond. It makes him catch his breath— If this is a dream, he doesn’t want to wake up.
They get off the bus, Hoseok casually holding Jungkook by the hand and tugging him along. He hums a silly tune under his breath, one that makes Jungkook wag his tail. It’s a happy sound. Hoseok is a happy person. Jungkook is going to be so happy with Hoseok. He can feel it. They walk up a slope, Hoseok turning back occasionally to smile at Jungkook, heart shaped lips adorned by a pretty mole. He’s as beautiful as he is kind, as beautiful as he is warm.
It turns out Hoseok lives with his brother, Seokjin, who’s a bit of a character Jungkook learns with the passage of time. He’s older, more poised, a little rougher with Jungkook. He looks tired, frowning a little upon opening the door to the two of them. Jungkook sits at the doorstep with his ears down, tail limp with anxiety. Seokjin takes notice, nodding his head in acknowledgement, flashing a brief smile.
“Welcome to the family,” Seokjin huffs out, hands on his hips. “We’ll take good care of you, pup.”
And God, do they! They’re everything Jungkook has been waiting for since that day he woke up homeless and abandoned. He had almost given up hope on ever finding a new home again, resigning himself to his fate as an abandoned hybrid, a pitiable plight indeed. At one point, he’d stopped counting the days he’d spent behind the grill in the shelter, watching countless people walk by, never choosing him.
But here he is. Finally given a second chance at life.
*********
Hoseok draws Jungkook a bath. The tub is warm and smells like oranges. Jungkook sighs, closing his eyes and losing himself in the comforting heat that seeps into his skin. He almost doesn’t remember his cold showers at the shelter. And once he comes out, Hoseok is ready with that smile of his that is far warmer than any hot bath, fluffy towel hanging off his arm. Jungkook flushes when Hoseok grabs him and seats him on the bathroom stool. It’s a bit embarrassing to have his hair rubbed dry by a man who’s smaller than him—it’s endearing the way Hoseok has to stand on his tiptoes to reach his head. Jungkook protests, says he can take care of himself. But he’s so happy—he’s so fucking happy that someone cares enough about him to take care of him this way.
Jungkook has his own room. No more kennel, he gets his own bed, warm and soft and cosy. He cries the first night he sleeps over at Hoseok’s place. He sobs and sniffles into the covers, unused to such a warmth. But he wakes up with a smile on his lips.
*********
Jungkook likes having dinner at the table. Even in his old home, he’s never had dinner with his humans at the dining table before. But Hoseok and Seokjin are different. They treat him like he’s one of them. Jungkook learns that Seokjin is a chef, but he ironically doesn’t cook at home. Every morning, it’s Hoseok who makes the three of them eggs, toast and bacon. Hoseok, who packs Jungkook’s lunch in a Tupperware and keeps it in the fridge. Hoseok who pulls Jungkook and Seokjin off their feet and gets them to help with washing the dishes.
Hoseok leaves for work at 8 AM. Mornings are always chaotic with Hoseok rushing through his shower, cursing and grumbling as he scuffles to put on his blazer and gel his hair so he looks presentable.
“Do I look good, Koo?” Hoseok asks, frowning, mouth curved down in a rather peculiar triangular shape. But Jungkook thinks Hoseok looks good all the time. Hoseok being Hoseok makes him the most beautiful thing in Jungkook’s eyes. He nods fervently, ears twitching, tail wagging. You always look beautiful, Hoseok, he wants to say. He hopes Hoseok can read it in his eyes. “I’ll take your word on it, then. Better get going, the bus arrives in half an hour.”
Jungkook frowns, following Hoseok to the door, watching him put his shoes on. Hoseok has a satchel slung carelessly over his shoulders. It’s red and colourful and so Hoseok , and Jungkook’s heart thrums like it has been doing for a while now. He watches Hoseok click his heel, making a small sound of victory before he throws on his coat and turns around. When he opens the door to make his way out, the hallway resounds with the sound of a guttural whine. Jungkook blinks, the sound continuing to echo off the walls. Wait, did the sound come from him ? He gasps, mortification sinking into him at the sudden realisation. His eyes go wide as Hoseok turns around and looks at him in surprise.
