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It was a fact that the sky is blue, water is wet and horses have tails.
It was an equally true fact that Jeon Jungkook hated Kim Taehyung with every fibre in his being.
They had first met on the playground when Taehyung was 7 and Jungkook was 5. Their first meeting was hazy in his mind, but he remembered immensly disliking his to-be-enemy from their first meeting (something about copying his sandcastle or, well, something).
Their second meeting was on the third day of his first grade, when Taehyung spilled his entire water bottle over Jungkook. Though everybody (including the devil's spawn himself) insisted it was a mistake, Jungkook vowed to get revenge through his tears.
Thus started their childish feud. It had baffled the teachers that two perfect angels turned positively devilish when put in the same room. A number of incidents later, which included scraped knees and elbows, they finally learnt their lesson and kept them as far away from each other as the school would allow them.
When Taehyung moved away to Daegu during his seventh grade, Jungkook convinced himself that he was happy to be rid of his arch-enemy. Moreover, he was excited to learn about his Soul Song and wondered when he would meet his Soulmate.
When Jungkook turned 17, his best friend Park Jimin moved to Seoul for his University. Since Jungkook had been planning to apply to the same university, Jimin agreed to give him a tour one day.
So when he knocked on Jimin's door, he absolutely did not expect his childhood enemy opening the door.
"What the fuck?!" said enemy exclaimed, and Jungkook agreed, but for entirely different reasons.
His Enemy now had blonde hair, which fell to his eyes, and his face...god, his face. It looked a work of art, meticulously sculpted. And his neck. And his collarbones. Were those even real?
"Who is it, Tae? Is it Kookie?" Jimin's voice snapped him out of his trance, and he hurriedly shut his gaping mouth.
"Wait, you're the Jungkook Jimin's talking about?" There was a highly disbelieving look on his face, as if he was the one who set this all up.
"Got a problem with that, Tae-hyung?" Jungkook shot back, with all the arrogance of a sixteen year old.
"Tae, what's wron- Kookie?" Jimin trailed off, spotting the matching glares on their faces.
"I can't believe this" Taehyung scoffed before stalking off.
Jungkook felt annoyance boiling under his skin. Just because his Enemy had grown very nicely does NOT mean that he could dismiss him like that.
Jimin interrupted before he could say anything. "Kookie! Come on, the campus is big, lots to show" and hurriedly dragged him out.
Jungkook vowed (for second time in his life because of Taehyung) that he would be the perfect model of a freshman. If his enemy was attractive, then he would do better than that. He went to gym, found his love for photography, changed a few hairstyles till one stuck. He had hoped to find his Soulmate too, but he lucked out.
Two years later when he entered university, he turned a lot of heads. Apparently they thought the person who had won the full scholarship at the most prestigious arts university with straight A's would be a nerd, but boy were they wrong.
Jungkook had two seniors hit on him the first week itself, and Jungkook would have reciprocated, except he was kinda holding out for his Soulmate. Some people fooled around before they met their Soulmate, some didn't, and Jungkook was content to be in the latter category.
His second weekend at campus was booked by Jimin. Jimin wanted to introduce Jungkook to his circle, and Jungkook wasn't opposed to the idea. Except-
"Jimin hyung, is Ta- I mean, is your roommate gonna be there?"
"Duh."
"Oh, okay."
"..."
"..."
"You could try to be atleast civil to each other, you know. You're my childhood best friend and he is my platonic soulmate."
"Uh..okay. I'll-I'll try."
And really, he had every intention of starting over. He thought he would put end to this childish feud, and turn over a new leaf like the proper adult he is.
But, well, history tends to repeat itself.
With fucking strawberry milkshake. In front of Jimin's friends. Infront of Namjoon hyung (the coolest person on this planet) and Seokjin hyung (honestly, it was hard to believe he was real) and Yoongi hyung (AGUST D, for fucks' sake) and Hobi hyung (the dance machine).
Taehyung was gaping at him, horrorstuck (probably laughing inside). The entire cafe was deathly silent, with Taehyung's hand still gripping on the backrest of Jungkook's chair from tripping not ten seconds earlier (probably on purpose).
Jungkook took a deep breath, got up, and left to his dorm without a word.
So, back to Taehyung being his enemy, it seemed.
Taehyung's hair had been blue at the time. So Jungkook had his fail-proof plan to exchange his regular shampoo with pink hair-dye shampoo (like the fucking milkshake).
Jimin had caught him, but he only sighed and muttered "I guess he deserved it." And his lips tugged into a tiny smirk.
The next morning, Jungkook was sitting with Jimin, Namjoon and Hoseok for breakfast, impatiently waiting to see his handiwork. Seokjin and Yoongi had already graduated, leaving the rest to tell Jungkook their college escapades.
It was in the middle of the story of how Namjoon and Seokjin found out they were Soulmates that Taehyung plopped into the seat opposite Jungkook. Jungkook lifted his head to look at him and- holy shit.
His hair was a weird mix of hues of blue and purple and honestly it should be ridiculous, but Kim fucking Taehyung managed to pull off the hair colour like he was fucking born for it.
"Great colour, Tae-hyung" Jungkook heard himself say, and he had no idea how he sounded so calm when he was literally dying on the inside.
"It was you wasn't it, you brat?" Taehyung narrowed his eyes at him.
"What was me, hyung?" Jungkook pulls up his best innocent look. Taehyung continued to glare at him.
"Oh my god, you look straight out of a fantasy novel" Hoseok exclaimed with wide eyes.
