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It’s a beautiful Thursday night in August when Taehyung meets his friend, Hoseok, outside Dynamite. It’s become a weekly ritual for the two, seeing as Taehyung’s brother, Jin, and Hoseok’s boyfriend, Yoongi, own the bar. It’s doing well, considering it’s only been open for a couple of months, but that's probably because it’s the only gay bar within a 50-mile radius. Friday and Saturday nights find the bar packed full of every single color of the lgbtq+ rainbow, but every other night of the week sees a clear drop in customers filling up the space. That’s why Jin came up with the idea to have themed nights for the rest of the week. Monday was Trivia night, Tuesday was open mic, Wednesday was a movie screening (preferably one with the gay community’s stamp of approval) and Thursday was retro karaoke night. No song was allowed that was released before the year 2000 (that was Yoongi’s idea).
When deciding what night the two would commit to coming to the bar every single week, Taehyung didn’t give Hoseok any say. Karaoke was one of Taehyung’s favorite things to do, 3rd to playing with his dog Yeontan and cuddling with someone until he fell asleep. So once Jin announced the theme for every night, it was decided. Of course, both Taehyung and Hoseok come on basically any other night that they can, but no matter what was going on in their lives, they would always keep their Thursday nights free to sing Abba and Bee Gees’ songs until the bar closes or they’re too drunk to hold the microphone in their hands without dropping it, whichever came first.
Hoseok whistles as he looks Taehyung up and down, giving him a nod of approval. “Well well, look what we have here. Someone clearly wants to get laid tonight.”
Taehyung blushes as he scratches the back of his head, smiling sheepishly in return. “Hyung, please stop.”
They say no one can pull off the color green, but clearly whoever said that has never seen Taehyung in an emerald green waistcoat and matching pair of bell bottom pants. Taehyung knows he looks good tonight, and is bound to get attention, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a little shy whenever people compliment him. Any other night and people would look at his outfit and say he’s crazy, but this was retro karaoke, so Jin made the rule of matching retro attire as a must. Taehyung loved it. It made every Thursday night feel like Halloween.
Hoseok puts his arm around Taehyung’s shoulders as they make their way inside Dynamite. A bright disco ball hangs from the ceiling and cascades beautiful light and colors all throughout the space. It’s still a little empty, but the night is still young and the bar just opened. They make their way to the bar and each take a stool as Jin comes out from the kitchen, a couple of bottles of alcohol in hand.
“Hi hyung!” Taehyung yells, waving Jin over from the end of the bar.
“Right on time, as always,” Jin says with a smile as he makes his way over. “What’ll it be tonight?”
“I’ll have my usual, thanks hyung. I’m taking it chill tonight,” Hobi says as Jin hands him a beer.
“And what about you, Taehyungie?” Jin asks, turning to his little brother.
“Just water for me tonight, hyung. Thanks,” Taehyung says, head turning to look at the people starting to make their way into the bar.
“Really, just water?” Hobi asks, taking another sip of his drink.
Taehyung nods eagerly in return, turning back to look at his friend and brother. “I’ve got a good feeling about tonight guys. This is the night.”
Jin just rolls his eyes, tapping the top of the bar twice before going to the other end where people were just sitting down.
“Tae...you’ve said that the past 4 Thursdays in a row. And at the end of every night, you leave disappointed. I think you need to lessen the pressure on yourself a little bit and accept that maybe you might not meet ‘the one’ tonight.” Hobi says, reaching over and patting his friend’s thigh in sympathy.
Taehyung just shakes his head, turning around on the stool until he’s facing out to the growing crowd of people filling up Dynamite. “I know what I've said hyung. But this time is different. I can feel it. He’s out there, somewhere, and I’m gonna find him tonight. You’ll see.”
Hobi smiles sympathetically at his friends back before finishing off his beer and hopping of the stool. “Well, I’m gonna go find Yoongi. He’s probably in some corner working on the lights or sound. Maybe tonight he’ll let me pick the people for Random Retro!” Hobi says excitedly, giving Taehyung one last hug before making his way through the crowd.
Ahhh, Random Retro. Taehyung’s absolute favorite part of the night. Every karaoke night, Yoongi directs a spotlight to random people who have to sing a song together. Sometimes it’s just two people, but he’s gone as high as six once. There’s nothing like watching people, who clearly have never met before, slowly let down their barriers and sing a song together. Every week Hoseok begs Yoongi to let him pick at least one person, and every week Yoongi gives in.