Oh no. He has managed to tick his new human off. He has already made a bad impression on Hoseok. He feels his eyes sting, tears welling up, anxiety clogging his throat and blurring his vision. His ears flatten against his hair, tail wrapping around his leg almost defensively. He’s already ruined everything. Oh God, Hoseok is going to hate him.
“Do you want to come with me?”
Jungkook blinks. What did Hoseok just say?
“Do you want to come to the bus stop with me, Koo?” Hoseok is smiling, glasses glaring under the light of the rays streaming in through the partially opened door. “Come on, then.” He stretches his hand out, smiling even broader, warmer.
Jungkook takes Hoseok’s hand and accompanies him to the bus stop.
*********
It becomes something like a routine for them.
Jungkook accompanies Hoseok to the bus stop every morning. Hoseok likes to talk as they make their way down the slope, hand in hand. Sometimes Hoseok’s palms are clammy, but Jungkook doesn’t mind because they’re still warm, and they’re still Hoseok’s.
Despite the everyday panic prior to making their way to the bus stop, they always reach with a lot of time to spare. Hoseok and Jungkook take their usual spot at the bus stop, the seats by the end, near the little lemon tree. Hoseok always has his eyes glued on his phone and Jungkook has his on Hoseok.
The yellow bus is slow as it all but pulls over to the curb. The engine rumbles rather loudly, and Jungkook feels an urge to growl in its direction, as a form of defence. Hoseok rises up, closing his phone before carelessly pushing it into his pocket. He turns around and looks at Jungkook, flashing him a cheeky grin. Jungkook can’t help but smile back, sitting on the seat with his legs curled up and his tail thumping aimlessly on the metal backrest.
“See you soon, Koo,” Hoseok bends down and cups Jungkook’s face before he closes his eyes and rubs their noses together. Jungkook makes a soft strangled noise, more out of embarrassment than anything else really. But he still closes his eyes and lets himself soak in Hoseok’s sweet scent, before he pulls away, waving his hand as he makes his way to the school bus.
The walk home is always a little lonely, Jungkook is always feeling insecure, always feeling inadequate. And as he walks up that familiar slope, he can’t help but laugh at the irony of the fact that he’d been just fine throughout a majority of his life without Hoseok in it. And yet, even though he’s only been with this human for a few days, he feels like he could not bear to part.
*********
“He forgot his umbrella,” Seokjin mutters under his breath, while gently pulling the curtains aside. “I told him the weather forecasted rain and he still forgot to take the bloody umbrella.” The vein on Seokjin’s forehead throbs in annoyance. He grumbles, yanking the curtains closed.
Jungkook watches from his spot on the carpet as Seokjin prances down the hall to and fro. He mumbles under his breath, “I don’t have time for this. I have to meet a client today.” Thunder roars in the distance, lightning flashing through the windows, startling Seokjin into a silly high pitched squeal. “Jesus--”
Jungkook bites his lower lip so that he won’t burst into laughter. Seokjin stops in his tracks and glares at him. “What’re you laughing at--” He breaks off, eyes widening as he finally focuses on Jungkook, mouth pulling up into a relaxed smile. He walks towards Jungkook, eyes glinting menacingly, making Jungkook shrink back warily.
“Hey, Koo,” Seokjin sits on his knees, reaching out to smoot down Jungkook’s hair. “Wanna run a little errand for hyung?”
*********
It’s 8 PM and it’s absolutely pouring.
The ground beneath his feet is wet and slippery, as he waddles his way to the bus stop, yelping every time he skids. The umbrella is big and wide, but the rain is heavy and falling at an angle, smack into Jungkook’s face. But he trudges forward, smiling gleefully. He’s going to pick up Hoseok. And then they can both go home together.