"Can't let the hyungs miss it" Jimin grinned while taking a photo and sending it to Seokjin and Yoongi.
"Quit it" Taehyung mumbled, picking at his food.
"But Tae, I'm pretty sure you could pass for a naiad" Namjoon said seriously.
"Hyuung don't tease me" Taehyung whined, and Jungkook wanted it to stop. Because it was annoying. Not because Jungkook wanted to see his Enemy smile and not be mad. Not at all.
"Tae, you look really pretty" Jimin said with a small smile, and Taehyung must have found something in his face, because he didn't say anything except eating his food with a pout on his face.
Jungkook felt like he was far from victorious. He munched on his food thoughtfully, and a little annoyed. He had to plan his next mission perfectly, something which would not make Taehyung look like an angel.
He was lost in his thoughts and not really paying attention to his surroundings, his feet moving on autopilot to put his tray away, which was why he was startled when he heard someone clear their throat next to him.
"Hyung?" Jungkook was surprised to find Taehyung, looking a little conflicted.
"Bunny" Taehyung started, and Jungkook's insides burned at the long forgotten nickname."I mean, Jungkook." Taehyung sighed. "I know you won't believe me, but I'm sorry for the other night. I really didn't mean to drop the milkshake, or prank you in any way."
"Yeah...right" Jungkook said in his most neutral voice. He knew he fooled no one when Taehyung flinched at his tone.
"Look" Taehyung had a pained look on his face "I know we don't really get along, but we're gonna have the same set of friends, if Chim has anything to say about it."
Jungkook raised his eyebrows.
"Which is why I say we can just, I don't know, act like we've never met before or something."
What.
"What?" Jungkook asked, his voice sounding strained.
"We can pretend we don't know each other when we're in the same room. I love the hyungs very much, I'd hate to see them get tangled in our fighting, and fuck, you know how petty we can get when it comes to each other" Taehyung looked nervous.
"You-you want to pretend ..that?" No, no, no. This was not supposed to happen. He was supposed to get his grand revenge on Taehyung. He was supposed to be Taehyung's enemy for fucks' sake.
"Yes" Taehyung nodded his head. "Truce?" He held out his hand.
Jungkook looked at the outstretched hand. His mother always told him that he tended to be impulsive. Jungkook thinks it was the same impulsiveness that made him shake the hand briefly and mutter an "Ok".
(He tried not to think about the warmth of Taehyung's hand that lingered on his.)
xoxoxoxoxo
Soon, Jungkook was incorporated in Jimin's friend group. They were so different, but Jungkook likes to think that's what made them special.
Seokjin hyung was an aspiring actor. Though he hadn't yet been given an important role, Jungkook could see the sincerity and emotion in the short roles he was given. He also made sure to bring them home made food atleast twice a month, and under his care, Jungkook saw him as the older brother he never had.
Yoongi hyung was something else entirely. He worked as an intern for a producing company, and his songs were just like him, absolutely cool. He was always ready to help when he could, made sure everyone was taking care of their health. (And Jungkook thinks he has a soft spot for Jimin, but he's not sure).
Namjoon hyung was his role model. There was no other way to put it. Not only was a fucking genius, he was also empathetic. He had this way with words which could bring the warmth and comfort of home in a dusty hallway. (Yes, Jungkook speaks from experience.)
It made sense, that Namjoon and Seokjin would be Soulmates.
Jungkook was first nervous to meet Hobi hyung, having fanboy-ed heavily at his dance moves, but Hoseok was a literal ray of sunshine. He lighted up everywhere he went. His soft personality was a strong contrast with his sharp dance moves, but it made him all the more likeable. He told Jungkook that his Soulmate was doing Veternary Sciences in the US. She cared a lot about animals, and wanted to make their lives better. That's when Jungkook knew they were a perfect match too.
And Jimin hyung. He was fucking thankful to have his hyung who took care of him since sixth grade. Though they had different majors (Jimin's was contemporary dance and Jungkook's was vocals), he often hung around Jungkook. His presence was a constant warmth in Jungkook's life, and Jungkook owed a lot to him. (Even if he denies this statement on the outside.)
Then there was Taehyung.
In some ways, he hadn't changed at all since they were kids. He was still fiercely protective of what was his, still had weird fascinations, still had a boxy smile, still hated Jungkook.
But, in other ways, he had changed. He no longer craved to be the centre of attention. He was still a chatterbox, but could also be quiet for a long time. And, he ignored Jungkook.
Jungkook knew that they had agreed on the truce, but he didn't expect Taehyung would mean everything he said. It was like Jungkook no longer existed in Taehyung's world, and Jungkook didn't know why it bothered him so much. They didn't even hang outside of their friend group, and yet...
It's hard to not notice him. It's hard to not notice how he has become a constant fixature in Jungkook's periphery. It's hard to not notice how he pours his heart in everything he does, whether it's a project or a birthday party.
But never once does he spare a second glance at Jungkook.
As the days passed, Jungkook grew closer to his hyungs, everyone but Taehyung. He wanted to grab Taehyung's attention too, but he sort of didn't want to. And maybe he didn't know how.
The realisation occured during a study session in his second semester.
That Taehyung was Jungkook's type, in every way, shape or form.
Jungkook paused in the middle of his sentence. What.
Jungkook had never actively thought about his type. But the more he thinks, the more he realises that his imaginary future partner was painfully similar to Taehyung.