Every once in a while, they pick Taehyung, if the first person they picked looks absolutely panic-stricken after the spotlight comes down on them. They know full well that not many people can resist his boxy smile and carefree sprit. He’s proud of how comfortable people can become around him, and he’s more than willing to help them break down their walls and have a good time.
But once, just once, Taehyung wishes they would pick someone for him, specifically. Someone that would break down Taehyung’s walls and build them up all at the same time. Someone that made singing in front of tons of people feel like they were singing in a room all alone, with no one else around.
Until that day comes, Taehyung will gladly sit and watch that spotlight shine on hundreds of people, holding out hope that one day it’ll reveal the one he’s been looking for.
30 minutes later
“Just because you guys dragged me here, doesn't mean that I'm gonna sing," Jimin says with a pout, walking into Dynamite with his two best friends.
“Of course, Jimin. We’re not going to force you to sing in front of all of these people” Namjoon says, while his boyfriend holding his head vehemently shakes his head.
“Uhhh no, I do not agree with what my boyfriend just said. You have a beautiful voice Jimin, and the world deserves to hear it!” Jungkook shouts, putting his arm around Jimin’s shoulders.
“Kook, we already forced Jimin to come here, let’s not push it,” Namjoon says, grabbing Jungkook’s hand and pulling him off of Jimin.
“Thanks, hyung,” Jimin says gratefully, letting himself relax as he takes in his surroundings. The bar is full of people looking straight out of the 70’s, dancing as Night Fever by the Bee Gees plays over the sound system. It comforts Jimin a little, knowing he doesn’t stick out as much here with what he’s wearing. Don’t get him wrong, he knows he looks good. But he definitely would be drawing more attention if he was at a normal club right now. They say no one looks good in green, but clearly that person never saw Jimin in an emerald green 80’s jacket with a white tee tucked into high-waisted jeans. Maybe, just maybe, he’ll get lucky enough tonight to meet someone that stays in his life past the next morning.
The song comes to a halt as someone steps onto the slightly raised stage located on the opposite side of the bar. They clear their throat as the beginning music to Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper starts playing.
“Ooooohhhh, this is my song!!! Let’s dance, Joonie!” Jungkook shouts, grabbing Namjoon and pulling him deep into the crowd of people. Jimin just smiles fondly, letting out a small laugh as he dances his way through the crowd to join his friends.
1 hour later
Yoongi sees Jin stand on top of the bar, microphone in hand. He cuts the music off, knowing this is his cue for the Random Retro.
“Alright, alright. How we feelin’ tonight?” Jin asks the crowd, who cheers in return. Taehyung whoops from his spot on the stool, sitting up a little straighter than before.
“I know you regulars know what time it is, but for our Dynamite virgins out there, it’s time for Random Retro!”
Jimin looks around as the crowd cheers loudly, with many people making their way to the stage.
“What’s Random Retro?” Jimin asks Jungkook, who doesn’t give any answer, just smiles cheekily in return.
“Alright Yoongi, you know what to do. Who’s it gonna be?”
Yoongi flicks the switch that turns off all of the lights but one spotlight, which starts scanning around the crowd. People jump up and down trying to get his attention, but Yoongi tends to avoid those people. His eyes search the crowd until a pop of green catches his eye, and he stops the light on a guy in a green jacket and jeans. Taehyung tries to see over some heads, but he can’t quite get a glimpse of the person.
Jimin squints and raises his hand to try and block the light that’s shining on him. He faintly hears Jungkook scream, but it’s hard to make out amongst all of the screams from the rest of the crowd. Whoever has the microphone at the bar says something that makes the crowd split, giving Jimin a straight path to the stage. Jimin’s eyes widen as he processes what’s happening, but he has no time to protest as Jungkook pushes him from behind until his only option is to climb onto the stage or be crushed into the stage by Jungkook’s unnaturally strong arms.
He notices that he’s currently in between two microphone stands, and he sees Jungkook motion for him to grab one of the microphones. It’s at this moment that Taehyung can make out more clearly who Yoongi has chosen for tonight, and he can’t believe his eyes. He’s still a bit hard to see, but Taehyung can see beauty from miles away. And whoever is on that stage is beautiful.