He finally arrives at the bus stop. His usual seat is surprisingly dry, so he plops down with his feet up. They’re cold against the plastic of his seat and he curls them in on themselves in an attempt to warm them up. He puffs, breath clouding up in the cold air. It’s dark and everything is doused in a haze. And he’s all alone at the bus stop. The street lights flicker, on and off, on and off, on and off. Jungkook inhales long and deep, closing his eyes, shivering at the cold. The rain is loud and he can feel the sprays against his skin, discomforting, raising goosebumps on his flesh. It feels like an eternity in which Jungkook is simply stuck in an impasse at his current spot, watching the ripples in the little puddles on the worn down bituminous pavement.
And then, a beam of light parts through the dark haze, cleaving it into two. The bus that approaches isn’t the same yellow as it was in the morning. This one has bright red and yellow lights adorning its sides, letters that Jungkook cannot read. It stops in front of him and he has to squint as the headlights glares loud and bright. The doors open and there’s a huff of air diffusing through the space around them.
Jungkook watches as the people start to alight, one after the other. He jumps up when he sees Hoseok, looking exhausted, clothes crumpled, tie askew. But the moment he sees Jungkook, his face lights up in surprise, mouth curling up into a smile. Jungkook jumps up, immediately running over towards him, tail wagging, ears perked up. He barks enthusiastically as Hoseok waves at him, the twinkle of his eyes distinct even behind his glasses, mouth pulling up into that pretty smile of his.
“Koo--” He chuckles, only to groan when he realises just how bad the rain is. He groans, looking around, before pulling Jungkook along with him into the shelter of the bus stop. “What are you doing here, pup? It’s raining like mad.” He drops his satchel to the ground, before pulling off his jacket. Jungkook’s mouth hangs open when Hoseok reaches over and starts to wipe his hair dry with the inner surface of his slightly wet jacket. “You’ll catch a cold, Koo. What are you doing here?”
Hoseok’s hair is wet and it sticks to his scalp in clumps, water dribbling down his face in rivulets, gleaming as it navigates across the contour of his high cheekbones. His lips are wet, cold, red, pretty, breath fogging the air between them as he pants to keep himself warm. Jungkook whimpers softly, pulling back reluctantly. Hoseok makes a startled noise, reaching out to pull Jungkook back, tugging at the frayed end of his sweater. But Jungkook is already running towards the corner of the booth, bending down and scavenging under the seat. He yelps in victory when he finds the umbrella that he’d long forgotten. He turns around to take in the surprise on Hoseok’s face when he offers it to him.
“Oh?” Hoseok whispers, pulling the umbrella from Jungkook’s hand. “You brought this for me?”
Jungkook nods, head bowed low, hands folded, fingers playing with his sleeves. He looks up to see Hoseok open the umbrella, twirling it in his hand playfully. The umbrella has a floral design, Jungkook notices. It’s pretty. Like Hoseok.
“Come on,” Hoseok pulls Jungkook towards himself, until they’re both under the hood. Jungkook whimpers, looking down at Hoseok, then lowering his gaze towards the way their fingers are intertwined. It’s wet and cold, but Jungkook wouldn’t let go for the world. “Let’s go home, Koo.”
Jungkook nods, grinning wider when Hoseok puts his arms around his shoulder and directs them to start walking. Jungkook smiles all the way home.
And he goes to pick Hoseok up from the bus stop every day from then on, come rain or shine.
*********
Everyday, Jungkook rushes out of the house the moment the clock strikes seven. He runs down the slope, a bounce in his step as he howls in glee at the thought of seeing Hoseok after a long day. It’s yet another routine for him, waiting at his spot for Hoseok to return. It’s fun to watch the sky change colour. Blue to pink to purple gray. The bus arrives at the same time everyday, and with it, Hoseok. Hoseok, who’s face splits into a big, bright smile the moment he sees Jungkook, eyes twinkling like the stars above them as they make their way home.
Home.