Jungkook blinks. And thinks. All the pieces seemed to be clicking together.
Oh. My. God.
The more Jungkook tried to deny his feelings for Taehyung, the harder they slapped him in his face.
That day, Jungkook had the first crisis of his adult life, and it was suffice to say he didn't get any work done. So naturally he blamed it on Taehyung.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
It was a couple of weeks later after the Epiphany. Seokjin had invited Jungkook to lunch and Jungkook wasn't about to refuse free food.
Hence, the Friday afternoon found Jungkook enjoying Seokjin's delicious cooking in his and Namjoon's apartment. Namjoon had classes till four, so Jungkook was left alone with Seokjin's awful puns.
"What do clouds wear?" Seokjin paused for dramatic effect "Thunderwear, Jungkookie, get it?"
"Oh my god, that was so bad" Jungkook thought for a moment. "And I'm pretty sure I've heard it before, hyung."
Seokjin gasped. "How dare you call my puns unoriginal? I give you free food, and this is what I get in return?"
Jungkook rolled his eyes. "How the heck does Namjoon hyung put up with you?"
"Don't doubt our love, young one. Someday you will realise it too" Seokjin moved to put the dishes away.
"Ah, hyung, about that..." Jungkook spoke up. This was it. The perfect oppurtunity to ask one of his hyungs without the others interfering.
But Jungkook was hesitant. What if Seokjin misunderstood him? What if he realises that Jungkook actually likes Taehyung?
"Jungkookie?" Seokjin asked in a soft voice when he saw that Jungkook hadn't said anything. "You can ask me anything, you know. Or even if you just need to vent out, I'm here."
Jungkook felt tears prick behind his eyes. It was new to have someone so genuinely care about him who wasn't Jimin or his family.
Blinking rapidly to remove his tears, Jungkook asked Seokjin, "Hyung, if, you had not yet met Namjoon hyung, and if- and if you found some-someone who was exactly your type, what would you have done?" Jungkook stumbled over his words in his nervousness.
Seokjin blinked at him. Then, in a careful voice, "Do you like someone, Jungkookie?"
Jungkook stared at him, mouth open, unable to get any words out. Seokjin's expression softened into a gentle smile when he saw Jungkook's lost face.
"It's okay to like someone" Seokjin reached over and gently massaged Jungkook's head, causing him to close his eyes. "I'm no Namjoon, but we're only human Jungkookie, we can't help who we like."
"But-" Jungkook's throat felt extremely dry, "My Soulmate-"
"Jungkook" Jungkook's eyes opened at Seokjin's firm tone. "No buts. Look at me. Even if Namjoon-ah wasn't my Soulmate, I would have still liked and admired him. I would have probably moved on when I met my Soulmate, but he would still have a special place in my heart."
Jungkook gulped, but Seokjin didn't stop. "Our Soulmate might be a hundred percent match, but it doesn't mean we can't find someone who is a ninety percent, or even a ninety nine percent match. So, don't beat yourself up if you have feelings for this person, okay?"
Jungkook nodded, too overwhelmed to speak. Seokjin resumed his massaging, and Jungkook closed his eyes, afraid that he might really cry this time. A few minutes of comfortable silence passed.
"Jungkookie, did you hear about the dentist and the nail artist?"
Jungkook squinted his eyes. "No."
"They always fought tooth and nail."
Jungkook groaned loudly as Seokjin began cackling.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Jungkook felt a bit better about having feelings for Taehyung ever since his talk with Seokjin, but it wasn't easy when he caught himself staring multiple times at Taehyung whenever he was around.
Like now. Jimin had invited Jungkook to their dorm, citing he was bored because Taehyung had an assignment. Jungkook had agreed thinking that Taehyung would be in the library, not five feet away from where he was currently sitting.
This was the sixth time in the past fifteen minutes he found himself admiring the older's concentrated face. Jungkook mentally shook his head, trying to pay attention to Jimin.
Jimin had apparently asked Yoongi to send some of his samples which didn't make it to his mixtape, and Yoongi had agreed. (Yoongi definitely had a soft spot for Jimin, Jungkook thought).
So Jimin and Jungkook were going through the samples, draped over the former's bed. It was definitely a unique experience, atleast according to Jungkook, to hear the original, raw music and then the final, polished version.
The next track was First Love, and Jimin explained to Jungkook that Yoongi had written it when he had nearly lost his love of music, and going back to the piano made him realise why he had chosen music.
First Love was one of Agust D's best songs, and Jungkook was excited to hear the original version. Only, ten seconds into song, Jimin abruptly paused it.
"Hyung?" Jungkook looked at Jimin, and grew alarmed at his pale face. "Hyung, are you all right?"
Jimin seemed to have not heard him, and played the first ten seconds on repeat.
"Hyung, you're scaring me" Jungkook said after the fifth time. He was beginning to panic now, and grabbed Jimin's hand in desperation.
"Kookie..." Jimin's voice was hoarse, "What do you hear?"
Jungkook listened to it. There were only the occasional beats, no melody or any instrument. He told Jimin as much.
"So you can't hear the piano?" Jimin asked in a whisper.
"No, but wh-" Jungkook's brain finally caught up. "Oh."
"I-I think-I-" Jimin suddenly choked up.
"You should go to him, Chim" Taehyung spoke, and Jungkook was startled. He had forgotten Taehyung was in the same room.
Jimin looked at him helplessly, and Taehyung gave an encouraging smile.
"You've waited your entire life for your Soulmate, go to him."