“Shit...” Jimin says under his breath, accepting his fate as he stands in front of the microphone to his left.
“What’s your name?” Jin asks, trying to give the clearly nervous man an encouraging smile.
“It’s uhh.. It’s J-Jimin..” Jimin replies back, cursing his mouth for deciding to stutter his own freakin’ name at this very moment.
“Great! Well Jimin-ssi, let’s see who fate decides to be your duet partner for the next song!”
That’s Hoseok’s cue to control the spotlight, while Yoongi steps to the side. He normally doesn’t have a plan when it comes to picking someone, just usually does it at random. But this time, it’s hard to miss Taehyung’s arms waving wildly from his spot at the bar. He doesn’t blame his friend, he has eyes, and he saw who Yoongi picked first. Hoseok doesn’t blame Taehyung at all. Maybe, just maybe, this is the guy that Taehyung has been dreaming of. Maybe this Jimin guy is the one for him.
It doesn’t take long for Hoseok to stop the spotlight above his friend, and it takes even less time for Taehyung to make his way to the stage. He jumps up with excitement, introducing himself to the crowd before Jin can even ask him. He quickly waves to the crowd before turning to Jimin as Jin explains further to the crowd about what’s happening.
“Hi, I’m Taehyung,” he says as he reaches his hand out towards the man standing next to him. Jimin turns towards him for the first time, hesitantly reaching out his own hand to shake with Taehyung’s.
Taehyung mouth can’t help but pop open slightly as he takes in the man in front of him. His vision is full of blond, fluffy hair and full lips. He tries to compose himself, knowing full well that he can’t come on too strong or he risks ruining what could be the first day of the rest of his life. So, he just smiles and says words of encouragement, clearly seeing how nervous Jimin is. He doesn’t get much in response, just a slight nod of his head here and there, and Taehyung can’t help but feel that somehow, he’s ruined it already.
Or maybe there was nothing to ruin in the first place, and Taehyung never really had a shot to begin with. This wouldn’t be the first time he was let down, but this would definitely hurt the most.
What he doesn’t know is that Jimin is taking in every single word that he says, letting Taehyung’s voice root his body to the stage instead of flying to outer space where it wants to be. He wants to smile back, maybe even give a flirty comment or two, but he can’t. All he can do is focus on Taehyung’s voice, and try to breathe as consistently as possible right now. He thinks he hears Taehyung ask him what song he wants to do, and he thinks he gives a vague, non-committal response of “whatever is fine.”
The crowd slowly grows quiet as Taehyung flips through the pages, taking a few moments before settling on a song.
“Hyung, please play number 95!”
Yoongi nods, going through his tracks before settling on the requested song and hitting play.
Jimin gulps as he hears the beginning of (I’ve had) The Time of My Life starts to play through the sound system. He sees Taehyung give him one last smile before grabbing his mic and starting to sing.
“Now I’ve had the time of my life, No, I never felt like this before.”
Jimin’s eyes widen when the smooth, melodic, bass-like tone that is Taehyung’s voice meets his ears. Never in his life has he heard a voice like that, coming from a guy that looks like him. Taehyung doesn’t see Jimin’s reaction, as he continues to sing his part to the crowd. “Yes, I swear, it’s the truth. And I owe it all to you.”
Jimin takes a deep breath, calms his nerves, and wills his voice to be steady as he starts his part of the song. “’Cause I’ve had the time of my life, and I owe it all to you.”
Now it’s Taehyung’s time to be surprised, as his head quickly snaps to the side. He didn’t know what he was expecting, but the light and ethereal like tone that came out of Jimin was definitely not even close. He can’t help but let out a laugh, nudging Jimin’s shoulder lightly with his hand. Jimin smiles in return, gaining more confidence simply from the look that Taehyung is giving him right now. He hears the crowd cheer, but Jimin focuses on the man standing beside him as Taehyung pulls the microphone out of the stand and turn his body fully towards Jimin.
“I’ve been waiting for so long, now I’ve finally found someone to stand by me.” Taehyung sings, smiling as Jimin’s body mimics Taehyungs and turns towards him.
“We saw the writing on the wall, and we felt this magical fantasy.”