Jungkook never thought he’d feel this way before. He never in his wildest dreams would’ve imagined finding a place to belong to, a place where he is welcome to stay. He likes his new home more than anything else in the world. He likes his room, a quaint little space just to himself, green wallpaper because it’s Hoseok’s favourite colour, He likes his bed, the fabric conditioner makes his sheets smell like Hoseok. He likes watching movies every night during the weekend-- Seokjin always ends up going to bed early, while Jungkook and Hoseok huddle together on the couch, sharing their favourite woolen blanket, popcorn on Hoseok’s lap, Hoseok on Jungkook’s. He likes waking up to the sound of Hoseok’s panicked curses, thuds and thumps echoing from all the way across the hall from his room. He likes walking Hoseok to the bus stop-- he likes holding Hoseok’s hand, listening to Hoseok hum a new melody every day. He likes wasting the day away, playing on his switch, painting, anything that will keep him distracted until the clock strikes seven and he can go pick up Hoseok at the bus stop. He likes waiting at the bus stop, taking in the lazy traffic, the peppering of people on the streets, and ultimately the arrival of the bus from which alights his favourite person in the world.
Jungkook likes his new home more than anything else in the world.
But at some point, his home had become Hoseok.
*********
“He’s really fond of you.”
The three of them are in the living room, watching a horribly loud action movie. Seokjin sits comfortably on the armchair, limbs sprawled out, face peaceful and relaxed, while Hoseok and Jungkook are on the sofa, once again huddled together, Jungkook nosing at Hoseok’s neck as he holds him close.
“Hmm?” Hoseok doesn’t take his eyes off the TV, frowning as the gunfire becomes more intense. He cards his fingers through Jungkook’s hair, subconsciously scratching his scalp, making him whine.
“The pup,” Seokjin chuckles, voice breaking off into a gasp when the camera cuts into a jump scare. He gulps, reaching over to the teapoy for some popcorn. “He adores you.”
“He adores us both,” Hoseok frowns, turning around to face Seokjin. Jungkook growls softly, petulantly, a little miffed that he’s being talked about as though he isn’t right there with them. Hoseok continues to rub his hair as he addresses Seokjin, “He loves you as well, hyung.”
“He does,” Seokjin sighs, smile sweet and tender and it makes Jungkook feel a tightness in his gut. “I know he does, little Seok. I’m his owner too.” Hoseok nods, relaxing into Jungkook’s arms, hands falling from his hair. Jungkook gathers him closer, almost as if in reflex. Jungkook looks at Seokjin as he continues to speak. “But Seok, I may be his owner-- heck, he’s had owners before us. But you’re special. You--”
Jungkook gulps, turning around and looking down at Hoseok, who lies pliant and warm in his arms.
“Hoseok, you’re his master .”
*********
“Do you like it here, Koo?” Hoseok asks, when Seokjin’s retired to bed. “Do you like staying with us?”
It’s the fastest Jungkook has ever responded, nodding his head almost violently. His tail thumps the sofa hand rest loud and rampant in his eagerness. Yes, Jungkook smiles, woofing ever so softly. Yes, he likes it a lot. He loves it.
Hoseok chuckles in reply, reaching over and fondling his ears. They twitch in contentment, and Jungkook leans towards Hoseok’s touch, closing his eyes and whimpering.
“I’m so glad, pup,” Hoseok continues to pat Jungkook’s ears and head. “I’m so glad you’re happy here. I can’t imagine what you must’ve went through before coming to the shelter. God--” Hoseok takes a shuddering breath, hands shaking temporarily as he continues to run his fingers through Jungkook’s hair, touch soft and tender and loving. “You are so precious, Koo.” His voice is low, a little pitchy, his eyes a little too glossy. He’s the most beautiful thing in Jungkook’s world. “I’ll take such good care of you, pet. You deserve to be happy always. Always.”
Jungkook smiles, his own eyes stinging as he looks at the rawness in Hoseok’s. He didn’t know humans could empathise this way with a hybrid like him, to such an extent. He didn’t know humans could care so much. Hoseok is so different from everything Jungkook has grown to believe about humans. Hoseok is changing Jungkook’s life. He’s making him feel so happy. So loved. So cherished.
Jungkook wishes he could speak in human language so he can convey his feelings to Hoseok. He has so many things to say that it’s unfair. He has so much to say.