"But-but it's Yoongi hyung and-and I-"
Jungkook interrupted Jimin, "Hyung, just go."
Jimin seemed to be collecting himself. He got of the bed "You're right, I should- I should go. But my dress-"
"Chim, Yoongi hyung has seen at your best and your worst. Don't worry. Just hurry up and go."
Jimin blinked. "Okay" and he grabbed his coat and left.
Jungkook felt happy for his best friend. Even from the limited time he had spent with Yoongi hyung, he could say that they complimented each other nicely.
"So" Taehyung was back to writing his assignment "Are you gonna stay here, Bunny?"
Jungkook felt his insides swirl at the familiar nickname. "Why do you still call me that?"
Taehyung glanced at him briefly. "You still look like a bunny." He paused. "Does it bother you?"
Jungkook was embarassed at how quickly he answered. "No." He cleared his throat to preserve whatever dignity he had left and continued in a calmer voice. "I mean, you can call me whatever you want, I don't care."
Taehyung locked eyes with Jungkook. Jungkook prayed that his cheeks weren't as red as he felt them. "Okay" Taehyung went back to his work with a small smile playing at his lips "But you still haven't answered my question."
It took a moment for Jungkook to remember the question. "Oh, I'll just leave. Um. Yeah. Bye."
He nearly bolted out of the room. But just before he shut the door, he heard "Bye, Bunny" in a voice so soft he nearly missed it.
If his face looked like a tomato the rest of the way to his dorm, he blamed that on Taehyung too.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Predictably, Jimin was under the spotlight the next morning.
"Oh my god" Hoseok exclaimed when he heard the news. "I remember asking hyung why the intro was so plain. I didn't know he had put in his Soul Song."
"It wasn't entirely unexpected, was it?" Namjoon's eyes twinkled. "It was pretty obvious they were both smitten for each other."
"Hyung, please" Jimin was pouting, but there seemed to be a permanent blush on his face.
"Did you kiss, Chim?" Taehyung waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Did you finally feel Yoongi hyung's tongue technology?"
"I need new friends" Jimin mumbled. When everyone continued to stare at him, he shot a "What?" at them.
"Well, don't leave us hanging" Hoseok grinned. "Answer the question."
Jimin glared at him. "Yes, we kissed. And yes, it was nice."
Before anyone could complain about the lack of details, Jungkook spoke up.
"Please, that's enough. I could spend my whole life without the image of my two hyungs kissing."
"Aw, Kook, so innocent" Hoseok cooed.
"But, really, Jimin, how do you feel about this?" Namjoon asked
.
"Really happy" Jimin had a dreamy look in his eyes. "I'm really happy it's Yoongi hyung, and yesterday he said the same to me." He let out a sigh. "I like him." He had a dreamy expression on his face.
"Wow" Hoseok looked mildly disturbed. "You're worse than Joon when he started dating Seokjin hyung."
Namjoon scoffed. "As if you were any better than me, Hobi."
"Hyung, how did you know it was Myra noona?" Jungkook asked Hoseok, not yet having heard the story.
"Ah, my favorite story to tell" Hoseok cleared his throat. "It was the first year of my high school. The dance club had an open audition, so I was practicing in a quiet hallway. I was humming my Soul Song to practice, Myra noona walked by that hallway, and the rest is history."
"No, what happened next was Hobi abandoned me for the entire next week for Myra noona" Namjoon said mildly.
"You did the same with Seokjin hyung" Hoseok said in an accusing tone.
"Oh, to be young and in love" Taehyung said dramatically, clutching his heart.
"Someday, Taehyung, you will find your Soulmate and you will understand how it feels" Namjoon said.
Jungkook didn't miss the way Taehyung stiffened and Jimin's smile became smaller.
"Yeah?" Taehyung asks, something hidden in his tone.
"Don't worry, Taehyungie, your Soulmate will be lucky to have you" Hoseok assured him. "They will love you no matter what."
"I wish that too, Hobi hyung" Taehyung said in a wistful voice. But that moment was gone when he turned to Jimin and said in a cheeky voice, "Does that mean our Chiminie loves Yoonie hyung too?"
"Tae" Jimin warned, but his voice was softer than it should be. And just like that, conversation picked up.
But Jungkook paid no attention to it. The words 'I wish that too' echoed in his head, forcing him to realise that Taehyung had someone out there too, someone better than Jungkook, who would spend the rest of their life with Taehyung. That thought hurt him more than he would like to admit.
The thought haunted him day and night. He couldn't even work because of it. Stupid Taehyung, Jungkook thought, sulking in the library. He was so engrossed, he didn't hear someone sitting on the chair next to him.
"Jungkook?" Namjoon cut through his thoughts.
"Hyung? When did you get here?" Jungkook tried for a smile.
Namjoon only frowned at him. "Are you alright? You looked troubled."
Jungkook could lie to him, but this was Namjoon. The same person who comforted him when he began to miss Busan. The same person who was more perceptive than he let on.
"I...it's just I..." Jungkook struggled to find words. He looked at Namjoon, who nodded at him to go on. Jungkook knew Namjoon would wait patiently until he got his thoughts sorted.
Jungkook sighed. He chose his words carefully, and asked "Hyung, what if we fell in love with someone who isn't our Soulmate?"
Namjoon stared at him. "You know that just because someone is your Soulmate, you don't have to fall in love with them, right?" His tone became careful. "You have heard of Non-Romantic Soulmates?"