Taehyung takes a slight step closer to Jimin as they sing together, their voices blending together as if they were always meant to sing with one another. “Now with passion in our eyes, there’s no way we could disguise secretly. So, we take each other's hand, ‘cause we seem to understand the urgency.”
Jimin takes a step forward in return, letting his free hand not holding the microphone to slowly make its way towards Taehyung’s until their fingers graze briefly before shyly pulling his hand back.
“Just remember,” Taehyung blushes, looking down at his hand as he sings, wondering if he imagined what just happened.
Jimin giggles at how cute Taehyung looks when he’s disheveled before singing, “You’re the one thing,”
“I can’t get enough of” Taehyung replies, smiling mischievously as he steps even closer.
“So I’ll tell you something,” Jimin sings as karma pays him back with two rosy cheeks.
“This could be love,” they sing the chorus together, Taehyung dancing around Jimin as he tries to sing through his giggles. They finish out the chorus together, smiling as the crowd cheers.
“You ever see Dirty dancing?” Taehyung whispers, to which Jimin nods his head.
“Well, I’m feeling real Patrick Swayze right now,” Taehyung bends down and gives Jimin’s hand a kiss before jumping off the stage into the crowd.
If Taehyung misses his next few lines, nobody seems to notice, as they’re too busy dancing along with him while Jimin carries the next verse. The crowd dances behind Taehyung as he makes his way back closer to the stage. He waves at Jimin, and Jimin knows exactly what he wants him to do.
He’s seen Dirty Dancing, he knows the iconic lift, but there’s no way in hell he’s even going to try and attempt that. Sure, Taehyung looks decently strong, but Jimin’s already tempted fate to embarrass him enough for tonight without risking falling flat on his face.
Instead, Jimin jumps off of the stage and into Taehyung’s arms, where he catches him bridal style right at the start of the 2nd chorus. Taehyung spins them around while they continue to sing, the crowd becoming a blur of colors and noise surrounding them.
Eventually, Taehyung has to put Jimin down. Both from his arms starting to hurt and because he was starting to get a little dizzy. The crowd has formed a circle around them, mesmerized as they watch the duo. The song slows down for the bridge, and Taehyung steps closer to Jimin until their foreheads are touching, “Now I’ve had the time of my life, No, I never felt this way before.”
“Never felt this way,” Jimin sings back, closing his eyes as his hand reaches out for Taehyung’s, taking a firm hold this time.
Taehyung smiles, squeezing his hand back as he looks down at Jimin, “Yes, I swear, it’s the truth. And I owe it all to you.”
The song breaks into the final chorus and the crowd goes crazy, dancing out the final seconds of the song. Taehyung and Jimin, however, remain frozen where they are. Breathing each other in as if they are alone in this moment, with no one else around. Jimin feels a few people pat him on the back, or his shoulder. Someone even slaps his butt, but he’s about 99% sure that it was Jungkook. He really couldn’t care at the moment. All he can hear is Taehyung’s breathing mixing in with his own. All he can feel is the way their fingers are perfectly intertwined. And, when he finally opens his eyes again and looks up, all he can see is two beautiful pools of brown staring back at him.
“I...I don’t know what just happened,” Taehyung whispers, eyes shifting slightly as they focus on Jimin’s.
“I don’t either, but I’m not going to question it. I haven’t felt that...carefree and happy with someone in a long time,” Jimin confesses, biting his lip. Taehyung smiles endearingly when he sees a chipped tooth peak out of Jimin’s mouth briefly.
“I thought I had. But, clearly, I was wrong. Because singing with someone has never felt like that. Ever.”
Jimin blushes at Taehyung’s words, nodding his head in agreement. He takes a deep breath, stands on his tippy toes, and let’s his lips finally touch Taehyung’s. It’s a brief peck at first, but once the moment finally registers in Taehyung’s brain, he leans down and lets their lips meet again. Jimin thinks that Taehyung tastes like Strawberries, while Taehyung takes notice that his height might just be perfect for giving Jimin nose kisses. He has a feeling that he’ll have plenty of time to find out if that’s true or not.
They don’t know how long they stay like this, but eventually their friends pull them apart. Introductions are done, quick friendships are formed. And at the end of the night, Jimin walks out of the bar hand in hand with someone he has a strong feeling will stay in his life past the next morning. And every chance he gets, Taehyung rubs it in Hoseok and Jin’s face that they were wrong. He had finally found the one.