Instead, he puts on the brightest smile he can muster, leaning in close and burrows into Hoseok’s neck, nuzzling into his warm skin, inhaling the sweet scent of vanilla with a faint undertone of something that is inherently Hoseok.
Home.
This man is his home.
This man is his master.
They’re all just words. Words that have been randomly thrown around since before he can remember. He’s had a so called home and a so called master before. He’s had those things before he got to where he is now. At least he had , in theory. Temporary and fleeting, nothing more than a poorly constructed hallucination.
Yet now, here he was with the real deal. With Hoseok.
Hoseok leans back against the sofa, pulling Jungkook down into his chest, pulling up the blanket around them. Jungkook growls softly under his breath, yipping when Hoseok pats him playfully and chuckles.
“You feel good, Koo,” Hoseok whispers into his hair. “So warm. Let’s stay like this for a while.” He yawns, shifting his body around so that his legs intertwine with Jungkook’s. “Koo night!” He giggles, eyes drooping lazily, smile drooping the same way. So beautiful. Jungkook’s master is so beautiful and warm and everything he didn’t know he would ever have.
He watches Hoseok fall asleep, chest rising and falling evenly, breath coming out in hoarse little puffs, eyelashes fanning over his high cheekbones.
He wants to stay here in Hoseok’s arms forever.
*********
The seasons change and a year goes by in the blink of an eye. But their routine remains the same. Hoseok and Jungkook walk hand in hand towards the bus stop in the morning. And they walk hand in hand back home come nightfall.
They’ve become closer somehow. Most often than not, they sleep curled in on each other in the couch, tangled limbs, warm smiles, waking up to sweaty skin and cricks in their necks. Seokjin grumbles for the umpteenth time about how they should just sell their beds, now that it’s almost always unused. Hoseok laughs, loud and tinkling and pretty. And Jungkook continues to snuggle into him, content with just staying by his side whenever and wherever.
Winter is creeping in on them, the nights cold, requiring thicker blankets, more air heating. But it also means that sometimes, Hoseok lets him sleep in his bed, and Jungkook is overjoyed to spend that much more time with Hoseok.
“He forgot his umbrella again,” Seokjin groans, cursing under his breath as he fishes for a spare one. This too has become a bit of a routine for them. The sound of the rain is soft and mellow, undisturbing almost. Unlike Seokjin’s incessant grumbling. “Hey, pup--”
Jungkook doesn’t wait for Seokjin to finish, already on his feet, running towards him with outstretched hands. Seokjin flicks him playfully on the forehead. “Eager much?” He scolds playfully. “You only saw him a few hours ago, little one.” Jungkook grins bashfully, cheeks red, ears twitching in embarrassment. He plucks the umbrella from Seokjin’s hand and runs out the door.
It’s barely drizzling when Jungkook leaves home, twirling the umbrella in his hands as he hums along. He wonders if Hoseok will be up for watching a movie together. In truth, he only just wants an excuse to cuddle on the couch. Which is bizarre, because they’re together all the time. Jungkook just loves to be with Hoseok so much.
He hums as he makes his way to his usual seat, closing the umbrella and keeping it underneath the space. The rain has gradually become harder and harder. Jungkook shivers, suddenly too cold even in his sweater. He huddles into it, smiling when he smells that comforting scent of his vanilla flavoured fabric softener. He sighs, waiting patiently for the bus to arrive.
It isn’t a storm yet, no thunder, no lightning, nothing. But the rain is heavier than it’s been in a long time, the wind strong and gusty, blowing Jungkook’s hair into his eyes, making him whine at the sting. He wishes the bus would just hurry over already. Maybe Hoseok will make them hot chocolate once they’re home. He grins goofily to himself. He likes hot chocolate a lot. It’s something that he tried for the first time fairly recently. It was a rare occasion where Seokjin had greeted them on their return with a hot steaming cup of cocoa, and they’d sat at the table, the three of them, with their hot chocolates and some scones from Seokjin’s catering job of the day. Jungkook’s mouth waters as he remembers the taste.