Jungkook nodded. Non-Romantic Soulmates were the occasional Soulmate pair who never fell in love with each other. They were still close, but they either chose to marry someone else or they remained single for the rest of their life.
"But, aren't they, like...." Jungkook trailed off seeing Namjoon's expression.
"Jungkook" Namjoon said in a stern voice "would you hate someone just because they didn't fall in love with their Soulmate?"
"No" Jungkook blurted out. "It's their choice, isn't it? They can love whoever they want, as long as both the people are happy. That's what I thought whenever I heard of them." He rubbed the back of his head nervously.
Namjoon nodded. "If it doesn't bother you, then I don't see the problem."
"What if they don't like you back?" Jungkook winced at the bluntness of the question. There's no way Namjoon didn't know who he was talking about.
"Then you give them a chance" Namjoon said easily. Jungkook realised that Namjoon had known his dilemma before he came here, probably since that morning itself. "Love happens in unexpected ways, you should give it a chance before giving up."
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
The following Saturday, Jungkook nervously knocked the door to Taehyung's and Jimin's dorm.
"Bunny?" Taehyung's surprise was evident when he opened the door. "Chim's not here, he's with Yoon-"
"I know" Jungkook interrupted. "And Seokjin hyung and Namjoon hyung are on a date, and Hobi hyung's on a Skype call with Myra noona."
Taehyung still had a blank expression on his face. Jungkook sighed, "So do you want to hang out with me? I mean, if you want."
Taehyung's eyes widened. "Really? You want to hang out with me?"
"Yeah. Unless you're busy or something" Jungkook was regretting his entire life decisions. "It's fine if you don't want to-"
"No, it's not that" Taehyung said hurriedly. "Sure, we can hang out." Taehyung bit his lip. "So what d'you wanna do?"
"Do you play Overwatch?" Jungkook wanted to bang his head at the question. Why couldn't he be more smooth?
"Please" Taehyung scoffed. "I'm the king of Overwatch."
"I doubt that" Jungkook said, slowly smirking. "Wanna bet?"
"You're on. Loser has to buy lunch." Taehyung said, matching Jungkook's smirk.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Jungkook thinks that things got better from that point.
Taehyung no longer ignores Jungkook when they're in the same room. What started as one game of Overwatch turned into a weekly ritual for them, though Taehyung lost every game.
"Why do you wanna keep playing when you lose every game?" Jungkook asked over the cold noodles he had won in their fourth week.
"There has to be a game where I'm better than you, you muscle pig" Taehyung replied, scarfing down his own bowl. "I just need to find it."
Jungkook snickered. "Good luck, hyung. One day you'll admit that I'm the best gamer."
"You wish." Taehyung said. "But I'll always be the cuter one." And he gave one of his boxy smiles.
Jungkook felt his heart stutter. He hated that the other had this effect on him, while Taehyung always seemed unfazed.
"What does being cute have anything to do with gaming?" Jungkook asked, scowling.
"Nothing" Taehyung's eyes shined "But just can't admit that I'm cute."
"Whatever." Jungkook rolled his eyes, his actions betraying his thoughts.
Finals arrive and Jungkook does his best on his exams. Namjoon and Hoseok were graduating, so all of them organised a party over the weekend.
"My Namjoonie graduated" Seokjin announced after washing down two bottles of soju. "Hyung is so proud of you." He wiped his invisible tears.
"This is like the hundredth time you've said it in the past half an hour" Yoongi said dryly.
"You'll be the same when Jiminie graduates" Seokjin pointed his finger at Yoongi. "Don't worry, Yoongichi, no one will judge you when you cry."
Yoongi made a pained noise. "You should be banned from drinking."
"Let the man live Yoongichi" Hoseok said in his best imitation of Seokjin's voice. "It's not everyday his boyfriend graduates." He drowned another shot. "What are your plans for the holidays?"
"I'm visiting Daegu to win over Yoongi hyung's family" Jimin slurred.
"Don't worry, Minnie" Yoongi patted Jimin's head. "They'll love you as soon as they see you."
"Just like Yoongi hyung" Taehyung snickered. Yoongi glared at him. "I'll be staying over here for my holidays."
"My parents are on a trip, so, I'll visit them the last two weeks." Jungkook said. He wasn't tipsy yet, but he was feeling pleasantly buzzed.
"Myra noona is coming to visit her grandparents in Busan, so I'll be visiting her" Hoseok said. He bumped Jungkook's shoulder "We might run into you."
"Hyung and I are gonna visit Japan" Namjoon said.
"They're going on their honeymoon" Jimin turned his head to Yoongi and pulled the puppy eyes. "When are we going on our honeymoon, Hyung?"
"Whenever you want, Minnie" Yoongi answered with a fond look. Jimin beamed at him.
"Hyung, you're so whipped" Jungkook said, eyeing the couple.
"Bunny" Taehyung leant over to ask Jungkook. "Will you play with me during the holidays?"
As if I could ever say no, Jungkook thought. "Sure, hyung." He said instead.
The smile he got in return made him warm inside. "My Bunny" Taehyung said, squishing Jungkook's cheeks. Jungkook was glad he could attest his blush to the alcohol.
When he had warm, fuzzy dreams filled with boxy smiles, he blamed that on Taehyung too.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Hoseok wanted to introduce Myra to Jungkook, so they had agreed to meet up in Busan.
Hoseok came in earlier than Myra, because her grandparents had sent her on an errand, and Hoseok didn't want to let Jungkook wait alone.