There’s a honk in the distance, and Jungkook whips his head around to catch the bus making its way towards the stop. Finally, he thinks, reaching under the seat for the umbrella. He opens it and runs to where the bus stops, tail a bit wet and clumpy as it wags impatiently. The windows of the bus are foggy and Jungkook cannot make out anything. He balances himself, bobbing from one foot to the other, as he waits for Hoseok to come out. There’s a lot of people today, some elderly, taking a tad bit too long to exit. He growls under his breath when he feels the rain drip into his sweater. He feels a little uneasy when he sees the doors start to close, the wipers shedding water off the glass doors. Jungkook freezes in his spot, watching helplessly as the bus takes off, disappearing through the cloud of rain in front of him.
That’s strange.
Where’s Hoseok?
A chill runs down his spine. Hoseok never misses the bus. He always gets back at this time. Jungkook walks back to his seat, disconcerted. Maybe his students kept him back a little later than usual, Jungkook thinks. Maybe that’s what happened.
The rain pours hard and heavy and opaque, like gray curtains crashing and breaking on the pavement. Jungkook waits. It’s cold but he doesn’t mind. He perks up when he sees the next bus coming. His umbrella’s already open beside him and dripping onto the concrete. He grabs it and runs towards the bus, waiting expectantly for Hoseok. The people come down, the sounds of their feet hitting the wet ground muffled by the sound of the rain and the rumbling engine of the bus. Jungkook gulps, as he watches them leave one by one, the doors closing in once again.
No Hoseok.
He shivers, this time a little too cold, shoes wet, socks soaking, but he’s going to wait for Hoseok. With everything as dark and cold as it is, he really doesn’t know how long he’s waited for Hoseok. Three buses have come and gone in the meantime. Another three dozen people. But none of them were Hoseok. Jungkook shivers, hands rubbing at his hair. It’s a little wet now, what with the velocity and angle at which the rain hits him when he walks out. Hoseok is sure to scold him when he arrives. Jungkook shivers once again, already anticipating the worry on his face.
“Koo--”
Jungkook jolts from his thoughts, ears perked. Hoseok--
He turns around to see Seokjin a little distance away, umbrella in hand, shoulders still managing to look soaked. His usually plump lips are drawn into a thin line, blue at the edges, trembling.
“Oh, Koo,” Seokjin’s voice carries across the rain, and Jungkook wonders if it sounds as broken as it does because of the pitter patter around them. “I’m so sorry, pup.”
Jungkook wonders how the rain has created such perfect tracks down Seokjin’s eyes, across his cheeks.
He later learns it’s tears.
*********
There’s a framed photograph of Hoseok in the middle of the room with incense burning in front of it. It smells like lemon grass or something of the sort, sharp, heady. Nothing like vanilla, nothing sweet, nothing welcoming. Nothing like Hoseok. Jungkook sits at the corner of the room, watching Seokjin greet people, one by one.
“He was so young, that child. What a shame?”
“How are you coping, Jinnie? Do you want to stay with us for a while?”
“I always said he was much too kind for this world, that boy. But I still can’t believe he’s actually gone.”
Jungkook watches as Seokjin nods, words short, a little hoarse, wet from all his crying. Jungkook watches as people come and go. Seokjin is exhausted by the time it’s evening. He sinks back against the walls, legs drawn up to his chest. He’s in a black and white hanbok, sombre and plain, nothing like the usual outfits he wears, bright and loud colours. Jungkook watches him as he pulls his knees towards his chest and clutches it to his chest, shoulders shaking as he breaks into a fresh batch of tears. It’s painful to watch someone so vibrant, so headstrong, reduced to such a painful mess like this. Hoseok wouldn’t let Seokjin cry this way, Jungkook thinks. Hoseok would fix things somehow.
Jungkook suddenly startles, looking at the time. It’s already 8 PM. He jumps to his feet, rushing towards the window to check the weather. There’s fortunately no clouds, the skies are clear. He turns around and walks to the door. His eyes widen when he notices that it’s snowing. Gentle, white sprinkling against the plants in Hoseok’s little herb garden. Jungkook shivers from the cold, but he moves to leave.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Seokjin’s voice cuts through the silence of the room. Jungkook turns around and takes in the way his lower lip juts out. His eyes are rimmed with red, his hair wild from how he’s constantly raked his hands through it. Jungkook wishes once again that he could speak in human language, that he could offer Seokjin some words of comfort.
He wishes he could tell Seokjin that he’s going to the bus stop to wait for Hoseok.
*********
“He’s not coming back.”
Seokjin sighs as Jungkook gets up from his spot on the couch. He stills in his tracks, tail falling limp. Seokjin looks exhausted. It’s been two weeks since Hoseok hasn’t returned. Two weeks since it started to snow. The city drowns in white, cold and clean and a little frightening. Jungkook has never liked the snow. In his previous home, he had spent it by the fireplace, still cold because he was never given enough layers of clothing. He had spent only one winter with Hoseok and Seokjin, and although it was still the season he loathed the most, he liked cuddling with Hoseok more than usual. Sometimes, Seokjin used to join them in their cuddle pile, the three of them maneuvering their bodies so that no one would fall off or get squished. Seokjin doesn’t hug Jungkook now that Hoseok isn’t here.
Jungkook makes his way to the bus stop, always faithful in his duty. He wonders why Hoseok is taking so long. He wonders when Hoseok will come back. He huffs into his hands, warming them up before he rubs his ears and his hair. His hair is tangled from improper grooming. Jungkook is too clumsy to take care of his long locks. He’d ask Seokjin, but he’s an emotional mess. It was always Hoseok who used to brush his hair and groom him. He misses Hoseok.
He walks to the bus stop. The bushes that surround it are covered in a dusting of white. It’s pretty, something nice to look at when he’s waiting for Hoseok. He sits at his usual spot and looks at the white road. Everything is the same. The bus comes as per usual, a dozen people getting off.
But never Hoseok.
That’s become the new norm too.
The only change, quite drastic if you ask him, is how Jungkook now returns home every night to a sobbing Seokjin, who begs him in vain, “Please stop. Please, he’s gone. Please--”
The only change is how Jungkook goes to bed alone, no Hoseok, just him crying into his pillow and promising that he’ll never stop. He’ll wait forever.
*********
“That’s Seokjin’s dog hybrid, isn’t it?”
“His younger brother, Hoseok’s, to be precise.”
“He comes here everyday, at the same time, poor thing.”
“Rumour goes that he’s still waiting for his master to come back home.”
“Oh God, doesn’t he know?”
“Know what?”
“Jung Hoseok is never going to come back.”
*********
Winter this year is harsh. Jungkook has never hated the colour white as much as he does now. He misses the colours he’s always taken for granted. He misses the greens of the trees, now perpetually capped in white. Green is Hoseok’s favourite colour. He misses Hoseok. He misses being warm. It’s been so long since he’s been hugged, so long since he’s felt the warmth of someone else. He misses Hoseok.
It’s 8 PM again and he promptly rises up, bones a little heavy. The days that pass have been wearing down on him. He’s tired of waiting every night for a person who doesn’t come back. He shakes his head, immediately dispelling that thought. He’s tired, but he will still wait forever. He walks towards the door, turning around to give Seokjin one last glance before he leaves.
Seokjin doesn’t stop him anymore, choosing to look away, pretend like he doesn’t see what Jungkook is doing. Jungkook’s ears fall flat against his head. He feels a little bad, as if he’s isolated Seokjin in some way. Seokjin cooks him three meals, heats his bath, washes his clothes. Seokjin takes care of him. He’s a good owner to Jungkook.
But he’s not his master. He’s not Hoseok.
Jungkook walks to the bus stop. Over time, his steps have become heavier, weighed down almost as if by lead. He cannot pinpoint the exact moment it happened, but at some point, he had started to dread his usual trip to the bus stop. He had started to dread taking his usual seat. He had started to dread waiting for the bus to come. He had started to dread waiting for Hoseok, knowing he would not come back.