Currently, they were both sitting in the cafe, idly chatting to pass the time.
"The way Taehyung used to talk about you, we'd thought you were gonna bite each others head off" Hoseok said.
Jungkook raised his eyebrows. "Hyung talked about me?"
Hoseok nodded. "The first thing he said about you was and I quote 'my bunny enemy from Busan is Chim's best friend'."
Jungkook tried to calm his heart at 'my bunny'.
"Anyway, why did you fight so much when you were younger?" Hoseok inquired.
"Oh, bad first impressions, you know" Jungkook answered vaguely.
Hoseok chuckled. "People say first impression is the best impression, but we often forget that first impressions may necessarily not be true. Am I wrong?" Hoseok smiled at Jungkook.
"Have you been spending your time with Namjoon hyung?" Jungkook asked and Hoseok laughed.
"We grew up together, Kook-ah, we're bound to rub off each other." Hoseok's face turned a little serious. "Honestly, I'm glad you made up with each other. I don't know about you, but Taehyung would have regretted his entire life if he had not befriended his childhood enemy."
Jungkook smiled at Hoseok. "I'm glad too, Hyung."
The boys fell into a comfortable silence. A couple of moments later, the bell above the door chimed. "Hyung, is that..?"
"Kook, meet the love of my life, Kim Myra."
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Jungkook's second year started, with only him, Taehyung and Jimin remaining. Jimin spent most of his free time with Yoongi, and Jungkook couldn't say he was too bothered to spend his time with Taehyung. The group still met regularly atleast once a month, and Jungkook couldn't be any happier.
Which is why everything went to shit during his third month.
Taehyung and Jungkook were having their customary weekend lunch, with Taehyung grumbling about Jungkook emptying his wallet.
"Hyung, all you have to do is beat me, and your money will be safe from me" Jungkook said, smirking.
Taehyung pouted at him. "Why do you have to be so difficult, Bunny?"
Jungkook had the sudden urge to kiss the pout on Taehyung's face.
Mentally shaking his head to get rid of those thoughts, Jungkook continued to eat his food.
Someone cleared their throat next to Jungkook. He looked up and saw a girl, maybe older than him, peering at Taehyung appreciatively.
"Hello, cutie" She hummed. "Wanna hang out sometime?"
"No, thanks" Taehyung's tone was polite, but dismissive.
"Come on, don't be mean" she pouted. Jungkook thinks she looks ugly, but that might just be his projection.
"I'm sorry, I'm not interested" Taehyung said, his tone less polite than before.
The girl glanced at Jungkook briefly. "It's not him, is it?"
Jungkook felt his blood boil, but Taehyung beat him to it, "It's actually my Soulmate, who I'm very much in love with. Now please leave."
The girl frowned but obliged, muttering "Whatever."
"You've met your Soulmate?" Jungkook asked, the fire in his blood doused by something icy.
"Yes" Taehyung had a poker face on. "But the others don't know about it."
Jungkook felt his throat constrict, but he tried for a smile "Don't worry, I won't tell them."
Jungkook had failed to win Taehyung's heart. Perhaps Taehyung had been in love with his Soulmate since forever, and Jungkook never stood a fucking chance.
"I hope you both are happy together." Jungkook didn't dare to meet his eyes, so he missed the guilty look the other shot him.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Jungkook would like to say he handled the issue like an adult and moved on. But Jungkook was never good at confrontations, so he avoided the issue.
Meaning, he avoided Taehyung.
He knew his excuses were lame and Taehyung didn't really believe him, but Jungkook couldn't look at Taehyung in the face after knowing that he could never be Jungkook's.
He was so good at avoiding that the next time he saw the older was during their group outing.
It seemed that Taehyung got the hint and was ignoring Jungkook as well. The other members shot questioning looks at them, but Jungkook was good at ignoring that too. Everybody seemed to let the matter go, but Jimin persisted.
Jungkook realised with growing dread that Jimin would confront him tomorrow.
So he did the one thing he was good at. He avoided the issue, again, by hiding in plain sight; that is, Yoongi's studio.
Yoongi was working in his home that day, so Jungkook had the full privilege of seeing Agust D in his natural habitat. Yoongi hadn't asked any questions yet, and Jungkook was thankful for that.
Yoongi informed Jungkook that he was planning to release his second mixtape, and after seeing Jungkook's excitement, he had let the younger listen to his completed songs.
"Wow, Hyung" Jungkook struggled to find words after he finished listening. "Your songs, they are- they're so raw. They rip out your heart and put it back together, but in a good way." Jungkook scratched the back of his head. "Sorry, I'm not good with words. But they're really good."
Yoongi chuckled. "Thanks, Kook-ah. I do value your opinion, however small it may be."
Yoongi seemed to hesitate. "You looked down yesterday."
Jungkook sighed. It was such a Yoongi way of asking if everything was alright, if he needed a shoulder.
"Heartbreak" Jungkook answered shortly, hoping Yoongi wouldn't pry. He was proven right when Yoongi just hummed.
There was silence. Then "Do you remember I wrote my struggles in my lyrics? When I...was not in a good place mentally?"
Jungkook nodded, those lines still clear in his memory. They helped during some of his worst days, it would be impossible to forget them.
"I couldn't afford therapy with what I had, but Seokjin hyung, Joon and Hobi pitched in and managed to pay for one session."
Jungkook was surprised. He hadn't known this part.