But Jungkook misses Hoseok more than any dread, more than anything in the world. He has hope, he has hope with every bus that arrives on every day he’s waited since then-- He has hope that Hoseok will come home. Today. Today for sure.
It’s snowing more than usual. The bus stop is empty. Jungkook sighs, extending his feet in front of him, feeling the cold seep through his boots, into his very bones. He’s so tired. The bus arrives from the distance cutting through the white canvas. Jungkook doesn’t get up and run towards it anymore. He just watches as it stops, unloading the people. Many familiar faces pass by, some who even smile at him, and he waves, ears still flat on his head, tail limp by his side. He continues to watch as people come and go, but none of them are who he’s waiting for.
He sighs, watching how the snow picks up, a little gusty, colder and colder with every passing minute. The next bus comes and then the bus after that. Jungkook isn’t surprised that Hoseok still hasn’t returned. He hasn’t given up, but his hope is wearing thin.
He cannot really tell time anymore. He used to be able to tell when he was staying out too late. He could tell when the bus services stopped. But these days, he just sits and stares into nothing. For it being so blank and white, snow is surprising enchanting to view during the night. The streetlights cast an otherworldly glow on the white carpet in front of him, an amalgamation of blacks and blues and whites and yellows. It’s pretty. It’s warm. It reminds him of Hoseok.
He misses Hoseok so much.
He’s so tired.
He shivers once again, hair flying in a sudden gust of wind. He crosses his arms, folding in on himself. It’s cold. He’s so cold. But he’s so tired. He doesn’t want to go home empty handed-- empty because Hoseok’s hand wouldn’t be in his. He doesn’t want to go home alone. He sighs, closing his eyes tight, feeling the sting behind his eyelids. He misses Hoseok so much. When he opens his eyes, there’s more snow-- snow as far as he can see. Everything doused in white, in night, in cold. Just like he is.
“Koo.”
Jungkook freezes.
Oh God. Is he hallucinating? Oh God. He slowly forces his gaze upward, heart pounding fiercely just like it had a year ago when the strange professor had adopted him from the pet shelter.
And it is said professor who stands before him right now, blue blazer over white cotton shirt. Hair soft brown and wavy, sprinkled with a dusting of snow. Mouth pulled up into the most beautiful smile in the world, little dimples poking out at the sides. Jungkook’s eyes sting as he slowly rises to his feet, fumbling as he makes his way towards his master. He blinks, refusing to allow his vision to blur and fail him at this moment. Hoseok is finally here, Hoseok is finally standing before him, smile melting the snow around them, hands outstretched as if he knows just how cold Jungkook feels. Jungkook whimpers, bypassing Hoseok’s hand and jumping into his arms. He sobs into Hoseok’s neck-- Oh God, he missed the scent of vanilla fabric conditioner, he missed the scent of Hoseok. Oh God.
Hoseok’s hands are cold as they card through his hair. But his body is as warm as a furnace. Jungkook wants to pull him closer so he can feel the heat-- so he can feel Hoseok . But he also wants to pull back and look into his face-- he’s as beautiful as he has ever been. Jungkook has missed Hoseok so much.
The street lights flicker, casting an ethereal glow on Hoseok. On his tender smile. Jungkook has missed him so much. Jungkook has missed him so so muc. God, Jungkook has missed him more than he never knew physically possible. He whimpers, wanting to speak. Wanting to speak more than anything so Hoseok can understand how he feels at this moment. Wanting to tell Hoseok that he loves him so much, that to Jungkook, Hoseok is his master-- his only human. Everything is warm and tender and just right. Jungkook pulls him closer, sobbing into his chest. This here is his home. This human is his home. This human is his everything. Hoseok is his everything.
God, Jungkook missed Hoseok so much.
“Koo,” Hoseok hums into his hair, a soft melody that makes Jungkook go pliant in his arms. “Did I make you wait long?”
No , Jungkook’s hands dig into Hoseok’s waist, his lips brushing against Hoseok’s neck, feeling his pulse beneath his lips. It’s okay, I don’t mind.
I can wait forever.
The End