"I don't remember much from that day. The only thing that still stands out clearly to me till today is closure."
Yoongi looked directly into Jungkook's eyes. "However small the issue may be, finding closure will make you feel a lot better, whether it is forgiving someone, visiting someplace, or letting go of something. And I hope you find your closure soon, Kook-ah."
Jungkook nodded mutely, unable to speak anything without bursting into tears. Yoongi seemed to understand, because he just stretched his hand and patted Jungkook's head awkwardly.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
After his conversation with Yoongi, Jungkook came to a conclusion that he should confess to Taehyung. Even if it was more than likely that the outcome would not be in his favour, he realised that it was necessary for his peace of mind.
But between his and Taehyung's term finals, he hardly saw the other, Taehyung still set on avoiding Jungkook. Jimin had confronted him only once, telling him to 'fix this'.
Before he knew, the exams were over, and the holidays started. They had decided to have a group dinner before Taehyung left for Daegu and Yoongi and Jimin left to Busan to visit Jimin's family.
They met at the usual place, but to their utter dismay, they found it closed.
"Apparently the owner is sick" Hoseok frowned, reading off the notice. "So where to, now?"
"We could go to the new seafood place" Jimin suggested.
"No seafood" Namjoon said.
"We could just have regular chicken" Yoongi said.
Jungkook tried to pay attention to the discussion, but he was too busy psyching up for his talk with Taehyung.
Eventually the group decided to have noodles "What better food to depict student life than ramyeon?"
Since it was not too far from the place they were currently at, the group just decided to walk the rest of the way.
Jungkook hung behind, trying to calm his racing heart. He paid attention to his surroundings, finding comfort in the white noise. Hoseok, Namjoon and Yoongi were discussing something about a track, Taehyung was quietly humming his Soul Song, Seokjin and Jimin were debating-
Jungkook stopped abruptly, backtracking his thoughts. Taehyung was humming his Soul Song, the same one Jungkook has been hearing for the past twenty something years of his life.
Ta-da ta-da daa-da, ta-da ta da-da.
Jungkook couldn't believe his ears. The only way Taehyung would even know that the song exists would be if he was his-
But Jungkook has known Taehyung for literal years. How could he have missed it?
He didn't realise he had stopped walking until the hyungs realised he had stopped following them ten paces ago.
"Jungkook?" Namjoon asked concernedly, but Jungkook barely heard him.
"Jungkookie?" Seokjin pushed his shoulder. That snapped Jungkook out of his trance. "Huh? What?"
"Are you alright?" He sounded worried. "You look a little pale, are you not feeling well?"
"Um, no, haha, I just need to, um, I'm not feeling that great. I'll just go back to my dorm."
"Do you need us to drop you off?" Hoseok asked.
Jungkook shook his head. "I'll be fine. Bye, hyungs. Have fun."
Jungkook got the second crisis in his adult life, and it really was Taehyung's fault this time.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Jungkook tried to sleep it off, thinking that it was just a figment of his imagination. But the longer he lay awake, the more it became apparent that it was real, and Taehyung really was his Soulmate.
He finally managed to sleep in the early hours of the dawn, only to be woken a couple of hours later by his alarm.
Jungkook groaned and got out of bed. As he was going through his morning routine, he thought of his schedule today and wondered if he could skip all of them.
He had gym, he could skip that. He practically had nothing else to do. Jimin would leave to Busan tomorrow, and Taehyung would leave to Daegu today-
Jungkook gasped. No, no, no, this was not happening. He wasn't prepared yet.
He nearly whined. He really should confess to Taehyung today, he couldn't take another three weeks of this torture.
Before he knew what he was doing, he splashed some water on his face, hoped he looked presentable enough, grabbed his coat and made his way to Taehyung's dorm.
He should have looked where he was going, because at the foot of the stairs he bumped into someone.
"I'm sorry, I didn't- Hyung, what are doing here?" Jungkook blinked at Jimin.
"Going for my morning run" Jimin raised his eyebrow. "Are you sure you're alright? You look worse than yesterday."
"I'm fine" Jungkook mumbled. "I think Taehyung is my Soulmate."
"What?" Jimin asked, his eyes wide.
"I mean" Jungkook fumbled for words. "I'm not sure, but only yesterday I thought he was humming my Soul Song-"
Out of all the reactions Jungkook expected, he did not expect Jimin to laugh hysterically.
"Oh-my-god" Jimin wheezed. "This is hilarious."
"Hyung, I'm serious" Jungkook pouted.
"I know you are" Jimin struggled to control himself. "Are you going to tell him?"
"Yes" Jungkook looked nervous. "But what if he rejects me? I really like him."
Jimin stared at him incredulously. "I can't believe the pair of you." At Jungkook's confused expression, Jimin flicked his forehead."Ow" "Did you forget why you stopped talking to him?"
Jungkook's pout got even bigger as he rubbed his forehead. "It was because he said that he had found his...oh" Realisation slowly creeped upon Jungkook.
Jimin gave him an exasperated look. "His train leaves in two hours. Don't make him late" Jimin said before walking off, Jungkook set of with renewed strength.
Here's how Jungkook expects it'll go-
"Hyung, I realised that I'm your Soulmate and I love you."
"Bunny, I love you too!"
And they kiss and lived happily ever after.
However, this is how it went-
As soon as Taehyung opened the door, all of Jungkook's words died on his lips. It had been so long since he had properly looked at the older, Jungkook was drinking in his sight like a starved man.
"Hyung" Jungkook croaked. Taehyung looked as beautiful as ever.
"What are you doing here, Jungkook?" The loss of his nickname hurt Jungkook. "Finally decided to talk to me?" Taehyung obviously wanted to sound angry, but he just sounded tired.
Jungkook just stood there, unable to get a single word out, still looking at Taehyung.
"Do you think you can just do that?" Taehyung sounded hurt. "Do you think you can just waltz in back here, after not talking to me for no apparent reason-"
"I was hurt" the words left Jungkook before he could process them. "I was hurt because you said you had found your Soulmate."
Taehyung's expression crumbled. "Why were you hurt? Am I not allowed to find my Soul-"
"I was hurt because" Jungkook stepped closer to Taehyung subconsiously "you said you were in love with your Soulmate. I was hurt because I was in love with you."
Taehyung had a blank look. "What?"
"I-I was in love with you" It was probably the exhaustion, from last night, from the past month, from the moment he realised he liked Taehyung. But Jungkook just broke. "I still- I'm still in love with you." Jungkook was shaking with his sobs. "But when you said, you-you said you loved someone else..."
Jungkook was ugly crying now. Jungkook measured his crying episodes on the rate of one to five, and this was definitely a six. "And yesterday night, you-you were humming the Song. My song-"
Jungkook felt soft hands on his cheek. "It's okay, Bunny. It's okay."
Jungkook let himself be buried between Taehyung's neck and shoulder. The soothing hand in his hair and the gentle murmur of honeyed voice helped Jungkook calm down. After what seemed like forever, Jungkook stopped crying. "Sorry" Jungkook whispered. "I don't usually do that."
Taehyung chuckled. "It's okay. I don't mind."
Jungkook pulled back to look at Taehyung and was surprised to find tears on the older's face.
"Hyung" Jungkook hesitantly reached out to wipe Taehyung's tears. "Why are you crying?"
"They're happy tears, Bunny. I never thought I would see this day" Taehyung had a smile on his face as he gently took Jungkook's hand and interlaced their fingers.
Jungkook felt warmth spread inside him at their joined hands. "Hyung, since how long have you known?"
Taehyung grinned mischieviously at that. "Do you remember the first time we met?"
"At the playground?" Jungkook tried to remember the details.
Taehyung hummed. "Do you remember why you didn't like me?"
Jungkook frowned. It was so long ago he barely remembered anything. "No...?"
Taehyung laughed. "Of course you don't remember, you were just a baby." At Jungkook's pout Taehyung laughed again. "You're so cute."
Jungkook blushed. "So what was the reason?" Jungkook asked, equal parts curious and wanting to divert the other's attention.
Taehyung sobered, but he was still smiling. "You were angry that I was singing your Soul Song."
It took a moment for it to sink in. "Oh my god" Jungkook groaned, mortified. "We fought for years because I couldn't recognize you were my Soulmate?"
Jungkook wanted to bury himself. Unfortunately that was not possible, so he just buried himself on Taehyung's shoulder, which were shaking do to the other's laughter.
"Aww, it's alright, Bunny. You can make up for your mistakes now." Taehyung patted his head.
"How?" Jungkook finally looked at the older. For the first time that day, Taehyung looked a little flustered.
"Kiss me?" It came out as a question, but Jungkook's heart jumped at the words.
He carefully cupped Taehyung's red cheeks, tilted his head forward, closing the distance-
"Wait" Jungkook said, panicking. "I'm gross right now, I was crying-"
He was cut off by a soft pair of lips.
Taehyung pulled back, smiling, "I don't mind."
Dazed, Jungkook smiled too, and they could feel the smiles on their lips when they next kissed.
Jungkook got a little braver, and sucked on Taehyung's lower lip. Taehyung let out a surprised noise, and Jungkook wanted to hear it again.
The kiss soon turned desperate with all the messiness of two people who were kissing for the first time. Jungkook was pretty sure he used too much saliva, but Taehyung's hands were in his hair, pulling him in, and Jungkook didn't mind it that much.
Suddenly, Taehyung's phone began ringing. Taehyung pulled back reluctantly, and Jungkook whined at the loss.
"Come back here" Jungkook mumbled, and Taehyung chuckled at Jungkook's expression. However, his face turned horrorstuck when he looked at his phone.
"Shit, I'm supposed to leave the dorm now, if I don't want to be late" Taehyung franctically paced the dorm, grabbing his clothes and dumping them in the open suitcase. "Fuck, I haven't even finished packing."
Jungkook's stomach dropped. He had momentarily forgotten Taehyung would be leaving right now. He wasn't sure whether he should say goodbye or ask Taehyung to stay.
Taehyung zipped his suitcase and looked at Jungkook. "Do you wanna come home with me?"
"What?" Jungkook thought he misheard.
"Come to Daegu with me" Taehyung said, looking bashful. "We can just share clothes, couples do that shit all the time. And you'll be staying at my place, so you don't have to worry about any expenses."
Jungkook felt the warmth from earlier returning. "What about your parents?"
Taehyung's flush deepened. "They have been waiting to meet you properly for fifteen years, they're not gonna be mad."
Jungkook took a few seconds to consider the pros and cons, even though he already knew the answer. "Yeah, okay."
Taehyung's anxious face melted off into a boxy smile, and Jungkook was pretty sure he was grinning too.
"So are we a couple then, Hyung?"
"I swear to god, Bunny, if you still don't think we're a couple then I'm going to spill paint all over you next."